Preschool to Grade 4
-- School Library Journal, 11/1/2005
See SLJ's December 2005 Holiday Book Reviews
Fiction
ALEXANDER, Lloyd. Dream-of-Jade: The Emperor's Cat. illus. by D. Brent Burkett. 48p. CIP. Cricket. 2005. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-8126-2736-9. LC 2004024068.
Gr 1-4–In a fictional ancient Chinese empire, a cat named Dream-of-Jade befriends the lonely and badly advised Celestial Emperor. First she saves his life by noticing that the neglected ceiling above his throne is about to collapse, and then she teaches him the invigorating effect of a bit of physical labor. Next she introduces him to laughter and playfulness. So, little by little, Dream-of-Jade intervenes between the Emperor and his courtiers, lifting the weight of stifling tradition and meaningless ceremony from his shoulders and allowing honesty and common sense to prevail. This handsome book is illustrated with graceful pencil-and-watercolor art that adds atmosphere and emotion to Alexander's ornate prose. Because the characters speak in highly stylized, stilted language–"There does, in fact, appear to be a feline creature so situated and performing the oracular activity you have so graciously called to my unworthy attention…."–the book is better suited as a read-aloud than for independent reading.–Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY
ALVAREZ, Julia. A Gift of Gracias: The Legend of Altagracia. illus. by Beatriz Vidal. unpaged. CIP. Knopf/Borzoi. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-375-82425-1; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-375-92425-6. LC 2004025397.
K-Gr 3–After the failure of her father's olive crop, María fears that her family will have to leave their farm in the New World. Then one night, inspiration comes when she dreams of planting the seeds from the oranges that came from her parents' homeland of Valencia, Spain. A beautiful and mysterious woman–Our Lady of Thanks–enters the dream, foretelling a bountiful harvest. The next day, María convinces her family to begin planting the seeds, and soon their land is transformed into a fertile orange grove. Rich in cultural authenticity and brimming with the magical realism that is characteristic of Hispanic literature, this elegantly woven tale introduces the legend of Our Lady of Altagracia, the patron saint of the Dominican Republic. Children of all backgrounds will be drawn in by the universal themes of home and family, but the story will have particular relevance for those raised in Hispanic or Catholic cultures. With an exquisite use of watercolor and gouache, Vidal has painted colorful, yet warm illustrations that add depth to the story. An author's note offers a detailed account of the legend, personalized by actual events from the author's youth.–Debbie Lewis O'Donnell, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL
ANDERSEN, Hans Christian. The Little Match Girl. tr. from Danish by Anthea Bell. illus. by Kveta Pacovská. unpaged. Minedition. 2005. RTE $18.99. ISBN 0-698-40027-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-4–An internationally renowned Czech artist brings her avant-garde perspective to Andersen's timeless fable. Pacovská's playful art is challenging and experimental, featuring childish scrawls, bright smudges of color along with silver inlays, and whimsically amorphous figures. One illustration depicts the girl's eyes, nose, and cupped hands scribbled across what appears to be a financial balance sheet. One spread consists of squares of color smudges facing a shiny silver page on which readers find their own reflection. The two pages are linked by a multicolored paintbrush/matchstick form. The image of the matchstick recurs throughout in all colors and shapes, singly or in groups, some leaning at angles, some resembling picket fences. Though the art challenges, it is appropriately childlike and whimsical, and opens this classic tale to new interpretations. Thoughtful students of folktale will welcome Pacovská's brilliantly innovative vision.–Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
ATWELL, Debby. The Warthog's Tail. illus. by author. 31p. CIP. Houghton/A Walter Lorraine Bk. 2005. Tr $16. ISBN 0-618-50781-7. LC 2005000556.
K-Gr 3–Tegan, a witch's daughter, is hurrying home so as not to be late for Trick or Treat, but a large, fearsome warthog is blocking the gate to her house. Though too young to perform magic, she decides to try a few spells to move the animal. First, she commands a passing dog to bite it, but her magic fails and the dog says no. She adds to the spell, and each addition gets more violent, until she is chanting: "Match, match burn stick. Stick, stick beat dog. Dog, dog bite warthog so I can get home in time for Trick or Treat." But all refuse to obey her bossy demands. Fortunately, an old man comes by and teaches the girl about the art of persuasion. After some practice, she convinces him to throw the match at the stick and begin her spell. The final picture shows Tegan's mom putting away an old-man disguise before taking her daughter trick or treating. Single-page, bright, overly busy illustrations do little to enhance the choppy text. Readers may be disturbed to find that instead of finding another way to rouse the warthog, the "old man" goes with Tegan's "last resort" spell of beating the dog with a burning stick to get him to bite off the warthog's tail.–Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA
BAKER, Roberta. Olive's Pirate Party. illus. by Debbie Tilley. unpaged. CIP. Little, Brown. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-316-16792-4. LC 2004004703.
K-Gr 2–Olive is excited about celebrating her seventh birthday party in pirate style, complete with cannons on her cake, swordfights, and buried treasure. Then elderly Aunt Tiffany suggests having the party at her house, and Olive fears that it will be a disaster. However, when she thinks about all of the fun and interesting times she and her aunt have shared, she accepts the offer. As the children arrive, a transformed Aunt Tiffany suddenly appears dressed as a pirate, flashing a blackened tooth and spewing out pirate lingo. The fun begins as they all turn the living room into a pirate galleon, troll for gold coins in the bath tub, and search for hidden treasure in the closets. Fans of No Ordinary Olive (Little, Brown, 2002) will enjoy revisiting a somewhat calmer, but still energetic child. Once again, Tilley's watercolor-and-ink illustrations create the spirited environment of grade-school children. A heartwarming intergenerational story with something for pirate lovers as well.–Tracy Bell, Eastway Elementary School, Durham, NC
BARBER, Tom. A Tale of Two Goats. illus. by Rosalind Beardshaw. unpaged. Barron's. 2005. Tr $12.95. ISBN 0-7641-5847-3. LC 2004112281.
K-Gr 4–In this playful lesson in friendship, Muriel and Myrtle meet daily to swap vegetables from their respective areas. Their owners hate to see another animal eat their produce so they board up the fence between the two fields. The friends gnaw through and continue to trade and visit as the farmers go to greater and greater lengths to keep them apart. The goats come up with bigger and better ideas, but the fence is made impenetrable. Finally, Muriel and Myrtle become so thin and despondent that the worried farmers tear down the barrier and develop a tentative friendship of their own. The writing is clear, and the matter-of-fact voice is a great counterpoint to the silly story. The expressive illustrations are also quite funny. Children will laugh at the creativity and rebelliousness of the goats and appreciate their tenacity and loyalty.–Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK
BECKWITH, Kathy. Playing War. illus. by Lea Lyon. unpaged. CIP. Tilbury House. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-88448-267-7. LC 2004030025.
Gr 2-5–It's too hot for basketball, so Luke and his friends decide to play war. As the sides separate to prepare for battle, newcomer Sameer is reluctant to play and leaves the game. The following day, he explains that he was in a real war before he moved to the United States. His house was blown up and his family was killed. The children, saddened by his story, go back to basketball. Beckwith's mission–to show children that war is bad and hurts people–overpowers the story. The strength here is Lyon's watercolor illustrations in summer greens, golden yellows, and coppery browns that evoke the heat of warm days spent with friends. A supplemental purchase.–Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA
BERRY, Lynne. Duck Skates. illus. by Hiroe Nakata. unpaged. CIP. Holt. 2005. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-8050-7219-5. LC 2004022176.
