Preschool to Grade 4
-- School Library Journal, 12/1/2005
Fiction
ANDERSON, M. T. Me, All Alone, at the End of the World. illus. by Kevin Hawkes. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. 2005. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-7636-1586-2. LC 2002034858.
Gr 2-4–Living at the end of the world with only his mule for company, an unnamed boy delights in the simple pleasures of treasure hunting and listening to the wind until the day his solitude is disrupted by the arrival of Constantine Shimmer, who brings noise and chaos in his wake. The vigorous old gentleman decides to conduct "Galvano-Magical End of the World Tours," which promise "Fun All the Time." He builds a hotel and an amusement park, turning the boy's serene retreat into a bustling tourist attraction. Three of the vacationing children befriend the youngster, and he enjoys the novelty and excitement of so much activity for a short time, but soon realizes that he misses the wind. With a quiet sense of purpose, he decides to leave. Bidding farewell to his friends, he flies away in a hot-air balloon to set up a new solitary home at the top of the world. The story, which addresses some thought-provoking, philosophical issues, is complemented by full-page watercolor and acrylics illustrations that resonate with old-fashioned charm, as well as smaller ink sketches on the text pages. Contemplative young readers will be enthusiastically carried along with the boy and his friends as they make their way through Mr. Shimmer's magical tourist destination, but, like the narrator, they will appreciate the quiet of their own homes as they reach the final page. Anderson and Hawkes, who collaborated on Handel, Who Knew What He Liked (Candlewick, 2001), have triumphed again with this imaginative fable.–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA
ANDERSON, Sara. Octopus Oyster Hermit Crab Snail: A Poem of the Sea. illus. by author. unpaged. Handprint. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-59354-079-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–This poem brings popular marine creatures to life: "Jellyfish Lobster Stickleback Seal/Barnacle Blowfish Pompano...Eel/Up from the depths/comes a bubble of air./What can you see?/Is anyone there?" The cut-paper collage illustrations draw readers into the rhythm of the sea, from the waves depicted in shades of blue and lavender on the endpapers to the whitecaps ("Beach flutter bubbles") brought by the tide at the end. However, some of the creatures aren't identified, and children might not be familiar with many of them–except for the mottled head of a whale, which gets its own spread, or the gray dolphins leaping from a purple sea.–Polly L. Kotarba, Gordon Elementary School Library, Bellaire, TX
ANDREAE, Giles. Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs. illus. by Russell Ayto. unpaged. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. 2005. RTE $15.95. ISBN 1-4169-0713-0. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–This imaginary adventure combines a boy's two passions–pirates and prehistoric animals. Flinn's markers run out while he is drawing a dinosaur at school and he goes to the supply closet to get more. There he discovers a sobbing pirate who explains that his ship has been stolen. Along with three friends, Flinn vows to help Captain Stubble retake the Acorn. The closet wall falls away, revealing a bright blue day and a scrappy-looking vessel. The children don pirate garb and Captain Stubble, who prefers to be the cook, puts Flinn in charge. They discover that the Acorn has been taken over by fierce, pirate dinosaurs, and a great battle ensues. All of the creatures jump overboard--except for the Tyrannosaurus rex. Flinn crosses swords with the frightening beast until it finally surrenders. Then it is time to return to school and the children step back through the closet and into the classroom where everyone is wondering where they have been. Ayto's watercolor-and-ink illustrations are angular, bold, and lively. The pirate dinosaurs–complete with eye patches and pointy weapons–are a curious combination of ferocious and precious. They look very much like Flinn's drawing. The fast-paced action and vibrant artwork make this tale a fun and exciting read-aloud.–Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH
BAUM, L. Frank. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. illus. by Michael Foreman. 160p. Sterling. 2005. PLB $12.95. ISBN 1-4027-2535-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-7–Baum's much-loved tale of four unlikely friends and their quest to find the Wizard has been subjected to countless retellings and adaptations, many of them just faint shadows of the original. Here, the entire story is enlivened with luminous watercolors. A combination of full spreads and partial page scenes portrays the group's feats and foibles. As he did so successfully in The Wind in the Willows (Harcourt, 2002), Foreman uses his skillful command of color and light to emphasize the story's sense of adventure and enchantment. Readers many feel a need for sunglasses as they come upon the Emerald City. Subtle humorous details, such as the winged monkeys decked out in Red Baron-style goggles, are sure to elicit chuckles. The expressive fumbling scarecrow is the visual star of the quartet. However, the portrayal of a yellow-haired, nondescript Dorothy is a disappointment. Overall, this is an appealing and accessible alternative to the many cartoon versions of this modern classic.–Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI
BERKELEY, Jon. Chopsticks. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Random. Dec. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-375-83309-9. LC 2004020994.
PreS-Gr 3–In Hong Kong, there is a floating restaurant that a mouse calls home. One New Year's night, after it has closed, a wooden dragon that is coiled around one of the large pillars in the entrance tells him of his wish to fly, but that only Old Fu, the carver, knows how to bring him to life. Chopsticks goes to the elderly man to learn his secret and returns to release the dragon. They fly into the night sky, and continue to do so every time the moon is full. The text is somewhat trite compared to the fabulous artwork. The vividly painted pictures appear to be acrylic based and provide colorful and enchanting backdrops for the story. The scenes are so intriguing that they will have readers lingering on each page to enjoy the details.–Amanda Conover Le, St. Johns County Public Library System, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
BLACKSTONE, Stella. A Dragon on the Doorstep. illus. by Debbie Harter. unpaged. CIP. Barefoot. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 1-84148-227-7. LC 2004028587.
PreS-Gr 1–A boy and girl encounter a series of exotic animals, beginning with the dragon on their doorstep, which they lock in a closet and then run away. As the children proceed from room to room, trying to subdue or escape from each of the surprising houseguests, they find yet another one ("a crocodile in the closet," "a tiger in the toy chest," and a "lion in the laundry"). To no avail, they try to lock the creatures away in various locations throughout the house, which may be a little disconcerting to young readers. The smiling animals seem too open and friendly to be truly frightening and, in the end, the youngsters and the whole menagerie end up outside, where they "can play another game and everyone can hide!" The rhyming text, which features some alliteration, is slightly uneven, but the lively art, done in watercolor, pen-and-ink, and crayon, adds a touch of humor to the story. Although children may like pointing out the hidden creatures in the brightly colored illustrations, they may find more enjoyment in searching for the runaway rabbit in Rosemary Wells's McDuff's Hide-and-Seek (Hyperion, 2004).–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA
BLEGVAD, Lenore. Kitty and Mr. Kipling: Neighbors in Vermont. illus. by Erik Blegvad. 131p. CIP. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-689-87363-8. LC 2004004143.
Gr 3-5–This fictionalized tale of a young Vermonter who spends a magical year getting to know the famous author combines a number of lovely elements. Kitty is the daughter of pragmatic New Englanders. Their small town is thrown into chaos when the Kipling family moves in, partly because Mrs. Kipling's brother, Beatty Balestier, lives there. Kipling is very kind to young Kitty, involving her in his family life and telling her stories from his work in progress–The Jungle Book. As the seasons pass, the girl's sense of happiness fades as the relationship between the hot-tempered and profligate Balestier and the Kiplings deteriorates. Eventually, charges are filed when Balestier threatens to kill Mr. Kipling, and Kitty knows that it is only a matter of time before her friend returns to England. Erik Blegvad's soft drawings give readers a good sense of time and place. Kitty's personal growth allows her to accept that with life comes some pain, and that not everyone is perfect. An afterword gives biographical information about the Kiplings. While the book accurately depicts their time spent in Vermont, Kitty and her family are fictional creations. However, much of Kipling's dialogue is taken from written accounts of the time. This is a fast read, and a good recommendation for those looking for historical fiction for younger readers.–Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY
BRIMNER, Larry Dane. Loud Larry. illus. by JoAnn Adinolfi. ISBN 1-59296-530-X. LC 2005005368.
––––. Max's Math Machine. illus. by Robert Squier. ISBN 1-59296-522-9. LC 2005005371.
––––. Sammy's Something Sweet. illus. by Kathleen Petelinsek. ISBN 1-59296-533-4. LC 2005005369.
––––. Twelve Plump Cookies. illus. by Sharon Holm. ISBN 1-59296-523-7. LC 2005005374.
ea vol: 24p. (Magic Door to Learning Series). further reading. CIP. The Child's World. 2005. PLB $21.36.
Gr 1-2–Odd entries for beginning readers. Larry is always loud, so when his new baby sister comes home she is awakened from a sound sleep. Adult readers may be appalled when his parents give this infant to him to hold and walk her in an attempt to soothe her. Adinolfi's primitive cartoon illustrations do not soften the impact of this troubling scenario. In Math Machine, Max makes a device from scraps of equipment that counts shoes, socks, bees, peas, and busses. Squier's cartoon illustrations cheerfully depict the text, but the story is neither engaging nor funny. In Something Sweet, Sammy's grandmother asks him to bring her dessert; he tricks her with a lemon and a pickle before sharing a piece of chocolate pie with her. Petelinsek's stylized cartoons have curved lines that give Sammy a lumpy, pointed head and Grandma a grotesque face with a mouth nearly obliterated by her huge jowls. Cookies is the strongest entry, featuring a boy who bakes a dozen cookies and divides them up when more guests arrive, much as in Pat Hutchins's The Doorbell Rang (HarperCollins, 1986). Readers will enjoy Holm's cheery, expressive illustrations. These titles are unlikely to inspire readers to pick up another book.–Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI
BROWN, Marc. Buster and the Great Swamp. ISBN 0-316-15912-3; ISBN 0-316-00125-2. LC 2004018620.
––––. Buster Catches a Wave. charts. ISBN 0-316-15903-4; ISBN 0-316-00122-8. LC 2004018619.
––––. Buster Climbs the Walls. ISBN 0-316-15913-1; ISBN 0-316-00126-0. LC 2004018618.
ea vol: illus. by author. unpaged. (Postcards from Buster Series). photos. glossary. CIP. Little, Brown. 2005. Tr $14.99; pap. $3.99.
Gr 1-3–Three beginning-reader tie-ins to the PBS show Postcards from Buster. Swamp, a level-two title, takes Buster to the Bayou in Louisiana, while in Wave, a level-one book, he tries surfing in Florida. In Walls, a level-three story, he goes rock climbing in Colorado. The combination of snapshots of kids participating in the activities discussed layered on top of Brown's illustrations is effective. However, the fact that the children to whom Buster is speaking are never shown is confusing, and the texts are choppy and stilted. All of the books begin with Buster packing for his trip while he talks to Arthur and end with a postcard to his new friends describing something he is doing at home that relates to his adventure. This tacked-on device seems trite. The covers are appealing and the topics are high interest. Unfortunately, the selections try to do too much. Children will pick them up because of the appeal and success of previous books and the television show, but the stories are unlikely to hold their attention. Stick with the original picture books about Arthur.–Erlene Bishop Killeen, Fox Prairie Elementary School, Stoughton, WI
BROWN, Peter. Flight of the Dodo. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Little, Brown. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-316-11038-8. LC 2004004711.
K-Gr 2–Penguin is having a fine day until a flying goose lets loose on his jacket. Reminded that he is restricted to the ground and that the "Flappers" get to have all the fun, the "Waddler" summons other flightless birds–Ostrich, Kiwi, and Cassowary–and convinces them of the need to invent a flying machine. Once aloft in their hot-air balloon, "Penguin finally felt the thrill of target pooping." The straightforward text shows the various sounds and noises either in capitals–"SPLAT"–or in a wavy line to indicate the flying and floating in the sky. Colorful acrylic-and-pencil illustrations not only add humor–worms are shown squirming out of Penguin's sandwich by day, and the birds sport flight goggles–but also depict trouble–the sky turns a blackish-purple when a thunderstorm hits. In a turnabout of fate, Penguin poops on the geese to get their attention and the kindhearted Flappers facilitate the rescue of the Waddlers. Pair this book with other titles about unlikely friendships for a theme about learning from others.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA
BRUNELLE, Nicholas. Snow Moon. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Viking. 2005. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-670-06024-0. LC 2005003926.
K-Gr 2–In spare poetic text, a boy describes being awakened by an owl perched on his window ledge. He follows the creature through the nighttime terrain to a place where owls swarm like snowflakes but human life seems very far away. The artwork is done in shades of blue and white; the creative use of perspective and luminous expanses is electrifying. Details such as feathers floating in the child's bedroom raise intriguing questions and possibilities, as does the final picture, which shows a snow globe containing a scene of the boy with his arms lifted toward the moon, bringing the story out of the realm of day-to-day reality. The wild beauty that permeates the images is underscored by the fact that readers never see the youngster's face, only that of the owl. Brunelle is in every sense a gifted artist. His words are quiet, never contrived, at once haunting and comforting. The same can be said of the illustrations. This tale is perfect for bedtime, wintertime, or anytime.–Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY
CARROLL, Lewis. Alice Through the Looking-Glass. illus. by Helen Oxenbury. 224p. Candlewick. 2005. Tr $24.99. ISBN 0-7636-2892-1. LC 2005045393.
Gr 2 Up–In this delightful companion to Oxenbury's illustrated version of Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (Candlewick, 1999), Alice now wears black tights and a white long-sleeved shirt to suit the winter setting ("Without, the frost, the blinding snow,/The storm-wind's moody madness–/Within, the firelight's ruddy glow,/And childhood's nest of gladness"). Leaving the cozy room behind, she steps through the looking glass and into a world depicted in warm watercolors, sepia-toned illustrations, and line drawings. Not a word of the original tale has been altered. The artwork echoes the whimsy of the language, clearly showing Alice's amusement at the antics of Tweedledum and Tweedledee, her frustration at the impossibility of slicing a "Looking-glass cake," her affection for the gentle White Knight, and her exasperation when both the White and the Red Queen fall asleep snuggled against her. The large font and numerous illustrations, including many single- and double-page paintings, make this edition inviting for reading aloud or alone. The artwork has an engaging openness to it, and Alice comes across as a real child, making it easy for readers to imagine themselves exploring the wonders of this make-believe realm.–Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal
CHAPMAN, Nancy Kapp. Tripper's Travels: An International Scrapbook. illus. by Lee Chapman. unpaged. maps. photos. glossary. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2005. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-7614-5240-0. LC 2004027457.
K-Gr 4–A zesty combination of story and factual information, this book capitalizes on today's popular interest in scrapbooking. An adventure-seeking dog visited various sites in Paris, Rome, Cairo, Nairobi, Moscow, Delhi, Tokyo, Canberra, Mexico City, and Washington, DC. Tripper rode a camel, surfed Bondi Beach, rode the Trans-Siberian Railway, and floated through the Xochimilco gardens. He even managed to bypass security and sneak onto the White House grounds, where he received an unexpected presidential pat on the head. A basic outline map shows each capital's general location. Four pages are devoted to each city and include illustrations of various sizes and strategically placed captions. The appealing, mixed-media artwork incorporates oil paint, oil pastel, prismacolor pencil, and Photoshop; the illustrations are too small and detailed to be seen by a group, making this more of a title for one-on-one sharing or individual browsing. Eye-catching, stylized headings separate the material pertinent to each destination. A useful pronunciation guide for selected foreign words is appended. Tripper's scrapbook is a gold mine of material for spin-off curricular connections. The format might serve as a model for student writing while the text could be the basis for sorting fact from fiction.–Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH
COLLODI, Carlo. Pinocchio. illus. by Robert Ingpen. 135p. Purple Bear. 2005. Tr $19.95. ISBN 1-933327-00-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-7–The classic moral tale of the wayward puppet's quest to become a real boy is illustrated with Ingpen's richly textured pencil-and-watercolor artwork. A combination of full-page illustration and spreads, as well as numerous smaller pictures, depicts Pinocchio's adventures. Ingpen's color choices–primarily subdued neutral tones accented with bright hues–underscore the sense of play in a rather grim story. The bright-eyed marionette is portrayed as more mischievous than malicious–more naive than nasty. Even as a puppet, his posture and movements are that of an active, curious child. Likewise, the narration is lively and energetic and seasoned with subtle humor. The dark sides of the tale are not omitted, but the focus is on the adventure and on Pinocchio's redemption. Some of the modernization is unnecessary and awkward; for example, the Cat receives a telegram, rather than message, informing him that his child is ill. Overall, this is a handsome traditional edition of the story that will appeal to children. The Adventures of Pinocchio illustrated by Robert Innocenti (Creative Editions, 2005) is a more literary version with a stronger sense of the European setting, dramatic tension, and moral undertones. Sara Fanelli's version (Candlewick, 2003) offers a more contemporary collage-style interpretation.–Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI
COTE, Nancy. It's All About Me! illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Putnam. 2005. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-399-24280-5. LC 2004024736.
PreS-Gr 2–A boy describes all of the things that he can do–crawl, walk, and eventually run–and his parents tell him that he's the best. When a new baby comes along, he wonders why they wanted another child if he's the best. At first, he is jealous of his brother, but when the tot smiles at him, he decides that maybe the little guy can stay and they begin building a relationship. Then, another infant arrives, and the older sibling is very sympathetic about his younger brother's reaction to the new addition. This exploration of the growth and development of a loving, caring family is told through simple rhyming language and lively gouache and watercolor-pencil artwork. Each spread has several small captioned illustrations (e.g., "I sit" or "I play in mud"), bringing to mind a photo album. Brightly colored two-page paintings are interspersed throughout, showing larger views of day-to-day life. The palette is cheerful and warm. The narrator's emotions run the gamut from happy to sad to angry. A good choice for parents to share with their children when a new family member is on the way.–Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH
CUYLER, Margery. Groundhog Stays Up Late. illus. by Jean Cassels. unpaged. CIP. Walker. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8027-8939-0; RTE $17.85. ISBN 0-8027-8940-4. LC 2004058273.
PreS-Gr 2–Who wants to spend all winter sleeping? Groundhog would rather spend his autumn days playing with the other woodland animals than preparing for winter. While his disapproving friends retreat to their warm and cozy burrows, he remains awake. Once the snow begins to fly, he plays in it alone, building snowmen and forts, but soon becomes hungry and cold. In early January during a brief thaw, the mischievous animal tricks the other forest inhabitants into believing that spring has arrived early and they celebrate with a wonderful feast. When his disgruntled companions discover the ruse, they resolve to get back at him, and, because of their trickery, he ends up sleeping through spring. The following winter, an unrepentant Groundhog stays up late once again. Crisp gouache paintings show the cuddly animals standing upright, and the energetic woodchuck proudly sports a red scarf and mittens. The colors and textures of the changing seasons are beautifully portrayed.–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA
DAY, Jan. Kissimmee Pete, Cracker Cow Hunter: A Tall Tale. illus. by Janeen Mason. unpaged. CIP. Pelican. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-58980-325-6. LC 2005011288.
Gr 2-4–This tall tale is based on the lives of Florida's frontier cowboys, called "cracker cow hunters" because they herded and corralled their livestock by cracking long whips to keep the animals in line. Kissimmee Pete is one of these men, and the story details his many adventures and exploits. He is helped by a dog named Mud; a speedy horse called Blaze; and String Bean, his pet green cow. Each adventure adds another descriptive adjective to Pete's name, so that at the end of the book he is: "Kissimmee Pete, the legendary, brainy, velvet-voiced, gator-wrestlin', stinky, hard-ridin', tender-hearted, courageous, cranky, clever, cracker cow hunter," who can still be seen riding at dawn on the Okeechobee prairies. The clever text is full of humor and flows well, and is set off by eye-catching illustrations that give the pages energy and imagination–just right for a tall tale.–Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
DEL NEGRO, Janice M., retel. Willa and the Wind. illus. by Heather Solomon. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2005. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-7614-5232-X. LC 2004025715.
Gr 1-4–A girl visits the North Wind to rebuke him for keeping the rain clouds away and for blowing away the last bit of cornmeal. Old Windy, blustery and only slightly chastened, provides her with a magical, food-producing handkerchief, but a wicked innkeeper whom she encounters on her route home steals it from her. Willa returns twice more to Old Windy, who gives her a second magical gift–a gold-producing goat, quickly stolen by the innkeeper–and finally a third–a whistle to call up the wind and spin the man until he returns her other gifts. Del Negro's retelling of Peter Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe's "The Lad Who Went to the North Wind" invests the tale with an immediacy that will be great for telling or reading aloud. The magic, combined with the satisfaction of justice served and patience and courage rewarded, is a perfect recipe, told with a twinkle. Solomon's big-boned, big-eyed elongated figures echo the story's northern roots but have a delicious energy of their own in the swirling full-color, full-page illustrations.–Kathie Meizner, Montgomery County Public Libraries, Chevy Chase, MD
DISABLED FABLES: AESOP'S FABLES RETOLD AND ILLUSTRATED BY ARTISTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. 52p. illus. CIP. Star Bright. 2005. Tr $19.95. ISBN 1-932065-97-0. LC 2004017154.
