 |
Book
Reviews,
Book Lover Resources, Advice for Writers and Publishers |
| Home / Children's
Bookwatch |
Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
The Gifted Kids' Survival Guide, third edition
Judy Galbraith
Free Spirit Publishing
217 Fifth Avenue North, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1299
9781575423227, $12.99, www.freespirit.com
Being excluded from some of your peers can be confusing, even for the brightest young mind.
Now in a revised, updated, and expanded third edition, "The Gifted Kids' Survival Guide" is a
guide for young gifted and talented children who may not think their talents are a gift. With much
advice for young people in understanding their gifts and learn that being brainy is not a
detriment, "The Gifted Kids' Survival Guide" is the perfect gift for the under-confident and
over-skilled young reader.
Mouse and Mole: Fine Feathered Friends
Wong Herbert Yee
Houghton Mifflin Company
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
www.hmhbooks.com
9780547152226, $15.00, www.amazon.com
Mouse and Mole are excited: they're going bird watching and are planning to make bird books of
their observations. But birds aren't easy to watch - they're actually too easy to scare away. Mouse
and Mole must work together to come up with a plan for getting closer to their elusive bird
friends in this fun story of an elaborate plan.
Wild Girl
Patricia Reilly Giff
Wendy Lamb Books
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
9780375838903, $15.99, www.amazon.com
WILD GIRL tells of Lidie, who lives in Brazil and dreams of going to live with her father and
older brother in New York. When she's twelve she leaves to join her family at their stable job at a
famous racetrack - and her story and that of a foal born on a farm and journeying to its new home
provides a concurrent saga of facing change.
Camille McPhee Fell Under the Bus
Kristen Tracy
Delacorte Press
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
9780385736879, $16.99, www.amazon.com
Camille has low blood sugar so she must carry food on her at al times; she fell under a school bus
once, her cat has vanished, and her best friend has moved to Japan. Despite all the challenges
Camille is hopeful and positive - even when her parents are fighting about money, and even
when her own life is scary. A fine story of how Camille handles her life and its challenges will
intrigue advanced elementary to middle school readers.
Kingfisher Knowledge Inventions
James Robinson
Henry Holt
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9780753462935, $8.99, www.amazon.com
Enhanced with an informative foreword by James Dyson, "KFK Inventions" compiled and
written by James Robinson is a stunning new title in the popular Kingfisher Knowledge series for
young readers age 7-8 and up. Chapters on communication, technology in the home
transportation, and new technology are smashingly illustrated with dozens of color photographs
and graphics. Dozens of examples of technology are explained, both in ways it can help, and
ways it could damage our environment. Referral to web sites of interest, internet resources, the
glossary, and chapter summaries provide useful tools to students of "Inventions," and
technology.
Blue Sky Press
c/o Scholastic
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
www.scholastic.com
Stewart Ross's MOON: SCIENCE, HISTORY AND MYSTERY (0545127327, $18.99) provides
a fine blend of science and history and goes beyond the usual science-oriented look at the moon.
Advanced elementary collections will find the vivid black and white and color illustrations and
photos eye-capturing and over 100 pages of moon lore, facts, and background fascinating. A fine
book for leisure browsers as well as science researchers. Jonah Winter and Richard Egielski's
THE FABULOUS FEUD OF GILBERT & SULLIVAN (0439930502, $16.99) tells of a magical
kingdom full of pirates and fairies ruled peacefully by the team of Gilbert and Sullivan - until Mr.
Sullivan is tired of his fantasy world and wants out. How can the friendship survive their changed
interests? A fine story of Gilbert and Sullivan evolves.
The Richest Kids in America
Mark Victor Hansen
Hansen House
PO Box 7665, Newport Beach, CA 92658
9780981970905, $14.99, www.hansenhousepublishing.com
Entrepreneur is not a title that is limited by age. "The Richest Kids in America" tells the story of
many young kids who took business into their own hands to earn a great deal of money, more
than others make in their entire lives before the young age of eighteen. Covering how they found
out what they wanted to do, how to get started when one can't even drive, finding support, and
how youthful business leads to youthful optimism and philanthropy, "The Richest Kids in
America" is an inspiring story to any young reader who has big dreams of their own.
Grandpa, What Was It Like Growing Up Country?
Artwork by Don Zolan
Harvest House Publishers
990 Owen Loop North, Eugene, Oregon 97402-9173
www.harvesthousepublishers.com
9780736926591, $15.99, www.amazon.com
"Grandpa, What Was It Like Growing Up Country?: A Memory Book" is a memory book
designed to encourage a grandfather to share his memories of being young, growing up,
beginning his own family, and enjoying his life. Studded with nostalgic blended artwork of a boy
growing up in rural America and related inspirational quotations, the Memory Book poses many
pertinent life questions that a grandfather might wish to share with his grandchild. This guided
memoir format can provide a way to share and preserve family memories to be treasured for
future generations.
Grandma, What Was It Like Growing Up Country?
Artwork by Donald Zolan
Harvest House Publishers
990 Owen Loop North, Eugene, Oregon 97402-9173
www.harvesthousepublishers.com
9780736926584, $15.99, www.amazon.com
"Grandma, What Was It Like Growing Up Country?: A Memory Book" is a memory book
planned to encourage a grandmother to share memories of a rural life with her grandchild.
Questions such as "What kind of a garden did your family have when you grew up in the
country?" or "What were some of your country childhood traditions?" are helpful to encourage a
flow of recollections and treasured memories to be passed from one generation to the next. Each
page is embellished with scrapbook-style photos and meaningful quotations appropriate to the
questions asked. This Memory Book will assist families to communicate and share and preserve
their rich heritages for future generations.
EDC Publishing
PO Box 470663, Tulsa, OK 74146-6515
www.edcpub.com
EDC Publishing's Usborne imprint is one of the most reliable for thoroughly 'kid friendly' books
for young readers -- and pre-readers. An classic example of Usborne quality are the three titles
that comprise their 'Touchy-Feely Flap Books' trilogy specifically designed for children ages 2
years and up. Offering an enjoyable tactile enhancement to a colorfully illustrated and engaging
storyline as the child become involved page-by-page with discoveries, the three titles comprising
this outstanding and highly recommended series include "Hide and Seek Bunnies"
(9780794515669, $16.99); "Hide and Seek Dragons" (9780794515904, $16.99); and "Hide and
Seek Penguins" (9780794523398, $16.99). Providing wholesome fun and an ideal introduction to
the pleasures of reading, the Usborne 'Touch-Feely Flap Books' are especially appropriate for
providing memorable parent-child bonding experience over a truly fun time read!
Junior Alien Zone
Sharon King
Outskirts Press, Inc.
10940 South Parker Road, #515, Parker, CO 80134
9781432711627 $14.95 www.outskirtspress.com 1-888-672-6657
Junior Alien Zone is a flat-spined book filled with suggestions for fun, alien-themed activities for
all ages. An enjoyable entertainment supplement for home, homeroom, camp, day care, or even
children's parties, Junior Alien Zone activities range from putting alien designs on T-shirts to
creating "U.F.O.-Fly-bys" from simple paper bowls and plates, to crafting alien wind chimes or
door hangers, to cooking tasty alien pizza to a fun "attack the aliens" game children can play on
sidewalks with a little colored chalk and bottle caps. Highly recommended, especially as an
enjoyable alternative to TV. It should be noted that Junior Alien Zone is specifically an activity
book filled cover to cover with instructions for inexpensive and wonderful projects, not a
consumable activity book of word searches/crosswords/etc.
