Preschool to Grade 4: January, 2006 continued

-- School Library Journal, 1/1/2006

Nonfiction

ANDERSON, Jill. Giraffes. ISBN 1-55971-928-1; ISBN 1-55971-929-X. LC 2004031117.
––––. Zebras. ISBN 1-55971-926-5; ISBN 1-55971-927-3. LC 2004030599.
ea vol: unpaged. (Wild Ones Series). photos. CIP. NorthWord. 2005. Tr $12.95; pap. $6.95.

PreS-Gr 2–These books present colorful, clear, often close-up photos of giraffes and zebras and facts about them. Each one includes vocabulary that is specific to the animal, e.g., a zebra male is a stallion, and a mother giraffe is called a cow. The texts are presented as a day in the life of each animal, from sunup to sundown. Excellent choices for young readers or for read-alouds.–Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

APTE, Sunita. Cesar Chavez: We Can Do It! ISBN 1-59716-073-3. LC 2005005220.
––––. Christopher Reeve: Don't Lose Hope! ISBN 1-59716-074-1. LC 2005005222.
ea vol: 32p. (Defining Moments Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Bearport. 2005. PLB $22.60.

Gr 3-4–The great achievements of Chavez and Reeve are highlighted in these introductory biographies. Each individual overcame obstacles and became a role model and hero for many people. Both books are straightforward and clear. The tone is hopeful and encouraging. A few relevant childhood details and background information are given. Each man is portrayed as an ordinary person whose passion drove his life. Crisp, full-color photos are included on every chapter spread, and the page layouts are attractive and uncluttered. Purchase where easy-to-read biographies are needed.–Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

AYLMORE, Angela. Banging. ISBN 1-4109-1604-9. LC 2005002423.
––––. Blowing. ISBN 1-4109-1605-7. LC 2005002424.
––––. Plucking. ISBN 1-4109-1606-5. LC 2005002429.
––––. Shaking. ISBN 1-4109-1607-3. LC 2005002516.
ea vol: 24p. (Making Music Series). illus. photos. glossary. index. CIP. Raintree. 2005. PLB $20.64.

PreS-K–Each title highlights a particular method used to create sound, and the brightly colored scrapbook-style pages depict children demonstrating how to do it. Ethnic instruments such as a bonang from Indonesia (Banging), a shofar from Israel (Blowing), a sitar from India (Plucking), and a sistrum from Egypt (Shaking) are introduced to help develop cultural awareness. Students are told how to make simple instruments from household objects, and "Listen Carefully" activity pages ask them to identify what makes a sound. The only downfall is a photograph showing a girl holding a recorder pointed at her partner's ear instead of pointing it downward. Children are encouraged to play music with their friends with store-bought as well as homemade instruments. Texts are basic and to the point, yet fun and upbeat with the use of onomatopoeia. Great resources, particularly when paired with John Lithgow's The Remarkable Farkle McBride (S & S, 2000).–Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

BARASCH, Lynne. Ask Albert Einstein. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. 2005. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-30435-1. LC 2004047180.

Gr 1-4–A delightful story based on an article in the New York Times in 1952. Seven-year-old April idolizes her 15-year-old sister, Annabel, who can do almost anything but has trouble with math. The teen's teacher has given her one last chance to earn a decent grade by solving a particularly difficult problem. When Annabel cries, "Who does she think I am, Albert Einstein?" April's curiosity and compassion for her sister result in a surprising solution to the whole dilemma, as well as to the math problem. After doing a little research about the famous scientist's life, she decides to write him a letter describing her sister's situation. He responds in an unusual, but ultimately helpful way. According to an author's note, Einstein really did find the time to go over equations with children who asked for assistance. Barasch provides a refreshing mix of genres and subjects that will appeal to many readers. The nostalgic cartoon illustrations and numerous quotes from the international figure add charm to this enchanting tale.–Holly T. Sneeringer, University of Maryland, Baltimore

BARBER, Tiki & Ronde Barber with Robert Burleigh. Game Day. illus. by Barry Root. unpaged. CIP. S & S/A Paula Wiseman Bk. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-4169-0093-4. LC 2004020795.

Gr 1-3–The Barber twins, both NFL superstars, teamed up with Burleigh to write an engaging memoir that touches on themes of cooperation and individual differences. When the brothers played football in their hometown Pee Wee league, a local reporter interviewed them and seemed to focus his attention on Tiki, the touchdown hero. Ronde knew his brother could not score without his own strong defense clearing the way, but no one seemed to notice his skill. Feeling jealous and unappreciated, Ronde finally gained perspective on his contributions when he was sidelined with a minor injury. However, it was Tiki who showed him the meaning of teamwork. Root's rich illustrations, done in watercolor and gouache, realistically portray the action. This book is sure to be of interest to young athletes, but the lessons of self-acceptance and working together to contribute to the success of the group are universally valuable. Use this title to spark discussions of personal strengths and abilities.–Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

BENNETT, Dean. Finding a Friend in the Forest: A True Story. illus. by author. unpaged. Down East. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-89272-662-8. LC 2005927183.

PreS-Gr 3–Northern Maine is the setting for this gentle story. While investigating his surroundings, an inquisitive beagle has his fish dinner snatched by a raven, encounters an unfriendly moose, and is teased by a red fox. When an injured deer arrives in his owners' front yard, the dog at first guards his territory, but then begins to form an attachment with the doe and eventually becomes her protector. The straightforward narrative offers observations on wildlife behavior and the changing seasons, and the realistic watercolor illustrations offer appealing animal close-ups.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

BLACK, Sonia. Animal Mysteries: A Chapter Book. ISBN 0-516-25187-2. LC 2004028455.
HALL, Kirsten. Tracking Animals: A Chapter Book. ISBN 0-516-25186-4. LC 2004028459.
TOOR, Atif. Animal Encounters: A Chapter Book. ISBN 0-516-25190-2. LC 2005004779.
ea vol: 48p. (True Tales Series). map. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Children's Press. 2005. PLB $22.50.

Gr 3-5–Both the physical size and chapter-book format of these titles make them suitable alternatives to fiction for independent reading, especially for students drawn to the little-known curiosities and mysterious phenomena of the natural world. The books offer the fresh perspective of professionals whose fieldwork is related in a close-up, personal way. Each one begins with an introduction followed by four brief yet informative chapters. Mysteries explores on the uncanny abilities of animals such as the loggerhead turtle, which navigates the ocean's magnetic fields to return to its nesting ground. With a focus on dolphins, border collies, mountain lions, and elephants, Encounters considers cooperative endeavors between human and beast as well as risky face-to-face meetings. The use of technology to study the behavior of different animals is the emphasis of Tracking Animals. Graphically pleasing, each title includes full-color photographs of the scientists, the animals, and their surroundings, as well as a map. The current testing environment requires students to articulate the main idea, summarize, and identify key text structures. These books are ideal for mastering nonfiction-reading skills.–Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

BLOBAUM, Cindy. Insectigations!: 40 Hands-on Activities to Explore the Insect World. illus. by Gail Rattray. 133p. charts. diags. photos. appendix. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Chicago Review. 2005. pap. $12.95. ISBN 1-55652-568-0. LC 2004028245.

Gr 3-6–Raising mealworms, testing the visual acuity of bees, setting up a watering hole for butterflies–these are just a few of the 40 activities included in this earnest introduction to entomology. Each of eight chapters focuses on a different topic, such as physical and behavioral characteristics; metamorphosis; communication; methods to attract, collect and keep insects, etc. The dense main text covers the basic facts on each topic, while directions for the activities are interspersed among its pages–from three to nine per chapter. They include science experiments; art projects; the crafting of homemade traps, nets, and temporary cages (safety warnings are included); keeping a scientific journal; and creating a board game. Most are fairly simple and employ inexpensive materials. Sidebars appear throughout with bits of information on the ways insects are used in medicine, business, and science; accounts of entomologists' research; miscellaneous facts; and addresses of related Web sites. Clear line drawings, diagrams of body parts and project materials, plus the occasional black-and-white photograph are found on almost every page. Although the format is a bit unwieldy, the text is clearly written and well organized. Some of the same activities can be found in Janice VanCleave's Insects and Spiders: Mind-Boggling Experiments You Can Turn into Science Fair Projects (Wiley, 1998), but many are unique and inventive. This title will appeal both to budding young scientists and teachers hunting for imaginative lesson-plan ideas.–Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

BULLARD, Lisa. Long and Short: An Animal Opposites Book. ISBN 0-7368-4275-6. LC 2005000634.
––––. Loud and Quiet: An Animal Opposites Book. ISBN 0-7368-4276-4. LC 2004027951.
––––. Wet and Dry: An Animal Opposites Book. ISBN 0-7368-4278-0. LC 2005000636.
ea vol: 32p. (A+ Books: Animal Opposites Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Capstone. 2005. PLB $22.60.

K-Gr 2–These concept books make their point by comparing different animals. For example, the first title shows the longest reptile (a python) opposite the shortest mammal (a horseshoe bat). In Loud, a whale "sings loudly" while swimming in the ocean and a bat flies "quietly through the night." Wet juxtaposes a green turtle that lives in the ocean with a desert tortoise on hot sand. The books are well laid out with sharp, color photographs, and the large typeface could entice reluctant readers. The end matter offers more fun facts and FactHound Internet sites. These books would work well for further discussion on the animals presented or opposites in general and would be a great starting point in units on these topics.–Lisa S. Schindler, Bethpage Public Library, NY

BURG, Ann E. Times Square: A New York State Number Book. illus. by Maureen K. Brookfield. unpaged. CIP. Sleeping Bear. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-58536-195-X. LC 2005005890.

Gr 2-5–This picture book counts its way through New York history, exploring little-known facts along the way. Numbers 1 through 12 each get a page or a spread, with small-type sidebars offering more in-depth coverage of the topics presented. The book then switches to counting by 10s, going from 20 up to 100 in the same format. This title will work well for those needing extra details and facts for reports. For instance, readers learn that the term "pie à la mode" was coined by a professor dining at the Hotel Cambridge in Cambridge, NY. Other local facts include information on the Rockettes, L. Frank Baum, and Grandma Moses. Other than on the cover, Times Square does not appear in the book. The illustrations, rendered in warm watercolor tones, complement the brief histories given in the text.–Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

COX, Kenyon. Mixed Beasts. illus. by Wallace Edwards. unpaged. appendix. CIP. Kids Can. 2005. Tr $17.95. ISBN 1-55337-796-6. LC C2004-906566-1.

Gr 3-5–These original nonsense poems about a miscellany of odd beasts comprised of a mixture of two species, such as a Rhinocerostrich, a Bumblebeaver, a Kangarooster, and a Camelelephant, are clever and funny. Full-page, detailed illustrations of exotic flora and fauna as well as preposterous creatures are rendered in watercolor, colored pencil, and gouache. The humor of the selections is carried out in the art. Delicate borders and titles in Edwardian script, as well as paisley endpapers, lend an elegant appearance. This arresting book has lots of child appeal. An appendix lists other wondrous beasts encountered by roving zoologist Professor Duckworth O'Hare, Esq. The original edition of this title was written and illustrated by Kenyon Cox and published in 1904.–Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

EWING, Susan. Ten Rowdy Ravens. illus. by Evon Zerbetz. unpaged. Alaska Northwest. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-88240-606-X; pap. $8.95. ISBN 0-88240-610-8. LC 2005014709.

PreS-Gr 6–The author and illustrator of Lucky Hares and Itchy Bears (Alaska Northwest, 1996) have teamed up again to create an original counting book. This one not only teaches numbers, but also cleverly showcases the impish nature of corvus corax. The adventurous birds swoop and cavort across the pages of dramatic, hand-colored linocut illustrations, causing trouble wherever they land. The carefully crafted, rhyming verses, such as "Eight roguish ravens/Pilfer piles of loot,/Cheater swipes some pretty pearls,/Seven give pursuit," capture the fun. With bold lines and rich, jewel-tone colors, the artwork displays the larger-than-life birds against the stunning background of their northern habitat. Children will enjoy perusing The Daily Kaw, an appended seven-page tabloid that features "True News from around the Raven World." It includes scientific information about the creatures, as well as amusing stories profiling their mischievous antics. Pair this fun-filled title with Gerald McDermott's Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest (Harcourt, 1993).–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

GILPIN, Daniel. Life-Size Sharks and Other Underwater Creatures. illus. by Martin Knowelden. 48p. index. Sterling. 2005. PLB $9.95. ISBN 1-4027-2537-X. LC number unavailable.

Gr 3-6–Large pages; a toothy cover; and many gatefolds showcasing jaws, spines, and tentacles will certainly catch youngsters' attention. Snippets of data accompany the dramatic, colorful illustrations and offer enough information for casual browsers. However, there are a few problems. The "sawfish" pictured is a "saw shark" (sawfish do not have barbels, saw sharks do). Dentition depicted (much with gory traces of red) does not always match detailed descriptions in standard reference works. The blue-ringed octopus lacks his defining blue rings. And so it goes. Yes, the back of the dust jacket provides a "life-size poster" of a great white's bloody jaws, but is this enough? For thrill-seekers, maybe.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

HAMES, Annette & Monica McCaffrey, eds. Special Brothers and Sisters: Stories and Tips for Siblings of Children with a Disability or Serious Illness. illus. by Brendan McCaffrey. 95p. glossary. Web sites. Jessica Kingsley. 2005. pap. $15.95. ISBN 1-84310-383-4. LC number unavailable.

Gr 2-4–A helpful guidebook with 40 short sections beginning with a comment ("Sometimes she pulls my hair" or "People stare"), followed by the editors' commentary on understanding the situation and dealing with it. This is a quick, easy-to-read, compassionate approach, and it emphasizes the love between siblings regardless of differences in abilities and perceptions. Unfortunately, for American readers, the approach is British in language ("she gets quite stroppy because she cannot hear us") and in the resources/organizations listed at the end, all in the UK, New Zealand, or Australia. Readers in the U.S. may do better with Kate Strohm's Being the Other One (Shambhala, 2005) or Donald Meyer's Views from Our Shoes (Woodbine, 1997).–Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA

HEINRICHS, Ann. Colorado. ISBN 1-59296-372-2. LC 2004026162.
––––. South Dakota. ISBN 1-59296-483-4. LC 2005016609.
––––. Utah. ISBN 1-59296-486-9. LC 2005008821.
ea vol: illus. by Matt Kania. 40p. (Welcome to the U.S.A. Series). maps. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. The Child's World. 2005. PLB $27.07.

Gr 3-5–These bright and inviting volumes are jam-packed with useful information for report writers and browsers alike. Each title highlights destinations that a visitor to the state might explore. A spread is devoted to each location. One page generally includes a photo and provides facts about the state, history, and the area being discussed. The other page pinpoints the location on a colorful state map. Fun details and quick facts are scattered across both pages. The symbol, song, a list of famous people, and links to more information are appended. A box entitled "Our Trip" reminds readers that there is much more to explore in each state. While these books do not include the in-depth history found in many series titles, they are full of many of the basics and do a good job of bringing the states to life.–Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Library, UT

HURSTON, Zora Neale, comp. The Six Fools. adapt. by Joyce Carol Thomas. illus. by Ann Tanksley. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. Jan. 2006. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-000646-3; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-000647-1. LC 2004030055.

Gr 1-5–A fellow courts a girl, and they agree to marry. Sadly, she and her family are such fools that the young man takes off: "…you are the three biggest fools that I ever laid eyes on. I'm going traveling for a year, and if I find three fools as big as you, I'll come back and we'll get married." Does he find them? Of course. This adaptation of the "fool" story from Hurston's Every Tongue Got to Confess (HarperCollins, 2001) is light and adept. Though Thomas doesn't describe the changes she's made, comparison with the original shows that she's added a small amount of narrative detail and dialogue, hardly altering and not cutting anything from the original. The result is wonderful in voice: rich, hilarious, and satisfying. Tanksley's oil monoprints done in a folk-art style set the story in Hurston's 1920s-'30s with humor and vibrant color in a wide-ranging palette. The combination of single-page, three-fourths-page spread, and spot illustrations, with text varying black on white or white on color, gives a sense of visual movement to the story. Short notes at the end (including a source note and an explanation of the unusual but traditional ending phrase) complete this delightful picture book, perfect for reading aloud and for any folktale shelf. Pair it with Christopher Myers's Lies and Other Tall Tales (HarperCollins, 2005) for a Hurston Renaissance.–Nina Lindsay, Oakland Public Library, CA

KREBS, Laurie. We're Riding on a Caravan: An Adventure on the Silk Road. illus. by Helen Cann. unpaged. CIP. Barefoot. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 1-84148-343-5. LC 2004028591.

Gr 1-4–One summer morning, a family of silk traders leaves Xi'an to begin their yearlong journey on the Silk Road in China. As the seasons change, they travel and trade their silk for various products along the route. They pass through an ever-changing landscape–huge sand dunes surrounding the oasis at Dunhuang, the vineyards and grape-drying huts of Turpan, and the high mountains near Kashgar where they sell their silk at the famous Sunday market and prepare to return home. Told in pleasant, well-crafted verse with a chorus of two sentences at the bottom of each spread, the story is engaging and generally informative. The short descriptions of places visited are accurate, both in the story and in the appended information about the Silk Road and the making of silk. However, life in a caravan is romanticized, especially in the illustrations, and no dates are given for what is clearly a historical tale. In addition, no sources or bibliography are included. The illustrations are bright and colorful, depicting a world much more beautiful than it is in reality. The artist used watercolor, graphite, and collage, often with marbled or decorative papers of vivid hues, which lend a brilliant richness to the pictures. Despite its drawbacks, this book is an excellent way to introduce the trade route. For older readers, John S. Major's The Silk Route: 7,000 Miles of History (HarperCollins, 1996) provides a more comprehensive introduction.–Barbara Scotto, Michael Driscoll School, Brookline, MA

KUKLIN, Susan. Families. photos. by author. 40p. reprods. Hyperion. Feb. 2006. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7868-0822-5. LC number unavailable.

K-Gr 4–This book consists of interviews with the children from 15 different families, including mixed-race, immigrant, gay, lesbian, and divorced, as well as single parents and families for whom religion is a focal point. The children may be adopted, have special needs, be only children or have multiple siblings, and, of course, the characteristics frequently overlap. The interviews focus on the youngsters' feelings about being part of their family: adults do not interfere. The voices are natural, and the children come across as individuals, not just representative of a particular lifestyle or ethnic group. According to an author's note, Kuklin allowed her subjects to choose how they would be photographed, including the clothing worn and what family mementos would be shown. Working with those constraints, Kuklin has composed sharp and vibrant photos that capture the essence of each of them. This book will be both attractive to browsers and an excellent impetus for discussing relationships and diversity in America.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

KUSKIN, Karla. Toots the Cat. illus. by Lisze Bechtold. unpaged. CIP. Holt. 2005. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-8050-6841-4. LC 2004026770.

PreS-Gr 3–In this story in poems, readers are introduced to Toots–a calico–who saunters inside a house, claims the best chair as her own, and decides that she is home. Through selections about her ears, nose, tail, and character, readers get to know this cat who loves naps and moonlight strolls. There is a relaxed chronology; Toots "adopts" her family, observes her summertime schedule, makes paw prints in the snow and, finally, rests in a pool of sunlight in a favorite chair. There are moments of tranquillity ("When our cat is at rest/our house is at rest/and so is the earth and sky"), as well as instances when she shows her undomesticated side: "A velvet missile/arching toward a feathered goal." Most of the selections have easy, natural rhyme schemes and comfortable rhythms. Kuskin uses gentle humor throughout and captures the characteristics of these beloved pets. The poem "In or Out?" summarizes the indecisive spirit of felines in a whirlwind of playful poetics: "Whatever wherever whichever/however forever moreover/from cover to cover/from housemat to clover/she makes it quite clear/she would rather be here/if she's there." Bechtold's cheery pencil, watercolor, and gouache illustrations portray a charming cat who shares her house with three other felines and a devoted human. Set against plenty of white space, the illustrations add to the humor of funny poems and caring sentiment of the touching ones. Display this book with Cynthia Rylant's Boris (Harcourt, 2005) and Alice Schertle's I Am the Cat (Lothrop, 1999).–Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI

LEWIN, Ted. How Much?: Visiting Markets around the World. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. Jan. 2006. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-688-17552-X; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-688-17553-8. LC 2004030198.

K-Gr 3–Lewin captures the excitement and unexpected beauty of marketplaces on four continents. He presents eight diverse outdoor venues, each one unique in its wares, from camels outside of Cairo and boats laden with fruit in Bangkok to a flea market in a New Jersey parking lot. Lewin accompanies each double-page watercolor scene with a poetic narrative that paints an equally rich picture. Art and text work together to bring all senses into play. In a flower market in Madras, India, for example, the author describes the scent of flower petals and freshly cut stalks, the visual delight of colorful petals heaped in baskets, voices bartering, and bodies crammed into the crowded, dimly lit bazaar. And while he accurately depicts the cultural and geographic differences of markets across the world, Lewin also shows that buying, selling, and bartering, as well as the language of trade, are universal. The author even presents the phrase "How much?" in a variety of languages, and includes a phonetic pronunciation guide. A fine choice for libraries looking for an accessible and captivating book about the world's marketplaces.–Carol L. MacKay, Camrose Public Library, Alberta, Canada

LONDON, Melissa. The GF Kid: A Celiac Disease Survival Guide. illus. by Eric Glickman. unpaged. CIP. Woodbine. 2005. pap. $14.95. ISBN 1-890627-69-0. LC 2005013226.

Gr 3-5–London and Glickman have teamed up to produce a book about their eldest daughter, recently diagnosed with celiac disease. Black-and-white cartoon drawings of Paris, an active 11-year-old, lead readers through facts about the disease, how it affects those who have it, and what can be done to live healthfully in spite of it. In addition to describing the physical effects of gluten on the body, London does an excellent job of exploring the emotional effects of living without it. Gluten is found in most grains; people with the disease cannot eat pizza, grilled-cheese sandwiches, or chicken nuggets. As Paris says, "Sometimes it makes me sad....Some kids have way, way, way bigger problems!!! Sometimes I just need to remind myself of that!" While this book may not have universal appeal, it is an informative choice for children who have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease.–Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

MCKERLEY, Jennifer Guess. Man O' War: Best Racehorse Ever. illus. by Terry Weidener. 48p. (Step into Reading Series). photos. CIP. Random. 2005. PLB $11.99. ISBN 0-375-93164-3; pap. $3.99. ISBN 0-375-83164-9. LC 2004016816.

Gr 1-3–This easy-to-read title provides an interesting look at the famous racehorse. Readers who were intrigued by the exploits of Seabiscuit will discover that Man O' War was his grandfather. A big, strong horse, he had a mind of his own. He gave the stable boys a hard time saddling him and even began one race facing the wrong direction because he fidgeted so much. Named the Greatest Horse of the Century in 1999, he lived a long life after his retirement from racing. The information about the horse's life flows easily and the realistic, soft-toned illustrations clearly depict various moments in his life, such as getting a carrot-candle birthday cake. A pleasant addition to nonfiction collections.–Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA

MARZOLLO, Jean, retel. Little Bear, You're a Star!: A Greek Myth. illus. by retel. unpaged. CIP. Little, Brown. 2005. Tr $12.99. ISBN 0-316-74135-3. LC 2004021271.

PreS-Gr 2–An engaging retelling of the Greek myth of Callisto and Arcas, who became the constellations Ursa Major and Minor. In one of his many wanderings, Zeus meets the beautiful nymph Callisto and fathers Arcas. Hera, in her jealousy, turns Callisto into a bear that still manages to watch over her son as he grows. Zeus then tosses the pair into the sky so that they will always be together. Even before the title page, Marzollo confronts the issue of authorship, giving the names for bear in Greek (arktos) and Latin (ursa) and noting that she is another in a series of retellers. A running frieze, or Greek chorus, appears at the bottom of the pages. It is illustrated in the style of Greek vase painting and offers chatty commentary on what is taking place in the text, sometimes offering an explanation. This clever feature allows the main story to remain on course while introducing elements of Greek art and drama. The bright watercolor-and-ink illustrations are fluid and appealing. Marzollo also includes a drawing of the constellations of Ursa Major and Minor and describes the North Star and how to find it. A welcome addition to most libraries.–Robin L. Gibson, formerly at Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH

MITTON, Jacqueline. Zodiac: Celestial Circle of the Sun. illus. by Christina Balit. unpaged. charts. Frances Lincoln. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-84507-074-7. LC number unavailable.

Gr 2-4–Mitton covers the 12 well-known constellations belonging to the Zodiac, beginning with a brief introduction that is followed by a spread devoted to each of the signs. More for browsing than for research and reports, the information gives readers some preliminary scientific and historical facts. References are made to the role that the ancient civilizations of the Middle East and later Greece played in creating the mythology around the Zodiac. While there is a heavier emphasis on culture and legend, readers will glean some notable scientific factoids, for example that Scorpius has as its centerpiece "a flaming, ruby-coloured star. This supergiant is 300 times bigger than the Sun." Supplemental text and pertinent charts are included. Striking jewel-toned, classically inspired illustrations highlighted by metallic stars complement the text. This attractive survey of the symbols of the Zodiac should serve as an appealing starting point for budding astronomers and astrologers.–Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA

MURCIA, Rebecca Thatcher. Robbie and Ryan Play Indoor Soccer. 32p. (A Robbie Reader Weekend Soccer Series). photos. further reading. glossary. Web sites. CIP. Mitchell Lane. 2005. PLB $16.95. ISBN 1-58415-414-4. LC 2005014905.

Gr 2-4–Murcia follows the story of two boys playing the sport, emphasizing the difference in skills and rules due to the nature of indoor soccer. The courts often have fake grass, which is a faster surface than its outdoor counterpart, and the ball is permitted to ricochet off the surrounding walls and still be in bounds. Despite several "tip boxes," some of the explanations are not very clear. Some pages are dense with black text; others have photos, but they do little to explain the play. Even though it is difficult to find books on indoor soccer for this audience, this treatment does not elucidate the topic well.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

OLIEN, Rebecca. Hearing. ISBN 0-7368-4301-9. LC 2004027741.
––––. Tasting. ISBN 0-7368-4304-3. LC 2004027724.
––––. Touching. ISBN 0-7368-4305-1. LC 2004027216.
ea vol: 24p. (First Facts, The Senses Series). diag. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Capstone. 2005. PLB $21.26.

PreS-Gr 1–Simple texts explain how sense organs work and how to take care of them. What happens when a person loses a sense and descriptions of animals with extraordinary sensors are included. One basic, hands-on experiment tests hearing, taste buds, or sense of touch. Kid-friendly glossaries with pronunciation guides help beginning readers. Full-color photos depict children using their senses and break up the straightforward page layout. Great sources to replace older titles.–Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

OSBORNE, Mary Pope. Pompeii: Lost & Found. illus. by Bonnie Christensen. unpaged. map. CIP. Knopf. Jan. 2006. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-375-82889-3; PLB $18.99. ISBN 0-375-92889-8. LC 2005009331.

Gr 3-5–After brief accounts of the events of 79 A.D. and the first archaeological investigations of the city that lay beneath the fields surrounding Mt. Vesuvius, Osborne's straightforward text focuses on the life at Pompeii at the time of the volcano's eruption. Discussions of daily activities include mention of the many types of buildings unearthed, such as private homes, bakeries, baths, and markets, as well as the activities enjoyed by the free citizens of Pompeii–concerts, plays, and gladiator fights. A large illustration, flanked on the right by two boxes containing text and a smaller picture, occupies most of each spread. Christensen's distinctive, haunting frescoes are reminiscent of the art found throughout the site. Some illustrations are copies of original artwork, while others offer glimpses into what the city may have looked like prior to the volcano's eruption, detail objects found on location, and offer readers information on dress, decoration, and architecture. The illustrations are framed with decorative patterns typical of the period and the colors used reflect those found at Pompeii, including the distinctive, earthen red of some of its most familiar frescoes. While Osborne's text does not go into great detail, it will serve as an enticing introduction to this legendary city "frozen in time." Students ready for more information will be fascinated by James M. Deem's Bodies from the Ash (Houghton, 2005), illustrated with outstanding color photos.–Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal

PRIETO, Anita C. B Is for Bookworm: A Library Alphabet. illus. by Renée Graef. unpaged. CIP. Sleeping Bear. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-58536-145-3. LC 2005006024.

K-Gr 3–Prieto uses the alphabet format to introduce children to library terminology and history and the history of books. Unfortunately, the book is dry and boring. The text is awkward, and the rhythm is jerky. For example: "G is for Gutenberg/Would you like to copy your history book,/ all 322 pages?/That's what you'd do if you were a scribe/and lived in the Middle Ages." Also some of the words the author chose to represent certain letters make little sense. For "C," she uses "Library Card," and for "N," she uses "Call Number." Blocks of dense text at an older reading level go into more detail about the topic related to each letter's page. The pictures depict happy- or dreamy-looking children enjoying books and libraries. Suzanne Williams's Library Lil (Dial, 1997), Carmen Agra Deedy's The Library Dragon (Peachtree, 1994), and Julie Cummins's The Inside-Outside Book of Libraries (Dutton, 1996) introduce children to books and libraries in a more interesting and entertaining manner.–Heather Ver Voort, Wilson Middle School, Natick, MA

RIPOLL, Oriol. Play with Us: 100 Games from Around the World. illus. by author. 128p. bibliog. index. Chicago Review. 2005. pap. $16.95. ISBN 1-55652-594-X. LC number unavailable.

K-Gr 6–Good game ideas abound in this handy resource. Starting off with what should be in everyone's game box, Ripoll next offers ways to decide who goes first, or is "it." The meat of the book groups activities into sections such as solitaire, chance, ball, and jumping games. Childhood favorites like checkers and hopscotch are included, along with their less-familiar counterparts. Step-by-step instructions are clear. Number of players, country of origin, and materials needed are also included, as are game-board samples. However, suggested ages for each of the pastimes are not given. While a kindergartner would find Jam huay from Thailand enjoyable, Tabula from ancient Rome is for older audiences. Some games like The Jumping Dove from Spain, Jo jo from India and Bangladesh, and Edfáriz from North Africa require up to 20 players and will be especially practical for classrooms. Somewhat fuzzy yet colorful cartoon drawings display children having the best time participating. An index lists games by continent. This title expands on Camilla Gryski's Let's Play (Kids Can, 1998). A friendly, well-researched guide.–Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

ROSS, Kathy. Community Workers. illus. by Jan Barger. 48p. (Crafts for Kids Who Are Learning about... Series). CIP. Millbrook. 2005. PLB $25.26. ISBN 0-7613-2743-6. LC 2004022868.

K-Gr 2–A colorful, glossy cover will attract children to this unique assortment of 20 craft ideas relating to a variety of community helpers. Each project includes a heading in a soft green, large-print typeface; a full-color illustration of the finished project; a materials list; and step-by-step directions, all on pale yellow pages. Each project has a picture of the worker related to the craft (firefighter, hair stylist, dentist, shopkeeper, etc.) holding up a sign on which is printed one sentence about the particular job, e.g., "A librarian has the job of helping to select and care for the books at the library." Five of the crafts fall into the category of puppets; others include handcuffs, meal magnets, an apple-for-the-teacher pencil topper, a mail-carrier stamp dispenser, and plastic-bag flowers. This is a solid choice for teachers to supplement lessons on community workers, and librarians will find many program possibilities. Ross has a special talent for introducing all kinds of crafts to younger children in a kid-friendly manner.–Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

SANDLER, Michael. Deserts: Surviving in the Sahara. illus. chron. ISBN 1-59716-085-7. LC 2005006612.
––––. Mountains: Surviving on Mt. Everest. chron. ISBN 1-59716-086-5. LC 2005005541.
––––. Oceans: Surviving in the Deep Sea. illus. chron. ISBN 1-59716-087-3. LC 2005008962.
––––. Rain Forests: Surviving in the Amazon. chart. illus. ISBN 1-59716-089-X. LC 2005009977.
ea vol: 32p. (X-treme Places Series). maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Bearport. 2005. PLB $22.60.

Gr 3-5–These books investigate some of the world's most extreme locations and introduce readers to an individual who has spent time in each environment and endured its harsh conditions. The appealing layout is sure to capture children's interest. They will enjoy picking up these stories of survival and examining the colorful photographs. From the termite-eaten clothing of Yossi Ghinsberg (Rain Forests) to the missing fingers of Temba Tsheri Sherpa (Mountains), readers will find the pictures simply fascinating. While the story about each survivor should be new to most students, the information about each location is somewhat basic. Still, the texts are suitable for instructional purposes. Diagrams, illustrations, graphs, maps, and sidebars are all examples of features now included in state testing. These books should appeal to most young readers, and the text features provide many teaching opportunities.–Anne L. Tormohlen, Deerfield Elementary School, Lawrence, KS

SHORE, Diane Z. & Jessica Alexander. This Is the Dream. illus. by James Ransome. unpaged. photos. reprods. CIP. HarperCollins/Amistad. Jan. 2006. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-055519-X; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-055520-3. LC 2003026554.

K-Gr 6–A chronicle of the Civil Rights movement presented through lyrical verses and distinguished illustrations. Ransome juxtaposes collaged archival photographs and newspaper clippings with his paintings (he credits Romare Bearden and Robert Rauschenberg as influences). The book opens with an image of two very stark and separate drinking fountains with identifying signs spanning the pages ("These are the fountains/that stand in the square,/and the black-and-white signs/say who will drink where"). Segregated buses, lunch counters, libraries, and schools are followed by a series of paintings of the civil rights heroes who partook in nonviolent protests and boycotts. Each succinct and evocative verse is accompanied by a double-page image. At the book's center are portraits of Ella Baker, Walter White, Thurgood Marshall, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., placed on a black-and-white collage of the masses marching. The corresponding verse reads: "These are the leaders whose powerful voices/lift up the marchers demanding new choices.…" A turn of the page presents paintings of people from diverse racial backgrounds interacting on buses, in restaurants, and in parks. Like Doreen Rappaport's Martin's Big Words (Hyperion, 2001), this book honors our humanity while leading readers through a painful history. Notes at the end by the authors and the illustrator suggest that as a nation we have seen the "power of nonviolent change," but "the journey is not over." A valuable addition to children's literature.–Teresa Pfeifer, Alfred Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, Springfield, MA

TAYLOR-BUTLER, Christine. Jupiter. ISBN 0-516-24924-X. LC 2005002863.
––––. Mercury. ISBN 0-516-24917-7. LC 2005002327.
––––. Pluto. ISBN 0-516-24918-5. LC 2005002328.
––––. Saturn. ISBN 0-516-24916-9. LC 2005003297.
ea vol: 24p. (Scholastic News Nonfiction Readers Series). diags. illus. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Children's Press. 2005. PLB $18.

Gr 1-3–Emergent readers who have swept through the solar system with Gail Gibbons or aboard the Magic School Bus may be tempted by these primers to revisit particular planets. The author starts each one off with a seven-item "Word Hunt" of science terms, then presents simplified facts-in-brief about a planet, plus one or two of its moons (if it has any), highlighting such major physical features as Saturn's rings and mentioning a relevant space probe, like Mariner 10–the only probe to visit Mercury, so far. A mix of colorful space photos and graphic images complements the large-type texts. Pluto is already out of date, as it gives that planet but one moon–but for collections in need of titles to bridge the gap between the picture-book tours and more extensive treatments, these make enticing invitations to further exploration.–John Peters, New York Public Library

THOMSON, Sarah L. Amazing Sharks! photos. by the Wildlife Conservation Society. 32p. (An I Can Read Bk.). CIP. HarperCollins. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-054458-9; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-054457-0. LC 2004022466.

K-Gr 2–Illustrated with full-page, full-color photographs, this highly readable title explains basic facts of shark life and elaborates on the diversity of different species. Clear comparisons are made with real-life objects; readers learn that some sharks are so small that they can be held in the palm of the hand while others are longer than a pickup truck. Concepts and new vocabulary are explained in context with a pronunciation guide for harder words in parentheses. Common misconceptions are also considered: humans are more likely to be hit by lightning than killed by a shark. A discussion of the need to protect the animals' habitat includes the fact that "people have killed more than half of all the sharks in the world."–Kathleen Meulen, Blakely Elementary School, Bainbridge Island, WA

USHER, M. D. Wise Guy: The Life and Philosophy of Socrates. illus. by William Bramhall. unpaged. further reading. CIP. Farrar. 2005. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-31249-4. LC 2003056376.

Gr 2-5–This ambitious attempt to present the life and thinking of this ancient Greek philosopher to young readers does so with mixed results. The text has two tiers. The first layer (presented in a larger font) is, according to the book jacket, "quite simple," while the second (presented in smaller print in a scroll-shaped box) is "full of juicy additional details." Both sections contain statements that are oversimplifications of complex ideas and require further background or explanation. In one particularly confusing section of the book, the first tier states that "Apollo, god of wisdom, loved Socrates dearly. 'No one is as wise, or good, or brave as he,' Apollo said. The other gods agreed." The line between Socrates's beliefs and fact is blurred here and elsewhere. There are, however, many instances where Usher distills the essence of Socrates's thinking into approachable terms, such as in his discussion that compares the idea of the blueprint for a bed to a blueprint for larger concepts: "Just as a carpenter with vast knowledge and experience can make a good bed, and in turn be a good carpenter, a person who has studied the blueprint of right and wrong can be a good person." With the exception of some fictionalizing in terms of his subject's childhood, Usher has been careful to use documented sources, and the writing style itself flows reasonably well. Bramhall's amusing cartoons greatly enliven the presentation. Anyone wishing to introduce the field of philosophy to students would find this offering a useful starting point.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

WINGARD-NELSON, Rebecca. Division Made Easy. ISBN 0-7660-2511-X. LC 2004021660.
––––. Multiplication Made Easy. ISBN 0-7660-2510-1. LC 2004021659.
––––. Word Problems Made Easy. ISBN 0-7660-2512-8. LC 2004028097.
ea vol: illus. by Tom LaBaff. 48p. (Making Math Easy Series). further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow Elementary. 2005. PLB $23.93.

Gr 1-4–Each title includes plentiful color illustrations, sample problems that are highlighted by color print, and boxes with hints and suggestions to make problem-solving easier. The two-page chapters include clear explanations and easy-to-follow examples. The Internet sites are active and may be of further help to struggling math students. While children may not pick up these books on their own, they may be of benefit to homeschoolers or youngsters who need a little extra help.–Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Library, UT

Previous