PreS-K–Five ducks spend the day frolicking in the snow, then return home to cocoa and sleep. Their activities are described in clever, rhyming verses with one or two sentences per page that subtly present simple math concepts: "Five ducks tramp. Ten boots stamp." Their antics often divide them into smaller groups. "Three ducks slip down the hill and slide./Two ducks, stomping, tromp inside." When they skate past a sign that reads "STOP! SNOW!" they crash into a deep pile and begin a snowball fight. The illustrations follow the text exactly, allowing children to count the ducks engaged in each activity. The watercolor-and-ink pictures convey the playfulness in warm, cozy tones, and a surprising amount of expression is conveyed in simple lines. The steady rhythm makes this an appealing choice to read aloud, particularly one-on-one or with a small group.–Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK
BIRTHA, Becky. Grandmama's Pride. illus. by Colin Bootman. unpaged. CIP. Albert Whitman. Dec. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8075-3028-X. LC 2005003991.
Gr 2-4–A 1956 summer visit to their grandmother's home exposes two African-American girls to segregation and prejudice unlike anything they have experienced in the North. As they travel south by bus, their mother explains that the best seats are at the back. At a rest stop, most travelers head for the lunch counter, but Mama reminds her daughters that she has packed them a delicious lunch. When they arrive at their destination, six-year-old Sarah Marie notices the two separate waiting rooms and wonders why her grandmother is waiting in the one without seats. The gentle tone of Birtha's writing reflects the quiet dignity with which the adults in Sarah Marie's family meet the indignities of Jim Crow laws. When they return the following summer, the Supreme Court has desegregated the schools, buses, and public places. The strong, sensitive writing is enhanced by beautiful watercolor paintings filled with chips of light. This story will generate discussions on a range of topics including racial segregation, bullying, and self-respect.–Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME
BRIMNER, Larry Dane. In the Fall. ISBN 1-59296-517-2. LC 2005005361.
––––. One Summery Day. ISBN 1-59296-518-0. LC 2005005362.
––––. Spring Sail. ISBN 1-59296-519-9. LC 2005005363.
––––. Winter Blanket. ISBN 1-59296-520-2. LC 2005005365.
ea vol: illus. by R. W. Alley. 24p. (Magic Door to Learning Series). CIP. The Child's World. 2005. PLB $21.36.
PreS-Gr 1–These books are a confusing mix of fact and fantasy and the series title is misleading. In Spring, two African-American children sail newspaper boats in the street (a possible safety concern). On the next page, these toys magically transform into real boats and the children sail along with various anthropomorphic animal friends. Later, the youngsters are shown climbing up a rainbow. Similarly, Summery Day shows some sort of sea monster at the beach, and in Winter, penguins on ice skates join in the fun. A book that intends to teach should stick to the facts. Although the illustrations are fun and capture a child's imagination, they don't make up for the books' limitations.–Melinda Piehler, Sawgrass Elementary School, Sunrise, FL
BUTLER, M. Christina. Snow Friends. illus. by Tina Macnaughton. unpaged. CIP. Good Bks. 2005. Tr $16. ISBN 1-56148-485-7. LC 2004027641.
PreS–Little Bear awakes in early spring to a world covered in snow. He plays, and then realizes that he is lonely. As he makes a snowman for a companion, an otter and a rabbit show up to help. Worried that their new friend might be lonely while they are off exploring, they build a smaller snowman to keep him company. In this saccharine world, friendship means simply having someone near you. Loneliness is cured when playmates pop up with no effort. The story and the illustrations are similarly cutesy. The animals are soft as cotton balls and always smiling. This is a "sparkling glitter" book, and preschoolers will love touching the pages and moving them around to catch the light. However, this tactile pleasure is likely to shorten the book's shelf life in a library.–Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK
CAMPBELL, Nicola I. Shi-shi-etko. illus. by Kim LaFave. unpaged. CIP. Groundwood. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-88899-659-4. LC C2004-907268-4.
Gr 2-6–This is a moving story set in Canada about the practice of removing Native children from their villages and sending them to residential schools to learn the English language and culture. An introduction explains that governments believed Native people were ignorant and made laws to "educate" their children. Shi-shi-etko counts down her last four days before going away. She tries to memorize everything about her home–"tall grass swaying to the rhythm of the breeze, determined mosquitoes, working bumblebees." There is a family party to say good-bye. Her father takes her out in a canoe and implores her to remember the trees, the water, and the mountains, and her grandmother gives her a small bag made of deer hide in which to keep her memories. The vivid, digital illustrations rely on a red palette, evoking not only the land but also the sorrow of the situation and the hope upon which the story ultimately ends. This contemplative narrative will help children see how Native people have been treated in both Canada and the United States. A good choice to enhance units on Native North American cultures.–Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA
CARTER, David A. One Red Dot. illus. by author. unpaged. S & S/Little Simon. 2005. Tr $19.95. ISBN 0-689-87769-2. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–A graphically bold pop-up book that entices readers to find the one red dot that is hidden on each paper sculpture. Going from 1 to 10, Carter creates a visual hide-and-seek game, ranging from "flip-flop flaps" to "fluttering flicker clickers" that really click to orbs that tower above the page. Bold primary colors and a silver-black text give the book a very slick, modern feel. However, because of its delicate nature, it won't withstand repeated circulation. Save it for storytimes, classroom use, or special collections.–Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY
COYLE, Carmela LaVigna. Do Princesses Really Kiss Frogs? illus. by Mike Gordon & Carl Gordon. unpaged. CIP. Rising Moon. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-87358-880-0. LC 2004016257.
PreS-Gr 3–Most children will relate to this precocious child and her endless questions as she and her father take a hike. The slightly bedraggled dad answers every query and supports his "princess" by holding her hand as she crosses the creek and hoisting her up on his shoulders so she can see a bird's nest. As they progress, the cartoon illustrations show the curious youngster, her ever-present pup, and the changing landscape. A scavenger hunt at the end sends the children back into the book to find "hidden" pictures. This is a really nice read-aloud for parents and teachers.–Beverly Combs, Webb Middle School, Garland, TX
CRIMI, Carolyn. Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies. illus. by John Manders. unpaged. Candlewick. 2005. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7636-2449-7. LC 2004062936.
K-Gr 2–Henry is not a typical buccaneer bunny. Instead of performing his proper pirating duties, he would rather read the books that he took from other ships. His father, the captain, is not proud of his son and the rest of the crew makes fun of him. When they are shipwrecked on a deserted island, however, it is Henry and his "book smarts" that save the day. Although the plot is weak, the illustrations are fresh and comical, and send a clear message about the importance of reading.–Lisa S. Schindler, Bethpage Public Library, NY
CRONIN, Doreen. Click, Clack, Quackity-Quack: An Alphabetical Adventure. illus. by Betsy Lewin. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. 2005. RTE $12.95. ISBN 0-689-87715-3. LC 2004020212.
PreS-Gr 2–The farmyard is aflutter as the "cows that type" return with new correspondence. Youngsters will soon realize that they invited all of their animal friends, including Duck, to a picnic. The alphabetical adventure begins as the "Animals awake" and ends 25 letters later with them peacefully snoring "Zzzzzzzz…." In between there is plenty of fun as Duck pulls the "Mice munching" in a red wagon, "Rain" threatens, and "X marks the picnic spot." Once again, this author-illustrator team works in perfect harmony to create a colorful and funny story with highly expressive animals. It's sure to delight Duck's many fans, and there's a distinct possibility that this adventure will have more appeal to preschoolers than the original story that inspired it.–Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA
CROWLEY, Ned. Ugh!: A Bug! 32p. (Silly Millies Series). photos. index. CIP. Millbrook. 2005. PLB $18.60. ISBN 0-7613-3450-5; pap. $4.99. ISBN 0-7613-2475-5. LC 2003017948.
K-Gr 2–Close-up, brightly colored photographs of 25 different bugs form the base for a simple rhyming text with questions and answers: "Did it jump?/Or did it dig?/Was it like a leaf/…or twig?" The definition of a bug ("all bugs are insects, but not all insects are bugs"), insect trivia, and a "pictionary" index are included. This book is a delightful find for primary classrooms and a must-buy for most collections.–Erlene Bishop Killeen, Fox Prairie Elementary School, Stoughton, WI
DRAY, Matt. Dougal the Garbage Dump Bear. illus. by photos. by author. unpaged. Kane/Miller. 2005. Tr $14.95. ISBN 1-929132-78-6. LC 2005921367.
PreS-K–A once-loved but now well-worn stuffed bear is tossed out after being replaced by new, clean toys. Finding himself in the garbage dump, Bear makes friends with a stuffed bumblebee. Together they explore the area, rescue dozens of other discarded toys, and dodge garbage trucks and tractors. When the big boss says they must leave, kindly workers take them to a little house on the beach, where they spend the rest of their days at play. What begins as an appealing adventure soon turns into a long, rambling tale that becomes more maudlin and implausible with each new turn. Cutouts and collages of photos of stuffed animals create interesting artwork. However, the hand-printed text is difficult for beginning readers and too long to use as a read-aloud. The author's voice is intrusive, introducing an adult sensibility to an otherwise childlike concept. The book's design is more attractive than its content.–Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY
EHLERT, Lois. Leaf Man. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Harcourt. 2005. RTE $16. ISBN 0-15-205304-2. LC 2004009981.
PreS-Gr 3–Ehlert combines vivid collage artwork, effulgent colors, and an inventive design to create an eye-catching picture book. With a body made of fallen leaves and acorns for eyes, Leaf Man takes off from a backyard and flutters away on the breeze, meandering past animals, over fields of fall vegetables, above waterways, and across prairie meadows. The text suggests a range of possible destinations, along with the refrain, "Well, a Leaf Man's got to go where the wind blows." Finally, readers are encouraged to listen for "a rustle in the leaves" and maybe find a Leaf Man of their own to take home. From ducks to pumpkins to fish, all of the objects described are fashioned out of life-size leaves of various shapes, sizes, and hues and set against backgrounds of textured paper. The die-cut pages curve and bend across the top edge, suggesting undulating mountains set against a sky-blue backdrop. The various leaves and seeds are identified on the endpapers. While the story is simple, the artwork is dazzling, and the book's concept will inspire nature walks, art projects, and curiosity about the changing seasons.–Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal
ENGLISH, Karen. The Baby on the Way. illus. by Sean Qualls. unpaged. CIP. Farrar. 2005. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-37361-2. LC 2003049047.
Gr 1-3–A boy asks his grandmother if she was ever a baby. Grandma answers yes, and that once she was even "the baby on the way." The woman goes on to narrate the story of the day she was born and beyond. One day, Big Sis runs to the field to tell her father that the baby is coming. From there she runs to get Aunt Nannie and "her birthin' bag full of secret things." Quall's painterly, mixed-media illustrations capture the anxious looks of the children who know that something is up, but not what. The solitary silhouette of the father pacing back and forth on the porch conveys the sense of worry, waiting, and anticipation. English incorporates old African-American practices such as the "takin' up ceremonies–somethin' probably passed down from slavery times," which culminates in the naming of the baby, and the smoking of mama's clothes to help her regain her strength. When Grandma finishes her story, Jamal asks if someday, somebody will ask him if he had ever been a baby. Grandma assures him that someone probably will, and that he will then be able to tell them his story. This is a gentle, sentimental book that addresses an age-old question and the curiosity that children have about their grandparents.–Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
EVANS, Freddi Williams. The Battle of New Orleans: The Drummer's Story. illus. by Emile Henriquez. unpaged. glossary. CIP. Pelican. Nov. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-58980-300-8. LC 2004031085.
Gr 1-3–This story in rhyme pits a potpourri of U.S. troops (Cajun, Spanish, German, French, pirates, and Indians) fighting under General Andrew Jackson against the British, who had come by ship in 1812 to take over the city. The tale is told by Old Jordan, who had participated in the conflict, to a young African-American would-be drummer after a parade commemorating the battle. "'Well, this is a special drum, and I play it a special way./I play it the way I played it on the battlefield that day.'" The rhyme scheme is uneven and difficult to read aloud, and, although there is a glossary, there is no explanation of the circumstances of the battle. The realistic illustrations are hampered by a bland format: black print in a boring font, with the pictures centered in the middle of white pages. The varied uniforms of the U.S. troops are interesting and look accurate, but there is no footnote identifying them. This subject in an easy book is welcome, but the execution leaves a little to be desired.–Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
FALLON, Jimmy. Snowball Fight! illus. by Adam Stower. unpaged. CIP. Dutton. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-525-47456-0. LC 2004025067.
PreS-Gr 1–When school is closed because of a snowstorm, a boy and his sister race outside to play. He builds a fort, and soon a fierce snowball fight with other children ensues. The battle rages until it's time to head home for cocoa. Short rhyming stanzas describe the events. Ranging in size from small insets to double-page paintings, the energetic cartoon-style illustrations capture the action and humor. Sporting colorful outerwear and a silver colander on his head, the protagonist is ready for any adventure. Large print and lots of repetition make this a good choice for beginning readers as well as an engaging read-aloud.–Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY
FEIFFER, Jules. A Room with a Zoo. illus. by author. 182p. Hyperion/Michael di Capua Bks. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-7868-3702-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–Writing from the point of view of his nine-year-old daughter, Feiffer recounts the pet-strewn pathway to her finally getting a dog. Her indulgent parents feed Julie's passion for animals by getting a string of substitute animals that don't need to be walked: a cat proves standoffish, so they buy a hamster to entertain the cat. Next comes a carnivorous fish that eats its companions. Then a turtle. This lengthy chapter book includes the child's various friends, school scenes, and a trip to the country to visit a stepsister, which produces yet another cat, but a warm and friendly one. The final chaos, which involves her father falling and throwing his back out, the girl trying to wash a murky fish tank by herself while keeping the cats and hamster apart, and an ensuing trip to the emergency room, reads like a Keystone Kops episode. It isn't until Julie bravely receives 19 stitches that she gets her dog. Feiffer's hilarious ink-and-wash illustrations keep Julie and the animals in focus. Some children may delight in the tone of the narration, the childlike logic, and the winning way she takes charge of her pets and herself by story's end. Others will be turned off by this overindulged child, the wordy text, and the somewhat ludicrous idea that you buy five or six other pets before getting the one that the child really wants.–Susan Hepler, Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA
FEIFFER, Kate. Double Pink. illus. by Bruce Ingman. unpaged. CIP. S & S/A Paula Wiseman Bk. Nov. 2005. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-689-87190-2. LC 2004006582.
K-Gr 3–When Madison decides she likes something, she likes it a whole lot, and her favorite color is no exception. Pink walls, pink clothes, pink toys–too much is never enough. Eventually, her signature shade of pink is literally all over everything, and Madison is forced to acknowledge that she may have taken things too far. Feiffer's simple text reads easily, and Ingman's playful acrylic-and-ink paintings take a light approach to this look at childhood obsession. If nothing else, the artist's liberal application of a violent shade of shocking pink makes a powerful artistic statement about overkill. Lots of kids have a signature shade or motif; whether they're into fire trucks, fairy princesses, or purple dinosaurs, young readers are likely to identify with Madison, and a few might even be tickled–well, you know.–Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC
FONTES, Justine. Black Meets White. illus. by Geoff Waring. unpaged. Candlewick. 2005. Tr $12.99. ISBN 0-7636-1933-7. LC 2004107613.
PreS-Gr 2–A novelty book with some die-cuts and lift-the-flap pages. The images are computer-generated and are mainly in black and white, with touches of pink, blue, and gray. The text consists of a sentence or two per page. "First there was BLACK/dark as night, cool, mysterious." Then white is introduced. The two collide, creating a page full of polka dots. With the turn of a page, the dots morph into a checkerboard pattern, then stretch out to form stripes. The colors eventually come together to create a smiling gray cat, sound asleep with a white-and-pink mouse curled up between its tail and body. There is not much text, or even a plot to speak of, but the layout is clever and creative. The cat-and-mouse element does not necessarily stand alone, but it would pair nicely with other concept books such as Ed Young's Seven Blind Mice (Philomel, 1992) or Ellen Stoll Walsh's Mouse Paint (Harcourt, 1989).–Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA
FRENCH, Jackie. Pete the Sheep-Sheep. illus. by Bruce Whatley. 32p. CIP. Clarion. 2005. RTE $14. ISBN 0-618-56862-X. LC 2004030935.
K-Gr 2–All the sheep shearers at Shaggy Gully have sheep dogs with names like Brute, Tiny, and Fang. A new shearer, Shaun, arrives with a "sheep-sheep" named Pete, who rounds up the animals with polite requests and compliments. Soon the sheep will only respond to Pete, and allow only Shaun to shear them. When the other shearers insist that they must go, Shaun opens a salon in town, styling the sheep's wool in innovative ways. When Brute, Tiny, and Fang desert their owners to have their fur styled, the other shearers finally join the salon and spend their time styling animals of all shapes and sizes. The creators of Diary of a Wombat (Clarion, 2003) have produced a bit of harmless, silly fluff that, while mildly amusing, is hardly likely to inspire rereading. Whatley's watercolor-and-colored-pencil illustrations are clean and crisp and work nicely with the text, but there is simply not much substance here.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
FUGE, Charles. Swim, Little Wombat, Swim! illus. by author. unpaged. Sterling. 2005. PLB $12.95. ISBN 1-4027-2375-X. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–In this third book about Little Wombat, the marsupial learns a lesson about making judgments. He meets an unfamiliar creature, a platypus, and makes fun of its walk and fuzzy face. But the two become friends after Wombat tries to show off and sinks in the pond where Platypus is swimming. Patient Platypus teaches Wombat to swim, and they celebrate with a race as Wombat's friends cheer him on. These Australian animals may be unfamiliar to some children, but not Wombat's bad behavior, although once he gets to know Platypus, he has the grace to feel ashamed. The large, full-page illustrations are warm and reflective, and show the growing connection between the pair. They also depict the humor of the struggle as Wombat learns to swim. This story offers a good lesson about friendship. It is also reassuring to potential new swimmers.–Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ
GAY, Marie-Louise. Caramba. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Groundwood. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-88899-667-5. LC C2004-907329-X.
PreS-Gr 2–Caramba is ashamed that he cannot fly like the other cats. Confiding in his flightless friend Portia the pig, he practices flying in secret. He lands in some comical predicaments but remains frustrated and grounded. When his cousins try teaching him to get airborne by carrying him over the ocean and letting go, a scary fall to the bottom teaches Caramba that even though he can't perform like they do, he can do something they cannot. He can swim. Gay's characteristic gentle and funny watercolor illustrations make the story more appealing and the characters more alive. Once kids accept the flying cats, they will enjoy this subtle fantasy with its themes of self-esteem and individuality.–Julie Roach, Watertown Free Public Library, MA
GERSTEIN, Mordicai. Carolinda Clatter! illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Roaring Brook. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-59643-063-X. LC 2004024258.
Gr 2-4–The last giant on Earth has fallen hopelessly in love with the moon. Despite his desperate entreaties, which last for 5000 years, the moon ignores him. In despair, he lies down and weeps for another 10,000 years. Hugene eventually falls asleep and is gradually transformed into a grassy mountain. One hundred thousand years later, people build a town on him, but they live in total silence so as not to wake him. When Carolinda Clatter is born, however, she makes noise of every kind, despite everyone's warnings. "But the bigger she grew, the louder she got." The giant awakens, and she is sent to put him back to sleep. Carolinda convinces Hugene that he is now a mountain and cannot dance to her songs. She also convinces him that he is loved by the people living on him as well as by the moon. The now-contented giant falls back to sleep, never to wake again, and the townspeople are free to be as noisy as they like. Gerstein's expert artwork conveys both the melancholy aspect of the lovesick giant as well as the peaceful dreamlike state he eventually attains. The book is thoughtfully designed, with small panels showing the passage of time, and full spreads highlighting momentous events. The plot, however, is problematic, as Carolinda's claims that the giant is now loved conflicts with the fact that the townspeople exist in fearful silence, and the moon remains oblivious to Hugene except in his dreams. This is a lovely but flawed endeavor.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
GOODE, Diane. Mind Your Manners! illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Farrar. Nov. 2005. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-34975-4. LC 2004047179.
Gr 1-4–After receiving a spelling book published in 1802 that includes a list of 35 rules for children's behavior at the table, Goode was inspired to create this book in which the precepts are stated in the text and then flagrantly and hilariously broken in the illustrations. A family happily accepts an invitation to dine with the Abbots. However, things go awry before they are even seated when the first rule, "Come not to the table without having your hands and face washed, and your head combed," goes by the wayside as the Abbotts' dogs greet the visitors by knocking one of the children into a mud puddle. The meal goes from bad to worse as the hosts gorge on entire pies when admonished, "Stuff not thy mouth so as to fill thy cheeks." The charming watercolors are also carefully researched, and the irony of proper 19th-century setting and dress coupled with bone gnawing and fish-head flinging adds to the humor.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
GRIESSMAN, Annette. The Fire. illus. by Leonid Gore. unpaged. CIP. Putnam. 2005. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-399-24019-5. LC 2003024449.
K-Gr 3--Maria is playing with her teddy bear and Pepito is coloring a picture while their mother makes soup. Suddenly they smell smoke and realize that their house is on fire. Maria helps her brother crawl on the floor under the smoke and all three escape safely. The firemen arrive but are unable to save the house. As the children and their mother wait forlornly outside, a fireman brings them the only things salvaged: the teddy bear and a photograph of the family. Maria says, "Everything is gone!" but her mother gently replies, "The picture reminds me of what I have. This is everything." Told from the girl's point of view, the story contains descriptive images ("I take a deep breath and feel the rubber bands in my stomach relax"). Beautiful, glowing illustrations done in acrylics and pastels illuminate it. They are fashioned mainly with dark backgrounds against which the fire and firemen stand out in warm yellows and reds. The emotions of the characters are softly delineated and reassurance is conveyed at the end. This fine book has a message that could help children experiencing any kind of life-changing disaster.–Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
GUILLOPPÉ, Antoine. One Scary Night. illus. by author. unpaged. Milk & Cookies. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-689-04636-7. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–A suspenseful, wordless picture book. On a cold, dark night, a boy trudges through the snowy woods alone. A wolflike animal that appears to be stalking him sets readers' nerves on edge. When the animal finally pounces, it looks as though the boy is in serious trouble. But images can be deceiving–by the end, it is clear that the creature has saved the boy from a falling tree and the two are friends. The black-and-white images are stark, simple shapes with no shades of gray. Yet these sharp contrasts come together to create intricate visuals and a sense of optical illusion that keeps the story full of movement and tension. Many of the spreads are breathtaking and will have readers on the edge of their seats until the surprise happy ending.–Julie Roach, Watertown Free Public Library, MA
GUTIERREZ, Akemi. The Mummy and Other Adventures of Sam & Alice. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Houghton. 2005. RTE $16. ISBN 0-618-50761-2. LC 2004013203.
K-Gr 2–In these three short stories, a brother and sister showcase how children use their imaginations to make virtually anything happen. First, Sam complains that there is something in his sock, and he and Alice try to outdo one another in terms of guessing what it could be, coming up with inventive ideas such as a baby mouse, a rhino, a dragon, and a pirate ship. When the boy takes his sock off to reveal a small pebble, the children overcome their disappointment by agreeing that "it could have been an airplane." The other stories are similar in gait and tone with breezy, short texts as the youngsters pretend to explore a jungle packed with dangerous beasts and speculate about what they would do if they met a mummy. The simply drawn gouache illustrations present the perfect blend of creativity, color, and personality to entice younger readers to follow along and get to know Sam and Alice. Try offering this selection to fans of Rosemary Wells's "Max and Ruby" books for another look at two creative siblings.–Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY
HECK, Ed. Monkey Lost. illus. by author. unpaged. Milk & Cookies. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-689-04633-2. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Eric has lost the monkey that he took to school for show-and-tell. Concerned, Miss Betty sets the children to looking about the room for it. The class proposes a wild array of possible hiding places, from taxi to movie theater to barber shop. The school-bus driver saves the day by bringing in the stuffed toy. "Why, your monkey is only a stuffed animal!" says the teacher. "Not to me!" says Eric to himself. Simple cartoon spreads in jewel colors represent a multiethnic posse. This tale will please new readers as well as storytime audiences who relish jaunty compositions and surprise endings.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA
HILL, Ros. Shamoo: A Whale of a Cow. illus. by author. unpaged. Milk & Cookies. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-689-04634-0. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Shamoo is not a typical cow. He loves to swim, but he yearns for more than the small pond in the pasture. When the rail on the fence is loose, he decides to explore the ocean. He is so excited by his adventure that he doesn't realize how far he has gone until a large wave traps him underwater. He comes up mooing for help and meets a six-ton humpback whale named Baleen. She teaches him about living in the sea, including how to swim underwater. Shamoo is so thrilled by his new experiences and knowledge that he's surprised to be homesick. Baleen senses his feelings and takes him home, but they vow to meet again. Told with a minimum of text, the narrative succinctly catches the humor and the adventure of this unusual cow and his friendship with a whale. The graphic-style cartoons, similar to the artist's museum pieces, extend the humor and even the silliness of a cow swimming with whales. Particularly wonderful are the ocean blues and greens that give buoyancy to Shamoo's spirit of adventure. A delightfully wacky story that has broad appeal.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH
HOWELL, Lauren. If I Was the Mayor. illus. by Sheldon Dawson. unpaged. CIP. Three Bears. 2005. pap. $5.95. ISBN 0-9735798-1-1. LC C2004-906631-5.
K-Gr 2–A blond narrator chronicles what he would do if he were in charge. From recess on the moon to ensuring that a new animal species is born daily at three, the boy's imaginings jumble the universe, bringing nonstop amusement to children. Unfortunately, the messy rhymes (ask/fast, you/flute) and sentences puffed to accommodate meter bog down this flight of fancy. In addition, the garishly colored, flat cartoons seem at times unfinished; some characters lack facial features. The blurb claims that this book promotes recycling; it doesn't.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA
JAMES, Simon. Baby Brains Superstar. illus. by author. unpaged. Candlewick. 2005. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7636-2894-8. LC 2005046909.
PreS-Gr 2–The smartest baby in the whole world, introduced in Baby Brains (Candlewick, 2004), is back. This story is about the emergence of his musical genius: how his mother placed headphones over her tummy to expose Baby to classical music before his birth; how the tiny toddler, adept on toy piano, announces to his parents that he wants to attend music school; how he masters the tuba, cello, and timpani; and how he loves electric guitar best. "'Rock 'n' roll is where it's at, Mom,'" he declares from his stroller. He goes on to give a concert in a gigantic outdoor stadium, where an unintentional song becomes a megahit. Children will love the blue sleeper-suited tyke who graduates from music school after only two weeks, wins a talent contest, and, like many other children, suffers from stage fright. James's pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are cheerful, charming cartoons, expertly rendered for maximum chortles. This book has "Encore!" written all over it.–Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY
JOHNSON, D. B. Eddie's Kingdom. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Houghton. 2005. RTE $16. ISBN 0-618-56299-0. LC 2004013187.
PreS-Gr 3–In a departure from the Henry books that started with Henry Hikes to Fitchburg (Houghton, 2000), a boy creates peace in his apartment building. The residents are fighting with one another and yelling at Eddie. Armed with pencil and paper, he visits each apartment and draws its occupant's picture. Every person has a complaint that Eddie resolves, such as giving earphones to the man who plays his music too loud. The boy's final picture echoes the prophet Isaiah's vision of a peaceful world in which "the wolf shall dwell with the lamb." The text and pictures resound with the lesson that "a little child shall lead them." Johnson's unique colored-pencil and paint illustrations, influenced by Cubism, glow because of the palette of reds and golds combined with pastels. The large pictures and the steady pace of the text make this a successful selection for storytimes. Johnson is a master at making deep themes accessible to children, which makes this book a good discussion starter for groups or individual sharing.–Debbie Stewart Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI
JOLIVET, Joëlle. Almost Everything. tr. & adapt. by Alexis Siegel. illus. by author. 31p. CIP. Roaring Brook. 2005. Tr $19.95. ISBN 1-59643-090-7. LC 2005007855.
PreS-Gr 3–Following the same format as Zoo-Ology (Roaring Brook, 2003), Jolivet has taken 13 diverse categories such as trees and flowers, the human body, tools, and historical costumes, and illustrated dozens of objects both unique and commonplace on spreads almost two feet high. There is no attempt to maintain relative size. The hedgehog is the same size as the snail, the squirrel is smaller than the butterfly, etc. Extinct animals mingle with those that are not, and colors are not always natural. While some objects are specifically labeled, many are given only their generic name, e.g., duck or frog as opposed to mallard duck or red-eyed tree frog. The glossary provides more information, but some of it is misleading. The entry under crab states that these animals live "…between rocks on the seaside," a statement that is not true for the one pictured and the majority of others. The pages on the human body feature an anatomically correct male and female, as well as a silhouette of a child in utero. The linocut prints can be appreciated for their artistic quality and will be fun for browsers to pore over, but instructive possibilities are limited.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
KELLER, Laurie. Grandpa Gazillion's Number Yard. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Holt. 2005. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-8050-6282-3. LC 2004023394.
PreS-Gr 2–Another showcase for the truly offbeat imagination of the creator of The Scrambled States of America (1998) and Arnie the Doughnut (2003, both Holt). Here, Grandpa presents 20 numerals and describes in rhyme how "Numbers aren't used just for counting these days./Old numbers help people in many new ways." Flying over a volcano of hot mac 'n' cheese, he displays the usefulness of a ONE's natural physique, as it turns into a trapeze bar, allowing him to swing over and add just the right amount of salt. A TWO transforms into a nifty saxophone for jamming in outer space, as he sits on a crescent moon and plays. A THREE turned sideways can comfort your backside should you ever find yourself taking a long ride on a double-humped camel. Eyebrows in your soup? "Dig them out with a SIX–it's a great eyebrow scoop!" And so it goes as the book presents lots of nutty solutions to not-so-common situations. The colorful acrylic illustrations are comical, exaggerated, and stuffed with plenty of humorous details. Readers who look closely will find the Wicked Witch of the West and Rapunzel, as well as some bad puns. The rhyme is forced at times and the humor pretty far out, but children should enjoy this goofy book's wackiness.–Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA
KELLEY, True. School Lunch. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. 2005. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-8234-1894-4. LC 2004054152.
K-Gr 2–Harriet, the cook at Lincoln School, is feeling tired and unappreciated. None of the children enjoy the healthy lunches she exhausts herself preparing and now, "she needed a vacation bad!" After she departs for a tropical paradise, Principal Fitz hires a series of substitutes, including a hash slinger who provides greasy food complete with flies, a French chef whose rich dishes (all flambé) make the children fat, and a witch who creates cupcakes that bite back. Various teachers attempt to run the kitchen with equally disastrous results. The children write to Harriet imploring her to return, but their pleas fall on deaf ears until the principal sends a telegram stating that the children are no longer healthy. Harriet returns, and from that lunch on, "they all ate healthy foods for the rest of their long and happy lives." The plot is mildly amusing, although the joke wears thin rather quickly. The illustrations, done in indelible ink and Luma Dyes, are bright and cheerful and amplify the silliness of the situation. Kathryn Lasky's Lunch Bunnies (Little, Brown, 1996) addresses the cafeteria scenario with humor and less chaos. An additional purchase for larger collections.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
KERRIN, Jessica Scott. Martin Bridge on the Lookout! illus. by Joseph Kelly. 142p. CIP. Kids Can. 2005. Tr $14.95. ISBN 1-55337-689-7; pap. $4.95. ISBN 1-55337-773-7. LC C2004-906567-X.
Gr 2-4–This beginning chapter book delivers the same type of fun as Kerrin's Martin Bridge Ready for Takeoff! (Kids Can, 2005). In the first story, Laila Moffatt shows up for Martin's birthday party a day late. At first Martin is upset that he has to spend time with Laila instead of playing "Park Rangers" with his best friends, Alex and Stuart. He is surprised when he enjoys throwing water balloons with Laila and loves her present, a "Park Ranger Super-Charged All-Night Flashlight!" In the second story, Martin forgets his permission slip for a class trip and must spend the day with last year's teacher and his class. The last story features Martin, Alex, and Stuart inadvertently letting the class parakeet escape. The boys make posters and after stealing the wrong Polly from the junior high, the correct Polly is returned. Kelly's full-page and spot cartoon illustrations, drawn with graphite and charcoal and shaded digitally, will support newly independent readers.–Debbie Stewart Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI
KING, Anthony. The Little Cupcakes. illus. by Sue Hellard. unpaged. CIP. Cupcake. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-9752786-1-4. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–In this grim, didactic offering, a father uses an upsetting incident at school to teach his daughter about the importance of diversity and tolerance. It is Caitlin's birthday, and she takes cupcakes to share with her classmates. Since some of the treats have chocolate icing and some have vanilla, the teacher cuts off the tops so that they will all be the same. Caitlin is understandably upset, and her father comforts her by telling her that "there is nothing in this world that's exactly the same." He follows up this confusing statement with a litany of things that are not the same: the world, for example, is "egg-shaped and funky at the poles"–an imprecise description that will probably baffle the book's target audience. He ends his lecture by declaring that "If everything in the world were the same, all growth would stop, all learning would stop, and all love would stop." These abstract concepts would be difficult to grasp even if the author offered concrete examples of them. The book is littered with similarly grandiose statements, as well as clichéd descriptions and awkward transitions. The illustrations are fairly pleasant, but they are not strong enough to make this title a worthwhile purchase.–Rachael Vilmar, Atlanta Fulton Public Library, GA
KING, Stephen Michael. Mutt Dog! illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Harcourt. 2005. Tr $16. ISBN 0-15-205561-4. LC 2005000959.
PreS-Gr 2–Every night a little stray searches for a new place to sleep, until one evening he follows a bag lady to a shelter and befriends one of the workers. The woman takes him home and now "he knows where he belongs." Although not a particularly original theme, the presentation is well done, and the gentle pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons tell the story beautifully. Mutt Dog is a scruffy-looking creature, and on one delightful spread he is pictured in many humorous poses as the family tries to find a name for him. Compassion shines through in the illustrations, which include several appearances in the background of homeless people walking on the street in the rain and going through trash. The book's oversize format and clear wash illustrations on white backgrounds make this a good choice for storytimes.–Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
KOLDOFSKY, Eleanor. Clip-Clop. illus. by David Parkins. unpaged. CIP. Tundra. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-88776-681-1. LC C2004-906644-7.
K-Gr 3–This realistic story describes a sweet moment in a child's life. Consuela loves the horses that journey through her neighborhood and she savors the different "clip-clop" sounds. When she finds an iron horseshoe in the road, she returns it to the animal's owner, a ragman. She shares her carrots with the horse, and, in return for her kindness, the man presents her with a small plaid baby blanket. Soon she hears unfamiliar footsteps and sees a beautiful pony. He is accompanied by a photographer who charges 25 cents for a photo of a child sitting on the pony wearing his sombrero encircled with pom-poms. Consuelo watches, but she doesn't have enough money to have her picture taken. She solves her dilemma by exchanging her blanket for a photograph. It's a memorable day–the day she was a "cowgirl…who felt just like a princess!" An author's note gives information about workhorses at the turn of the 20th century. This is a lovely book, but the final sentiment seems out of character for this child. Given her personality, it seems more likely that her joy would come from feeling just like a cowgirl. Parkins's watercolor-and-ink illustrations capture the action as the milk is delivered and the horses pulling the fire truck barrel down the street. The finely executed art reflects the nostalgic time and embraces the gentleness of the text. Quietly presented, this is a touching tribute to the past.–Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego
KRISHNASWAMI, Uma. The Happiest Tree: A Yoga Story. illus. by Ruth Jeyaveeran. unpaged. further reading. CIP. Lee & Low. 2005. RTE $16.95. ISBN 1-58430-237-2. LC 2004027851.
Gr 1-4–Meena, an American girl of East Indian descent, constantly stumbles, trips, and knocks things over, causing herself terrible humiliation. As her class prepares to put on a play, she cringes. She doesn't want to participate, fearful that she will embarrass herself in front of a large audience. While shopping at the Indian grocer with her mother, she notices a yoga class in session at the back of the store. The shopkeeper, "Auntie," encourages the girl to sign up for a new children's class, and Meena hesitantly agrees. At first she is extremely awkward, but with encouragement from Auntie and practice, Meena learns to breathe more deeply and move more carefully. She survives the school play without calamity and all is well. Jeyaveeran's folksy, acrylic paintings, done in warm tones, depict children of many ethnicities. The story presents the ubiquitous problem of clumsiness with warmth and veracity. Meena's difficulties are not overcome quickly and yoga is introduced in a nonintrusive way. Krishnaswami occasionally dabs the text with Hindi words and expressions, adding a delightful Indian flavor. An excellent addition to any collection.–Be Astengo, Alachua County Library, Gainesville, FL
KROPF, Latifa Berry. Happy Birthday, World: A Rosh Hashanah Celebration. illus. by Lisa Carlson. ISBN 0-929371-32-1. LC 2004102731.
ZOLKOWER, Edie Stoltz. It's Tu B'Shevat. illus. by Richard Johnson. ISBN 1-58013-127-1. LC 2004110344.
ea vol: unpaged. Lerner/Kar-Ben. 2005. BD $5.95.
PreS–Kropf's simple text compares a child's typical birthday celebration with the rituals of Rosh Hashanah. Instead of eating a birthday cake, apples are dipped in honey; instead of party horns, the shofar is blown; and instead of getting presents, tzedakah, or charity, is given to people in need. Each spread shows a small image of the birthday ritual and a much larger image of a contemporary family observing Rosh Hashanah. The soft-focus art is bright and cheerful. The second book begins, "Grab a shovel./Pick a spot./Plant a tree,/It's Tu B'Shevat!" and continues as a boy and his family plant a tree; say a blessing; enjoy the shade, the fruit, and the birds; and watch the sapling grow. The delightful, sophisticated illustrations aptly depict the beauty of nature. Jewish nursery schools and synagogue libraries will want to add these titles, as will other libraries in which there is a demand for Jewish holiday board books.–Rachel Kamin, Temple Israel Libraries & Media Center, West Bloomfield, MI
LEE, Spike & Tonya Lewis Lee. Please, Puppy, Please. illus. by Kadir Nelson. unpaged. S & S. Nov. 2005. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-689-86804-9. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Two young children celebrate the joy and challenges of life with their new pet. Puppy is exuberant, energetic, and as undisciplined as can be. The kids are thrilled with their uncontrollable new friend, chasing him, playing with him, and trying to get him to behave. In the spare text, the authors' repetitive dialogue rings true, echoing the sounds of children's excited screams and squeals. Nelson's illustrations are full of movement, switching perspective often to create a frenzied atmosphere. The children and puppy are appealing, dominating each page and keeping the focus clearly on the action. This book would be fun to read to a group, small or large, and the text is easy enough for beginning readers.–Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME
LICHTENHELD, Tom. What's with This Room? illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Little, Brown. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-316-59286-2. LC 2004022709.
PreS-Gr 3–"What's with this room?" ask the parents of a bespectacled, sheepish-looking little boy in this silly romp through the messiest mess since The Cat in the Hat came to visit. The parents go on to list the room's many disgusting features, including both the predictable (yesterday's lunch, a pair of underpants hanging from the fan) and the absurd (a closet full of local wildlife, including some alleged "gnu poo"). They demand an explanation. The inventive child claims that everything serves a unique educational purpose: "That isn't just vermin down under the rugs,/I'm studying a family of misbehaved bugs." The high gross factor, combined with the clever humor, will keep most children in rapt attention. A few of the jokes are too sophisticated for the audience, but they will give perceptive adults a chuckle. The brightly hued, mixed-media cartoon art is fanciful and filled with nasty details that children will enjoy pointing out. The only problem with the book is that the rhymed couplets are sometimes clunky and overloaded with syllables, but this is a minor quibble. When you read it aloud, possibly paired with Rosemary Wells's Max Cleans Up (Viking, 2000), the kids will be too busy laughing to notice.–Rachael Vilmar, Atlanta Fulton Public Library, GA
MCDONALD, Megan. When the Library Lights Go Out. illus. by Katherine Tillotson. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Atheneum/A Richard Jackson Bk. 2005. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-689-86170-2. LC 2003012801.
PreS-Gr 3–Three puppets enjoy a nighttime adventure in a library after hours. Amiable and amusing full-page illustrations, done in oils on paper, capture a sense of being alone in a big space and convey the warmth of wood tables and shelves full of books, but the text provides only an impressionistic and sketchy plot. Hermit Crab is missing from the puppet box after the librarian leaves, and Rabbit, who has been steeped in fairy tales, decides that she has been taken by a giant. Lion, more stolid and practical, finds a map that seems to point to landmarks within the building, but it tears as the friends pull at it. Lion folds the pieces into a boat, a sail, a captain's hat. Endearing as these puppets are to look at, they are frustrating to read about. The story reads, even aloud, like one improvised with puppets in hand: long on action and dialogue but with too many moments that pull against the center. Some of the magical elements seem inconsistent as well: Lion and Rabbit can sail the paper boat across the floor in the moonlight (the clock), but then dine on the remains of a real baloney sandwich and toast marshmallows over a lit match (in the library!!!). Overall, an appealing concept that doesn't quite live up to its magical promise.–Kathie Meizner, Montgomery County Public Libraries, Chevy Chase, MD
MCEWAN, Jamie. Whitewater Scrubs. illus. by John Margeson. 63p. CIP. Darby Creek, dist. by Lerner. 2005. Tr $14.99. ISBN 1-58196-038-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–Clara, a top athlete, "was sure that anything Willy could do, she could do better. Right?" Not when faced with the challenging and unfamiliar sport of kayaking. Her pals, "the Scrubs," convince her to try it, and she discovers that she is terrified of the rapids. Her conflicts are true to her character. She does not want to be a quitter or participate in a sport in which she cannot excel, but her biggest worry is exposing her fear. Plucky Clara resolves her problem while rescuing Willy from his tipping kayak. Reluctant and transitional readers interested in sports will enjoy this story. Large type, double spacing, and small cartoons at the beginning of each chapter add accessibility and encouragement for beginning chapter-book readers. A humorous sequel to Willy the Scrub (Darby Creek, 2004), this story stands on its own. The topic also offers a fresh kind of sports story.–Jennifer Cogan, Bucks County Free Library, Doylestown, PA
MAHONEY, Daniel J. A Really Good Snowman. illus. by author. 32p. CIP. Clarion. 2005. RTE $15. ISBN 0-618-47554-0. LC 2004020427.
K-Gr 3–In a simple, tender way, this book captures the frustration, love, and annoyance of being an older sibling. Jack's little sister, Nancy, likes to help with his projects. Unfortunately, her "help" usually spells ruin. When he and his friends enter a snowman-building contest, Nancy tags along. Jack is relieved when the contest rules forbid a fourth team member, and Nancy sulks off to build her own snowman. When some older boys harass her, Jack leaves his friends and helps her. Even though his former teammates take first prize, Jack feels good about his decision. The acrylic illustrations of the animal characters add humor and tenderness to the already sweet, funny story. Their faces are particularly expressive, and the visual jokes add another dimension to the simple text. This is an enjoyable read-aloud that also lends itself well to independent reading.–Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK
MAYES, Walter M. Walter the Giant Storyteller's Giant Book of Giant Stories. illus. by Kevin O'Malley. unpaged. further reading. Walker. 2005. Tr $18.95. ISBN 0-8027-8974-9; RTE $19.85. ISBN 0-8027-8975-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–Five giant stories are cleverly embedded in Walter the Giant Storyteller's first-person narrative about his adventures that left him shipwrecked on a Lilliputian-like island. Bound and sternly interrogated by Magnus, the ruler of the island who puts him on trial, Walter defends the reputation of giants through stories. He begins by retelling "Jack and the Beanstalk" from the giant's perspective: "The version you've heard is so wrong. That little weasel Jack got away with murder–literally!" Paul Bunyan makes an appearance, as do Stormalong and Finn M'Cool. Walter's reinterpreted version of Atlas features a poignant mythological hero who is lost without his job of holding up the heavens: "There wasn't much for me out there, you know. The world I knew is long gone." O'Malley's vibrant colors and heavily outlined cartoon drawings resemble woodcuts; selected dialogue is set off dramatically in white speech boxes. The cast of characters observing the trial reacts with humorous expressions, offering readers additional details to discover. Oversize block letters announce the title on the cover of this aptly oversize book. Source notes and a list of favorite books about giants are appended. Creative-writing enthusiasts will appreciate this book as a strong example of voice and point of view. It will tickle the funny bones of many readers.–Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI
MERCER, Peggy. Ten Cows to Texas. illus. by Bill Crews. unpaged. Handprint. Nov. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-59354-116-3; PLB $17.50. ISBN 1-59354-129-5. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–Ten cow sisters hijack a trailer truck and its driver, who resembles Elvis in his better days, and make their way from Lonesome Cow, GA, to stardom in El Paso, TX. They start off with Mimi doing most of the driving. However, since she is not really sure where she's going, the trucker, Big 'Un, ends up sitting on the hood and giving directions. The 1500-mile journey has to be made in a short amount of time in order to make their audition, so it is no wonder that they attract a squad of policemen, a parade, a band, and other assorted passersby on their way. By the time they pull into the cattle market where the tryouts are being held, there is no stopping this herd in fulfilling its destiny. The story is told primarily in a slangy Southern dialect. Many expressions and figures of speech, such as "Can't never could!" are likely to confuse readers. The almost full-page cartoons have busy borders that include maps and other designs. The comic-style illustrations do not lend energy to the cows or to the world around them. These bovines may hold some regional appeal, but most folks can skip this road trip.–Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ
MERSKI, P. K. Roaring, Boring Alice: A Story of the Aurora Borealis. illus. by Mark Weber. unpaged. Skeezel Pr. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-9747217-0-0. LC 2004090342.
PreS-Gr 2–Alice is having a temper tantrum of technicolor proportions. After complaining that her soup is too hot and her peas are too cold, she is sent to her room where she screams until her face turns blue. Suddenly no sound comes from her previously noisy mouth. A strange little person appears to inform Alice that her screaming has changed into lights to color the night sky, thus creating the Aurora Borealis. As she settles down and realizes that her behavior was unacceptable, the room becomes a peaceful green. The illustrations sometimes blend together, muddying the effect, and the uneven rhymes make the story difficult to read aloud. An author's note gives the scientific reason for the Aurora Borealis. Molly Bang's When Sophie Gets Angry–Really, Really Angry (Scholastic, 1999) does a better job of introducing the complexities of childhood emotions.–Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY
MERZ, Klaus. Ken's Great Adventure. tr. by Marianne Martens. illus. by Hannes Binder. unpaged. North-South. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-7358-2027-9. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Ken journeys through countrysides and villages on his silver scooter. The map of the world that he painted on his helmet fuels his imagination: "Over his left temple sat the continent of North America. The right side of his head was protected by Asia." Detailed, black-ink line art follows winding trails and provides aerial perspectives of the landscape. Text printed in red and a splash of the color on Ken's T-shirt offer a dramatic contrast to the otherwise black-and-white pictures. While they show his epic quest, the story line is strained and plodding: "The boy with the huge helmet on his head brought to mind Atlas, the giant on whose shoulders the heavens rested according to Greek mythology." This slight tale is an additional purchase.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada
MICHELSON, Richard. Happy Feet: The Savoy Ballroom Lindy Hoppers and Me. illus. by E. B. Lewis. unpaged. CIP. Harcourt/Gulliver. Nov. 2005. RTE $16. ISBN 0-15-205057-4. LC 2004024399.
Gr 2-4–A boy affectionately called "Happy Feet" sits in his father's shoeshine shop in Harlem and listens to the story of the night he was born in 1926. On that same night, the doors opened across the street at the famous Savoy Ballroom, one of the first venues where blacks and whites could dance together. "Twistmouth himself knocked on the door, asking the cost of a premium shine. 'No charge,' I told him, 'it's jelly on the cuff.' 'Well then, alligator,' he said, 'are your boots laced?' And he ticketed us both across the street to the head of the line." The story captures the mood and language of Harlem in the '20s and '30s, and introduces some of the famous faces at the Savoy, including "Twistmouth" George Ganaway, "Musclehead" Frank Manning, Big Bea, and others who invented dance steps that became famous in the swing era. Lewis's rich-toned watercolors bleed in and out of focus for the dancing scenes, transmitting excitement and joy. "'When folk are swinging,' Whitey sings, 'ain't nobody better than nobody! Salt and pepper–equals! Cats and chicks–equals! Everybody just coming to dance.'" Happy Feet takes a backseat to the characters in his father's story, serving really as a framing device; it works fine for this charming, brief tale that makes a dramatic read-aloud introduction to swing and the Savoy.–Nina Lindsay, Oakland Public Library, CA
MILLS, Claudia. Ziggy's Blue-Ribbon Day. illus. by R. W. Alley. unpaged. CIP. Farrar. 2005. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-32352-6. LC 2003044057.
K-Gr 2–Ziggy isn't athletic, but he loves to draw. On the day of the track-and-field meet, he is anxious. He reluctantly joins his classmates outdoors, where all the participants will receive ribbons for competing in the day's events–blue for first place, then red, or gold, or silver. While waiting for a race to begin, Ziggy colors the outside of the envelope in which he is to collect his ribbons; he is sure that they all will be silver. When a classmate spots his artwork, she asks him to draw on her envelope in exchange for one of her blue ribbons. Soon, other students are bartering theirs for his drawing services. The lively color cartoon illustrations succinctly express Ziggy's passion.–Linda Zeilstra Sawyer, Skokie Public Library, IL
MILORD, Susan. Love That Baby! illus. by author. unpaged. Houghton. 2005. RTE $7.95. ISBN 0-618-56323-7. LC 2004025119.
PreS–Toddlers and their parents will enjoy this tale of action followed by reaction. The story depicts typical occurrences in the life of a baby and the lift of a flap shows a parental response. For example, the page that states "Baby is hungry" shows an anxious youngster, but when viewers lift the flap, they find his dad spooning up a treat and the words "Feed that baby!" The colored-pencil and watercolor illustrations are bright, appealing, and uncluttered. Simply drawn characters and backgrounds, washed in pastel colors and defined with crisp black outlines, are accompanied by simple three-word phrases. The durable cardboard pages make this an appropriate book for little hands. However, the sharp edges make this book unsuitable for babies. While it doesn't cover new territory, it celebrates the bond between parent and child. For toddler storytimes, pair it with Mary Murphy's I Kissed the Baby! (Candlewick, 2003). It is also a soft, gentle choice for bedtime sharing.–Linda Zeilstra Sawyer, Skokie Public Library, IL
MOSS, Marissa. Amelia's Most Unforgettable Embarrassing Moments. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. S & S/A Paula Wiseman Bk. 2005. Tr $9.95. ISBN 0-689-87041-8. LC 2004059006.
Gr 3-5–When Amelia goes on a three-day field trip with her class, the possibilities for embarrassment loom large in her mind. Dressing in front of others and wearing the "wrong" kind of pajamas and slippers ("The combination you pick says a lot about who you are!") are just some of her concerns; never mind the presence of her older sister who is participating as a teaching aide ("I almost choked on my macaroni! Cleo working with my class? That's my worst nightmare!"). The format–hand-written journal entries on lined paper under topics such as "Amelia's Embarrassing Moments Hall of Fame" and "The Pajama Game"–allow the girl's perceptive voice to be heard, and since this is her story, she is the only developed character. Childlike cartoon drawings and many comedic captions extend the humor. Fortunately, Cleo encourages some group sharing of embarrassing moments and the ensuing revelations enable Amelia to realize that not only can she survive her humiliations, but that she also doesn't need to take responsibility for her sister's behavior. A multiethnic cast of characters helps promote the realization that all children suffer from similar concerns and doubts. Another winner in an already popular series.–Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma Library, CA
MOZELLE, Shirley. The Bear Upstairs. illus. by Doug Cushman. unpaged. CIP. Holt. 2005. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-8050-6820-1. LC 2004023392.
PreS-Gr 3–With "klunks" and "bumpety-bumps," a bear moves into his new apartment. The bear downstairs, who is trying to write and likes peace and quiet, finds him a bit too noisy. As the newcomer continues to unpack his boxes–"…pots, skillets, juicer, colander, omelet maker. Klink-tink! Tinkety-klink!"–the downstairs resident loses her patience. She goes to talk to her new neighbor and discovers that he is an avid fan of her cookbook. He explains that he is a chef and makes an omelet using one of her recipes, and they both enjoy a breakfast together. Many of the lighthearted pen-and-ink watercolor illustrations show the two floors of the cozy house so that readers can see what is happening to both tenants at the same time. The bears' distinct and opposite personalities are made evident by their bodily postures and facial expressions, and in the fun details in their decorating styles. The subtle message of acceptance and tolerance is conveyed with humor and wit and will surely strike a chord with many readers.–Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN
