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Reviewer's Choice
Yeny and the Children for Peace
Michelle Mulder
Second Story Press
20 Maud Street, Ste 401, Toronto, ON M5V 2M5
9781897187456, $14.95, www.secondstorypress.ca
Children can make a difference if they put their hearts to it. "Yeny and the Children for Peace"
tells the story of young Yeny and her protests against Columbia's history and high occurrence of
violent acts, kidnappings, shootings, bombings, and much more than that. Every year these
children gather to protest and ask for a day of peace, earning a Nobel Peace Prize nomination
every year since. "Yeny and the Children for Peace" is a moving story that will motivate children,
highly recommended.
Barack Obama: America's 44th President
Carole Marsh
Gallopade International
PO Box 2779, Peachtree City, GA 30269
9780635068484, $9.99, www.gallopade.com
Especially appropriate for young children ages 8 to 14 (as well as a keepsake for their families),
Carole Marsh has written and published "The here & Now Reproducible Book Of Barack
Obama: America's 44th President". This is a 40-page reproducible book showcasing information
on and about Barack Obama which will prove as entertaining as it is educational. Children will
learn a variety of informed and informative facts about the newly elected president of the United
States, his wife, children, the White House, the Secret Service, and more. Replete with activities
and puzzles, "Barack Obama: America's 44th President" will prove a very popular gift for
families with children who are inspired by the promise and presence of the first
African-American president of the United States.
They're Coming For You
O. Penn-Coughin
You Come Too Publishing
3138 NW Colonial Drive, Bend, OR 97701
9780981683607, $5.99
Scary stories are almost a rite of passage for young children. "They're Coming For You: Scary
Stories That Scream To Be Read" is a collection of 27 stories aimed at readers eight years old
and up. Perfect for reading with a flashlight in the dark or around a campfire, the stories will
provide countless hours of entertainment for children and will delight as well as frighten them.
"They're Coming For You" is a solid choice for any parent with children who may host
sleep-overs or other gatherings.
The Mystery of the Tree Rings
Mark Meierhenry and David Volk, authors
Jason Folkerts, illustrator
South Dakota State Historical Society Press
900 Governors Drive, Pierre, SC 57501-2217
9780979894008, $13.95 www.sdshspress.com
Written for young people at a second to fourth grade reading level, The Mystery of the Tree
Rings is a simple "mystery" book about two children, Max and Hannah, taken on a nature trip by
their grandfather to find a ponderosa pine that's nearly eight hundred years old. As they hike,
Max gets lost and takes a rest next to a gigantic pine tree. A mysterious voice whispers to Max,
telling him about the secret life of Rosa the ponderosa. When Hannah and Grandpa find Max, he
has learned the wonders of ancient trees, perhaps the very same wonders that Grandpa has
written in his private journal. "'Grandpa, our measuring sticks are just like tree rings. Each mark
tells how much we grew,' Hannah said the next morning back at the farm. She was studying the
measurements they had made on their sticks. 'Right, Hannah,' Grandpa said. 'Like a tree's rings,
the marks on your stick record your personal growth. Today, I'm giving you your first journals,
too, so that you can record other things. Write down all that you saw and did yesterday in the
Black Hills. It will help you remember our adventures.'" Simple, colorful illustrations and a final
blank, lined page for the child to write in to start their own journal round out this charming story
about learning to appreciate and remember the wonders all around us.
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
www.scholastic.com
From Alabama to Wyoming, find out how a state gets its name with Sheila Keenan's Greetings
from the 50 States: How They Got Their Names (0439834392, $18.99), a guide exploring the
origins of each state's name. Kids in grades 5-7 receive an excellent blend of color drawings,
history, and sidebars of information in this colorful coverage. ZANY MISCELLANY
(0545053331, $14.99) packs in thousands of facts about all kinds of topics in a Google-type fun
listing of zany facts. From what someone who constantly picks their nose is called to the first
roller-coaster track and 'Blue Men' who are nomads, color photos and drawings pack sidebars of
light, fun facts.
The Activities Shelf
Project Play
6201 West Howard Street, Suite 201, Niles, IL 60714
www.ProjectPlayBooks.com 847-647-7500
A new "Project Play" series of children's hardcover books, written by Marlene F. Byrne and
colorfully illustrated by Jesse Graber, teaches young people about fun and active outdoor games,
through the antics of the friendly kids of Edgebrook. "Treasure Hunt" (9780977713509, $12.99)
not only teaches young people about the Treasure Hunt game, it also comes with sample clues
that can be photocopies or cut out of the book, and used to play Treasure Hunt. In "Follow the
Leader" (9780977713516, $12.99) learn about the classic Follow the Leader game, which can be
enjoyed indoors or out, rain or shine. "Just a Baseball Game" (9780977713523, $12.99) does
more than teach young people about the beloved American pastime of baseball; it also addresses
the common problems that sports leagues have with fans and parents who let their obsession with
winning grow until it overrides the fun of the game. Discussing ways to cool down hot heads,
negotiate disagreements, and foster love of the game, "Just a Baseball Game" is a great way to
introduce young people to the sport and even comes with cut-out "baseball cards" of the
Edgebrook kids. All three books are a welcome addition to children's libraries, both private and
public, and especially highly recommended as a way to promote active, inexpensive
entertainment in a modern era over saturated with TV and video games.
The Art Shelf
The Impressionists
Francesco Salvi
The Oliver Press, Inc.
Charlotte Square, 5707 West 36th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55416-2510
1934545031, $24.95 www.oliverpress.com 1-800-865-4837
Part of the six-volume "Art Masters" series, The Impressionists is an illustrated, educational
guide ideal for introducing teen and older readers. Color artwork on every page reveals the
history of the Impressionist style, the identities of the famous French artists who pioneered it, and
their legacy on subsequent creators. "In 1855, Paris hosted the Universal Exposition, which
featured the largest exhibition of painting ever seen at that time. It exposed the future
Impressionists to artists like Gustave Courbet, who inspired them to look at art in new ways. The
old medieval Paris was a thing of the past, and as far as the Impressionists were concerned, so
was traditional art." A top-notch resource for learning and discovery, enthusiastically
recommended for school and library children's collections along with the rest of the informative
and enriching "Art Masters" series.
The Self Help Shelf
What to Do When Bad Habits Take Hold
Dawn Huebner, Ph.D., author
Bonnie Matthews, illustrator
Magination Press
PO Box 92984, Washington, DC 20090-2984
9781433803833, $15.95 www.maginationpress.com 1-800-374-2721
Written by clinical child psychologist Dawn Huebner, Ph.D., What to Do When Bad Habits Take
Hold is a handy, softcover consumable book with black-and-white illustrations designed to help
young people ages six to twelve overcome hard-to-stop habits like nail biting, thumb sucking,
hair twirling, scab picking, and shirt chewing. "It may be that you aren't getting enough sleep.
Kids who are 9 to 11 years old need at least 10 hours of sleep every night. Kids ages 8 and under
need even more. Lack of sleep affects people in all kinds of ways. It's stressful for your brain and
your body, making you more likely to pick, pull, twirl, suck, or chew." The primary focus of
What to Do When Bad Habits Take Hold is five different key strategy young people can use -
blocking the habit, keeping one's hands or mouth busy with some other more favorable activity,
using some activity that involved the same motion (such as sucking water through a sip cub
instead of sucking one's thumb), applying a "wake-up" activity to jazz up the daily routine in the
part of body associated with the habit (like gargling with mouthwash instead of engaging in a
chewing habit), and learning constructive ways to release tension, like laughter or singing. An
extremely helpful book, highly recommended for parents to share with children to help them
change their lives for the better.
The Music Shelf
Come Dance With Us
The First Wave, LLC
$12.99 www.thefirstwave.com
Come Dance With Us is an educational audio CD that uses story-telling and song to teach young
children about time, geography, phonetics, arithmetic, emotions, and more through listening and
singing along. Created by the producers of the award-winning DVD series "Fundamentals",
Come Dance With Us follows a brother and a sister on a farm as they attend school and learn
about a wide range of subjects, expressed through delightfully catchy tunes. Rhythm helps young
people learn and remember the curriculum in this wonderful addition to public and school library
CD collections. Highly recommended. The tracks are Come with Us (Mr. Jack) (0:06), I Know a
Little Girl (0:29), There's a Little Monkey (2:01), Eye eye (1:32), Conga (0:31), Deep in the
Country (1:25), Emotions (1:12), Vowels (1:21), Star Dance (0:57), Art Dance (1:50), Twelve
Little Stars (2:17), North America (1:45), Sixty Seconds (1:41), Sitting in a Train (4:34), Come
Dance with Me (1:45), Peace Be With You (0:39), Silly Billy (1:38), I Was Born Today (0:57),
Bye Bye (2:39), and I've a Feeling (1:23).
Happy Birthday to You!
Margot Theis Raven, author
Chris Soentpiet, illustrator
Sleeping Bear Press
c/o Thomson Gale
27500 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3535
9781585361694, $17.95 www.sleepingbearpress.com 1-800-231-5163
Happy Birthday to You! The Mystery Behind the Most Famous Song in the World is a children's
picturebook rendition of the true-life history behind the popular and beloved song "Happy
Birthday to You". Created in 1889 by two Kentucky sisters Patty and Mildred Hill, the song
began as a melody called "Good Morning to All" for kindergarten students as a greeting to start
the day. The lyrics evolved to suit other occasions, and in 1935 the sisters' song was fully
copyrighted, with due credit afforded to their names. Award-winning artist Chris Soentpiet
provides the touching, colorful illustrations in a realistic style to this informative story ideal for
curious young children who are just about ready to graduate from picturebooks to more involved
fare.
The Buddhist Studies Shelf
Milton's Secret
Eckhart Tolle and Robert S. Friedman, authors
Frank Riccio, illustrator
Hampton Roads Publishing Company
1125 Stoney Ridge Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902
9781571745774, $18.95 www.hrpub.com 1-800-766-8009
Milton's Secret: An Adventure of Discovery through Then, When, and the Power of Now is a
children's picturebook that teaches a basic yet invaluable lesson from Buddhism - that rather than
stress out or obsess over what has happened or what will happen, there is value in living in the
moment. Young Milton is an ordinary boy who loves his pet cat, but he is plagued with worry
over a school bully and other problems. 'If he ever tries to hurt you again, promise me you'll tell
your mom or dad at once, and you should also tell your teacher.' 'Okay, I promise.' 'When did this
happen?' 'Yesterday.' 'I see, yesterday. That was When it happened. But it's not happening now, is
it?' 'Of course it's not happening now. But I'm worried he'll try to do it again.' 'If he does, it will
be Then, won't it? You're worrying about Then and thinking about When. Aren't you forgetting
something? Then and When are in your head. They are not here Now, are they?'" The colorful
illustrations bring this thoughtful parable to life, and help communicate an insight that readers
age eight to eighty and beyond can benefit from. Highly recommended.
The DVD Shelf
Animalia: The Land Where Literacy Lives, Volume 1
PorchLight Learning.com
11050 Santa Monica Blvd., 3rd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90025
$149.00 www.porchlight.com
Animalia: The Land Where Literacy Lives, Volume 1 collects ten episodes of Animalia, a
marvelous computer animated DVD series designed to help teach literacy to elementary school
children. Animalia features classsroom and home-based activities unique to the series yet created
to uphold the professional Standards for the English Language Arts, as distributed in 1996 by the
International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English. Structured
around the key goals of enabling reading, writing, vocabulary, critical thinking, word usage,
second language, speech, visual literacy, media literacy, and research skills including library and
Internet research, Animalia: The Land Where Literacy Lives is as enriching as it is fun to watch -
the amazing rendered creatures, from tigers and lions to apes and reptiles, are sure to keep the
attention of young viewers! Enthusiastically recommended for elementary school classrooms,
public and elementary school library collections, and as a supplement for home schooling. 10
DVDs, 16.9 widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1.
The Fiction Shelf
Fiscal Pear and Shimmer in the Call of River Whale
Olivia Brooks-Scrivanich
Book Surge
7290-B Investment Drive, Charleston, SC 29418
9781419695896, $14.99, www.booksurge.com
Not everything is easy when you're a humanoid pear. "Fiscal Pear and Shimmer in the Call of
River Whale" tells of Fiscal Pear and his companion Shimmer, and their evasion of an evil baker
who wants to exploit Fiscal's unique status. The help of SOL and the council of the wise seem to
be their only hope for escape, but ambition isn't foiled so easily. "Fiscal Pear and Shimmer in the
Call of River Whale" is a fresh children's fantasy, recommended.
The Dead & The Gone
Susan Beth Pfeffer
Harcourt Inc.
c/o Harcourt Children's Books
525 B Street, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495
9780152063115, $17.00 www.harcourtbooks.com
Alex was working behind a pizza counter and worried about grades - but when an asteroid hits
the moon and causes catastrophic changes on Earth, his world changes and becomes one of
fighting to live. This riveting companion to LIFE AS WE KNEW IT is tense with survival efforts
and provides a gripping story line that is hard to put down. Very highly recommended: an
outstanding story perfect for any collection appealing to teens.
Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You
Holly Black, author
Tony DiTerlizzi, illustrator
Simon and Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
1416960953, $24.99 www.spiderwick.com
It began with a mysterious correspondence left for the authors from three siblings who told of a
great-uncle's connection to magical worlds - and his eyewitness accounts of another world. This
visual guide to the Spiderwick legend features over thirty drawings of fairies and offers an
in-depth focus on both old and new creatures in a delightful blend of picture and text highly
recommended for any Spiderwick Chronicle readers.
Eve of the Emperor Penguin
Mary Pope Osborne
Random House
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
9780375837333, $11.99 www.randomhouse.com/kids
#40 in the Magic Treehouse 'Merlin Mission' series provides a rhyme immersing Jack and Annie
in a mission to find the fourth secret of happiness for Merlin the magician. The magic tree house
here takes them to Antarctica, where they meet scientists and reporters in modern times. How can
they search for ancient artifacts in a modern setting? A delightful fantasy blends magic and
science in another satisfying Magic Treehouse saga.
The Good Neighbors
Holly Black & Ted Naifeh
Graphix
c/o Scholastic
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
0439855624, $16.99 www.scholastic.com
Graphic novels for elementary to middle school grades have the attraction of intriguing reluctant
readers: THE GOOD NEIGHBORS is no exception, even though its graphics are in black and
white and not full color. Rue Silver's mother has vanished and her father's being blamed for
murder - is he guilty? Her investigation uncovers a startling truth about her mother's past and her
own world in this fine story.
Madame Pamplemousse and Her Incredible Edibles
Rupert Kingfisher
Bloomsbury USA
175 - 5th Avenue, 8th Floor, New York NY 10010
1599903067, $15.99 www.bloomsburyusa.com
Madeleine must work in her horrible uncle Lard's restaurant each summer, and is allowed to just
wash dishes despite her own cooking skills. But when she stumbles on a tiny Paris shop owned
by one Madame Pamplemousse, she finds a kindred soul and new hope for her skills. An
engaging story of achievement evolves.
The Kingfisher Book Of Classic Animal Stories
Sally Grindley
Kingfisher Books
c/o Macmillan
33 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003
www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/kingfisher
9780753462102, $19.95, 1-800-225-3362
Compiled by Sally Grindley, "The Kingfisher Book Of Classic Animal Stories" is a beautifully
illustrated collection of sixteen animal stories specifically appropriate for children ages 6 to 10
and elementary grades 1 through 5. The individual stories range from 'Aesop's Fables' as retold
by Saviour Pirotta and Rudyard Kipling's 'Just So Stories', to Kenneth Grahame's 'The Wind in
the Willow' and Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Nightingale'. Of special note are the diverse and
impressively talented artists illustrating these various tales of enchantment for children including
Richard Johnson, M. P. Robertson, Susan Hellard, Fomina, Paula Bowles, Niroot Puttapipat,
Sally Anne Lambert, Paul Howard, Elionor Mutale, Adrienne Kennaway, Georgina McBain,
Yvonne Gilbert, Olwyn Whelan, David Kearney, Luch Davey, and Daniela Terazzini. These are
the often unsung heroes of children's books publishing. "The Kingfisher Book Of Classic Animal
Stories" is a welcome and enthusiastically recommended addition to any and all family, school,
and community library Folktale & Fairy Tale collections for young readers.
Sonshine Girls: Summer Secret
Rene Morris, author
Paul Casales, illustrator
Summertime Books
PO Box 79684, Fort Worth, TX 76179
9780980186123, $6.99, www.summertimebooks.com
Being new is never easy. But sometimes it goes better than one would think. "Sonshine Girls:
Summer Secret" tells of new girl Kristin and moving into her new community. She finds friends
easily enough through her Church, but a Bully rears his ugly head. She soon considers what is the
Christian way to deal with the bully, but soon finds that her Church has a secret of its own. A
fine book for young teenage Christian readers, "Summer Secret" is a great gift for one's young
daughter.
Johnny Big Ears
John Paul Padilla
Dorrance Publishing Co.
701 Smithfield Street, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
9780805974966, $17.00
Children can be cruel. "Johnny Big Ears: The Feel-Good Friend" is the story of young
kindergarten student Johnny, who unfortunately has larger than average ears. A target of teasing
and bullying, young Johnny must find a way to overcome the harshness of his young classmates.
A story about dealing with adversity as a youth and a message to young children that minor
differences mean nothing, "Johnny Big Ears" is a solid choice for young children who may face
such teasing.
Secret Messages
Ardith Carratt
Ketalex Publishing
PO Box 603, Grandview, WA 98930-0603
9780981696409, $14.95, www.chapterbooksforkids.com
A stolen key, and a sporting thief. "Secret Messages" follows young Roberto as he must solve the
puzzles laid out in front of him in order to recover his hidden key. Unbeknown to him, other
children have received puzzles as well, and are trying to figure it out as well. "Secret Messages"
is a childhood mystery and highly recommended for elementary school age readers.
Katrina's Dream
Xhane Matai
Vantage Press
419 Park Ave. South, New York, NY
9780533158690, $8.95, www.vantagepress.com
Sometimes adventures start in the most unlikely of ways. "Katrina's Dream" is about a ten year
old girl and her purchase of an old mirror. She finds herself in a magical world where she
encounters her departed sister and evil monsters. But she soon finds herself wondering if it's all a
dream or another reality. An exciting children's story, "Katrina's Dream" is something any young
dreamer child will relish.
Partners Again
Arthur T. Lee
Nobility Publishing
PO Box 1338, Brush Prairie, WA 98606
9780980229707, $9.99, www.nobilitypublishing.com
Some children have an overactive imagination. Albert makes that an understatement. "Partners
Again" tells of Albert McTweed and his imaginary friend PJ McDougal. He becomes less
imaginary as Albert meets him in reality, and a whirlwind trail of events results in murder and
Albert's family in danger. "Partners Again" is a unique and original tale for children to read, with
enough spin to appeal to higher age groups.
Alicia Afterimage
Lulu Delacre
Lee & Low Books
91 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
9781600602429, $19.95, www.leeandlow.com
Sixteen years is way too short to live in. "Alicia Afterimage" is a story of overcoming the loss of
such a short life. Her family grieves over the loss of a daughter and a sister, her school mourns
the loss of a friend. Her loved ones battle their grief, in this tale that illustrates the effects of it in
the hearts of many. Each chapter covers a important person in her life and what she had left
behind. "Alicia Afterimage" is much recommended to any teenager who has lost a close
friend.
Dial/Dutton/Philomel/Penguin
c/o Penguin Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, New York NY 10014
www.penguin.com/youngreaders
Another Redwall tale is presented in Brian Jacques' DOOMWYTE (9780399245442, $23.99)
which presents the mystery of who stole the jeweled eyes of the Great Doomwyte Idol long ago.
Young Redwallers battle foes in underground adventures in another fast-paced, complicated
adventure perfect for middle school fans of fantasy or former Redwall titles. Sally Gardner's THE
SMALLEST GIRL EVER (9780803731592, $16.99) tells of one Ruby, whose parents are
world-famous magicians. Ruby dreams of performing magic - but can't do any magic at all, until
she begins to get smaller. An inviting story of achievement and magic evolves for elementary to
middle-school level readers. Walter Sorrells' ERRATUM (9780525478324, $17.99) tells of
Jessica, who walks into an antiquarian bookstore and finds a strange book titled Her Lif waiting
for her. It's anything but a misspelling: it tells of Jessica's life - and ends with her murder seconds
after she finishes reading the book. Jessica escapes death - but finds the book's changed Brad
Strickland carries on the John Bellairs tradition with THE SIGN OF THE SINISTER
SORCERER (9780803731516, $16.99) a Lewis Barnavelt adventure. Lewis has battled too many
magical heroes, and wants a relaxing summer vacation - but a string of accidents seem more than
bad luck, and it's up to Lewis to investigate a possible curse that might lead to death.
RAYMOND AND GRAHAM: DANCING DUDES (9780670011025, $14.99) by Mike
Knudson tells of best friends who have an idea to make Valentine's Day an unforgettable holiday
for their class - until a class bully calls Raymond a 'baby'. Can his friend Graham offer to teach
his friend how to be a 'real man' - in 4th grade? Lively picks, all.
Orchard Books
c/o Scholastic
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
www.scholastic.com
Jenny Nimmo's new CHARLIE BONE AND THE SHADOW (0439846692, $12.99) provides a
new Charlie Bone fantasy centered around enchanter Count Harken who arrives to take revenge
on the Red King's heirs - including Charlie Bone's family. His ancestors have been kidnapped,
and Charlie need the help of his friends to save them in this vivid adventure. Meg Cabot's ALLIE
FINKLE'S RULES FOR GIRLS: THE NEW GIRL (0345040493, $15.99) tells of young Allie,
beginning her first day of school at Pine Heights Elementary. Being the new girl is frightening -
especially when one of the girls in class takes a dislike to her. Elementary-level readers will
appreciate this. Tor Seidler's GULLY'S TRAVELS (0545025060, $16.95) tells of a Lhasa apso
who leads a cushy life with a professor in Manhattan - until his master falls in love with a woman
allergic to long-haired dogs. The professor must give Gulliver up - to his doorman, who has a
very different household in Queens. A fun story of adventure for elementary-level readers is
accompanied by pictures by Brock Cole. James Preller's ALONG CAME SPIDER (0541032997,
$15.99) tells of friends Spider Stevens and Trey Cooper who have lived next door their entire
lives. Trey is a little odd, which hasn't mattered in the past - but seems to matter now that they
are in fifth grade. The whole class thinks Trey is weird - does that mean Spider has to turn his
back on his best friend to fit in? Kids will relish this fine story of friendship's challenges. Jill
Santopolo's ALEC FLINT, SUPER SLEUTH; THE NINA, THE PINTA, AND THE
VANISHING TREASURE (0439903521, $15.99) tells of a boy who is a super sleuth in training
who has a few detective materials to aid in his life. When the Christopher Columbus exhibit is
missing from the local museum, it falls to Alec and his friends to probe the mystery in this fun
story. Salamanda Drake's DRAGONSDALE: RIDING THE STORM (0439871743, $12.99) tells
of Breena, who is jealous of Cara, who's only been dragonriding a short while but is already a top
competitor. Breena needs to beat her best friend - and win - to achieve her goals. At the heart of
DRAGONSDALE is friendship gone awry in this moving story. Ingrid Lee's DOG LOST
(0545085780, $16.99) tells of a puppy nobody wants that winds up on Mackenzie's bed. Boy and
puppy become bonded - but puppy Cash is a pit bull and Mac's father gets rid of him. Will Cash
be able to find her beloved young master? A winning boy and his dog story evolves. Alison
McGhee's JULIA GILLIAN AND THE ART OF KNOWING (0545033489, $15.99) tells of a
ten-year-old who is skilled in knowing everything, from neighbor secrets to how things work.
But she doesn't know how to deal with her fear, and must turn to good friends and family to help
her in this gentle story of knowledge and success, spiced with black and white drawing by
Drazen Kozjan.
The Science Shelf
Marvelous Moving Things
Mickey Sarquis, editor
Terrific Science Press
4200 East University Boulevard, Middletown, OH 45042
9781883822538, $16.95, www.terrificscience.org
Children are learning about science by observing the world around them from the very time when their memory starts working. "Marvelous Moving Things: Early Childhood Science in Motion" is a collection dedicated to helping pre-school and kindergarten teachers help introduce children to the wonders of science and observing the world around them. These lessons are designed to seem like play to young children, wonderfully veiling the lesson in the basic fundamentals. A must for any teacher of young children who values science, "Marvelous Moving Things" is a great choice.
Soil: More Than Just Dirt
Jerry Wermund, Ph.D.
Rockon Publishing
210 Hy Road, Buda, TX 78610
9780972625531, $16.95 www.rockonpub.com
Geologist Jerry Wermund presents Soil: More Than Just Dirt, an educational picturebook for
elementary school children. Full-color photography illustrates fascinating basic facts about
Mother Earth's soil. Each page has two text sections; the first section states a simpler concept in
large typeface, for example "TOPSOIL / Loose and fluffy, / full of life, / bugs, bacteria, worms
and roots support / grains, grasses, flowers, veggies. / Principal wealth / for many countries." A
second, more complex paragraph for young readers with more experience follows, for example
"Topsoil lies on top of the ground as the uppermost layer (named the A layer) in a soil profile.
Farmers and gardeners prize a thick, rich topsoil; it yields healthy plants." Highly recommended
for elementary school and public library children's collections, Soil: More Than Just Dirt is an
excellent introduction to the wonders of nature just below one's feet.
The Graphic Novel Shelf
Warriors Tigerstar & Sasha #1: Into the Woods
Erin Hunter, series creator
Dan Jolley, author; Don Hudson, artist
Tokyopop
c/o HarperCollins Children's Books
1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019
9780061547928, $6.99 www.harpercollinschildrens.com 1-800-242-7737
Warriors Tigerstar & Sasha #1: Into the Woods is the first in a series of black-and-white graphic
novels expanding the story behind the Warriors saga of feral cat clans who master survival in the
wild. Tigerstar & Sasha: Into the Woods delves into the past of Sasha, a cat caught between two
mutually exclusive worlds - that of the "kittypets" cared for by humans, and that of the proud and
independent wild cats. When Sasha's beloved master grows too old to care for her, he must move
away to a retirement home. Other humans are willing and able to look after her, but she isn't
ready for a new master; instead, she leaves the human world to spend some time on her own.
Sasha crosses paths with Tigerstar, leader of the ShadowClan, and gradually gets to know him
and other clan members. Together, Sasha and Tigerstar can survive even a battle against a wild
fox. Tigerstar extends a tempting invitation for her to join ShadowClan - it would mean added
security and an end to her loneliness - yet ShadowClan has a dark, hidden secret in its plans to
perpetrate ruthless vengeance on all outside cats! Volume one ends on a tense cliffhanger,
leaving the reader in anxious anticipation for more. Suitable for readers age ten to one hundred
and ten, Warriors Tigerstar & Sasha #1: Into the Woods is especially recommended for cat lovers
everywhere.
The Preschool Shelf
Jesse's Book of Colors
Lee Cohen, author
Leonard Filgate and Chris Hopkins, illustrators
Rip Squeak, Inc.
840 Capitolio Way, Suite B, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
9780974782546, $9.99 www.RipSqueak.com
Jesse's Book of Colors is a delightful board book perfect for introducing beginning readers to the
words for different colors. An inquisitive, anthropomorphic mouse named Jesse leads the reader
through each two-page spread - the left page has text printed on the background of a given color,
while the right page features a charming illustration featuring the color. For example, "What's
green? / My very good friend Euripides the frog!" shows Jesse's green, froggy friend executing a
courtly bow in Shakespearian stage dress. A wonderful and friendly book for parents to share
with toddlers while teaching them the words for the rainbow spectrum of colors. Also highly
recommended is the companion board book "Rip Squeak's A to Z Book" (9780974782539,
$9.99).
Scottish Alphabet
Rickey E. Pittman, author
Connie McLennan, illustrator
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LA 70053-2246
9781589805965, $15.95 www.pelicanpub.com 1-800-843-1724
Prize-winning author Rickey E. Pittman presents Scottish Alphabet, a unique, rhyming ABC
picturebook in which each letter of the alphabet is associated with a person, place, or thing
connected to Scotland. "P is for peat / That we dig from the bog. / Toss it in the fire; / It burns
like a log." The full color illustrations help to vividly evoke the rich history of Scotland, in this
enjoyable cultural celebration.
Baby Eye Like: I Love You
Play Bac Publishing
225 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014
9781602140493, $5.95, www.playbac.fr
Die-cut and colorful board books are an ideal introduction for babies and toddlers to the
wonderful world of books. With its underlying theme of affection, "Baby Eye Like: I Love You"
offers sixteen pages of pictures pairing animals ranging from kissing fish to embracing giraffes,
to nuzzling cows, to embracing polar bears. Perfect for parent-child bonding, "Baby Eye Like: I
Love Your" showcases affection and is a wholesome delight which is particularly recommended
for family, daycare, and preschool library collections.
Eye Like Opposites
Play Bac Publishing
225 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014
9781602140547, $9.95 www.playbac.fr
Intended for young readers ages four and up, Eye Like Opposites is a beautiful picturebook
designed to teach the concept of opposites through breathtaking, full-color photography of
animals. For example, the word "Thick" is illustrated with labeled pictures of "elephant's legs"
and "mushroom", while on the opposite page "Thin" is illustrated with labeled pictures of
"asparagus" and "stick insect". "Through thick or thin / I see an elephant shin! / Thin or thick? /
Here's a bug built like a stick!" A wonderful, visually captivating read-aloud book ideal for
parents and young children to share, Eye Like Opposites is highly recommended.
The Picturebook Shelf
A Soup Opera
Jim Gill, author
David Moose, illustrator
Jim Gill Books
PO Box 2263, Oak Park, IL 60303-2263
9780981572109, $22.00 www.jimgill.com
A Soup Opera is more than just a children's picturebook - it's a sing-along opera, with an
accompanying, orchestrated CD that parents and children can sing along to while they read. A
patron is seated at a fine restaurant, and claims he can't eat the soup - but why? The resounding
chorus of "What seems to be the problem here?" and "I can't eat the soup!" echo as the patron's
complaint climbs the social ladder of responsibility. At last the president asks, "Why can't you eat
the soup, sir?" to which he sings, "Because I have no spoon!" Enhanced with majestic, slightly
cartoony illustrations that capture the essence of stage opera, red curtains and all, A Soup Opera
is silly musical fun for the whole family.
The Moon Shines Down
Margaret Wise Brown, author
Linda Bleck, illustrator
Thomas Nelson Publishers
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
9781400312993, $16.99 www.thomasnelson.com 1-800-251-4000
The Moon Shines Down is a Christian picturebook for children, using simple rhyming verse and
stylized, colorful pictures of animals worldwide to show how the full moon shines down on
children and creatures preparing for bed everywhere. "I See the Moon / And the Moon sees me, /
And the Moon sees the Christ Child, / Heaven's Baby. / God bless the Moon / And God bless me,
/ (And God bless Christmas!) / And God bless the children / In my own country." A wonderfully
soothing, read-aloud book perfect for parents and children to share before bedtime.
Let Me Bee
Vanita Oelschlager, author
Kristin Blackwood, illustrator
VanitaBooks
3875 Embassy Parkway, Suite 250, Akron, Ohio 44333
9780980016215, $17.95 www.VanitaBooks.com
Let Me Bee is a children's picturebook about the importance of overcoming fear, and learning to
live and let live. A young boy is fearful of beestings, but a simple honeybee explains to him that
honeybees, unlike wasps and hornets, simply want to gather nectar in peace. (The rare cases of
people who have allergies to bee stings are not addressed.) "The word 'Apiphobia' / Stands for
this fear / That lots of kids have / When a bee gets too near. // There are so many things / That
you can do / To make sure apiphobia / Never happens to you. // Read books about bees / And
articles, too. / Go to insect exhibits / Down at the zoo." Simple, charming colorful illustrations
that resemble paper cut-outs add the perfect touch to this book about learning to regard simple
creatures with a realistic rather than over defensive perspective.
The Three Robbers
Tomi Ungerer
Phaidon Press
180 Varick Street, 14th floor, New York, NY 10014
9780714848778, $16.95 www.phaidon.com
An ALA Book award-winning story by Hans Christian Andersen Prize recipient Tomi Ungerer,
The Three Robbers is a children's picturebook about three robbers who steal from carriages and
terrorize the countryside. Until one day they abduct a little orphan girl who is glad to be
kidnapped, rather than sent to live with her wicked aunt. She notices that they have hoarded all
their ill-gotten gains without ever spending them! Finding a new purpose, the three robbers buy a
castle where the girl and homeless children from all over can live; when the children grow old
enough to found a village, it becomes a village that honors the three former bandits. The simple,
stark drawings complement this minimalist-style story about unexpected change for the better in
the unlikeliest of people.
Queen Vernita's Visitors
Dawn Menge
Outskirts Press, Inc.
10940 South Parker Road, #515, Parker, CO 80134
www.outskirtspress.com, 1-888-672-6657
9781598007145, $12.95, www.amazon.com
"Queen Vernita's Visitors" is an imaginative and entertaining picturebook for young children that
tells the story of a queen of the Oceaneers Kingdom, who invites twelve of her friends to visit her
during each month of the year. Brightly and colorfully illustrated throughout by Bobbi Switzer,
"Queen Vernita's Visitors" author Dawn Menge draws upon creative imagination, her friends and
family, and her experiences working with severely handicapped children to create a wholesome,
entertaining, and thoroughly 'kid friendly' picturebook that will help children to learn about the
days of the weeks and the seasons of the year. "Queen Vernita's Visitors" is enthusiastically
recommended to the attention of parents, teachers, librarians, and children everywhere!
Who Made This Cake?
Chihiro Nakagawa
Front Street
c/o Boyds Mills Press
815 Church Street, Honesdale, PA 18431
9781590785959, $16.95 www.frontstreetpress.com
In an industrialized Lilliput little people use machines to make a giant birthday cake in this hilarious book, which displays cranes, tractors, helicopters and hundreds of workers who put their best effort into building a giant cake. This lively story includes simple drawings by Junji Koyose.
Babar's USA
Laurent de Brunhoff
Harry Abrams
115 West 18th Street, New York 10011
9780810970960, $17.95 www.abramsyoungreaders.com
Zephir's photos compliment BABAR'S USA, a picture book survey blending photos of U.S.A.
scenes with Babar drawings. From cable car rides to visiting Graceland, red rock canyons, and
American culture, BABAR'S USA is a fine pick for any interested in either Babar or introducing
kids to U.S. culture and sights.
Moonpowder
John Rocco
Hyperion
114 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10011
9781423100119, $15.99 www.hyperionbooksforchildren.com
Kids ages 4 and older will find thrilling the large colorful drawings and zany concepts in
MOONPOWDER, which tells of how a moonpowder factor is on the blink, creating havoc in a
magical kingdom. Only one Eli, fixer of all things, can stop his nightmares and fix the
Moonpowder factory before all others are prevented from a good night's sleep. A gentle story of
nightmares and recovery rests within the body of a fine fantasy.
The Dog Who Belonged to No One
Amy Hest
Abrams Books
115 West 18th Street, New York NY 10011
9780810994836, $15.95 www.abramsyoungreaders.com
Amy Bates provides engaging drawings for a lovely picturebook in The Dog Who Belonged to
No One, telling of a lonely small dog and an equally lonely little girl. Lyrical test and lovely
watercolors by illustrator Amy Bates makes for a compelling picturebook story of a dog who
tries to be helpful while he awaits true love and a home.
Critter Sitter
Chuck Richards
Walker & Company
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
0802795951, $16.99 www.walkeryoungreaders.com
Henry is a professional 'critter sitter' - or so says his ad - and so he should be able to take control
of any situation having to do with pet dogs, cats, reptiles or birds. But one day the critters take
control of Henry - and problems abound. A zany, hilarious story line is accompanied by attractive
full-page whimsical color drawings in this winning story.
Sort it Out!
Barbara Mariconda, author
Sherry Rogers, illustrator
Sylvan Dell Publishing
976 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Suite 3, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
9781934359112, $16.95 www.sylvandellpublishing.com 1-877-958-2600
Featuring colorful and charming illustrations, Sort it Out! is a rhyming children's picturebook
about Packy the Packrat, an anthropomorphic rodent focused on organizing his ever-growing
collection as he puts the trinkets away. For example, he puts an acorn, pinecone, and cherry
together because all were plucked from a tree; while his needle, locket, and dented tin kettle
belong together because all three are made of metal. Surprisingly, some of his items have gone
missing - his mother borrowed them for a tea party! To encourage creativity in young readers, the
final few pages include some simple sorting and classifying exercises for the reader to try with
"Packy's Sorting Cards", which the reader (or more likely, their parents) can photocopy from the
book itself or print out from the publisher's website. A great read-aloud storybook ideal for
stimulating young minds.
All of Life is a School
Kermit Weeks, creator
Project Firefly, illustrations
KWIP Publishing
c/o Deatrick Public Relations
217 W. Lake Faith Drive, Maitland, FL 32751
9780979026706, $19.95 www.fantasyofflight.com www.geebee.com
Created and written by aviation enthusiast Kermit Weeks, who has won medals at World
Championships and twice been a US National Aerobatic Champion, All of Life is a School with
Gee Bee Zee - the Little Racer is a children's picturebook about an anthropomorphic airplane and
its friends in a faraway place of neverending summer dubbed "Fantasy of Flight". On the first day
of racing school, a young yellow monoplane named Zee is excited at the prospect of learning
from famous racing planes - so excited that he forgets to use a checklist to ensure everything is in
proper order before he begins flying! "'Why do we have to use a checklist when we already know
how to fly?' Exasperated, Roscoe responds, 'It's a great habit to get into and at this time in your
life, it's a great time to learn great habits!'" Zee eventually discovers that all of life is a school -
one can learn valuable lessons anywhere, anytime, from everything one does. Bright, cartoon-like
illustrations bring to life this enjoyable picturebook with an important message about the value of
lifelong learning, especially sure to appeal to any child who loves airplanes.
My Saturday Adventure
Johnny Swager
Enfantino Publishing
22750 Mercedes Rd., Cupertino, CA 95014
9780979258374, $19.95 www.johnnyart.com
My Saturday Adventure is the first in a series of children's picturebooks written and illustrated by
seven-year-old Johnn Swager. "Oh! Look on Mom's tomato plant... an itsy bitsy lady bug. I need
to sneak up on her so she will not fly away. Yeah, I caught her! 'Hello little lady bug. I will name
you Riley.' Then, I put Riley in my jar with a leaf from Mom's tomato plant. (Shhh... don't tell)"
Colorful, brightly painted illustrations done with surprising skill considering the young age of the
artist fill this delightful storybook about bug collecting adventures in one's own backyard. A
wonderful example for young people of the value of having fun outdoors on Saturday, instead of
just watching cartoons.
Igor: The Movie Storybook
Based on screenplay by Chris McKenna
Adapted by Kitty Richards
Weinstein Books
22 Cortlandt Street, 16th floor, New York, NY 10007
9781602860520, $15.95 www.weinsteinco.com 1-800-759-0190
Igor: The Movie Storybook is the picturebook adaptation of the family-friendly CGI movie Igor,
which dares to play around with the venerable mad scientist/hunchbacked assistant trope! Set in
the perpetually overcast kingdom of Malaria, where evil is good and good is bad, evil scientists
from all over are gathering for the annual Evil Science Fair. The natural lot of Igors is to serve
their malevolent masters, but one Igor as dreams of becoming something more. He successfully
brings to life a monster with one flaw - his creation Eva isn't evil at all, but rather an aspiring
actress! With help from his friends Scamper the undying rabbit, and Brain, the low-IQ
brain-in-a-jar, Igor must teach Eva to be a properly horrific evil monster. Movie-quality computer
animation stills illustrate this rousing complement to a film all ages can enjoy. Highly
recommended, particularly for young people who enjoyed the Igor movie!
Appreciation Party!
Lisa Rey Marks, author
Eris Klein, illustrator
Focus Friends, LLC
PO Box 271757, Fort Collins, Colorado 80527
9780978602819, $16.99 www.focusfriends.com
Appreciation Party! is the second book in the "Focus Friends Appreciate" rhyming picturebook
series for young people ages two to nine, featuring a cast of children who each embody the
quintessence of a positive trait or theme. Award-winning illustrator Eris Klein brings to life the
children Joyann, Happylee, Merrylou, Appreciakate, Wiseguy, Sagelle, Danamite, and Rayray as
they attend a celebration at Appreciakate's house. As part of the party, they're given three clues to
discover that all human beings have the Gift of Appreciation - one must only look around to see
all the good things in life that deserve to be appreciated. "Let us appreciate: / A loving family; / A
warm, safe home; / Cuddly pets; / Fun toys of our own." An excellent picturebook to remind
young people the importance of showing respect and gratitude for the good things in life. Also
highly recommended is the first book in the series, "Joy is the Greatest Gift".
Demo: The Story of a Junkyard Dog
Jon Bozak & Scott Bruns
Fifth Paw Press
40 Adelphi St. #3, Brooklyn, NY 11205
c/o Independent Publishers Group (distributor)
814 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60610
9780981618807, $16.95 www.fifthpawpress.com www.ipgbook.com 1-800-888-4741
Demo: The Story of a Junkyard Dog is an exuberant children's picturebook about a junkyard dog
who tries to save his town from the excesses of its own rampant consumption. Townspeople shop
and consume recklessly, thoughtlessly, and the waste they discard turns into towering stacks of
garbage. Demo must save the town from his master's malevolent plans, and educate the people to
change their haphazard ways! The character of the faithful dog is based on author Jon Bozak's
own four-legged friend, in this thoughtful picturebook that challenges young readers to think
about their environment and the importance of minimizing human impact upon it. Highly
recommended.
Scholastic Inc.
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
www.scholastic.com
Don Wood's INTO THE VOLCANO (0439726719, $18.99) presents an outstanding graphic
novel by an award-winning artist who himself lives in a tropical jungle. His story tells of two
brothers facing an erupting volcano, and how their expedition changes a vacation hike into a
dangerous battle for survival against not only nature, but human greed. Reluctant readers who
love graphic novel/comic book formats will find the detailed adventure easy to absorb, with its
pages packed with action and color illustrations. Roddy Doyle's HER MOTHER'S FACE
(0439815010, $16.99) tells of a child who can no longer recall her mother's face - and her father's
too sad to help her. When a mysterious woman appears and tells Siobhan a secret, their lives are
enlightened and changed in this warm picturebook tale. THE BOY WHO WENT APE by
Richard Jesse Watson and Benjamin James Watson (0590479660, $16.99) tells of boys, apes,
and a visit to a zoo that draws some parallels between behaviors. Who is the boy, and who is the
ape? Fine full-page color drawings contribute to a lively story. Tedd Arnold's HOORAY FOR
FLY GUY! (0545007240, $5.99) tells of Fly Guy who wants to be in a big game with his boy.
The only problem is - flies can't play football. How can Fly Guy participate? A fine story of being
too small and possibly left out evolves.
Viking/Penguin/Dial/Dutton
c/o Penguin Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10014
www.penguin.com/youngreaders
Wanda Gag's diary indicates she HAS to draw and paint forever and cannot stop - and reveals
two important aspects of her life: her art and her family. Her biography reads with all the
dramatic embellishments of fiction but provides a fine solid fact-based biographical survey in
WANDA GAG; THE GIRL WHO LIVED TO DRAW by Deborah Kogan Ray (9780670062928,
$16.99). Tim Warnes' CHALK & CHEESE (1416913785, $16.99) tells of Chalk, a New York
City dog, and Cheese, an English country mouse who are like night and day. They are friends
despite their many differences, in this zany story. Brian Jacques' URSO BRUNOV AND THE
WHITE EMPEROR (9780399237928, $17.99) tells of a cry for help carried over cold winds and
indicating wolves in the prowl. Two young polar bears are lost in the forest - and a tiny brave
bear goes to great lengths to help them in this fine story of an exceptionally small hero. Dave
Horowitz's HUMPTY DUMPTY CLIMBS AGAIN (9780399247786, $16.99) tells of an egg
who lives to climb, but whose confidence is shattered after his famous fall. Maybe doctors can
fix his shell - but can Humpty regain his confidence? An excellent story of courage evolves.
Dianna Hutts Aston's THE MOON OVER STAR (9780803731073, $17.99) tells of a summer's
night in 1969 when the moon tells Mae to dream of a moon landing - and invites her to take a
step towards life's possibilities. A family's interest in and involvement in the moon landing
introduces excitement and celestial projects into their lives in this fine story. Berkeley Breathed's
PETE & PICKLES (9780399250828, $17.99) tells of one Pete, a predictable, practical pig who
might have remained so if not for discovering a shivering elephant hiding under his lamp shade
during a storm. Pete's world expands with the elephant's arrival in this fun and whimsical
tale.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Animal Heroes: True Rescue Stories
Sandra Markle
Millbrook Press
c/o The Lerner Publishing Group
241 First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1607
9780822578840, $29.27 www.lernerbooks.com 1-800-328-4929
Award-winning children's book author Sandra Markle presents Animal Heroes: True Rescue
Stories, a collection of amazing true-life tales about animals that have saved or greatly aided
human beings. From the shocking story of a mother gorilla who cradled and protected a toddler
that tumbled into a zoo exhibit, to a pet cat that awakened a sleeping mother and saved the her
family from death by carbon monoxide poisoning, to a cow in river that allowed her herder to
hang on to her as she swam to safety, to a capuchin monkey trained to assist a quadriplegic man,
to trained rescue dogs and more, Animal Heroes: True Rescue Stories is sure to captivate young
animal lovers with its blend of fascinating anecdotes and striking color photography of the savior
animals and humans they have aided. Highly recommended.
Animal Mimics
Susan K. Mitchell
Enslow Publishers
Box 398, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922-0398
0766032930, $23.95 www.enslow.com
The new series for reluctant readers, 'Amazing Animal Defenses', opens with ANIMAL
MIMICS: LOOK-ALIKES AND COPYCATS, a 48-page survey that will delight any youngster
who enjoys 'find the animal' and puzzlers on differences. Grades 5-9 will appreciate bright, large
color photos and clear explanations on animal imitators in nature, and different ways the
imitations work.
Boatyard Ducklings
Heather Austin
Down East Books
PO Box 679, Camden, ME 04843
9780892726639, $15.95 www.downeastbooks.com 1-800-685-7962
Boatyard Ducklings is a captivating children's picturebook about two young girls spending
summer at seaside Maine, who discover that a wild mother mallard has laid a nest of eggs in their
rowboat! Leaving the nest undisturbed, they take joy in watching the ducklings hatch and grow.
Their grandfather warns them, "I hope you're not feedin' 'em. Ducks that learn to depend on
people for food sometimes stay around all winter. But Maine in December is no place for a
duck!" The girls observe as the ducks begin molting and conserving energy for their upcoming
migration - just like the girls themselves will have to leave the Maine coast when fall comes and
they have to leave to attend school. Beautiful, shaded black-and-white illustrations in a realistic
style grace this thoughtful picturebook, with text sufficiently detailed to be suitable for young
people who are almost ready to progress to more complex reading material.
The Bilingual Shelf
Perfect Season for Dreaming
Benjamin Alire Saenz, author
Esau Andrade Valencia, illustrator
Cinco Puntos Press
701 Texas, El Paso, Texas 79901
9781933693019, $17.95 www.cincopuntos.com 1-800-566-9072
Prize-winning children's author Benjamin Alire Saenz presents Perfect Season for Dreaming / Un
Tiempo Perfecto Para Sonar, a bilingual English/Spanish children's picturebook about an old
man who enjoys the most beautiful summer dreams. He is too nervous to tell anyone about them,
since they are as strange as they are wondrous; he fears that no one will understand. But the
dreams fill him with so must joy that he must tell someone or burst, and at last he dares to
confide in his granddaughter, who also experiences the mystery of beautiful and fantastic dreams.
Happier for having shared his secret, he enjoys one more splendid dream. Mexican-born artist
Esau Andrade Valencia, whose work has been featured in museums, brings the marvelous
dreams to vivid life in this brilliantly illustrated storybook.
Golden Peach Publishing
1223 Wilshire Blvd., #1510, Santa Monica, Ca 90403
www.goldenpeachbooks.com
One of the primary benefits of bi-lingual stories for American children is the multi-cultural
enrichment of their understanding and appreciation for the folklore and fairytales of other lands.
Such is the case for the superbly produced and illustrated series "Enchanted Tales of China" from
Golden Peach Publishing. Featuring English/Chinese text, their first five volume series of
36-page illustrated paperbacks written by Teri Tao includes "The Carpet That Disappeared"
(9781930655201, $4.99); "The Bird That Played On" (9781930655188, $4.99); "The Mouse
Wedding: Finding A Groom" (9781930655072, $4.99); "The Mouse Wedding: Groom Found!"
(9781930655102, $4.99); and "The Dragon Pearl" (9781930655171, $4.99) . Equally impressive is Teri
Tao's second five volume series of 48-page illustrated paperbacks: "Legend Of The White Snake"
(9781930655164, $5.99); "The Girl Who Cried On The Great Wall" (9781930655133, $5.99);
"Cowherd Boy And Weaver Girl" (9781930655027, $5.99); "The Girl Who Flew To The Moon"
(9781930655034, $5.99); and "Lotus Lantern" (9781930655157, $5.99). Each of these
outstanding and colorful fairytales for young readers is embellished with cultural notes. Although
the individual titles are available separately, both school and community libraries, as well as
families, should acquire the complete sets for the benefit and entertainment of their young
readers.
The Native American Shelf
The Native Americans of Texas
Grace Stamper
Hendrick-Long Publishing Company
10635 Tower Oaks, Suite D, Houston, TX 77070
1885777337, $17.95 www.hendricklongpublishing.com 1-800-544-3770
Written by history teacher Grace Stamper, The Native Americans of Texas is a simple
introduction to the histories and cultures of the eleven Native American tribes of Texas territory.
Presented in easy-to-read large print, and enhanced with a glossary, The Native Americans of
Texas is an excellent introductory text for middle school students. "At first the Apache traveled
and hunted on foot. Hunting on foot was very dangerous. The Apache could not out run the
buffalo. When traveling, their goods were pulled or carried by shaggy dogs. After contact with
the Spanish, Apaches adopted the horse. Horses made hunting much easier, but also improved
transporting their goods." Also highly recommended are the teacher's guide and student
workbook designed to go with this fine educational text.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Diabetes
Toney Allman
Chelsea House Publishers
c/o Infobase Publishing
132 West 31st Street, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10001
www.chelseahouse.infobasepublishing.com
9780791095850, $35.00, 1-800-322-8755
There is an epidemic rise in the number of juvenile diabetes cases in America. One of the
Chelsea House Publishers outstanding series of health and medical books published in their
'Genes and Diseases' series, "Diabetes" by Toney Allman is specifically written for young readers
in grades 9 through 12 and provides a complete and comprehensive introduction to diabetes in
terms of what it is, what it does, how it can be diagnosed, how it can be prevented, how it can be
treated, the genetic variations contributing to diabetes, and the prospects for a cure. The
thoroughly 'kid friendly' text is enhanced with full-color photography and cogent illustrations,
informed and informative sidebars, a bibliography for further reading and study, references,
thematically appropriate websites, a glossary, and an index. "Diabetes", as with all of the other
titles in the Chelsea House 'Genes and Diseases' series is an emphatically recommended addition
to family, school, and community library Health & Medicine reference collections and
supplemental reading lists for adolescent young readers.
Putting On The Brakes
Patricia O. Quinn & Judith M. Stern
Magination Press
c/o American Psychological Association
PO Box 92984, Washington, DC 20090-2984
www.maginationpress.com
9781433803871, $8.95, 1-800-374-2721
Attention Deficient Disorder or ADD is an increasingly prevalent condition amongst America's
children. Now in a newly revised second edition, "Putting On The Brakes: Understanding And
Taking Control Of Your ADD or ADHD" is the collaborative effort of developmental
pediatrician and ADD treatment specialist Patricia Q. Quinn (Clinical Assistant Professor of
Pediatrics, Georgetown University Medical Center) and educational consultant Judith M. Stern.
This thoroughly 'kid friendly' compendium of practical ideas, activities, and insights is
specifically designed to help children to manage their attention disorders, make friends, control
emotions, and improve their general health. Also available in a hardcover edition
(9781433803564, $14.95), "Putting On The Brakes" is very highly recommended reading and
ideal for children ages 8 to 13 (and their parents) having to deal with ADD and ADHD in their
daily lives at home and at school.
The Cookbook Shelf
The 2nd International Cookbook For Kids
Matthew Locricchio & Jack McConnell
Marshall Cavendish Corporation
99 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591
www.marshallcavendish.us
9780761455134, $18.99, 1-800-831-9881
Do you want children to eat well, help out in the kitchen, learn culinary skills that will last them a
life-time? Then you want to avail yourself of "The 2nd International Cookbook For Kids", a
collection of thoroughly 'kid-friendly' recipes by professional chef Matthew Locricchio and
enhanced with the colorful photography of Jack McConnell. A spiral bound and sturdily
reinforced cook book compendium, "The 2nd International Cookbook For Kids" will lay out flat
upon a kitchen table or counter for ease of use by young chefs. The sixty classic recipes from
Greece, Brazil, Thailand, and India showcase elegant, palate-pleasing and appetite satisfying
recipes ranging from Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup; Green Papaya Salad; and Indian Bread; to
Garden Vegetable Stew with Coconut; Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce; and Sweet Rice
Pudding. Of special note is the section devoted to safety in the kitchen, the section providing
cooking terms and definitions, and the occasional 'Chef's Tips'. "The 2nd International Cookbook
For Kids" is highly recommended as an ideal addition to family and community library cookbook
collections for children and their parents.
The Crafts Shelf
Kids! Picture Yourself Making Jewelry
Denise Etchison
Cengage Learning
25 Thomson Place, Boston, MA 02210
9781598635263, $12.99, www.courseptr.com
Jewelry doesn't have to be made out of expensive gold, silver, or other precious metals. "Kids!
Picture Yourself Making Jewelry" is a fun activity book for elementary grade school children to
help them craft simple jewelry that they and their friends will love. Filled with easy to follow
instructions, it's the perfect book to entertain child and parent on a rainy afternoon, making
"Kids! Picture Yourself Making Jewelry" an ideal acquisition for any with 7-12 year old
children.
The Holiday Shelf
Thank You for Thanksgiving
Dandi Daley Mackall, author
John Walker, artist
Concordia Publishing House
3558 South Jefferson Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63118-3968
9780758615008, $12.99 www.cph.org 1-800-325-3040
Thank You for Thanksgiving is a colorful, rhyming picturebook designed to remind young
people ages four to seven about the importance of thanking the Lord for his bounty during the
Thanksgiving holiday season. The folksy, colorful art of a family coming together to celebrate
and enjoy a bountiful feast perfectly complements the thoughtful, easy-to-read lyrics. "Roger's
thankful he can play / Sports like football every day. // That's what I was going to say! / Now
what am I thankful for? // What's a kid like me to do? / Talk to God and say what's true. // 'Lord,
can I give thanks for You? / And thank You for Thanksgiving!'" An excellent, read-aloud gem of
Christian holiday spirit.
What Does Mrs. Claus Do?
Kate Wharton, author
Christian Slade, illustrator
Tricycle Press
PO Box 7123, Berkeley, CA 94707
9781582461649, $15.99 www.tenspeed.com 1-800-481-2665
Santa Claus' yuletide responsibilities are well-documented, but what of his better half? What
Does Mrs. Claus Do? is a cheery, rhyming children's picturebook speculating on the many
professional and leisure occupations of Mrs. Claus. "Perhaps Mrs. Claus runs and advises / the
whole operation of Claus Enterprises. / She meets with the elves and she gives / her projections
for upcoming toys / and new safety inspections." The humorous illustrations of the many,
increasingly wacky careers and activities bring to life this happy, imaginative, can-do storybook
sure to delight young readers all year round.
The Little Toy Shop
Frances Wolfe
Tundra Books
Box 1030, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
9780887768651, $19.95 www.tundrabooks.com
Mr. Kringle spends his days helping every customer find just the right toy, and when a box
arrives with a small bunny inside, he decides to find him a fine home in time for Christmas. A
little girl seems a likely choice - but when she vanishes, Mr. Kringle must decide how to locate
her or get Bunny a home in time in this moving story of Santa's dilemma.
Knopf/Random House
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids 1-800-726-0600
The lovely poem picturebook AMAZING PEACE (9780375841507, $17.99) combines a
Christmas poem by Maya Angelou and a CD of Angelou reading the poem with a story by Steve
Johnson and Lou Fancher. Her poem was first read at the 2005 White House tree-lighting
ceremony and now is featured as a gorgeous children's book as it tells of a family who join with
their multicultural community to celebrate the holidays. A fine, gentle story of holiday goodwill
emerges in a pick especially recommended for family sharing. Stephanie Spinner's THE
NUTCRACKER (9780375844245, $16.99) comes with a fully orchestrated cd and lovely
drawings by Peter Malone as it tells the Nutcracker story in easy language younger picturebook
readers can enjoy. Emily Jenkins' TOY DANCE PARTY (9780375839351, $16.99) tells of a
stuffed buffalo, a stuffed stingray and a bouncy rubber ball who are best friends belonging to the
Girl - who has begun to grow up, leaving the toys alone. A zany series of toy adventures will
delight elementary-grade readers and adults interested in unusual read-alouds for kids. All are top
picks.
The Biography Shelf
The Road to Oz
Kathleen Krull
Alfred A. Knopf
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
9780375832161, $17.99 www.randomhouse.com/kids
Dorothy's creator Frank Baum is revealed in a picturebook biography of his life and times and
tells of a daydreamer who had many failed vocations before at age forty-four he did what he
loved best: storytelling. In 1900 his WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ was published to acclaim
and became a big success around the world. Baum's life history and inspirations for Oz makes for
a wonderful read.
Portraits of Jewish-American Heroes
Malka Drucker
Dutton
c/o Penguin Publishing Group
345 Hudson Street, New York NY 10014
9780525477716, $22.99 www.penguin.com/youngreaders
Kids in grades 4-6 will relish this different survey of Jewish history and biographical sketches of
key figures, PORTRAITS OF JEWISH-AMERICAN HEROES. Rabbi Malka Drucker provides
compelling stories of over twenty individuals who have had lasting impact on Jewish culture and
the lives of all Americans. From Levi Strauss and Golda Meir to Albert Einstein and Harry
Houdini, kids with good reading skills will appreciate the detailed coverages.
WHAAM! The Art & Life of Roy Lichtenstein
Susan Goldman Rubin
Harry Abrams
115 West 18th Street, New York NY 10011
9780810994928, $18.95 www.abramsyoungreaders.com
Ray Lichtenstein brought a new era and look to comics, changing them from a limited audience
and bringing them into a mainstream world where panels juxtaposed print, advertising and more,
and even came to be considered their own art form. WHAAM! The Art & Life of Roy Lichtenstein surveys the life and contributions
of Roy Lichtenstein, with full-page panels of his comics and ads complimenting a 46-page
biography kids - and parents too - will find absorbing. Any collection strong in comic history, for
all ages, needs this.
The American History Shelf
March On!
Christine King Farris
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
0545035376, $17.99 www.scholastic.com
From the sister of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. comes an account of how her brother wrote the
landmark 'I Have a Dream' speech that was to change civil rights history - and that became the
cornerstone of a march which was the first to be televised around the world. MARCH ON! THE
DAY MY BROTHER MARTIN CHANGED THE WORLD offers fine paintings by London
Ladd to accompany a poignant story of change and civil rights history.
The World History Shelf
Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591
www.marshallcavendish.us
Kids in high school and older will appreciate the 6-volume reference RENAISSANCE AND
REFORMATION (0761476504, $469.95), an extensive in-depth reference covering rulers, wars
and battles, politics, philosophy and culture of the Renaissance era. Gorgeous color photos and
reproductions of paintings accompany color sidebars of detail, with a bibliography for further
reading completing each chapter section. Kids at the advanced middle school grade levels will
also consider it a winning set, perfect for reference papers.
The Christian Studies Shelf
Take It to the Queen
Josephine Nobisso, author
Katalin Szegedi, illustrator
Gingerbread House
602 Montauk Highway, Westhampton Beach, New York, 11978
9780940112193, $17.95 www.gingerbreadbooks.com
Inspired by the works of the Italian mystic Luisa Piccarretta, Take It to the Queen: A Tale of
Hope is author Josephine Nobisso's Christian allegorical fairy tale, which pays tribute to the role
of The Blessed Virgin Mary in salvation through the story of a kingdom that parallels the three
eras of history - Creation, Redemption, and Sanctification. The kingdom is ruled by a wise and
just king that blesses his people, yet as time passes the people grow greedy and selfish, too
obsessed with stealing from one another to do the necessary work to keep their aqueducts
running clear and their fields laden with food. When the king's heir, the promised Prince of Peace
comes among them, he too is robbed and treated cruelly. Yet when the people reach their lowest
point, and are on the verge of starvation, they offer the Prince, the Queen, and the King their only
remaining fruit. Even as the king turns a decaying piece of fruit into a worthy item for a banquet,
the prince can help guide the people back to their old ways of love, respect, and work, the better
to create prosperity for all. The painted-on-canvas illustrations add the perfect touch to this
profound children's story.
Books in Series
Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591
www.marshallcavendish.us
Marshall Cavendish's book sets are excellent library additions, offering lasting research value and
proving perfect for reports. The 'Presidents and Their Times' ($23.95 each) series expands with
Billy Aronson's ABRAHAM LINCOLN (97807614128398), Dan Elish's FRANKLIN DELANO
ROOSEVELT (9780761428411), Wil Mara's JOHN ADAMS (9780761428404), Susan Dudley
Gold's LYNDON B. JOHNSON (9780761428374), Corinne J. Naden and Rose Blue's JAMES
MONROE (9780761428381), Steven Otfinoski's CALVIN COOLIDGE (9781761428367) each
provide 96 pages of history and biography perfect for reports. The 'Nature's Wonders' series
($24.95 each) will appeal to grades 4-6 with a little under a hundred pages of natural history and
geography to each title in the series. Sara Louise Kras' THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
(9780761428565), Patricia Kummer's THE GREAT BARRIER REEF (9780761428527) and
THE GREAT LAKES (9780761428534), Ann Heinrichs' THE NILE (9780761428541) and her
THE SAHARA (9780761428558) all pack in colorful contemporary photos, a glossary, and
plenty of facts lending to both reports and leisure reading. The 'Hispanic America' series ($23.95
each) offers up a little under 80 pages each of Hispanic America history. Roger E. Hernandez's
THE CIVIL WAR: 1840-1890S (9780761429395), EARLY EXPLORATIONS
(9780761429371), NEW SPAIN 1600-1760S (9780761429364), Steven Otfinoski's THE NEW
REPUBLIC 1760S-1840S (9780761429388) and Richard Worth's THE TEXAS WAR OF
INDEPENDENCE: the 1800s (9780761429340) all provide invaluable Hispanic American
history for students in grades 3-5. The 'Religions Around the World' series by Katy
Gerner($19.95 each) holds 32 pages of detail for grades 2-4, with each book discussing a
different world religion. Not only are the religious concepts surveyed, but how the religion
affects dress, culture, and values systems. BUDDHISM (9780761431640), CATHOLICISM
(9780761431657), ISLAM (9780761431671), HINDUISM (9780761431664), JUDAISM
(9780761431701) and PROTESTANTISM (9780761431732) each discuss the belief structure
and how it affects daily living. The 'Peoples of Western Asia' set (0761476776, $514.21/set) is an
outstanding acquisition for any elementary level reference collection strong in Asian history and
cultures. 11 volumes comprise the set, with each A-Z set offering some 46 pages of facts,
colorful eye-catching photos, maps, color sidebars of information, and extensive internet and
print bibliography.
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
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