Gr 1 Up–A compilation of fables retold and illustrated by adults with developmental disabilities, this volume has the potential to serve a number of different audiences. Individuals with disabilities and those who live, work, or go to school with them will find much to interest and inspire them. The writer/artists' interpretations of the tales range from startlingly original to confounding, but the ways in which they relate the stories to their own life experiences are often touching and illuminating. For "The Fox and the Cat," an autistic young man explains that he relates to this story because it is difficult for him to make a decision. The book's artwork–rendered mostly in watercolor or felt-tip markers–is likewise variable, with the best of it displaying an arresting sense of composition and color. The paintings are mostly primitive in style and many are powerful in capturing the high points of the stories they illustrate. Despite its uneven quality, this handsomely produced book has much to offer.–Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY
DUNSMUIR, Tom. You Can't Milk a Dancing Cow. illus. by Brian T. Jones. unpaged. Tanglewood. 2005. Tr $14.95. ISBN 0-9749303-3-4. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Once she has made enough clothing for her husband, Farmer Picket's wife turns her attention to the animals. She sews raincoats for the cows, and they are so happy, "they refused to come inside to be milked." Throughout the year, Mrs. Picket makes hats for the chickens, flannel pajamas for the rooster, snowsuits for the pigs, and Hawaiian outfits for the horses, all with detrimental results as far as her husband is concerned. When the woman's sewing machine breaks down and can not be repaired, the farmer buys her a computer. Mrs. Picket uses it to create more clothing designs for animals, which she then sells to other farms. The book, which begins with an intriguing title and an engaging cover, turns into a silly, hollow product with adult concerns. The stylized artwork features exaggerated, pop-eyed characters throughout; instead of being amusing, they are at times grotesque and scary. Libraries should reserve funds for more appealing, kid-focused stories.–Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA
FAIRY TALES OF HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN. tr. by Neil Philip. illus. by Isabelle Brent. 351p. Reader's Digest. 2005. Tr $27.95. ISBN 0-276-42830-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-6–By ably retranslating 40 of Andersen's best-known tales, Philip succeeds in restoring the original conversational intimacy between the storyteller and listeners. While the selections frequently end in rejection, humiliation, or disappointment, "they are saved…by the salt of Andersen's wit and the acuteness of his observation," the translator says in a substantive and informative introduction. Brent's elegant watercolors make frequent use of gold leaf as emphasis and borders for both the illustrations and each page of text. Families will find much to cherish in this beautifully designed presentation.–Susan Hepler, formerly at Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA
FITCH, Sheree. Peek-a-Little Boo. illus. by Laura Watson. unpaged. glossary. CIP. Orca. 2005. pap. $17.95. ISBN 1-55143-342-7. LC C2005-902275-2.
PreS–In this alphabet book, babies from around the world pose with objects or perform actions to correspond with each letter. Themba shows off her toes while Ulli plays the ukele. Four lines of verse accompany each letter, as for G: "Giggling baby,/Googledy-goo!/Let's play a game of/Peek-a-little boo!" A glossary includes the babies' names, their meanings, and the children's nationality. Unfortunately, the cutesy text feels forced to fit the alphabet frame, and many of the amateurish acrylics do not relate to it. The image of Xylon playing the xylophone is particularly jarring as the text is quieting down to a bedtime finale. Stick with Roberta Grobel Intrater's "Baby Faces" board book series (Scholastic).–Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
FLEMING, Denise. The First Day of Winter. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Holt. 2005. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-8050-7384-1. LC 2004022181.
PreS-K–Told in a rhythm reminiscent of "The Twelve Days of Christmas," a snowman's tale begins, "On the first day of winter my best friend gave to me…/a red cap with a gold snap." The benefactor continues to deck out the snowman with two bright blue mittens for his stick hands; five birdseed pockets; nine big black buttons for his eyes, nose, and front; and, finally, 10 salty peanuts for his wintry toes. As in the holiday song, each time a new item is introduced, the story counts back to the first gift. Fleming captures the tranquility and light of snowy days with her unique artistic style. Her paper-pulp and stencil illustrations depict a winter wonderland in which vibrant striped scarves, blue mittens, and red hats provide the color in a white, uncluttered landscape. A squirrel, a mouse, a bird, a cat, a rabbit and a deer appear on each spread and seem to gaze at readers. The perspective shifts throughout the book, so on one page children look down on the snowman, while on others they look up at him from the ground. Readers finally see the snowman's friend, a bundled-up child, on the 10th day of winter. Quietly told and thoughtfully illustrated, Fleming's work celebrates the season and all of winter's creatures.–Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI
GEISERT, Arthur. Lights Out. illus. by author. 32p. CIP. Houghton/A Walter Lorraine Bk. 2005. Tr $16. ISBN 0-618-47892-2. LC 2005000555.
Gr 1-4–A small pig creates an ingenious way to turn his light out at 8 p.m., as his parents require, but also to have the time he needs to settle into sleep before the room goes dark. His elaborate, Rube Goldbergian construction will have young readers poring over each page as a sequence of mechanical events unfolds. Only a few words introduce the story, but the visual narrative is lively and complex, showing the movement of each object in turn as the action runs up to the roof, down the walls, through the yard, into the basement, and so on. The porker sinks under the covers and his parents read calmly in the living room while the extraordinary machine does its work around the house. Readers will notice that the plans for this lights-out contraption are tacked up on the walls of the small pig's room, and that he's left some of his tools lying about–a wonderful and sweet attention to detail. Fans of roller-coaster construction, marble runs, and contraptionlike machines will be immediately engaged, and the problem-solving humor is for everyone. The fine lines and small scale of Geisert's color art work perfectly to give an effect that is intimate, energetic, and delightful.–Kathie Meizner, Montgomery County Public Libraries, Chevy Chase, MD
GREENBURG, Dan. Secrets of Dripping Fang: The Onts. illus. by Scott M. Fischer. 131p. (The Onts Series, Bk. #1). CIP. Harcourt. 2005. Tr $11.95. ISBN 0-15-205457-X. LC 2004028493.
Gr 3-5–The influence of Lemony Snicket looms large in this mock gothic tale. The 10-year-old Shluffmuffin twins long to be adopted out of the Jolly Days Orphanage. Unfortunately, Cheyenne's constant nose-dripping allergies and Wally's vile-smelling feet repulse most prospective parents. The elderly Mandible sisters, however, are oddly elated over the children's hygiene issues and take them home, on trial, to their weird mansion deep in Dripping Fang Forest. The Onts, as the old ladies want to be called, provide comfortable rooms and delicious chocolate meals, but they warn the youngsters never to go into the cellar. Suspicious Wally does just that, and discovers that the sinister seniors are really giant ants in disguise, plotting to raise an army of ravenous oversized insects to reclaim the universe from humankind. This episode ends before the kids can alert the rest of the world, but a sequel is certainly being spun. Adults may be put off by the constant references to "snot" and "boogers," but fans of the genre take this sort of thing in stride. Eerie black-and-white drawings complement the heavily tongue-in-cheek plot. While this is a bit over-the-top even for this genre, it is worth considering where demand for Snicket-style fantasy is especially strong.–Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL
GROBLER, Piet. Little Bird's ABC. illus. by author. unpaged. Front St. 2005. Tr $8.95. ISBN 1-932425-52-7. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 3–An appealing avian crew stars in this alphabet of sounds. These birds are brimming with personality and playfulness, conveyed through a rich variety of color, pose, and facial expression in the line-and-watercolor art. Each verso presents the upper- and lowercase versions of a letter, along with a picture; the action is completed on the right, with the appropriate sound or words spelled out. A mischievous woodpecker, for instance, clings to a capital "T" as a ladybug crawls across the top. On the ensuing page, the bird breaks the letter–"Tok-tok-tok"–and the insect topples off. "Uh-oh!" describes a little guy that gets caught pecking the egg of a much larger bird, while "Doink!" is the sound of an apple that beans a fanciful bird; the "Ffftt…" that comes from still another's rear should elicit embarrassed giggles from children. In most cases, readers encounter a new bird with each page turn, but a few stick around. A multicolored fellow gives an "Mmmm…" while unearthing a worm at "M" and adds "Nice worm!" on the following spread as it swallows its victim. Creative use of line and color makes each illustration a pleasant surprise, while sounds/words such as "Iiiee!!" and "Vroom, vroom!" are unexpected. With its small, square size and deceptively simple look, this is an inspired and original entry.–Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR
HAAS, Jessie. Jigsaw Pony. illus. by Ying-Hwa Hu. 128p. CIP. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2005. Tr $14.99. ISBN 0-06-078245-5; PLB $15.89. ISBN 0-06-078250-1. LC 2004060724.
Gr 2-4–An old pony that has had multiple owners finds a loving home with twins Fran and Kiera. The girls, who never agree on anything, have separate plans for Jigsaw. Fran dreams of barrel racing and Kiera of show jumping. However, they discover that Jigsaw stops after a few jumps and after running fast. When they realize that he is very old, they both agree–for maybe the first time–that Jigsaw is their friend and that they prefer to keep him instead of getting a younger pony. He is special, and can do amazing things ranging from quieting a neighbor's baby to attending show-and-tell at school to demonstrating his dunking-for-apples talent at a Halloween party. This is a clever and compassionate story with believable human characters and an appealing animal that is both good-natured and adaptable. The black-and-white illustrations convey the same warmth as the text and underscore Jigsaw's gentle temperament and irresistible appearance. Haas once again delivers with a well-written horse tale that will captivate readers.–Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA
HÄCHLER, Bruno. What Does My Teddy Bear Do All Night? tr. from German by Charise Myngher. illus. by Birte Müller. unpaged. Minedition. 2005. RTE $14.99. ISBN 0-698-40029-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–In this sequel to What Does My Teddy Bear Do All Day? (Minedition, 2004), a young girl plays with her bear when she should be in bed. Together they read books, build with blocks, go to the potty, and jump on the bed. When she finally goes to sleep, the youngster imagines that her bear plays in the tub and keeps the scary shadows away. In the morning, teddy finally falls asleep after his busy night. While there are many sweet and fun moments in the narrative, the text awkwardly shifts from rhymed verse to prose. Müller's full-page paintings in bold and deep colors will hold children's attention where the text may not. There are many details to explore here, such as the nighttime antics of two mice and a rag doll. While the nocturnal adventures of teddy are not as compelling as his daytime explorations, larger libraries with the first book might want to add this title as well.–Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
HARPER, Charise Mericle. The Invisible Mistakecase. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Houghton. 2005. RTE $16. ISBN 0-618-44885-3. LC 2004025122.
PreS-Gr 2–Charlotte, an alligator, calls her friend Kate, a pink poodle, a "big pink baby" and then feels regretful. Later, her grandfather tells her about the invisible suitcase that he keeps with him to remind him of the mistakes he has made, recounting a story about how he stole a piece of pie when he was a boy and then lied about it. After experiencing stomachaches and bad dreams, he finally confessed to his mother and mentally placed the dessert in his "mistakecase" as a reminder to always tell the truth. The next day, Charlotte totes along her own invisible case when she goes to apologize to Kate. Unfortunately, the story comes off as preachy. The one bright spot here is the brilliantly colored artwork. The appealing pictures, done in acrylic and collage, are filled with humor. One funny spread shows Grandpa's dream, as he runs away from a scary-looking pie with sharp teeth. Still, the didactic telling makes this book an additional purchase.–Lisa S. Schindler, Bethpage Public Library, NY
HARVEY, Sarah N. Puppies on Board. illus. by Rose Cowles. unpaged. CIP. Orca. 2005. Tr $17.95. ISBN 1-55143-390-7. LC 2005925305.
K-Gr 3–Mollie, who lives on a boat, wakes up to discover that her dog has given birth to 11 puppies. Her mother doesn't think they can live with more than one animal, so the girl concocts a scheme to find homes for the others by inviting her seaside neighbors to tea. Before the guests leave, they each offer one or more of the canines a new home. Mollie is a lively and appealing character, and the story's resolution will satisfy young readers. The watercolor-and-ink illustrations depict animated puppies, but the palette of shaded greens and yellows gives the art a dull look. Wavy borders haphazardly crop the pictures in odd places, creating confusing images and strange perspectives. Try Susan Meyers's Puppies! Puppies! Puppies! (Abrams, 2005) for art and text that are as playful as the subject.–Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
HOBBS, Leigh. Old Tom, Man of Mystery. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Peachtree. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-56145-346-3. LC 2005000771.
K-Gr 2–Angela Throgmorton is tired of doing all of the housework so she makes up a list of chores for her quirky and spoiled-rotten orange cat. Old Tom, of course, will have none of it and feigns illness. While he is supposedly recuperating in bed, he dons a disguise and emerges as The Man of Mystery and steals a cake that Angela has just baked and watches TV. That night the woman hears footsteps and follows The Man of Mystery around the neighborhood and city. Even though Old Tom gets busted, Angela forgives him in the end and still thinks she can get him to help out around the house. As in Old Tom's Holiday (Peachtree, 2004), the text tells a simple story but the brightly colored cartoon illustrations provide laugh-out-loud humor. Fans of Harry Allard and Dav Pilkey should enjoy this title.–Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA
HOLM & HAMEL. You Only Have Nine Lives. illus. by Brad Weinman. 128p. (The Stink Files Series). CIP. HarperCollins. 2005. Tr $14.99. ISBN 0-06-052985-7; PLB $15.89. ISBN 0-06-052986-5. LC 2004018561.
Gr 3-5–In this third installment in the series, feline secret agent James Edward Bristlefur, aka Mr. Stink, travels to Paris as the winner of a competition to be the new spokescat for Le Chat Gourmet cat food. After a round of publicity appearances, he is ready to vacation with his human family, the Greens. But of course, adventure beckons to him, this time in the form of a black cat that crosses his path. Mr. Stink follows this mysterious character to a ruined castle known as Catlandia where he is hailed as "His Royal Highness, Prince Furrdinand." This case of mistaken identity has a lot in common with Anthony Hope-Hawkins's The Prisoner of Zenda, although it is unlikely many readers will have heard of the novel or the movie. Mr. Stink has to unravel a mystery that leads not only to the real prince, but also to a revelation about his own true origins. The plot is further complicated by a cat villain named Ratsputin and the reappearance of Mr. Stink's nemesis, the evil Macavity. The story ends with a cliff-hanger that suggests another sequel. The book is embellished with a few black-and-white drawings that contribute to the mood. A short, entertaining, and mildly suspenseful tale for reluctant readers.–Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ
JEYAVEERAN, Ruth. The Spectacular Adventures of Sophie and Sebastian. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Houghton. 2005. RTE $16. ISBN 0-618-50756-6. LC 2004015780.
PreS-Gr 3–Sophie, a hippopotamus, has many interests–baking cookies, collecting comics, and keeping a secret sketchbook. However, her real dream is to skateboard through the sky. Unfortunately, all of her boards break. Her bird friend, Sebastian, who is the only one who has seen her drawings, tells Sophie that she needs a "new way to solve an old problem." Finally, she has an inspiration. The result is a comic about a Superhippo who uses her flying skateboard to rescue a baby hippo. When the other hippos see it, they love it. At last she feels "satisfied," which seems a rather flat ending. The colors in the gouache illustrations are muted and soft. All of the hippos are a light purple while Sebastian has darker purple wings. Sophie's comic strip is included, adding a bit of fun to the tale. Two spreads are a bit awkward; they require readers to turn the volume counterclockwise to view the page vertically. Although this title will have some readership among skateboarding fans, libraries might do better to buy extra copies of James Marshall's "George and Martha" titles (Houghton).–Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR
JOHNSON, Lindan Lee. The Dream Jar. illus. by Serena Curmi. unpaged. CIP. Houghton. 2005. RTE $16. ISBN 0-618-17698-5. LC 2003017704.
PreS-Gr 3–Children who have had bad dreams (or parents who have struggled to explain them away) will find solace and a solution in this story. A girl describes how, after a cuddly bedtime ritual with Mom, she and her sister drift off to sleep. When she has visions of scary sea monsters, her older, wiser, and very patient sibling decides that it's time to relay "The Secret" that their mother had shared with her under similar circumstances: one has the power to reinvent one's dreams. Scary turns to silly and all is well until the older girl is invited to a sleepover and the narrator is frightened at the prospect of spending a night alone. Big sister comes through once again: she leaves a "Dream Jar" covered in blue paper and glow-in-the-dark stars and filled with ideas guaranteed to transform any nightmare. The predominantly blue palette is rendered in pencil and acrylic and manipulated in Photoshop. The text surrounding the nymphlike duo is occasionally hand lettered and/or appears in color. The overall design, including sketchy thought bubbles, irregularly shaped panels, and dynamic spreads, exudes the vitality, energy, and whimsy of a creative and sensitive family. A refreshing departure from the usual nocturnal sibling shenanigans and parental platitudes, this tale is perfect for bedtime, storytime, or anytime. Pair it with Jane Kurtz's In the Small, Small Night (Greenwillow, 2005) for a look at sisterly love.–Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library
JOHNSON, Vincent L. Of Corn Silk and Black Braids. illus. by Linda Crockett. unpaged. Marzetta. 2005. Tr $17.95. ISBN 0-9657033-2-0. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–A story about overcoming a negative self-image and finding beauty within. Sarah's hair is coarse and electric and has a mind of its own. It hurts to have it combed and it never looks right. When Sarah's friend's silky blond strands blow across her face, Sarah feels even more miserable and embarrassed by her own hair. Sarah drapes her head with corn silk to give herself the feel of soft, bouncy hair, but when her mother discovers it, she tells her daughter to be proud of who she is. Sarah doesn't want blond hair, though; she only wants pretty hair. When Aunt Lubelle visits, she has just the solution. Although the text could be tighter and richer, the story is worthwhile. The illustrations are vivid and expressive and add depth to the whole. Combine this with some of the many other good books on hair, including Susan Garrison's How Emily Blair Got Her Fabulous Hair (Troll, 1997); Candace Fleming's Madame La Grande and Her So High, to the Sky, Uproarious Pompadour (Knopf, 1996); and bell hooks's Happy to Be Nappy (Hyperion, 1999) for a thought-provoking unit on self-esteem.–Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME
KANE, Tracy. The Magic of Color. illus. by author. unpaged. Light-Beams. 2005. Tr $17.95. ISBN 0-9766289-0-2. LC 2005901468.
Gr 1-3–Transparent symbolism and stereotypes abound in this long story about how color comes to a colorless island. A mountain divides an island, giving it two different climates and separating the two tribes that inhabit it. Although they are unaware of one another's existence, they are similar in appearance. They stand upright, have manes like horses, floppy or pointed ears like dogs, and lionlike tails. One night, a comet hits the mountaintop, sending blue down one side and red down the other. Each group takes on its newfound hue and enjoys a new, colorful life. Still the Tinters and the Shaders remain unaware of the other group until a beam of yellow draws them all to the summit. They meet and begin arguing over its ownership. During the argument a blue Shader falls into the pool of yellow and a red Tinter jumps in to save him. Eventually all the islanders assist in the rescue. When they climb out of the pool, their colors have mixed with yellow, and they are amazed by the "magic." It spills over, and the tribes become friends. The illustrations flow with the story, from gray to blue and red, to a rainbow of color and inhabitants. While the illustrations are filled with color, this allegory lacks real color and magic.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH
KASZA, Keiko. The Dog Who Cried Wolf. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Putnam. 2005. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-399-24247-3. LC 2004024737.
PreS-Gr 1–Moka is a good dog who lives a perfect life with Michelle until they read a book about wolves. Suddenly, he feels like a failure. He is inspired to hunt for his food and howl at the moon, so he runs away to the mountains to be as free as a wolf. Kasza's perfect pacing and expressive watercolor illustrations show how the pup's joy at being able to jump, dance, and pee wherever he wants turns to misery as his prey outruns him and a skunk sprays him. Missing Michelle and his former life, he tries howling at the golden moon, and when his cries are answered by some real wolves, he runs home in terror. Children will find themselves captivated by Moka's playful antics and comforted by his return. Children will howl with delight when they meet this engaging pup. Pair this story of adventure and going home again with Gene Zion's Harry the Dirty Dog (HarperCollins, 1956) for supremely satisfying storytime.–Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY
KLEVEN, Elisa. The Paper Princess Flies Again. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Tricycle. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-58246-146-5. LC 2004030089.
K-Gr 2–In this third book about the Paper Princess, Lucy prepares for a fiesta and decides to give presents to her friends, Paper Princess and her dog. Wanting to give the girl something in return, the Princess and her pet go off on an adventure to locate that one special gift for her. They find themselves sailing on the wind, getting tangled in a kite, and even catching a ride on a tumbleweed. They arrive home just in time for the party and a happy ending. The layout of the text and pictures does not flow naturally, making it uneasy on the eyes. Although the illustrations are detailed, they are too busy, blending together too many details and making some of them unclear. Children unfamiliar with the first two tales might be confused about the characters and their abilities. Purchase only if you have a real following for the series.–Lisa S. Schindler, Bethpage Public Library, NY
LANDRY, Leo. Fat Bat and Swoop. illus. by author. 64p. CIP. Holt. 2005. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-8050-7003-6. LC 2005010102.
Gr 1-3–It's a wonder that anyone on the farm gets any sleep, what with a bat and an owl spending the night making mischief. Their run-in with a clothesline leads to some ghostly shenanigans with Emily the cow. After she gets even, the three animals decide to be friends. In this early chapter book, the plot moves forward with plenty of dialogue and just enough silliness. Simply told, with ample black-and-white illustrations, the story is excellent fare for newly independent readers.–Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, NE
LANDSTRÖM, Lena. Four Hens and a Rooster. tr. from Swedish by Joan Sandin. illus. by Olof Landström. unpaged. Farrar/R&S. 2005. Tr $16. ISBN 91-29-66336-9. LC 2004097390.
K-Gr 4–Four chickens share a trough with a rooster and wonder why he has ample space while they are lined up cheek by jowl. When the hesitant hens finally question him, the chauvinistic fowl is outraged and further reduces the amount of food that they receive. Meanwhile, he is working on a mysterious project that is only conveyed using sophisticated visual clues. At times, the text is abrupt in its transitions. For example: "We'll take a course in self-esteem" faces a page that says, "The hens were feeling dizzy when they got off the bus." The art that accompanies this spread is equally confusing. Otherwise, the illustrations are expressive, clearly delineated watercolors filled with funny details. Humor abounds in the art, but many youngsters are unlikely to understand the tension that mounts around this gender-related theme.–Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma Library, CA
LENDLER, Ian. An Undone Fairy Tale. illus. by Whitney Martin. unpaged. CIP. S & S. 2005. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-689-86677-1. LC 2003016390.
Gr 1-3–In this nonsensical tale, a gluttonous king imprisons his stepdaughter in a tower so that she can bake pies only for him. Although many knights try to rescue her, none are able to accomplish the three difficult tasks set by the monarch. As Sir Wilbur–the "most famous knight around"–appears on the scene, the action is interrupted. Ned, the book's supposed illustrator, is introduced. A tiny man sitting on a board suspended by ropes, he rushes to finish painting the larger-than-life spread. Meanwhile, another man, the narrator, begs readers to slow down so that the work can be completed. While the fairy tale is illustrated with fluid watercolor-and-gouache cartoons, the two men are depicted in a simpler, more angular style, and the narrator's numerous comments are presented in a more workmanlike font. Unable to keep up, the story's creators improvise with what they have on hand, resulting in a hero who wears a tutu, an army of pickles, and a princess who saves her man while riding a snail and brandishing a banana. Although the approach is unique, the joke soon wears thin, as the narrator continually admonishes readers ("Why do you keep turning the page?" or "Look, we're trying to tell a good story, but you're reading too fast"). Not only is the plot less than successful, but the ending is also abrupt.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA
MCALLISTER, Angela. Trust Me, Mom! illus. by Ross Collins. unpaged. CIP. Bloomsbury. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-58234-955-X. LC 2004060883.
PreS-Gr 2–Today is the day that Ollie will finally be allowed to go to the store all by himself. He can barely contain his excitement, and Collins's exuberant illustrations show him leaping down the stairs. His mother's instructions are also very comically rendered, as she dons fake glasses and a mustache when warning him not to talk to anyone. He is quite confident and reassures her with the title phrase, "Trust me, Mom." But he doesn't venture far before he encounters a monster, something his mother didn't caution him about. After scaring the creature away with a loud roar, Oliver resourcefully deals with a ghost, a witch, a bear, and two aliens before successfully completing his errand. The text has appealing turns of phrase, as when the ghost fades "away like a sad puff of breath" after Oliver tells it that he doesn't believe in it. The lively artwork, done in watercolors and acrylics, extends the humorous text. Full of child appeal, this book will fly off the shelves. Pair it with John Burningham's The Shopping Basket (HarperCollins, 1980), another tale of a shopping trip interrupted by a series of unlikely characters, for a great read-aloud.–Robin L. Gibson, formerly at Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH
MAYER, Mercer. There Are Monsters Everywhere. illus. by author. unpaged. Dial. 2005. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-8037-0621-9. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–A boy laments the many monsters everywhere he goes–his mom and dad can't see them, but he just knows they're there. They lurk nearby when he takes the trash out in the evening, on the other side of the curtain when he's taking a shower, and all over his room at night. (Thank goodness they're afraid of ladders and he sleeps on the top bunk.) When he sees a sign for karate classes, he decides it's time to learn some fancy moves and overcome his fears. Though the story is hardly groundbreaking, it is an accurate and humorous reflection of childhood concerns. Mayer's trademark cartoon style is well suited to the bevy of silly and scary monsters that skulk around corners and cower in terror before a child gains confidence and takes charge.–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia
MEYERS, Susan. This Is the Way a Baby Rides. illus. by Hiroe Nakata. unpaged. CIP. Abrams. 2005. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-8109-5763-9. LC 2004023834.
PreS–In this story, the actions of a human youngster are matched with those of young forest animals. While the baby jumps "Leap-ity leap" on one side of a spread, a bunny does the same across a field on the other. Upon closer examination of the primary-shaded watercolor illustrations, viewers can search for a smaller depiction of the animal on the baby's page. The culminating spread shows the end of the day with a vivid orange sunset background. The font size varies for some action or onomatopoeic words. For example, "This is the way a baby cries. WAA! WAA! WAA! WAA! Where's my lunch?" With its excellent marriage of text and art, this sweet story should stand up to repeated readings.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA
MORGAN, Allen. Matthew and the Midnight Pirates. illus. by Michael Martchenko. 37p. (A First Flight Reader). CIP. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2005. Tr $11.95. ISBN 1-55041-902-1; pap. $4.95. ISBN 1-55041-904-8. LC C2004-900444-1.
Gr 1-3–Fans of Matthew and his midnight adventures may recognize this story that has been adapted from a picture-book format to an easy reader. The original artwork has been reused, as has part of the text, but both are now divided into seven short chapters. The story begins with Matthew playing pirate and worrying about his overdue library book about buccaneers. When he awakes at midnight to a busload of pirates in his front yard, he embarks on a wacky trip involving a pizza delivery van, librarians, turkeys, and lawyers, as well as a city hall budget meeting to save library funding. While children will enjoy Matthew's playacting, the hodgepodge of characters and the plot that borders on the absurd may prove both confusing and a bit of a challenge to novice readers. Purchase only if the "Matthew" books are in demand.–Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA
MYERS, Tim. Good Babies. illus. by Kelly Murphy. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. 2005. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7636-2227-3. LC 2004058471.
Gr 1-3–In this original folktale with a Nordic setting, a family in the valley is having a dreadful time because their baby sleeps all day and cries all night. Deep in the mountains, a new trollkin sleeps all night but keeps his family up all day with his cries. A passing witch with a mischievous gleam in her eye thinks it would be fun to switch the two youngsters. The family in the valley is delighted that their baby sleeps all night even though he keeps getting uglier and stronger. The trolls are also pleased with their trollkin who stays up all night with them even though he has a marked independent streak. Despite their bad behavior and strange appearances, both babies are loved and coddled. This annoys the witch to no end and she puts them back in their proper homes. Instead of being heartbroken, though, the families are delighted to have their own babies back. Murphy's acrylic, watercolor, and gel illustrations are based in blue. The figures are simply drawn but the rich color and shading bring them to life. An enjoyable story, particularly for children who would like to trade in their noisy younger siblings.–Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH
PETZ, Moritz. Wish You Were Here. tr. by J. Alison James. illus. by Questin Gréban. unpaged. North-South. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-7358-2005-8. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Hedgehog and Mouse declare how much they miss one another during Hedgehog's five-day vacation at the shore. He thinks of her each day, and they exchange letters. He meets others on his trip, but soon realizes that he could never find as good a friend as Mouse. She thinks, "Three days left until Hedgehog comes home." Full-bleed color illustrations face pages of text and a smaller picture. The tender artwork serves to move the story along to the penultimate spread, at the train station. Children can look for Hedgehog, who is partially obscured in one part of the scene, while Mouse searches in another corner. As the page is turned, readers are reassured that the friends find one another. In addition, young readers can practice counting back down from the five vacation days each time the story is repeated. Use this simple story with children who might be missing someone to give them the reassurance that the anticipated day will indeed arrive.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA
PILEGARD, Virginia Walton. The Warlord's Messengers. illus. by Nicolas Debon. unpaged. CIP. Pelican. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-58980-271-3. LC 2004031084.
Gr 1-4–In this sixth title in the series, characters once again employ math to help solve a real-life problem. Set in ancient China, this book tells how two children, Chuan and Jing Jing, use their ingenuity to deliver an important message. A messenger on horseback delivers a scroll summoning the warlord to a banquet at the emperor's palace, which will take place in 14 days. It has taken 10 days for the man to get to the warlord's palace, and the warlord is currently 3 days north of his home. It will take 3 days to reach him, another 3 for his return, and an additional 10 to arrive at the banquet–16 days in all, making him late, a "grave dishonor." Chuan recalls how boats along the river "traveled faster than the wind," and he and his friend devise a plan to harness the wind's power on land. Though the foolish adults doubt them every step of the way, in the end, the warlord arrives in plenty of time. This lively story reads like a folktale with a scientific twist. It explains the math and children receive a valuable physics lesson as well. Readers will admire the youngsters' ingenuity and thrill at their unstoppable cart flying down the road. Debon's paintings, in pleasing earth tones and primary colors, reflect the book's humor and adventure. A windsock craft and experiment is appended. An appealing choice for lessons on problem solving, energy, or simple computation.–Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools
PROVENSEN, Alice. Klondike Gold. illus. by author. unpaged. map. CIP. S & S. 2005. RTE $17.95. ISBN 0-689-84885-4. LC 2004028405.
Gr 3-6–Provensen relays the riveting story of a bored dry-goods employee who drops everything and heads for the Yukon Territory when struck by gold fever at the turn of the 19th century. He and a friend cross the country, outfit themselves in Seattle, and continue the trek north on water, over mountains, and through seasons to the Klondike River. Each spread is divided horizontally into thirds; a band of the text is sandwiched between the primary scenes on the top and a lower border of related information and images. The Caldecott-award winner's oils are reminiscent of, but more rugged than, her illustrations with her late husband Martin for Nancy Willard's A Visit to William Blake's Inn (Harcourt, 1981). The cities are populated with teeming crowds and puffing factories in contrast to the lonely camps in the stark wilderness, although the beauty of those outposts is revealed as in the scene displaying the Northern Lights. Readers will be fascinated by the one-year supply list (800 lbs of flour, 200 lbs of beans) and the stairs of ice carved in the steep slopes; saddened by the animals that had to be abandoned on the arduous ascent; and intrigued by the travelers' ingenuity. The prospectors' drive–and disappointment (when half of the fortune sinks in a thawing river on the return home)--is palpable. This first-rate adventure mingles suspense, history, and detailed depictions of mining in a story that is sure to be a hit in the classroom and under the covers.–Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library
PULVER, Robin. Axle Annie and the Speed Grump. illus. by Tedd Arnold. unpaged. CIP. Dial. 2005. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-8037-2787-9. LC 2004022937.
K-Gr 3–This title lives up to the high standard of its predecessor, Axle Annie (Dial, 1999). Here, the good-natured and supremely competent school bus driver confronts the most dastardly and dangerous motorist in Burskyville. Rush Hotfoot is determined to get where he's going fast, faster, fastest--and he zips by Annie's bus while brushing his teeth, plucking his nose hairs, and changing out of his pajamas. As so often happens in real life, it takes a scary accident to slow him down. Still, the book's bouncy language and illustrations create a cushion around the situation, and readers are given a happy ending along with a welcome message about safe driving. Arnold's trademark pop-eyed characters and magnetic colors mask the sophistication of his enormously appealing artwork. The exuberant cartoons conspire with the outrageous prose to present a lesson in road safety that's both goofy and memorable. This offering has all the requisite qualities of a big hit.–Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY
REYNOLDS, Cynthia Furlong. The Far-Flung Adventures of Homer the Hummer. illus. by Catherine McClung. unpaged. Mitten. 2005. Tr $17.95. ISBN 1-58726-269-X. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 3–Embedded in this fictional account of the migration of a ruby-throated hummingbird is basic information about these tiny birds. Homer's perilous flight takes him from the Costa Rican cloud forest across miles of ocean before he reaches land again. As he flies north, humans help revive him from torpor twice before he reaches an artist's garden. There he encounters Ruby, a female that builds a nest and hatches two young. In September Homer leaves on his journey south. McClung's soft-focus watercolors are varied and appealing; her birds and flowers are expertly rendered. Reynolds walks a fine line between treating Homer as a real bird and as a tiny winged human. She succeeds for the most part, although a bit of anthropomorphism does creep into the text. Kristine O'Connell George's Hummingbird Nest (Harcourt, 2004) documents the author's personal encounter with a hummingbird. Irene Kelly's It's a Hummingbird's Life (Holiday House, 2003) follows the creature's migration from north to south, and Esther Quesada Tyrrell's Hummingbirds: Jewels in the Sky (Random, 1992) offers amazing close-up photographs and more detailed information about other species. Homer is a good introduction to the subject, particularly for students who live in areas where they might observe these birds.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato
RUURS, Margriet. Emma at the Fair. illus. by Barbara Spurll. unpaged. CIP. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-55005-126-1. LC C2005-903735-0.
K-Gr 2–Emma, a spirited chicken, takes a trip to the Fall Fair with her family. Many events are introduced from her perspective, including entering a canning contest, making a jack-o'-lantern for a produce competition, and Emma herself in a poultry showdown. She would like to win her girl a ribbon but is not sure how. In one of the book's most humorous scenes, Emma witnesses a "pigeon-plop" and knows that "a chicken would not lower herself to be like those pigeons." Ultimately, of course, she is awarded a ribbon for being one of the best-looking chickens the judge has ever seen. Large, colorful cartoon illustrations depict the setting and make the most of Emma's comical expressions. An additional purchase where there is a demand for seasonal stories.–Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA
SANTAMARÍA, Benjamin, retel. Tales of the Monkey King. illus. by Brian Deines. unpaged. CIP. Tundra. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-88776-684-6. LC C2004-907235-8.
Gr 1-4–To soothe restless, traumatized street children sleeping at a shelter in Mexico City, Santamaría recounts the early exploits of China's trickster hero, the Monkey King. He identifies a truncated narrative from the beginning chapters of Wu Chengen's Journey to the West only as a story retold by a series of wise men, starting on a "a day no one can remember," without reference to its Chinese source. Dark, atmospheric paintings in oil on canvas portray the artist's simian hero with a boy's body and a monkey's head and tail, yet his monkey companions are zoologically accurate. Monkey's adventures among wise men and demons offer a vehicle for stagy, melodramatic portraits of terrifying creatures from a nightmare world of Chinese mythology. They may thrill some children but scare others. Chinese viewers will note a strange disconnect for a story set in a mythic past: the only realistically portrayed Chinese character in the book wears a queue, a hairstyle forced upon Han Chinese during the modern Ching Dynasty (1644-1912). Though well intentioned, this uneasy hybrid does not successfully fuse its disparate elements. Man or monkey? Social realism or fantasy? Empowerment or titillation? Chinese or Western sensibility? Ji-li Jiang's The Magical Monkey King (HarperCollins, 2002) chronicles Monkey's courage in the face of death and despair but spares readers a heavy-handed message.–Margaret A. Chang, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams
