Preschool to Grade 4 Reviews: October, 2005 cont...
-- School Library Journal, 10/1/2005
Fiction Cont.
HAYWARD, Linda. I Am a Book. illus. by Carol Nicklaus. 32p. (Silly Millies Series). CIP. Millbrook. 2005. PLB $18.60. ISBN 0-7613-2905-6; pap. $4.99. ISBN 0-7613-1826-7. LC 2002014846.
K-Gr 2–It's hard for a librarian not to like a book about books, but this title makes it easy. The tone is insipid, the pastel pictures are amateurish, and the text is boring. "The dryer dries my ink. See how cute I am! A trip through the printing press changes you forever." Janet Stevens's From Pictures to Words: A Book about Making a Book (Holiday House, 1995), Eileen Christelow's What Do Authors Do? (1995) and What Do Illustrators Do? (1999, both Clarion), and Loreen Leedy's Look at My Book: How Kids Can Write and Illustrate Terrific Books (Holiday House, 2005) will be much more interesting to young children even though they may not be able to read them on their own.–Erlene Bishop Killeen, Fox Prairie Elementary School, Stoughton, WI
HESSE, Karen. The Young Hans Christian Andersen. illus. by Erik Blegvad. 48p. bibliog. CIP. Scholastic. Oct. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-439-67990-7. LC 2004029100.
Gr 2-4–Hesse uses evocative images and metaphors that parallel Andersen's own writing style to convey some of the formative childhood experiences that appear so poignantly in his fairy tales. Hans Christian was the ugly duckling, and his father was a steadfast soldier in Napoleon's army. When the boy's friendly overtures to a girl in his school were rejected, his grandmother "knew how to melt the frost in his young heart." Andersen's youthful "soaring soprano" voice undoubtedly contributed to his story about the nightingale. Children who read this fairy-talelike biography, thankfully without invented dialogue, will gain compassion for the author and hopefully a sense of the similarities between his life and his work. Blegvad's bucolic illustrations of ponds, swans, and cottages are done in soft, warm, and sunny colors, and offer lovely images of Denmark in the early 1800s. Primary-grade children will enjoy reading this biography; for older readers who need more comprehensive information suggest Beth Wagner Brust's excellent The Amazing Paper Cuttings of Hans Christian Andersen (Houghton, 1994), which is not only rich in detail, but also indexed and well documented.–Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma Library, CA
HICKMAN, Pamela. Animals Hibernating: How Animals Survive Extreme Conditions. illus. by Pat Stephens. 40p. glossary. index. CIP. Kids Can. 2005. Tr $12.95. ISBN 1-55337-662-5; pap. $5.95. ISBN 1-55337-663-3. LC C2005-901176-9.
Gr 3-5–The subtitle notwithstanding, Hickman focuses on hibernation, covering true hibernators, deep sleepers, and estivators. She explains why animals use this adaptation, how different species prepare for hibernating and its dangers, and how they awaken in the spring. Sidebars with the heading "If you were a…" and lists of bulleted facts lend variety to the text. Simple experiments that reinforce the information are included. Readers will enjoy the ease of the read and the peaceful, earth-tone watercolor illustrations with the animals labeled. A pleasant addition for animal lovers.–Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX
HOPKINS, Lee Bennett, sel. Halloween Howls: Holiday Poetry. illus. by Stacey Schuett. 32p. (An I Can Read Bk.). index. CIP. HarperCollins. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-008060-4; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-008061-2. LC 2004022513.
K-Gr 3–A collection of 12 previously published poems. Virginia Kroll's "Something's Coming," Craig Crist-Evans's "My Pumpkin," and Rebecca Kai Dotlich's "Costume Hour" set the stage. Michele Krueger highlights the glee of "Trick-or-Treating," also expressed in other selections, and the evening winds down with Jane Yolen's "On Halloween" and Hopkins's "12:01 a.m." The simple yet evocative language will delight beginning readers. For example, in "Sweet Tooth," Candace Pearson uses clever wordplay to describe candy corn: "A handful/of loose teeth rattle/in my pocket,/triangles of orange/and yellow/bitten off just so.…" Each poem is presented on a distinctive spread painted in dusky tones. Schuett's illustrations show a friendly suburban neighborhood, feature a mix of multicultural characters, and reflect all of the fun of this special night. For a double treat, pair this offering with Amy Sklansky's Skeleton Bones and Goblin Groans (Holt, 2004).–Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI
THE HUMAN ALPHABET: PILOBOLUS. photos. by John Kane. unpaged. CIP. Roaring Brook. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-59643-066-4. LC 2004065052.
K-Gr 4–Alphabet books are a dime a dozen, but it's fair to say that this offering by dance company Pilobolus is one of the most striking ones around. As photographed by Kane, the flexible dancers bring posing to a new level. They present the 26 letters and 26 corresponding images, par usual. However, their amazing ability to contort (with the help of some trick photography) induces a startling head rush of impressions. Some of the photos, such as L for Ladder, M for Mirror, and Z for Zipper, are quite clever. Others, frankly, are creepy–an overwhelming mess of bodies. Translating the fluid choreography of what is an obviously athletic dance troupe into still photography doesn't always work. Children may well have to consult the key to identify a good number of the images. All that said, The Human Alphabet is an extraordinarily inventive interpretation of what is becoming an overworked genre. Children, with their wonderfully open minds, will accept it for what it is–an alphabet book with bendy people. A must-have only if your alphabet collection needs beefing up, or if yoga is highly popular in your community.–Kara Schaff Dean, Needham Public Library, MA
LYNCH, Emma. Helen Keller. 32p. (Lives and Times Series). photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Heinemann Library. 2005. PLB $24.21. ISBN 1-4034-6350-6. LC 2004018007.
Gr 2-4–This book offers basic information in mostly short and choppy sentences; some reiterate rather than impart new information. One sentence, "She would never learn to talk" is actually incorrect since Keller did learn to speak, just not very clearly. Photographs of people and documents lend a level of authenticity and interest to the text. Organized in two-page chapters, with large font and bold headings and only one brief paragraph of information per page, the book will be useful for beginning report writers. A four-item fact file that repeats the incorrect statement about Keller's speech, a time line, a useful glossary, a list of three books for further reading, and the address for the church where Keller is buried are appended. A brief index is provided, but most readers will be frustrated if they go to every page where the word "deaf" appears. While this biography is serviceable, David Adler's A Picture Book of Helen Keller (1990) or his Helen Keller (2003, both Holiday House) conveys the facts in a more interesting style.–Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma Library, CA
MCCLINTOCK, Barbara, retel. Cinderella. illus. by retel. unpaged. CIP. Scholastic. Oct. 2005. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-439-56145-0. LC 2003024883.
K-Gr 4–McClintock's faithful adaptation combines readable text and enchanting pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations filled with minute details of architecture and dress from the era of Louis XIV. The artist's aesthetic sense is evident in the layout of text and illustrations, for she has carefully placed pages of vignettes–some of them quite humorous–as "breathers" between the larger, more detailed spreads. The smoothly flowing story, lightened by snippets of conversation, has been divided so that each page has more white space and artwork than print. This fresh, appealing version of the perennial favorite belongs in every collection.–Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
MCNULTY, Faith. If You Decide to Go to the Moon. illus. by Steven Kellogg. unpaged. CIP. Scholastic. Oct. 2005. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-590-48359-5. LC 2004027755.
K-Gr 3–In this lavish picture book, readers accompany a boy on a fascinating excursion to the moon. The lyrical text provides tips on what to pack and describes the distance to be covered. After blastoff, facts about space travel are mingled with descriptions of what the journey might be like: the loneliness, the lack of gravity, and how you might pass the time. After landing, the text warns: "Your first step will be difficult. You will rise in the air and leap forward like a kangaroo, but once you learn how, walking will be fun." It also suggests that the moon's lack of sound and color may make it seem like a dream. After viewing the flag left behind by astronauts, it's time to depart. As Earth looms closer, a four-page foldout in a glorious burst of color marks our planet's contrast to the moon's black-and-white shades. These pages depict a variety of wonders: all sorts of animals and landscapes as well as people from different historical periods and locales. The narrative notes, "Air and water are Earth's special blessings. We must guard them well." The final pages show the boy returning home. Rich artwork complements the strong text. Kellogg's generous splashes of bright hues in the Earth and shipboard scenes juxtaposed with the somber moonscapes set the appropriate moods. Houston, we have a winner!–DeAnn Tabuchi, San Anselmo Public Library, CA
MARIE, Christian. Little Giraffes. tr. from French by Pat Lantier. ISBN 0-8368-4436-X. LC 2004059716.
MONTARDRE, Hélène. Little Wolves. tr. from French by Muriel Castille. ISBN 0-8368-4440-8. LC 2004058179.
ROYER, Anne. Little Marmots. tr. from French by Muriel Castille. ISBN 0-8368-4439-4. LC 2004058188.
ea vol: 24p. (Born to Be Wild Series). photos. glossary. CIP. Gareth Stevens. 2005. PLB $22.
Gr 1-3–Through brief text and full-color photos, each book shows how the featured creature grows and adjusts to the wild world. A question is posed on every other page with a multiple-choice answer to get readers thinking and to draw them into the book (the answer is at the top of the next spread). Each title concludes with a full-spread profile of the animal that repeats many of the key facts about it. Additional titles where more books about young animals are needed.–Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA
MATTERN, Joanne. Andy Warhol. ISBN 1-59197-850-5. LC 2004052812.
––––. Jackson Pollock. ISBN 1-59197-847-5. LC 2004052809.
––––. Jacob Lawrence. ISBN 1-59197-844-0. LC 2004052806.
ea vol: 32p. (Great Artists Series). photos. reprods. chron. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. ABDO/Checkerboard Library. 2005. PLB $15.95.
Gr 2-4–These texts cover the lives of three 20th-century greats in a choppy and uninteresting manner. In addition, the poor quality of the reproductions and photographs is unacceptable in books intended to illustrate the work of artists. In Warhol, one illustration is not labeled and in Pollock, a photograph of an unidentified site is referenced as "farms and ranches in California and Arizona" where Pollock and his brothers "helped their father." Lawrence begins, "Jacob Lawrence was one of the first African-American artists to become popular with both white and black audiences." Later in the text the author notes, "Both black and white critics liked his work." It seems odd that the author would make these points only about the black artist. Libraries will want to reserve funds for books that present exciting and respectful approaches to artists such as Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan's Action Jackson (Millbrook, 2002) and John Duggleby's Story Painter: The Life of Jacob Lawrence (Chronicle, 1998). James Warhola's delightful picture book Uncle Andy's (Putnam, 2003) can be used to introduce that artist to children.–Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA
MERTTENS, Ruth. Numbers. ISBN 1-4034-6461-8. LC 2004016145.
––––. Sizes. ISBN 1-4034-6463-4. LC 2004016144.
PEAT, Ann. Shapes. ISBN 1-4034-6462-6. LC 2004016143.
––––. Time. ISBN 1-4034-6464-2. LC 2004016141.
ea vol: 24p. (My World Series). photos. glossary. index. CIP. Heinemann Library. 2005. PLB $20.64.
K-Gr 2–There are several positive features in these titles intended to provide children with a rudimentary understanding of mathematical concepts. Chapter headings in boldface are posed as questions; the responses in oversized font are brief. Much information is conveyed through large, sharply focused photographs centered on the page. Unfortunately, there is some oversimplification. Numbers states that "the number of a house is part of its address" without discussing or showing the other part. Some children will find this omission confusing. Sizes–employing nonstandard units of measurement–compares the height of an upright girl to a dog lying down. A boy's length is related to that of a whale, yet the boy is shown standing. In defining a square and rectangle, the text in Shapes notes each has "right angle corners" without explaining what they are. Time is a stronger entry, as far as clarity and logical presentation. Philip Carona's Numbers (Children's Press, 1982; o.p.) is a more comprehensive treatment of the topic. For measurement, Loreen Leedy's Measuring Penny (Holt, 1998) remains the yardstick.–Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT
MOORE-MALLINOS, Jennifer. Do You Have a Secret? ISBN 0-7641-3170-2. LC 2004112882.
––––. When My Parents Forgot How to Be Friends. ISBN 0-7641-3172-9. LC 2004112881.
ea vol: illus. by Marta Fàbrega. 31p. (Let's Talk About It! Series). Barron's. 2005. pap. $6.95.
PreS-Gr 3–Two excellent offerings that address important topics. In the first title, readers are eased into the subject by learning about fun secrets, such as a surprise party or a secret handshake. Then the text explains that bad secrets "are things that don't make you feel happy on the inside," like when someone hurts you, steals lunch money, or touches you "in a way that made you feel uncomfortable and all yucky inside." Youngsters are instructed to seek help from a trusted adult when they have a bad secret. In the second book, a girl describes her feelings about her family problems: "I knew my parents were forgetting to be friends because they often looked so sad. They didn't talk to one another very much, and we even stopped having family night." She hears them arguing and wonders if it is her fault. When her father moves into his own place, things slowly begin to improve. Both texts present information in a child-friendly manner, and the cartoon illustrations capture the characters' emotions. The author has a good understanding of children and how they view their world, and provides additional notes to parents.–Melinda Piehler, Sawgrass Elementary School, Sunrise, FL
MORLEY, Jacqueline. Inside the Tomb of Tutankhamun. illus. by John James. 48p. diags. maps. photos. reprods. chron. glossary. index. Enchanted Lion. 2005. PLB $19.95. ISBN 1-59270-042-X. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-7–A fascinating introduction to Egypt at the time of King Tutankhamun's rule. Each spread provides informative and useful details of the culture and society. Beginning with life along the Nile River, the chapters that follow explain the roles of the pharaoh, priests, taxmen, attendants, etc.; how Tutankhamun came to power; and how pharaohs were mummified and buried amidst wealth for the afterlife. Other chapters discuss the life of Howard Carter and how his persistence led him to the hidden and relatively untouched tomb in 1922. The captivating descriptions, drawings, and photos provide a close look into the past that will surely pique the interest of children whether using the text for reports or for pleasure reading. A time line of events surrounding the story of the tomb, a history of ancient Egypt, and a useful index are appended.–Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE
MURRAY, Julie. Erie Canal. map. reprods. ISBN 1-59197-504-2. LC 2004046274.
––––. Grand Canyon. ISBN 1-59197-505-0. LC 2003052258.
––––. Hoover Dam. reprods. ISBN 1-59197-506-9. LC 2003050308.
ea vol: 24p. (All Aboard America Series). photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. ABDO/Buddy Bks. 2005. PLB $14.95.
Gr 2-3–These titles disburse the facts in short, sometimes choppy, sentences. The type is huge and is set amid plenty of white space. Each book has large, often full-page illustrations and reproductions. Some pictures are grainy and some are obviously computer-enhanced. But, generally, they balance the words nicely. Each book has a "Detour" page that offers sideline information. For example, in Grand Canyon, animals making their homes in the canyon are mentioned. Only Erie Canal has a map, which is unfortunate. Overall, these titles can be useful for introducing students to these American wonders.–Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI
OSBORNE, Will & Mary Pope Osborne. Sleeping Bobby. illus. by Giselle Potter. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Atheneum/An Anne Schwartz Bk. Oct. 2005. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-689-87668-8. LC 2004006346.
K-Gr 3–In the vein of Kate and the Beanstalk (2000) and The Brave Little Seamstress (2002, both S & S), the Osbornes' fairly faithful adaptation of the Grimm Brothers version of "Sleeping Beauty" is written in a breezy, readable style, and most details of the original story have been included. However, in place of the heroic prince who awakens the beautiful sleeping princess, a "kind, clever, modest, and very lovely princess" awakens sleeping Prince Bob. Potter's folk-style characters are dressed in Elizabethan garb with details such as puffed sleeves, high lace collars, and ruffs. The use of brown tones on blue backgrounds to indicate the sleeping household provides an interesting contrast. The dry wit of the text may be beyond the grasp of the youngest listeners, but everyone can appreciate the simplicity of the story and the humor in the detailed, mixed-media illustrations. As a read-aloud, this tale is sure to be a hit.–Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
PENNER, Fred. The Cat Came Back. illus. by Renée Reichert. unpaged. CIP. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-59643-030-3. LC 2004019980.
PreS-Gr 2–A very large orange cat with mischievous green eyes and a frustrated, bespectacled farmer decked out in overalls are at odds in this rollicking picture-book version of Penner's song. It's the art that's the real star here as it follows the man's efforts to rid himself of the persistent animal. His attempts begin modestly with building the cat his very own house, and get more and more outlandish, from dropping him into the sea to shooting him off into space, none of which work, of course: "…the cat came back the very next day….He just couldn't stay away." Full-bleed spreads capture the antics of the annoyed farmer and determined feline as well as the animal onlookers. The book has all of the elements of a funny children's song/story, with extreme measures matched up with hilarious results. It's loads of fun.–Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY
QUATTLEBAUM, Mary. Winter Friends. illus. by Hiroe Nakata. unpaged. CIP. Doubleday. Oct. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-385-74626-1; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-385-90868-7. LC 2004030937.
PreS-Gr 1–In 16 brief poems, a girl perfectly describes a day spent making snow angels, watching–and listening to–icicles drip, finding a lost mitten, and making a new friend. From the first sight of new snow at dawn to the wind "whispering a thousand tiny promises" at night, the joy of discovery permeates the book. Each poem is different stylistically, which helps keep the text fluent. Even better, the child's voice is clear and believable. Nakata's inspired illustrations perfectly complement the effortless verse. Full of colorful coats and hats, evergreens and cardinals, they are a happy reminder that winter is not always gray and glum. A great addition to any picture-book collection, as well as a charming introduction to poetry.–Kara Schaff Dean, Needham Public Library, MA
REICH, Susanna. José! Born to Dance: The Story of José Limón. illus. by Raúl Colón. unpaged. bibliog. glossary. Web sites. CIP. S & S/A Paula Wiseman Bk. 2005. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-689-86576-7. LC 2004004776.
Gr 2-4–This story of a young Mexican boy with dreams works better as a picture book than a true biography. Brief anecdotes, presented like a slide show, take readers from Limón's birth through a happy childhood, the Mexican civil war, immigration and adaptation to the United States, and his struggle to become a painter, and then a dancer, in New York City. Colón's watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations on textured paper give a sense of movement and life. Colors are muted, backgrounds are somewhat impressionistic, and there is more energy in the art than in the very simple text. Short sentences, Spanish words scattered about (defined both in context and in a brief glossary on the copyright page), and some rhythm and sound effects make this a good read-aloud, though the lack of emotion at such pivotal moments as the outbreak of war, a mother's death, and Limón's leaving his elderly father for New York, is a weakness. The book gives little sense of the importance of Limón's life as a dancer and choreographer, and his transition from struggling painter to successful dancer is oddly abrupt. A historical note addresses his adult life and impact on dance history. Use this as a story or to pique the interest of children in this artist, but not as a biography.–Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FL
ROSS, Kathy. All-Girl Crafts. illus. by Elaine Garvin. 48p. CIP. Millbrook. 2005. PLB $25.26. ISBN 0-7613-2776-2; pap. $7.95. ISBN 0-7613-2391-0. LC 2003011886.
Gr 3-6–A collection of 22 unique crafts. Each activity opens with a "Here is what you need" section, followed by "Here is what you do" directions. Girls can make a pillow-doll pajama bag, fancy envelopes, flower fairies, doll furniture, a seashell baby, a bangle-bracelet picture frame, a change purse, and more. Steps are easy to follow and materials are store-bought, recyclables, and some general supplies (glue, scissors, etc.). As with Ross's other craft titles, this book is sure to please children and the adults who assist them. A welcome addition to be used along with existing titles such as Francesca Rusackas's 60 Super Simple Friendship Crafts (Lowell, 1999) and the Better Homes and Gardens Scrapbooking for Girls Only (Meredith, 2004).–Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY
ROWDEN, Justine. Paint Me a Poem: Poems Inspired by Masterpieces of Art. unpaged. reprods. CIP. Boyds Mills/Wordsong. Oct. 2005. RTE $16.95. ISBN 1-59078-289-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-4–Rowder responded to 14 paintings that she saw at the National Gallery of Art by writing a poem about each one. Jan Greenberg's Heart to Heart (Abrams, 2001) similarly asked modern poets to write in response to modern paintings. That book works brilliantly while this one falls flat. The selections here don't really seem to reflect the tone and mood of the art that inspired them. For example, an enigmatic da Vinci portrait, Ginevra de' Benci, elicits nothing more than comments about her hairstyle: "Twirling/Curls twirling/Like water/Whirling,/Swirling;/Chasing/Racing/Curlicues." Alfred Sisley's Meadow is reduced to "The sky is full/Of fuzzy white polka dots…." The reproductions of the paintings are good and the book concludes with notes about the artists, but both the art and artists deserve much more.–Kathleen Whalin, York Public Library, ME
RYAN, Pam Muñoz. Nacho and Lolita. illus. by Claudia Rueda. unpaged. CIP. Scholastic. Oct. 2005. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-439-26968-7. LC 2004000793.
Gr 1-4–Like Leo Politi's Song of the Swallows (S & S, 1981), this picture book celebrates the fascinating migratory patterns of the birds that call Mission San Juan Capistrano home for the spring and summer. Each year on the March feast day of St. Joseph, the swallows return to the Mission. This tale is told from the perspective of another avian wonder, a once-colorful pitacoche. How it becomes a plainer-looking creature is at the heart of this pourquoi tale. Nacho, an extravagantly colored bird who lands at the Mission, is unimpressed with the arid landscape, but nonetheless does his best to entertain the native peoples and friars with his haunting melodies and bright appearance. Human acclaim, however, does not compare with the company of other birds, and so he eagerly anticipates the rumored return of the swallows. Nacho bonds with them and in particular with a sweet little female named Lolita. Much as he would like to accompany the swallows when the flock departs, it proves impossible for the big, ungainly bird. Initially distraught, he channels his energy into creating a surprise for them upon their return, and as a by-product leaves a lasting legacy of color and beauty for the Mission. This plot progression is reflected visually as the fairly subdued, dry landscapes morph into vivid abundance of flowers and fruit trees by the story's conclusion. An author's note that details the sources for this Mexican folktale-inspired book should enhance readers' enjoyment of the playfully illustrated ode.–Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA
SCHUR, Maxine Rose, retel. The Story of Ruth. illus. by Gwen Connelly. unpaged. CIP. Lerner/Kar-Ben. 2005. PLB $16.95. ISBN 1-58013-114-X; pap. $6.95. ISBN 1-58013-130-1. LC 2004014265.
Gr 2-4–This retelling of the complicated Bible story begins with Elimelech and Naomi's journey to Moab due to the famine in Judah and continues with the marriage of Kilion and Mahlon to Moabite women. After the death of her husband and both of her sons, Naomi returns to her homeland. Her daughter-in-law Ruth decides to join her: "For wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people shall be my people, and your god, my God." Ruth's courtship with Boaz is included along with the account of the birth of their son Obed, grandfather of David, the first king of Israel. The color illustrations are flat and unappealing and the text is dense, weighted down by all of the minor details. The author's note explaining the connection between the Book of Ruth and the Jewish holiday of Shavuot is interesting and informative. However, Jean Marzollo's Ruth and Naomi (Little, Brown, 2005) is a more attractive and child-friendly version of the story.–Rachel Kamin, Temple Israel Libraries & Media Center, West Bloomfield, MI
SCHWARTZ, David M. If Dogs Were Dinosaurs. illus. by James Warhola. unpaged. CIP. Scholastic. Oct. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-439-67612-6. LC 2004019958.
Gr 2-5–Schwartz, whose How Much Is a Million? (HarperCollins, 1985) explained REALLY big numbers to young readers, now tackles proportion and relative size. The concept is complicated and the book doesn't succeed in simplifying it, even with an appendix that explains the logic behind each example. The problems seem randomly selected and the explanations, while kid-friendly, are far from concrete: "If Ralphie were as tall as a redwood…his big sister could land a hook shot on top of the Washington Monument" or "If a chocolate bar covered the mall…each almond would be the size of a blimp." Warhola's pen-and-watercolor drawings humorously interpret each statement, but the book is only moderately effective. Children interested in the sizes of things are better served by the wonderful collages in Steve Jenkins's Actual Size (Houghton, 2004).–Kathleen Whalin, York Public Library, ME
SEEGER, Pete & Paul DuBois Jacobs. Some Friends to Feed: The Story of Stone Soup. illus. by Michael Hays. unpaged. with CD. score. CIP. Putnam. 2005. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-399-24017-9. LC 2004020474.
PreS-Gr 2–While versions of the story abound, most notably Marcia Brown's 1947 Caldecott winner (S & S), this lovely picture book is a truly worthy addition to most collections. The familiar plot plays out with only one soldier this time and it is the children of the town who are willing to help him. As the youngsters become more involved in the making of the soup, the soldier transforms page by page from a spear-carrying warrior to a man who looks very much like everyone else in town. The addition of a song will make interactive reading a pleasure as everyone can join in the catchy refrain, "Stone Soup is what you need/When you have some friends to feed" each time a character adds a little something to the pot. Hays's acrylic illustrations create a village that appears quite worn down, and the details are particularly effective. The artist's palette of muted greens and blues gradually takes on more color and life as the story–and soup–progresses. A note from the authors explains that this version of the story is set in 17th-century Germany.–Laura Eckley, Bronxville Public Library, NY
SHEA, Pegi Deitz. Liberty Rising: The Story of the Statue of Liberty. illus. by Wade Zahares. unpaged. chron. further reading. CIP. Holt. 2005. RTE $17.95. ISBN 0-8050-7220-9. LC 2004024279.
Gr 1-4–Using the concept of building a house or an office building, Shea introduces the size and scale of creating such a large object. Readers meet Edouard de Laboulaye, the law professor who first had the idea of building a monument representing freedom that would be a gift to the people of the United States from the people of France. His early planning with Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi is highlighted. Each step in the process, from small model (four feet high) to full size is told in simple text. The dismantling of the statue, the 214 train cars that transported it to Rouen for the trip across the Atlantic, and its arrival in New York Harbor in 1885 are mentioned. Finally, the unveiling of the statue on October 28, 1886, is highlighted. The book is easy to read, with three-quarter spreads of illustration and single columns of text. The stylized graphic art is fairly realistic with bold colors and unusual angles to create a sense of excitement. They often have a collage effect. They are a trifle busy and sometimes a sense of the scale of the statue gets lost. Two pages of interesting facts appear at the end of the book. This title is more accessible to young readers but much less interesting and captivating than Lynn Curlee's Liberty (S & S, 2000) and Betsy Maestro's The Story of the Statue of Liberty (HarperCollins, 1989).–Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City
SIERRA, Judy, sel. Schoolyard Rhymes: Kids' Own Rhymes for Rope Skipping, Hand Clapping, Ball Bouncing, and Just Plain Fun. illus. by Melissa Sweet. 31p. index. CIP. Knopf. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-375-82516-9; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-375-92516-3. LC 2004004273.
K-Gr 5–Sierra has selected some of the funniest and most memorable schoolyard rhymes available in this appealing collection, including such old favorites as "Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack," "Lady with the Alligator Purse," and "Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire." Kids will also howl over other offerings that may be new to this generation: "Ladies and jellybeans, hoboes and tramps,/Cross-eyed mosquitoes and bow-legged ants" and "Tarzan, Tarzan, through the air,/Tarzan lost his underwear." The rhythms and nonsense rhymes are irresistible, compelling memorization and participation in the fun. Tried-and- true wordplays will tickle young readers, such as the one that begins "Splickety-splat,/I saw a dead rat,/and I 1 it./Say you 2 it" and eventually leads to the delightfully disgusting conclusion, "I 8 it." Sweet's animated watercolor-and-collage illustrations fill the pages with expressive faces, thin lines of verse shaped into jump ropes and borders, and hilarious interpretive scenes from the rhymes. This is a definite winner, as it will be enormously popular with children.–Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI
WARD, Jennifer. Forest Bright, Forest Night. illus. by Jamichael Henterly. unpaged. CIP. Dawn. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-58469-066-6; pap. $8.95. ISBN 1-58469-067-4. LC 2004019024.
K-Gr 3–Using a rhythmic text and a turn-it-over format, this offering explores the concept that some forest animals are diurnal while others are nocturnal. The details of the lush, almost surreal, illustrations realistically convey the creatures' appearances and activities. The imaginative interpretation of the landscape and its inhabitants offers youngsters an unusual perspective of forest life. During daylight hours, they can observe deer splashing through a stream while an owl dozes in a nearby tree, snakes staring at sleeping foxes, and blue jays squawking as skunks snooze in a hollow log. After turning the book over to the "forest night," readers see the deer bedded down while the owl searches for food, the foxes on the prowl as the snakes rest in a tangled bunch, and the skunks scurrying about while a jay sleeps with its head tucked beneath its wing. The strong artwork will hold children's interest as they search for all of the hidden animals. A fun introduction to nature.–Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA
WEBER, Belinda. The Best Book of Ancient Greece. illus. by Chris Molan. 32p. maps. glossary. index. Kingfisher. 2005. Tr $12.95. ISBN 0-7534-5871-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–Fourteen mostly double-page chapters cover topics ranging from the Minoans and Mycenaeans to city-states, from Greek myths to archaeology. The material is organized in a loose chronological order, ending with a very short chapter on Greece today. The story of Troy is summed up handily, with a large full-page depiction of the Greek army emerging from the Trojan horse. Short sentences and large type together with interesting facts make this a quick, enjoyable read, and the full-color artwork is a powerful draw. The images are abundant and eye-catching, particularly the huge statue of Athena inside the Parthenon will be awe-inspiring. And, "Eureka!" readers can see Archimedes, splashing in the tub, doing his bath math. While there isn't enough detail on any one subject for substantive reports, teachers looking for a way to hook students on ancient Greece will find that this title does the trick. Perfect supplementary classroom material.–Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI
WINGARD-NELSON, Rebecca. Addition Made Easy. ISBN 0-7660-2508-X. LC 2004021657.
––––. Subtraction Made Easy. ISBN 0-7660-2509-8. LC 2004021658.
ea vol: illus. by Tom LaBaff. 48p. (Making Math Easy Series). chart. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow Elementary. 2005. PLB $23.93.
Gr 1-4–The basics of addition and subtraction are presented in two-page explanations and demonstrations. Each book contains a detailed table of contents, a one-page index, and a table of subtraction and addition terms. Problems and examples are explained and profusely illustrated with pen-and-ink drawings. Unfortunately, there are no practice problems. These books would serve as quick references or beginning guides for teaching math, but it's unlikely that children will pick them up. They might be a reasonable purchase for libraries that have a home-school population.–Erlene Bishop Killeen, Fox Prairie Elementary School, Stoughton, WI
ZIEFERT, Harriet. Knick-Knack Paddywhack. illus. by Emily Bolam. unpaged. Sterling. 2005. BD $5.95. ISBN 1-4027-2292-3. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–Drumsticks in hand, an old man makes quite a racket "knick-knacking" away while a boy looks on and, finally, joins in. A dachshund is the happy recipient of all those bones. The numbers are spelled out and shown as numerals as each verse comes around. In addition, each number appears in the accompanying illustrations, whether on a door or a baseball cap. A pleasant blue background throughout makes all the colors pop off the pages. Each spread has the verses on one side and a bordered illustration on the other. A board-book hit for storyhours and for those looking to introduce numbers and rhymes.–Bina Williams, Bridgeport Public Library, CT
Bilingual Books
English And Spanish
ABEYÁ, Elisabet, adapt. Hansel and Gretel/Hansel y Gretel. illus. by Cristina Losantos. ISBN 0-8118-4793-4; ISBN 0-8118-4794-2. LC 2004017404.
ROS, Roser, adapt. The Musicians of Bremen/Los músicos de Bremen. illus. by Pep Montserrat. ISBN 0-8118-4795-0; ISBN 0-8118-4796-9. LC 2004017403.
ea vol: unpaged. (A Bilingual Bk.!). CIP. Chronicle. 2005. Tr $14.95; pap. $6.95.
Gr 1-3–Two more welcome additions to the series. Hansel and Gretel tells the familiar story of two children who are abandoned by their heartless stepmother and gutless father, taken in by a child-eating witch, and ultimately escape to return home to a happy reunion with their widowed father. Losantos's ink-and-watercolor cartoons in muted colors present a Hansel and Gretel who are charmingly scruffy, a befuddled father who is almost sympathetic, and a tough-looking witch. The Musicians of Bremen concerns four elderly animals who manage to make a home for themselves with the help of their none-too-melodious voices and some superstitious robbers. Montserrat's earth-toned acrylics have an almost linocut look and make excellent and arresting use of form and volume. Though a bit abbreviated, the prose in each story follows classic translations of the Grimms' tales, maintaining cadence and humor. Both titles read aloud beautifully in both the stylish English renditions and in the European Spanish, which may sound a bit exotic to readers or listeners of Latin American extraction. Both books are beautifully laid out and a pleasure to view and share.
ALARCÓN, Francisco X. Poems to Dream Together/Poemas para soñar juntos. illus. by Paula Barragán. unpaged. CIP. Lee & Low. 2005. RTE $16.95. ISBN 1-58430-233-X. LC 2004020963.
Gr 2-5–Alarcón has a knack for tapping into the experiences and emotions of childhood. This vibrant collection of 17 short, bilingual verses is about dreams–both the day and the night variety–as well as the hopes and aspirations of individuals, families, and humanity at large. Rooted in the everyday world of children, the poems feature a family garden, a photo album, favorite fruits, going to school, and household chores. They also touch on larger life lessons, protecting the environment, and dreams for the future. With simple elegance, the verses read aloud beautifully and the poetic images are at once accessible and inspiring. The boldly colored, mixed-media artwork serves as a perfect complement. The art is varied and engaging, and the layout at times displays the Spanish text on top and the English underneath; at other times, side-by-side on the page; and still others on opposite sides of a spread. Overall, this is a dreamy choice for schools and libraries.
COLATO LAÍNEZ, René. Playing Lotería/El juego de la Lotería. illus. by Jill Arena. unpaged. CIP. Luna Rising. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-87358-881-9. LC 2004020231.
Gr 1-3–A young boy is going to Mexico to visit his grandmother, and he is concerned. After all, she speaks very little English, and his Spanish is vestigial. His mother assures him that all will be well and that he will come home speaking Spanish. His insecurities begin to vanish when he discovers his grandmother's job. She is a canta in a lotería booth, a game similar to Bingo. However, in place of numbers, there are cards with pictures on them, matching the pictures on the board. His grandmother calls out a rhyme that corresponds to each picture, and the boy is caught. He wants to know those rhymes. His grandmother is only too happy to teach him, but only if he will teach her English. There are a few rough spots along the way, but by the time his mother shows up to fetch him, the young hero is "...the best caller in San Luis!" This is a warm and reassuring story of a boy's involvement not only with his family but also his culture. The prose flows easily in both English and Spanish. Arena's spirited primitive acrylics are reminiscent of Anita de Lucio-Brock's art for Juan Felipe Herrera's Grandma and Me at the Flea/Los meros meros remateros (Children's Book Press, 2002) in color and sense of place.
CUMPIANO, Ina. Quinito's Neighborhood/El vecindario de Quinito. illus. by José Ramírez. 24p. CIP. Children's Book Press. 2005. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-89239-209-6. LC 2004065506.
K-Gr 2–What makes a neighborhood? Is it the shops, the buildings, the roads, the schools? Or is it the people? Answering this question is easy for effervescent young Quinito, who knows most of his neighbors–in fact, he is related to many of them. From his carpenter mother and nurse father to his aunt the muralist and cousin Tita, a clown, his is a network of love that encompasses teachers, crossing guards, bankers, postal workers, dance instructors, and truck drivers. Ramírez's vibrant acrylic-on-canvas paintings bring this community to life, the primitive forms fairly bursting from the book's pages with their deep hues and sense of emotional warmth. The simple text, equally good in both English and Spanish, is in a font that resembles a child's printing. Its child appeal, lovely message, and potential inspiration to young authors and artists make Quinito's Neighborhood a place that youngsters will enjoy visiting.
GARZA, Xavier. Lucha Libre: The Man in the Silver Mask: A Bilingual Cuento. tr. by Luis Humberto Crosthwaite. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Cinco Puntos. 2005. Tr $17.95. ISBN 0-938317-92-X. LC 2004029756.
Gr 2-5–Going to a lucha libre in Mexico City with his grandfather is exciting in itself, but the young narrator of this engaging story is thrilled at being allowed to buy a mask like those worn by the luchadores. Carlitos chooses a silver one just like that of his favorite wrestler. From their seats at ringside, the fights are exciting, including a face-to-face encounter with the boy's hero, the Man in the Silver Mask. Astute readers will easily pick up on the identity of the masked man, and all will increase their knowledge of the Mexican version of the World Wrestling Federation. Smoothly integrated information in fluid colloquial English and Spanish combines with grainy graphic-novel-style illustrations executed in acrylic to create an oddly compelling and sophisticated package. An informative endnote, in English only, presents a brief but engrossing history of lucha libre. Certain to be a popular choice.
GUY, Ginger Foglesong. Siesta. illus. by René King Moreno. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-056061-4; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-056063-0. LC 2004042464.
PreS-Gr 1–A sister and brother and a stuffed bear embark on an adventure. An empty blue backpack is packed with an interesting array of items: a red jacket, green flute, yellow book, black flashlight, white clock, and multicolored blanket. Then it's off to the backyard where the clothesline and blanket make the perfect tent, the flute provides a bedtime serenade for the jacket-wrapped teddy, and soon, all are sleeping. This charmingly simple story is told in short sentences, Spanish first, followed by the English translation. The words for colors are written in their appropriate hues and reinforced by the gorgeous pastel, watercolor, and pencil illustrations. Soft edges, pure glowing colors, and rounded forms create a sense of warmth and reassurance. Like Fiesta (HarperCollins, 1996), this book has appeal far beyond its obvious teaching function.
HAYES, Joe. A Spoon for Every Bite/Una cuchara para cada bocado. illus. by Rebecca Leer. unpaged. CIP. Cinco Puntos. 2005. pap. $8.95. ISBN 0-938317-93-8. LC 2004029757.
Gr 1-4–A rich man is asked to be the godparent to the son of a couple. When he agrees, the couple invites him over for dinner--but only after they have saved their money to buy a third spoon in order to entertain their guest. The man is amused that these people are so poor that they didn't even have three spoons, but his amusement turns to envy when his hosts tell him that they have a friend who uses a different new spoon for every bite he eats. Determined to keep up with this competition, he wastes his entire fortune buying spoons, sending the used ones to the poor couple. Left destitute, the distraught man goes to see the couple, demanding to know how their story could be true. The answer is surprising--and clever. The Spanish translation is every bit as good as the English original (Orchard, 1996), thus making this critically acclaimed story available to an entirely new audience. Leer's acrylic illustrations make use of subdued desert colors while emphasizing facial expressions with humor and expertise. The version is perfect for collections that don't have the one in English or that need the tale in bilingual form.
HOPPEY, Tim. Tito, the Firefighter/Tito, el bombero. tr. by Eida de la Vega. illus. by Kimberly Hoffman. 32p. glossary. CIP. Raven Tree. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-9724973-3-1. LC 2003092222.
Gr 1-3–Tito, an energetic eight-year-old, lives in New York City. He is fascinated by the local firefighters and dreams of riding in their truck. He stops by the firehouse every day to chat with Richie, his favorite firefighter. It is fortunate that Tito is bilingual, for Richie speaks not a word of Spanish, which proves a liability when an agitated Spanish speaker shows up. Tito is able to translate–and gets a ride in the fire engine to boot. That the fire turns out to be nothing more than a pot of burned rice may strike children as a bit of a letdown, but the story is a refreshing slice of life. The Prismacolor pencil illustrations, enhanced by Adobe Illustrator, have a fuzzy-edged look that puts them just this side of anime. However, the bright color, activity, and realism give them considerable child appeal. With only 17 red highlighted Spanish words and phrases embedded in the English text, this book may have some application in ELL programs and could be used in conjunction with Chris L. Demarest's more informative Firefighters A to Z (S & S, 2000) to create a storytime on these local heroes.
HUGGINS-COOPER, Lynn. Alien Invaders/Invasores extraterrestres. tr. by Eida de la Vega. illus. by Bonnie Leick. 32p. glossary. CIP. Raven Tree. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-9724973-9-0. LC 2003109087.
Gr 1-3–Think of aliens as little green men? Think again. The narrator of this book, a jug-eared youngster whose crew cut resembles a well-mown lawn, has a different take. Alien invaders, he says, are all around us. They are in our yards, weaving webs, setting up whole cities underground, spying on us with their huge, multifaceted eyes. The invaders, of course, are insects, and this young man is making friends with them, "just in case." The brief text, English on the top of each verso, literal Spanish in red on the bottom, gives hints that are fleshed out in the illustrations. Drawn on animation paper, the Prismacolor artwork, executed in multiple shades of indigo, is dark and mysterious. A luminous sheen adds to the sense of menace. This involving introduction to insects has plenty of child appeal and could also serve as a pattern for writing activities.
LET'S GET TO WORK!/¡VAMOS A TRABAJAR! ISBN 1-58728-512-6. LC 2005000552.
LET'S GO!/¡VAMOS A VIAJAR! ISBN 1-58728-513-4. LC 2004029197.
ea vol: illus. by Gaëtan Evrard. unpaged. Two-Can. 2005. BD $6.95.
PreS-Gr 2–These sturdy board books present various types of construction and transport vehicles. The format is identical: a vehicle is pictured on each spread with its name printed in English on the verso and in Spanish (with the definite article) on the recto. At both the midpoint and end of each title, young viewers are presented with scenes and asked to identify the pictured vehicles. The attractive, clean format and bright, clear illustrations have great child appeal, putting these books right on target for preschoolers and ESL students. While the subject matter is generally more appealing to boys, girls, too, will find themselves included among the multiethnic drivers and operators pictured. This is a perfect lead-in to Richard Scarry's venerable Cars and Trucks and Things That Go (Golden, 1998).
MONTALVO, Margarita. Zoológico de poemas/Poetry Zoo. illus. by author. 47p. Scholastic. 2005. pap. $4.99. ISBN 0-439-70681-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-5–Montalvo's first book, while not an unqualified success, certainly shows promise. Beginning with a list of rules for visiting a poetry zoo, the 18 selections include those that are short and lengthy, quick meditations and narrative tales. From the winged nature of flying poems to the experiences of sailing goats, hairless lions, and dissatisfied pelicans, the fanciful verses have considerable child appeal. The Spanish text is far superior to the English translations, which are unduly literal. The result is clumsy, both in terms of the phrasing and the rhythm, which at times is lost completely. The sketchy pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons with lots of color and a frenetic verve carry the verses. A final note for parents and teachers, given in both languages, explains the meaning behind each poem. While interesting, it is probably not necessary to know that "Susanna, the Salamander" is about "integration" or that "Mr. Lion's Wig" references the women's liberation movement. Jack Prelutsky's English-only Zoo Doings (HarperCollins, 1983) is a better choice.
SHAHAN, Sherry. Cool Cats Counting. illus. by Paula Barragán. unpaged. CIP. August House/LittleFolk. Oct. 2005. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-87483-757-X. LC 2005041114.
K-Gr 3–A colorful and rhythmic look at the numbers 1 through 10 in both English and Spanish by the team that collaborated on Spicy Hot Colors (August House, 2004). This primer introduces young readers to a variety of musical and dance terms as animals cavort across the pages in wild abandon. In addition to learning the numbers, the individual animal's names are also included in both languages. "Five donkeys/doodle-do/yahoo toot./Hoof it, man!/Cinco burros." The illustrations are done in vibrant colors against a darker background with the animals dressed in stylish outfits with hints of Mexican/southwestern attire (bolero jackets, tiered skirts). A Spanish pronunciation guide for both the numbers and animals is included. Libraries looking to jazz up their counting books and bilingual offerings will find this an appealing option.–Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA
VAN SCOYOC, Pam. I Could Catch a Whale/Yo podría pescar una ballena. tr. by Silvia R. Santillan-Cruz. illus. by R. J. Lewis. unpaged. CIP. By Grace. 2005. Tr $16.98. ISBN 0-9663629-5-0. LC 2005920364.
K-Gr 2–Andy has a big imagination. He just knows that if he could only go fishing, he could catch a whale or a great white shark or a giant swordfish, etc. His father, however, can't go with him, as he must work. His mother is involved with the laundry, his grandfather is off to a motorcycle rally, big brother Tommy has baseball practice, and sister Tessa tells him quite frankly that she knows nothing about fishing and hates worms. When it dawns on him that she didn't really say "no," he explains that whales don't eat worms, and she is actually game for instruction. Though her mercy is touching, the story is bland and the awkward watercolor illustrations do little to enhance it. Also, the Spanish translation is a bit bookish and lacks flow. Simon James's Dear Mr. Blueberry (S & S, 1996), available in Spanish as Querido Salvatierra (Lectorum, 2003), which exercises children's imaginations through prose and illustrations with humor and style, is a preferable selection.