Boys Town Press
14100 Crawford Street, Boys Town, NE 68010
www.boystownpress.org
An 'interactive book' is one in which the young reader can customize and personalize for their
own participatory enjoyment and sense of involvement. Imaginatively written by K. A. Bye and
colorfully illustrated by Earl W. Ridgell Jr., the new 'Interactive Book about Me' series newly
published by the Boys Town Press offers four wonderfully delightful titles specifically designed
for ages 2 to 8. Each title takes its young reader on a very personalized reading and writing
adventure and can be utilized as a shared activity for parent and child together. The four books
comprising this outstanding hardcover series include "My Trip To The Zoo" (9781934490006,
$13.95); "Visiting My Grandmother" (9781934490013, $13.95); "I Like Birthdays!"
(9781934490020, $13.95); and "I Like Holidays!" (9781934490037, $13.95). Ideal for playtime,
rainy day, and family night activities, the entire series is enthusiastically recommended to the
attention of grandparents, teachers, and care-givers too!
Charlie
Vassiliki Plomaritou
Outskirts Press
10940 S Parker Road, - 515, Parker, CO 80134
9781432723361, $11.95, www.outskirtspress.com
Dyslexia is more than just stumbling over one's words. "Charlie: A Boy with Reading Difficulties
and His Dream" tells the story of Charlie, a dyslexic boy. Although "Charlie" is a work of fiction,
author Vassiliki Plomaritou, an elementary school teacher who worked extensively with dyslexic
children, hopes to provide her expertise to inspire young readers to combat their problem rather
than giving up. "Charlie" is a top pick for children's collections, and especially recommended
reading for young people with learning disabilities.
Viva Cisco
Patrick Shannon
Outskirt Press, Inc.
10940 S Parker Road, 515, Parker, CO 80134
9781432730376, $17.95, www.outskirtspress.com
Some people just can't be held down. Some parrots can't be held down either. "Viva Cisco" is
about an undauntable parrot by the name of Cisco. A collection of three short-novel length
stories to introduce young readers to the joys of chapter books, "Viva Cisco" does well in
entrancing readers with stories of this charming bird. "Viva Cisco" is worth consideration for any
young reader ready to make the leap to books without pictures.
The Counting Shelf
Olly and Me 1, 2, 3
Shirley Hughes, author and illustrator
Candlewick Press
99 Dover St., Somerville, Massachusetts 02144
9780763640163, $16.99 www.candlewick.com
"Olly and Me 1, 2, 3" is a charming children's counting book. Filled with nostalgic, gently
humorous pen and wash illustrations of children and adults and pets in daily activities, the
counting rhyme springs to full life on the page. "Olly and Me 1, 2, 3" will appeal to youngsters
age 3 and up. Many a child will trace the delicate pictures with attentive fingers, as the award-winning author scores an excellent choice once more.
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe
Jane Cabrera
Holiday House, Inc.
425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017
9780823422302, $16.95, www.holidayhouse.com
Written and illustrated by Jane Cabrera, "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe" is a hardback children's
counting book suitable for preschool ages and up. Its charming animal antics and bright,
imaginative, colorful illustrations make the singing counting rhymes dance right off the pages.
An observation game of "find the hidden four baby chicks" makes youngsters look very closely at
every page, and the counting rhyme ends with "Party, fun, and food a-plenty, now count the
balloons 1 to 20!" "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe" is surely destined to become a beloved
children's classic.
The Alphabet Shelf
V is for Venus Flytrap: A Plant Alphabet
Eugene Gagliano & Elizabeth Traynor
Sleeping Bear Press
310 North Main Street, Suite 300, Chelsea, MI 48118
www.sleepingbearpress.com
9781585363506, $17.95, www.amazon.com
Written by Eugene Gagliano and illustrated by Elizabeth Traynor, "V is for Venus Flytrap: A
Plant Alphabet" is a children's alphabet primer in flora language. Flower and plant-related verses
about each letter remind readers of the plant world that enriches their daily lives. In addition,
each letter page and full color painting has an informative paragraph or brief chapter explaining
the selected topic in more detail. "V is for Venus Flytrap" packs a lot of information and
environmental education in this colorful, imaginative children's book. The author's and the
illustrator's love of gardening shines through every page. The added text makes "V is for Venus
Flytrap" suitable and appealing for elementary age children as well as preschool ages.
J is for Jack-O'-Lantern/ A Halloween Alphabet
Denise Brennan-Nelson & Donald Wu
Sleeping Bear Press
310 North Main Street, Suite 300, Chelsea, MI 48118
9781585364435, $14.95, www.sleepingbearpress.com
Written by Denise Brennan-Nelson and illustrated by Donald Wu, "J is for Jack-O'-Lantern" is a
spooky Halloween alphabet book for preschool ages and older. Filled with seasonal rhymes, full
page colorful illustrations, and informative sidebars with educational commentary to be used for
additional learning, "J Is for Jack-O'-Lantern" is just the right combination of spooky and fun to
appeal to kids. In addition, significant information about the Celtic history of the Halloween
holiday is presented in the sidebars. Ideas for fun Halloween games and recipes for treats such as
Deviled egg eyeballs are also included. Also at the end of the book are two pages of Halloween
Tricks and Treats, which include some Ghostly riddles. Altogether a fun and imaginative
presentation, "J is for jack-O'-Lantern" fills the bill for a fresh takes on both alphabet and
Halloween lore.
The Religion/Spirituality Shelf
Saint Thomas Aquinas
Raissa Maritain
Sophia Institute Press
PO Box 5284, Manchester, NH 03108
9781933184470, $12.95, www.sophiainstitute.com
Being slow to speak does not imply slowness in the head, but perhaps contemplation. "Saint
Thomas Aquinas" tells the story of the thirteenth century saint who rose from being viewed as an
oaf to one of the most important thinkers of his time. Known as a saint of teaching, Thomas
Aquinas' story is one that many a Christian teacher (or aspiring Christian teacher) will relate to.
"Saint Thomas Aquinas" is a fine addition to any children's religious collection.
JPS Illustrated Children's Bible
Ellen Frankel & Avi Katz
Jewish Publication Society
2100 Arch Street, 2nd floor, Philadelphia PA 19103-1399
www.jewishpub.org
9780827608917, $35.00, www.amazon.com
In the "JPS Illustrated Children's Bible", author Ellen Frankel engagingly retells fifty-three
biblical stories specifically for the edification of young readers, through the means of a simple
and effective narrative story-telling style that translates and adapts the original biblical adult
language text and themes that are appropriate for children. The stories themselves are
additionally enhanced for young readers with Avi Katz's colorful illustrations. Ideal for gift
giving, the "JPS Illustrated Children's Bible" is highly appropriate and recommended for school
and community library collections for children.
What Will I Be When I Grow Up?
Susan Snyder & Valeria Cis
Harvest House Publishers
990 Owen Loop North, Eugene, Oregon 97402-9173
www.harvesthousepublishers.com
9780736924368, $15.99, www.amazon.com
Written by Susan Snyder and illustrated by Valeria Cis, "What Will I Be When I Grow Up?:
How God Made Me Somebody Special" is a charming Christian children's book about exploring
ideas of what to be while remembering that the most important thing to do is "Whatever you do,
work at it with your whole heart as working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23)." Different
professions are considered and shown, with appropriate accompanying biblical text quotes. The
beautiful illustrations show many colors of skin, and a vast diversity of choices available to all.
"What Will I Be When I Grow Up?" is suitable for children ages 3 and up, with Christian
references and roots.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Dragon Fire Ocean Mist
Yvonne Palka
HeartRock Press
PO Box 135, Langley, WA 98260
9780981766805 $12.95 www.NWdragons.com
Set in Shi Shi Beach on the coast of Washington State, Dragon Fire Ocean Mist is a fantasy
novel for young adults about two children, Jaxon and Allie, who befriend the a peaceful family of
Shi Shi dragons. But when the shadow of the thieving, ill-tempered dragon Zorg and his brood
falls upon the beach, it's up to Allie, Jaxon, and the dragon foundling Niji to fight back with all
the cunning and courage they can muster! An engaging adventure, sure to please young dragon
fans with developed reading skills.
The DVD Shelf
Schlessinger Media
7 East Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-0580
www.schlessinger.com
Schlessinger Media is a premier produce of instructional and informational DVDs for children.
One of their best and most relevant to an pressing issue of medical health for children and young
adults is their four volume series 'Smokin': Somebody Stop Me!' in which young people speak
candidly about their personal experiences with the consequences in their lives from smoking.
This outstanding series of 23-minute DVDs include "The Dangers of Smoking" (Grades 4-6,
$29.95); "Why Kids Smoke (Grades 4-6, $29.95); "Teen Smoking" (Grades 7-12, $39.95); and
"Quitting Smoking" (Grade 7-12, $39.95). Enhanced with candid interviews, debates,
documentary footage, animation, and original music, the "Smokin': Somebody Stop Me!' should
be a part of every school curriculum resource collection and community library DVD section for
their young patrons and their families.
The Folktale/Fairytale Shelf
The Little Black Fish
Samad Beh-Rang
Author House
1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781438913995, $13.25, www.authorhouse.com
Ruby Emam uses his translation skills to bring young readers a treat with "The Little Black Fish". Originally written by Samad Beh-Rang, an Iranian writer, "The Little Black Fish" brings children a different sort of youthful fairy tale, but the lessons ring true no matter the culture. The parent trying to expand the horizons of their child should consider "The Little Black Fish".
The Music Shelf
Great Day
Milkshake
c/o Waldmania!
130 Maywood Dr, San Francisco, CA 94127
CD, $14.99, www.MilkshakeMusic.com
Launched in 2002, Milkshake has become a groundbreaking independent children's recording
group that has produced three multi-award winning CDs, a DVD, and a profusion of music
videos for 'kid friendly' television networks and the internet. Their fourth and newest CD album
is called "Great Day" and not only features twelve original songs, but is further enhanced with
guest appearances by two-time Grammy award winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer. Livey
and energetic, toe-tapping and thoroughly 'kid friendly', the pieces comprising "Great Day"
include Shake It Up; Happy Place; Statue of Me; You did It!; Enemies; When I'm Old; I want it
Recipe; Travel Far; Recipe; Dance to the Sun; I Love Your; and the title piece, Great Day. With
superb production values and a total running time of 37 minutes, "Great Day" will have special
appeal for children ages 6 to 10 and make a popular addition to family, school, and community
library CD music collections for young listeners.
High Roller
Hullabaloo
PO Box 636, Del Mar, CA 92014
Kindie Rock PR (publicity)
stacy@kindierockpr.com
$12.00 www.hullabalooband.com
High Roller is the latest album of family-friendly kid-folk music by Hullabaloo, blending folk
musical influences with inspiration from beloved figures such as Woody Guthrie and Johnny
Cash to create a collection of classical tunes redone with a new pizzazz. The result is listening
experience that produces smiles from young and old alike! High Roller is particularly
recommended for playing on family car trips, children's parties, or plain old rainy day fun. The
tracks are "High Roller" (2:07), "Princess Bluejean" (2:19), "Ants in My Pants" (2:17), "Oh,
Susanna!" (2:41), "How About You?" (3:01), "Choo Choo Choo" (2:21), "London Bridge"
(2:00), "400 Cupcakes" (2:25), "Dinosaur in My Backyard" (2:21), "Old Dan Tucker" (1:49),
"Beans and Rice" (1:24), "This Land is Your Land" (2:33).
The Audiobook Shelf
Piper Reed Gets a Job
Kimberly Willis Holt, author
Emily Janice Card, narrator
Listening Library, Inc.
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
9780739361870 $26.00 1-800-726-0600
Award-winning novelist Kimberly Willis Holt presents Piper Reed Gets a Job, the unabridged
audiobook adaptation of one of the latest installments in the series following high-spirited
fifth-grader Piper Reed. When Piper and her fellow Gypsy Club members decide they need a
clubhouse, they set out to raise the money to build one. Piper embarks on a party-planning
business; her very first job is to throw a birthday celebration for young Brady. But the day of the
birthday bash doesn't quite go as planned! An upbeat story perfect for long car trips with kids,
Piper Reed Gets a Job is recommended to families and library collections alike. 2 CDs, 1 hour 52
minutes.
The American History Shelf
African-American Soldiers in the Revolutionary War
Raatma, Lucia
Compass Point Books
c/o Capstone Press
PO Box 669, Mankato, MN 56002-0669
www.compasspointbooks.com
9780756538484, $19.99, www.amazon.com
While most school children are aware of such historical figures associated with colonial era
America's war for independence from England as George Washington, Ben Franklin, Thomas
Jefferson, and Patrick Henry, it is not commonly known by them that thousand of
African-Americans (most of them slaves) also fought in the American Revolution. Some of them
fought alongside the American patriots while others were engaged with those colonists who were
loyal to the British crown. At first only blacks who were not slaves could enlist with the patriots.
But as the Revolution dragged on, even the slaves took up arms, either along side the American
slave holders or in specially recruited all-black units. This colonial era African-fought at
Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, and Brandywine. Although they took the same risks as
their white counterparts, no black man, slave or free, was ever permitted to rise above the rank of
private. Superbly written, informed and informative, "African-American Soldiers in the
Revolutionary War" is a welcome and much needed addition to both school and community
library American History collection for young readers.
If America Were a Village
David J. Smith & Shelagh Armstrong
Kids Can Press
29 Birch Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4V 1E2
www.kidscanpress.com
9781554533442, $18.95, www.amazon.com
Written by David J. Smith and illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong, "If America Were a Village: A
Book about the People of the United States" is an educational book for children ages 8-12, grades
3-7, that portrays America as if it were a village of 100 people. It shows exactly the sharp
contrasts between the "haves" and "have nots" of America. In this village of 100 souls, five
people have over half the wealth, 60 of the poorest people have about 4 %, and 14 people live
below the poverty line. Thirteen people are under age 9, while interestingly enough, 74 people
have television. "If America Were a Village" is part of an award-winning collection called
CitizenKid, which is designed to deal with complicated world issues and to inspire young people
to become good global citizens. Acrylic artwork by Shelagh Armstrong makes colorful splashes
to illustrate the text. Another interesting area racial grouping represented and languages spoken.
If America were a village (of 100 people), 82 people would speak English as their first language,
10 would speak Spanish, I speaks Chinese, 1 French and 1 German. 75 people would be white,
12 would be black, 1 is Native American and 4 are Asian, while the 8 remaining are of other
races or mixtures of races. Many more fascinating details unfold to teach students more about
America as a global country.
The Art Shelf
Children's Book Of Art
DK Publishing, Inc.
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
9780756655112, $24.00, www.dk.com
Specifically designed and published for the benefit of children ages 10 and older, the "Children's
Book Of Art" from DK Publishing is a 144-page compendium of information that offers a
historical survey of art down through time and around the world. Significant and influential
artists and sculptors are profiled with examples of their work. Young readers will learn about the
processes of how different forms of art are created from paintings to frescoes to statuaries. Of
special note are the profuse examples of how different artists in different cultures represent in
their work similar subject matter. Superbly and profusely illustrated throughout, there is a
timeline provided with respect to changing styles in art down through history such as Chinese art,
Impressionism, and more. DK Publishing has one of the best art departments in children's book
publishing. This is particularly demonstrated in the pages of their "Children's Book Of Art"
which is enthusiastically recommended for family, school, and community library
collections.
The Picturebook Shelf
Surf War!
Margaret Read MacDonald & Geraldo Valerio
August House, Inc.
3500 Piedmont Road, Suite 310, Atlanta, GA 30305
9780874838893, $15.95, www.augusthouse.com
Written by Margaret Read MacDonald and illustrated by Geraldo Valerio, "Surf War!" is a
re-purposed version of a nature tale of Micronesia that teaches children how to use conflict
resolution and ecological stewardship to tackle problems that arise from a failure to understand
that all creatures (including humans) are related in ecology. In fact, the food chain relationship
makes it very much in everyone's best interest to learn the very best ways to take care of our
natural environment, earth and seas. When Whale and Sandpiper learn that they must learn to
share and care for their beautiful ocean bay area together, a contented child can sigh and safely
drift off to sleep.
Cinnamon & the April Shower
Amy Crane Johnson & Robb Mommaerts
Raven Tree Press
1400 Miller Parkway, McHenry, IL 60050-7030
www.reventreepress.com
9781934960547, $16.95, www.amazon.com
Written by Amy Crane Johnson and illustrated by Robb Mommaerts, "Cinnamon & the April
Shower" is a hardbound children's book (also available in paperback) in a series titled Solomon
Raven that features animals as dominoes or teachers about seasons and environmental issues.
Playful paintings illustrate the story of Solomon Raven who warns the forest, including
Cinnamon the bear and her cub that a spring rainstorm is approaching. The perils and advantages
of rainstorms in spring are explained to Cinnamon's cub by the wise Solomon Raven. "Cinnamon
& the April Shower" seems appropriate for children ages 4-10 and should be a hit with young
naturalists and environmentalists.
Blue Sky Press
c/o Scholastic
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
www.scholastic.com
Lovely rhyming words and gorgeous paintings from the impressive Leo and DianeDillon team
paired with Rob D. Walker make for a powerful picturebook in Mama Says: A Book of Love for
Mothers and Sons (0439932084, $16.99), exploring the bond between mothers and sons. Here's a
'family values' book extraordinaire, perfect for parent/child read-alouds and even including
reflections in different languages. A powerful, recommended pick. Alicia Potter provides the fun
FRITZ DANCED THE FANDANGO (0545075548, $16.99), telling of a mountain goat who
loves to dance the fandango. Determined to find other open-minded goats, he journeys across the
mountains to discover others looking for a unique place in the world. The only problem is - they
are sheep. Will Fritz ever find his own herd? Ethan Long's drawings are fun and zany. Tony
Mitton's FARMER JOE AND THE MUSIC SHOW (054512493X, $16.99) is also a fun story
with exceptionally fine drawings by Guy Parker-Rees. Farmer Joe realizes that his farm animals
are bored - and decides to use his guitar to stimulate them to lay eggs and to grow crops. Add to
the farmer on guitar a fox on the fiddle, a bear on a bass and more and you have a lively barnyard
jamboree! Daniel Postgate's THE SNAGGLEGROLLOP (054510470X, $16.99) receives Nick
Price's fun drawings as it tells of a fantasy monster called a snagglegrollop. Sam's family won't
even let him have a dog or cat, so how will they let him keep a monster? But the snagglegrollop
endears himself in this zany story of friendship. Margie Palatini's GONE WITH THE WAND
(0439727685, $16.99) receives fun drawings by Brian Ajhar and tells of a fairy godmother put
out of business by her success. It's up to Edith the tooth fairy to help Bernice find new magical
powers and new meaning in life in this gentle story of friendship and magic. Keith Baker's JUST
HOW LONG CAN A STRING BE? (0545086612, $16.99) tells of Ant and his friend Bird who
face a big ball of string - a ball too big to handle. Only by breaking it down can they solve
problems and have fun. Rebecca, Adrian and Ed Emberley's THERE WAS AN OLD
MONSTER! (054510145X, $16.99) is a whimsical rhyme with a downloadable sing-along song
telling of an old monster who swallows a tick and begins to feel sick. He also swallows some
ants and dances in his pants, and more . Perfect for read-aloud sound effects!
Knopf
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.aaknopf www.amazon.com
Tom Pohrt provides the moving drawings for Sandra Day O'Connor's FINDING SUSIE
(9780375841033, $16.99), a fine survey drawn from Justice Sandra O'Connor's own life
experiences. Sandra is surrounded by all kinds of animals on her desert cattle ranch home - but
she really wants a best friend pet. Can wild animals make good pets, though? A fine story of the
perfect pet and animal best friends makes for a winning picturebook! Barbara Jean Hicks'
MONSTERS DON'T EAT BROCCOLI! (9780375856860, $16.99) receives Sue Hendra's simple
yet fun drawings as it tells of monsters who insist they don't like broccoli. They'd rather eat
tractors or a rocket ship - so how can they adjust to eating their vegetables like good monsters? A
hilarious story evolves.
Roaring Brook Press
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
www.roaringbrookpress.com
Johanna Wright's THE SECRET CIRCUS (1596434031, $16.95) tells of a circus so small and so
secret that only mice know how to find it. Ages 2-6 years will delight in a fine, easy small tale of
a small secret little folks can appreciate. Ed Briant's DON'T LOOK NOW (1596433450, $16.95)
will reach ages 4-8 years with a fun story of a simple childhood prank that turns into a battle
between two brothers who can't keep their hands off each other's property. The battle escalates
into war - but what results introduces the brothers to other worlds and options. Amy Schwartz's
TINY & HERCULES (1596432535, $16.95) reaches ages 4-8 with the story of Tiny the elephant
and Hercules the mouse who are great friends. Five simple stories explore their fun and
challenges. All are fine recommendations for picturebook collections.
The Holiday Shelf
The Magic Sceptre: Reginald the Rabbit
Joan Klatil Creamer
Silver Snowflake Publishing
P. O. Box 1256, East Greenwich, RI 02818
www.The MagicSceptre.com
9780977847655, $16.95, www.amazon.com
"The Magic Sceptre: Reginald the Rabbit" is the latest in the series to tell the story of how
Reginald Rabbit, the wisest bunny in Carrotville uses the Magic Sceptre to save Easter. With the
help of the Hare family and Santa Claus, the custodian of the Magic Sceptre, Reginald is able to
rescue jelly beans, chocolate rabbit treats, and colored Easter eggs, just by saying the magic
words, "Let every child believe in the Easter Bunny and the magic that happens at Easter!"
Miraculous deeds and events abound, and once again, the Magic Sceptre saves a well-loved
holiday. The detailed, whimsical and colorful illustrations add great charm to this Easter
fable.
The Magic Sceptre: Beeula the Witch
Joan Klatil Creamer
Silver Snowflake Publishing
P. O. Box 1256, East Greenwich, RI 02818
www.TheMagicSceptre.com
9780977847679, $16.95, www.amazon.com
Written and illustrated by Joan Klatil Creamer, "The Magic Sceptre/Beeula the Witch" is another
Magic Sceptre series that deals with Halloween, a holiday that scares even Beeula the witch. So
Beeula decides to consult with Santa Claus, the keeper of the Magic Sceptre, and he tells her she
may borrow it to learn to enjoy Halloween. Lo and behold, Beeula taps the Magic Sceptre three
times and says the magic words,"Let everyone know the magic of Halloween" and magic dust
brings along candy corn, rose colored glasses, a black cat costume for Pumpkin-Puss, Beeula's
Halloween-challenged cat, pumpkin flashlights, trick or treat bags, and a huge black owl named
Hootie! Wonderful solutions to Halloween scariness problems occur, and Beeula safely provides
and enjoys the best Halloween ever!
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Houdini's Gift
Jeanne Gehret & Michael LaDuca
Verbal Images Press
46 Duncott Road, Fairport, NY 14450
www.verbalimagespress.com
9780982198223, $17.95, www.amazon.com
Written by Jeanne Gehret and illustrated by Michael LaDuca, "Houdini's Gift" is a hardcover
children's book about learning to take responsibility, particularly in tasks relating to pet care. Ben
is a young boy who has difficulty paying attention to the task at hand if something more
interesting distracts him. When he loses his hamster Houdini because of an attention gap, his
parents decide to help him learn about responsibility by having him use a chore chart to check off
daily chores. A week of 14 checks rates a star, and when Ben has earned 4 stars, the parents will
talk with him about getting a new pet. Ben applies himself and finally earns the trip to the pet
store where he finds a new kitty to adopt. He understands that one of his new chores will be to
feed his kitty every day. "Houdini's Gift" is masterfully illustrated by large colorful cartoon-like
paintings that will appeal to children. "Houdini's Gift" is a useful tool for parents who are trying
to encourage a child to take responsibility to organize and remind himself of daily tasks and
chores needing to be done. The value of charts and check systems to reward a child for
completing desired tasks on time independently is emphasized. parents of children or a child with
ADD will particularly relate to the dilemmas of Ben.
Just the Right Size
By Nicola Davies, illustrated by Neal Layton
Candlewick Press
99 Dover Street, Somerville, MA 02144
www.candlewick.com
9780763639242, $14.99, www.amazon.com
Written by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Neal Layton, "Just the Right Size: Why Big Animals
Are Big and Little Animals Are Little" is more than a witty, appealing children's bestiary with
fascinating details about both tiny spiders and huge blue whales. It provides information and
education about evolution and physics of zoology, plus a vital piece of data called the BTLT rule.
Briefly stated, the Big Thing Little Thing Rule is: If you double the length of something, its
surface area and cross section go up four times, while its volume and weight go up eight times!
What this means in terms of living creatures is that some (humongous) monsters actually can't
evolve or exist. This is because clearly while Big Things are going to need lots more
(approximately 8 times as mich) air, water, food, space, etc. than Little Things, they are actually
only 4 times stronger than the Little Things that they are 8 times bigger than! So the BTLT rule
imposes a natural limit on the size bodies can be in the known universe. It also explains why, for
example humans can't fly (with their arms or muscles) but birds can. "Just the Right Size" ends
with a fascinating summary of why there is diversity of life. "To Obey the BTLT rule, living
things evolved that weren't just different sizes ; but different shapes and patterns too. This has
resulted in all sorts of bodies: bodies with one cell or millions, with bones or shells, with gills or
lungs, with legs or no legs; bodies that can be 'superheroes' and bodies that can think about why
they can't be. An ever-changing kaleidoscope of life, a glorious diversity of species, from the
very tiniest to the most enormous - and all of them JUST THE RIGHT SIZE! (P. 58)." "Just the
Right Size" is especially suitable and recommended for children ages 6-11. Its humorous cartoon
illustrations and handy glossary make it a very user-friendly book!
Whose Nest Is This?
Heidi Bee Roemer & Connie McLennan
NorthWord/Taylor Trade Publishing
c/o Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group
5360 Manhattan Circle, #101, Boulder, CO 80303
9781589793866, $16.95, www.amazon.com
Written by Heidi Bee Roemer and illustrated by Connie McLennan, "Whose Nest Is This?" is a
lavishly illustrated 32 -page hardcover children's book about identifying different birds' and
animals' nests, suitable for ages 9-12. Some of the nests shown are for hummingbirds, sea turtles,
Caribbean flamingos, a harvest mouse, a Baltimore oriole, a three-spined stickleback (fish), a
paper wasp and an elf owl. The amazing variety and diversity of both nests and animals and bird
who create them will amaze, educate, and entertain young readers.
The Poetry Shelf
Barnyard Slam
Dian Curtis Regan & Paul Meisel
Holiday House, Inc.
425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017
www.holidayhouse.com
9780823419074, $16.95, www.amazon.com
Delicate pencil and watercolor artworks by Paul Meisel wonderfully embellish Dian Curtis
Regan's festive interpretation of poetic/rap barnyard animal antics. "Barnyard Slam" is hosted by
Yo Mama Goose, who organizes and announces a series of barnyard poems. Charley Horse
volunteers his poem on, what else, "Hay," after Duck informs Yo Mama Goose that the hostess
never performs first, a rule she grumbles about. Cow delivers "The Truth About Cows," a
revelation that may stun and amaze. The Hog responds with "Hogwash," a heavenly specialty
peculiar to pigs. On and on the animals declaim from Rooster to Lamb, until the Watch-Mouse
squeaks an alarm that Farmer and Son are on their way in! What do they find? Only Yo Mama
Goose with ruffled feathers, having just declaimed her piece: "Behold the graceful goose in
flight./ Winging silent through the night./Feathers glow by light of moon./ Fly south in winter,
north in June." Suitable for ages 4 and up, "Barnyard Slam" will delight and enchant while
educating its readers as to the etiquette of "Poetry Slams!"
The Science Shelf
Where Did Dinosaurs Come From?
John Bonnet Wexo & John Sibbick
Riverbend Publishing
P.O. Box 5833, Helena, MT 59604-5833
9781931832991, $12.95, www.amazon.com
Written by John Bonnet Wexo and superbly illustrated with dinosaur art by John Sibbick,
"Where Did Dinosaurs Come From?" is the latest in the wildly popular Zoobooks series about
animals created by John Bonnet Wexo. It poses and answers some of the toughest classic
questions about the existence and extinction of dinosaurs. Among these are "Where did dinosaurs
get 'suits' of armor? Why Could dinosaurs run so fast? Where did dinosaurs get such strong
teeth? Why did dinosaurs get so big?" Answers to these questions and many more can be found
in the colorfully illustrated chapters of "Where Did Dinosaurs Come From?" Incredible detail is
present in the wonderful illustrations, dinosaur art by John Sibbick. Further explanations abound
in the fast moving text. "Where Did Dinosaurs Come From?" will appeal to ages 8 and
older.
The Easy Reader Shelf
Scholastic/Blue Sky Press
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
www.scholastic.com
Stephanie Tolan's WISHWORKS INC (0545031540, $15.99) tells of an unusual wishing place
where every wish is guaranteed for fun and adventure. Max's simple wish for a dog brings all of
the above in a fun, surprising story illustrated by Amy June Bates with black and white line
drawings throughout. Jeff Smith's BONE: ROSE (0545135435, $10.99) provides another fine
Bone graphic novel and a prequel to the Bone saga. When a dragon attacks small towns, it's up to
Princess Rose to defeat the evil beast even as her sister follows a dangerous evil path. Full color
throughout adds to the epic's interest. Lynda B. Comerford's RISSA BARTHOLOMEW'S
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE (0545050588, $16.99) tells of an eleven-year-old who
has had the same friends all her life. But when these friends become obsessed with boys, ballet
and dressup, Rissa thinks it's time she become her own person - at the confusion of all. A fine
story of growing up and change makes for a lively account. Alison McGhee's JULIA GILLIAN
AND THE QUEST FOR JOY (0545033500, $16.99) tells of a new school year and a best friend
who no longer wishes to be best friends. Julia finds life in general harder, and a new lunch
monitor is overly strict to top it all off. Black and white illustrations by Drazen Kozjan enhance
the story of a girl's tumultuous year. All are fine picks for libraries seeking easier stories for
elementary-level readers past the picturebook age.
The Fiction Shelf
Dead Fred, Flying Lunchboxes, and the Good Luck Circle
Frank McKinney
Health Communications
3201 S. W. 15th Street, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442-8190
9780757313820, $18.95, www.hcibooks.com
Freedom from tyranny is something that drives many beings, even fish. "Dead Fred, Flying
Lunchboxes, and the Good Luck Circle" tells the story of young Ppeekk (pronounced "Peekie"), a
young human girl who is faced with the challenge of saving the underwater world known as High
Voltage from the emergence of a vicious prehistoric monster. A unique children's adventure of
standing up for the happiness of others, "Dead Fred, Flying Lunchboxes, and the Good Luck
Circle" is a story any aquatic-loving kid will relish.
Heidi
Johanna Spyri & Maza Dusikova
North-South Books Inc.
455 Sam Ridley Parkway West, Smyrna, TN 37167
www.northsouth.com
9780735822276, $16.95, www.amazon.com
Illustrated by Maza Dusikova, "Heidi" is a 32-page hardcover adaptation by Johanna Spyri of the
original beloved book first published in 1880. Designed for children ages 3 and up, "Heidi" is
beautifully interpreted both in its text and its softly luminous artwork. The well-known story
makes fresh new fans with its charming retelling of the wonderful story of the little Swiss girl
and her Grandfather. "Heidi" is a classic, needless to say, but this latest adaptation will give it
fresh life and appeal to a new generation.
Pony Tales
Debra L. Hall
Author House
1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200, Bloomington, IN 47403-5161
www.authorhouse.com
9781434346032, $13.99, www.amazon.com
Young girls love ponies -- always have, always will. That's why "Pony Tales", a collection of
short stories about girls and their ponies will prove to be a welcome and popular addition to
school and community library collections for young female readers. Compiled by Debra L. Hall
(who wrote one of the short stories herself), "Pony Tales" is a compilation of stories written by
girls between the ages of 5 and 12. Enhanced with very nice black-and-white illustrations, these
are stories of undeniable charm that will raptly engage young readers from beginning to end. Of
special note is an introductory poem to this outstanding and unique anthology by author and
grandmother Debra L. Hall: 'You and Me': How I love the light you share / The gentle color of
your hair / The Softness of your pretty face / The way you smile with such tender grace / You
chatter, you sing, you look at me / You're all that I hoped you would be / I see myself / I see you,
too / I'm glad that I belong to you
Speedway Summer
Larry Mellott
Start-Living Homes
514 E. Circle Dr., Dover, PA 17315
9780982416105, $12.95
Certain things drive people further, and competition is one of those things. "Speedway Summer"
is the story of Brent Lockeman and his summer spent in the world of go-kart racing with his
uncle. He learns much about the sport and finds strong rivalry with the champion of the
competition he's entering. "Speedway Summer" is an entertaining read for younger readers,
especially those with an interest in go-kart racing.
Wilddancer
Ashley Hopgood
Vantage Press
419 Park Ave. South, New York, NY 10016
9780533160471, $17.95, www.vantagepress.com
New experiences mean new opportunities. "Wilddancer" tells the story of a young Native
American girl who is taken to learn the ways of the white man, or what white people simply
know as formal education. Sharing her experiences, the young girl gains an appreciation for
knowledge that will inspire other young readers further. "Wilddancer"is a fine and recommended
addition for children's library collections.
DingelTrot
Matt Goldman
Jabberwocky Books
212 3rd Avenue North, Suite 290, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9781935204008, $12.95, www.jabberwocky-books.com
An outcast for being too tall and an outcast for being too short. "Dingletrot: And the People of
the Mill" is the story of one Dingletrot, the tallest boy of his people at a towering fourteen inches
tall. His people live in the shadows of the big people world. Seemingly charged with reuniting
the world of the big and small, Dingletrot bridges the gap and tells a charming story for young
readers. "Dingletrot" is a fine and entertaining read, recommended.
Pink Locker Society
Debra Moffitt
KidsHealth
c/o The Nemours Foundation
1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803
9780615238265, $6.99, www.pinklockersociety.org
It isn't easy being in a secret society. "Pink Locker Society" tells the story of how a group of four
girls are charged with answering questions from the other girls at their school about the natural
changes that come with a young girl coming of age. School just got a lot more difficult and
confusing... "Pink Locker Society" is a charming read for young pre-teen girls, sure to entertain
them as well as educate them about matters picking at their minds.
Knopf/Random House/David Fickling Books
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
Tim Binding's SYLVIE AND THE SONGMAN (9780385751575, $15.99) tells of a world where
music and sound are changing: Sylvie's dog has lost his bark, the birds have stopped singing, and
her music-making father has vanished. Sylvie and her best friend, tone deaf George, are thus
drawn into the dangerous world of a Songman haunted by Woodpecker Man in his
swan-powered balloon - a world where nobody can speak and nothing can sing - in this vivid
fantasy of change. Sandra Forrester's LEO AND THE LESSER LION (9780375856167, $16.99)
tells of the Depression and a girl who is used to having to go without. Her older brother helps her
face poverty - but one day a terrible accident changes her place in the family and nothing will
ever be the same. A fine, unusual story of a family in flux makes for an involving and different
Depression-era tale. S. Jones Rogan's THE CURSE OF THE ROMANY WOLVES
(9780375856020, $16.99) receives black and white line drawings by Christian Slade, peppered
throughout a fun story of Wolf fever and one Penhaligon Brush, determined to find a cure before
all his friends die off. His search takes him to a haunted land where he sets sail and battles sea
serpents and time alike. A fine fantasy adventure will involve advanced elementary to
middle-grade students.
Tango
Eileen Beha
Bloomsbury
175 - 5th Ave, New York NY 10010
1599902621, $15.99 www.bloomsburyusa.com
TANGO: THE TALE OF AN ISLAND DOG tells of a dog used to a good life - but when his
owners sail into stormy weather and he's swept overboard, he finds himself far from his
Manhattan home with no way of returning - unless he decides to go on his own. His journey with
a cat, a fox, and a runaway girl seeking her own home makes for a poignant story for all
ages.
The Carbon Diaries 2015
Saci Lloyd
Holiday House
425 Madison, New York NY 10017
0823421902, $17.95 www.holidayhouse.com
Kids ages 12 and older will relish this edgy story set in near-future London and telling of 2015,
and an environment gone crazy. With blackouts, carbon rationing, European fires and a
high-category storm headed straight for Britain, the first-person observations of the protagonist in
THE CARBON DIARIES 2015 are frighteningly realistic and make for an engrossing story hard
to put down. Leisure readers will find it a provocative story juxtaposing a girl's aspirations with
the demise of environmental systems.
Libyrinth
Pearl North
TOR
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
0765320967, $17.99 www.tor-forge.com
In the future world of LIBYRINTH technology hides behind magic and wars are fought over
books. Haly is a Librarian - dedicated to preserving the knowledge passed down from the
Ancients. When she's taken prisoner Haly must use her secret abilities to communicate with the
written word to not only escape but to heal two warring peoples. An engrossing, riveting story
evolves, highly recommended for any young adult collection.
Because I am Furniture
Thalia Chaltas
Viking Children's Books
c/o Penguin Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10014
9780670062980, $16.99 www.penguin.com
Anke's father is abusive to her siblings but not to her - she's thus a witness to his horrors
warranting no attention. She's passive and frightened, until she joins the volleyball team at school
and learns how to build confidence and her own voice both on the court and at home. A different
story of abuse and recovery evolves in a strong young adult tale of courage and exactly how it
takes shape.
Faith, Hope, and Ivy June
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Delacorte Press
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
9780385736152, $16.99, www.amazon.com
Two Kentucky girls are participating in their schools' seventh-grade student exchange program,
leaving home for two weeks to live and attend classes with the other and record experiences in a
journal. Two very different worlds - the mountain home of Ivy June and the large, richer house of
Catherine - intersect and join the girls with similarities and differences in this rich story of an
unusual friendship.
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
www.scholastic.com
Meg Cabot's BEING NIKKI (0545040566, $16.99) provides a powerful Airhead novel telling of
Em, who is an intellectual girl in the body of a teen supermodel. She also has a missing mother, a
brother who wants answers, a British romance, and more in this fine story of a runway model's
unusual life. Book 1 of 'Frontier Magic' by Patricia C. Wrede, THIRTEENTH CHILD
(054503342X, $16.99), is the powerful story of young mage twins who are supposed to possess
amazing talents - and doom. Eff's family moves to the frontier where her father will be a magic
professor - but the twins find many things challenging their possible talents in this riveting
fantasy. Lois Duncan's NEWS FOR DOGS (0545108535, $16.99) offers a companion to HOTEL
FOR DOGS, a major film. Now that their hotel has closed Andi and her brother have a new
project - publishing the Bow-Wow News for dogs. Their online publication attracts a dangerous
dognapper in this absorbing tale. Coleen Murtagh Paratore'' FORGET ME NOT (0545094011,
$16.99) tells of Willa and Joey, enjoying their status as a couple during a Cape Cod summer -
until a beautiful girl and baseball begin to pull them apart and Willa's best friend begins to hang
out with an enemy. Can Willa fix everything suddenly wrong that summer? A fine story of
broken connections emerges. Suzanne Weyn's DISTANT WAVES: A NOVEL OF THE
TITANIC (0545085721, $17.99) tells of daughters of a famed clairvoyant: five Taylor sisters
who search for a home in a small town, each involved in supernatural spirits and dreams of
wealth and fame. All the sisters' different paths converge aboard the Titanic, which promises
great wonders and deadly results. Jennifer Sturman's AND THEN EVERYTHING
UNRAVELED (0545087228, $16.99) tells of Delia, who is enjoying her California summer at
the beach until her mother goes missing and she's sent to New York to live with two aunts. A
snotty new school and a web of conspiracy involving her mother's vanishing challenges Delia's
survival abilities in this fine story. Lisa Ann Sandell's A MAP OF THE KNOWN WORLD
(054506970X, $16.99) tells of Cara Bradley, who dreams of escaping her small town and
over-protective parents. She hides grief over her dead brother in art, drawing elaborate maps that
lead her to the boy who was in the car with her brother the night he died. Will her maps and art
lead her out of the depression and confusion that's taken over her life? All are fine leisure reads
for young adults.
Books in Series
Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591
www.marshallcavendish.us
The 'Drama of African-American History' series, edited by James Haskins, presents five fine new
70-page books are top picks for advanced elementary readers studying Afro-American history.
They deserve ongoing mention and recommendation as solid 'foundation pieces' even years after
their initial publication. THE RECONSTRUCTION ERA (0761421815, $23.95) covers the
move from slavery to free labor, THE SLAVE TRADE AND MIDDLE PASSAGE
(0761421769, $23.95) surveys the process by which slavery came to be a popular trade item in
the new world, AFRICA: A LOOK BACK (0761421483, $23.95) provides an excellent basis of
African history upon which to base the next volumes covering African-American transitions,
SLAVERY AND RESISTANCE (0761421785, $23.95) surveys slavery in colonial America and
plantation life, and THE CIVIL WAR (0761421793, $23.95) charts events of the war tied to the
breaking of slavery and the evolution of civil rights in America. All are powerful, recommended
picks.
Crabtree Publishing
350 - 5th Ave #3308, New York NY 10118
www.crabtreebooks.com
Crabtree's elementary-grade titles are geared to curriculum studies and provide some 30 pages of
basic facts for young students. Joining others in 'Celebrations in My World' is Molly Aloian's
EARTH DAY (9780778742883, $26.60), an examination of the historic roots of Earth Day
celebrations and covering events both domestic and international. From symbols to activities,
EARTH DAY offers projects and ideas alike. Others in the series include EASTER
(9780778742890, $26.60) and HALLOWEEN (9780778742920, $26.60), each offering some 32
pages of facts including a glossary, index, and details perfect for reports. Bobbie Kalman's
WHAT IS RELIGION? (9780778746362, $26.60) provides a survey answering the basic
question of what makes religion, culture, and differences in the world. 'The Renaissance' series
provides 32 pages of theme-oriented surveys of the Renaissance era. Titles here include
SCIENCE IN THE RENAISSANCE (9780778745945, $26.60), THE RENAISSANCE IN
EUROPE (9780778745914, $26.60), PAINTING IN THE RENAISSANCE (9780778745921,
$26.60) and EXPLORATION IN THE RENAISSANCE (9780778745938, $26.60). Although
each of the titles in these two series are available individually, school and community library
systems will want to acquire each series intact. Both of these outstanding series will prove lasting
picks for discriminating libraries.
Capstone Press
PO Box 669, Mankato, MN 56002-0669
www.capstonepress.com
Capstone Press is a prolific and premier publisher of non-fiction books for young readers. Under their 'Pebble' imprint, they've now published a new sixteen volume series called "Helpers in Our Community" which is specifically designed, written and illustrated for children preschool through second grade. Each individual volume is an entertaining and informative introduction to an occupation that is common to all communities and which children will see at work around them. This simply outstanding series include "We Need Auto Mechanics"; "We Need Child Care Workers"; "We Need Construction Workers"; "We Need Dentists"; "We Need Doctors"; "We Need Farmers"; "We Need Fire Fighters"; "We Need Garbage Collectors"; "We Need Mail Carriers"; "We Need Nurses"; "We Need Pharmacists"; "We Need Plumbers"; "We Need Police Officers"; "We Need School Bus Drivers"; "We Need Veterinarians"; and "We Need Zoo Keepers". Superbly illustrated with color photography which superbly enhances a clear and succinct text, each book clearly identifies the role that particular occupation plays in the life of the community. Although each title can be obtained separately ($17.256 List/$12.95 Library), school and community libraries would be best advised to obtain the entire series ($207.20) for the benefit of their young students and patrons.
The Child's World, Inc.
1980 Lookout Drive, Mankato, MN 56003
www.childsworld.com
Classic Greek literature that has proved both popular and relevant generation after generation down through the centuries is best exemplified by the collection of stories known as 'Aesop's Fables'. More than being simple entertainments, each anthropomorphic tale carried a special moral that was unique accessible and understanding. Now eight of these timeless tales have been retold by Graham Percy for the delight and edification of children preschool through the third grade. This outstanding series includes "The Ant and the Grasshopper"; "The City Mouse and the Country Mouse"; "The Fox and the Crow"; The Fox and the Stork"; "The Heron and the Fish"; "The Lion and the Mouse"; "The Mice in Council"; and "The Tortoise and the Hare". The individual 32-page titles come with a reinforced library binding, a special section defining the fables and providing cogent explanations of their moral lessons, plus a brief introduction to the author and illustrator. Ideal for both school and community libraries, and although available individually ($27.07 List/$18.95 Library), acquisition of the entire series of "Aesop's Fables" as a set ($216.56 List/$151.60 Library) is especially recommended for the benefit of young readers.
Black Rabbit Books
PO Box 3263, Mankato, MN 56002
www.blackrabbitbooks.com
A premier publisher of nonfiction 'books in series', Black Rabbit Books consistently exhibits high
quality production standards for its titles. One of their newest QEB Publishing imprint series is
'QEB Changes In...', written by Steve Parker who provides his informed and informative texts at
a fourth grade reading level, making them ideal reading resource materials for children in grades
3 to 5. Each 32-page, library bound title is replete with colorful drawings, diagrams, and
illustrations, features a table of contents, a glossary, an index, and thoroughly 'kid friendly'
activities. The 'QEB Changes In...' series is comprised of "Changes In Animal Habitats"
(9781595667731); "Changes In Climate" (9781595667762); "Changes In Food And Farming"
(9781595667755); and "Changes In Population" (9781595667748). Although each title is
available independently ($28.50 list/$19.95 library), school and community libraries would be
well advised to acquire the entire set for their young patrons ($114.00 list/$79.80 library).
Raintree
c/o Capstone Press
PO Box 669, Mankato, MN 56002-0669
www.capstonepress.com
A premier publisher of non-fiction books for young readers, Raintree now has a five volume
series that introduces children to the joys and self-expression values of making art. "Action Art"
is a series of 24-page, profusely illustrated, library bound books by Isabel Thomas introducing
children into "Drawing" (9781403469182); "Making Collage" (9781403469929); "Painting"
(9781403469199); "Sculpting" (9781403469212); and "Using Color" (9781403469205).
Children will learn what kinds of materials are used in these various forms and categories of art
and have a lot of creative fun with participating in the art activities associated with them. Each
volume is enhanced throughout with 'Fact Boxes'; side bars, and specific activities. While each of
these thoroughly 'kid friendly' titles are available individually ($21.36), school and community
libraries should acquire the entire series (9781403469236, $106.79) for the benefit of their
students and young patrons.
Greenhaven Press
PO Box 9187, Farmington Hills, MI 48333-9187
http://gale.cengage.com/greenhaven
The 'Opposing Viewpoints Series' from Greenhaven Press is a series of more than ninety
volumes that takes social, cultural, and politically controversial issues and provides an honest
presentation all sides of current issues for the benefit of young readers. The latest addition to this
outstanding series is "Sports and Athletes" (9780737745436, $26.75) in which author Christine
Watkins who (in complete compliance with the Greenhaven Press 'Opposing Viewpoints' format
presents a 'pro/con' format for the text) addresses the specific issues arising from place,
prominence, values, and influence of athletics and athletes in American society. Drawing from a
variety of contributors and sources, "Sports and Athletes" addresses the benefits and liabilities of
sports for children; athletes as role models, women and athletics, sports and academia, and
governmental restrictions with respect to sports. Of special note is the chapter devoted to drug
use in sports. Enhanced with the inclusion of a periodical and book bibliographies, a listing of
topics for further discussion, and a roster of relevant organizations, "Sports and Athletes" is a
highly recommended addition to both school and community library reference collections and
supplemental Social Issues supplemental reading list.
Norwood House Press
PO Box 316598, Chicago, IL 60631
www.norwoodhousepress.com
Our modern world was created, shaped, influenced, and made possible by innovative inventions
arising from the minds of their creators. "A Great Idea" is an eleven volume series from Norwood
House Press that showcases contemporary advances in technology that make unique
contributions to modern life. This outstanding series now has four new additions. "The Bionic
Hand" (9781599533414) focuses upon the development and creation of the 'i-limb' which is the
first commercially available bionic hand. "The Nexi Robot" (9781599533421) showcases four
small humanoid robots with mobility, dexterity, and communication skills. "The Seed Vault"
(9781599533438) was created to preserve plant seeds as a way of protecting and insuring the
world's food supply against natural disasters and diseases. "Sunscreen For Plants"
(9781599533445) is the story of a new SPF 45 spray that can be applied to food crops to insure
against sun damage and dehydration. Each of these superbly illustrated, 48-page, library bound
titles is enhanced with the inclusion of a glossary, 'places to go' information, and an index. The
previously published titles in this impressively produced and highly recommended series include
"Home Windmills" (9781599531322); "Hybrid Cars" (9781599531939); "Recycled Tires"
(9781599531977); "Water From Air: Water Harvesting Machines" (9781599531960); "The Jaws
Of Life" (9781599531915); "Lego Toys" (9781599531946); and "YouTube" (9781599531984).
Written and designed for young readers grades 3 to 6, 'The Great Idea' series titles are available
individually ($25.27 List/$18.95 Library), but school and community libraries are well advised to
acquire the entire eleven volume series ($277.97 List/$208.45 Library).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
Copyright ©2001
Site design by Williams Writing, Editing &
Design