Preschool to Grade 4 Continued

Gr 3-4–Gibbons leaps backward into the world of dinosaurs, starting with the cosmic event that may have caused their extinction 65 million years ago. From there she reviews the three geologic periods of the Age of Dinosaurs and provides a brief history of paleontology and its modern methods. What follows are busy pictorial spreads that feature a variety of saurians by classification (e.g., ceratopsians, stegasaurs, etc.) The swirling colorful illustrations depict enough dinos to satisfy novices, though Oviraptor lacks his crest and definitive beak, and Kentrosaurus his formidable shoulder spikes. Also, while Torosaurus once held the slot for the largest skull, it has been ousted by a recent find of an even larger pentoceratopsian skull. No dimensions are provided, but the nesting behavior of Maiasaurus is shown, as is the evolutionary connection between small theropods and modern birds. The book is vigorous, crowded, and slightly flawed, but it will entice young novices into demanding MORE.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 3-5–An overview of tactics and moves for beginning soccer players by a well-known expert in the field. After an initial chapter on referees and rules, Gifford goes on to ball control, various passing techniques, and shooting and tacking skills. Four pages are devoted to goaltending. The text consists of brief paragraphs of information placed around the illustrations rather than a flowing narrative. The thumbnail pictures are tiny and fail to elucidate the text. While colorful, they consist of stiff, wooden or garish mannequins resembling computer- or video-generated images. There are a few action photos of both professional players. The three books listed for further reading lack publication dates and two of them are by this author.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 1-3–These biographies offer both a view of the early training of the subjects and the events or accomplishments that marked their lives as influential contributors to music. Sousa focuses on the importance of the composer’s connection with military bands and mentions his introduction of ragtime to European society. Joplin includes a picture of African-American life in the transition to the 20th century. Foster emphasizes the simplicity of the lyrics and the “catchy” tunes that made the composer’s work popular and points out that many of the songs are reminiscent of those sung by slaves. Shaded boxes in each book feature additional facts or trivia, and a “Fact File” and time line are included in the back matter. Black-and-white and color photos of people and places and reproductions of sheet music and documents enhance the texts. Good for beginning research and interesting reading.–Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

PreS-Gr 1–Books for beginning readers to practice their emergent reading skills. On each spread, two sentences in large type face a full-color photo. The first title discusses the sea and what people do near it, such as walk on the beach or cover their windows in preparation for hurricanes. It jumps from one unconnected sentence to another, with only the ocean theme to link them together. Desert has more continuity because it transitions from the environment to showing animals staying cool to how humans have air-conditioned homes. Farm tells about growing crops and practicing animal husbandry. Each volume concludes with “Challenge Words,” such as corral, rodeo, roundup, and veterinarian in Ranch. Although these books are somewhat dull, they do expand young readers’ vocabularies.–Tanaz Sutaria, John Gomes Elementary, Fremont, CA

Gr 3-5–These books offer rollicking road trips through these states. The format is reminiscent of a family’s vacation scrapbook. On each spread, simple, economic text and a photograph of a park, festival, or historic site faces an outline map of the state and its bordering areas. A red station wagon loaded with family and luggage shows the location of the photographed site opposite. On both pages, fact boxes that look like road signs are scattered about. These attractive, kid-friendly books contain a great deal of information. They complement the “From Sea to Shining Sea” and “America the Beautiful” series (both Children’s Press).–Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

Gr 3-5–Each title is made up of spreads that include a yellow map with a dotted line and a car, implying a route for a family trip. Places that are not part of a particular journey are also indicated. However, the routes don’t appear to follow real highways. For example, in Oregon the pages concerning the Oregon Trail mention the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Oregon City, but not the one in Baker City, another great museum on this subject, and the fact that the dotted line goes many miles south of the Trail instead of following it makes no sense. The texts are written in a chatty style but offer sketchy information. Other series are available that give students more of the facts and figures that they needs for reports, such as “Hello U.S.A.” (Lerner), “From Sea to Shining Sea” (Children’s Press), “Celebrate the States” (Benchmark), and “America the Beautiful” (Children’s Press).–Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 3-5–From her early days in Germany to a starring role in America’s Ringling Brothers Circus by way of shipwreck and months of teak hauling in India, Modoc’s story matches her larger-than-life size. The elephant’s life is intertwined with that of a boy with whom she was raised from infancy and who became her longtime circus partner. According to the book jacket, the author owned Modoc for the last 20 years of her life. The story is adapted from his adult book, Modoc. The large picture-book format is the typical choice for Lewin’s fine watercolors, boldly portraying the dramatic episodes of the elephant’s life and the story of friendship, separation, and reunion. This bold and heartwarming adventure tale should have wide appeal.–Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

K-Gr 4–Hopkinson and Ransome chronicle the construction of this famous building through the eyes of a young boy. The present-tense text gives the book a true “You are there” feel as the author describes both the actual building process and its significance as a symbol of hope during the Depression era. The pacing is never rushed, but at the same time it moves along at an energetic clip that matches the speed that characterized the construction of this National Historic Landmark. Ransome’s stunning oil paintings vary in perspective as readers look up at what was once the tallest building in the world, and then down from dizzying heights as workers perch on girders on the 47th floor, feeding pigeons while taking a break for beef stew and coffee. An author’s note reflects the painstaking and careful research done by both author and illustrator to ensure as authentic a presentation as possible. This is a fascinating look at a slice of American history and a worthwhile addition to any collection.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Gr 3-5–Ingram describes the wave that struck Hawaii after an earthquake hit off the coast of Alaska. With no warning system in place, more than 150 people died. The author emphasizes the value of the Pacific Tsunami Warning System for the Pacific Coast of the United States, Hawaii, and Japan, although during a second tsunami to hit Hilo in 1960, warnings were mostly ignored by the local population. Why such a system was not in place in the Indian Ocean region is not discussed. The book is illustrated with full-color photographs on every page. For young readers seeking information on natural disasters, this is an adequate choice. However, it is unfortunate that the publishers feel the need to sensationalize what are already catastrophic situations with terminology such as “X-treme, terror, and killer, and chapter headings such as, “No One Left Alive.”–Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

K-Gr 3–Grandpa Max says that kindergartener Ollie looks just like his brother Winthrop did in 1924 when he was the shortest kid in his class. Then, it is revealed that Ollie strongly resembles his brother Angelo because both have hair that sticks straight up. Charming illustrations highlight the similar traits within an extended family, including those shared by “first cousins once removed,” second or third cousins, or even half-siblings. The endpapers consist of a genealogical diagram of the “whole family,” and include pictures of everyone mentioned in the text. While the book has the feel and the vibrancy of a picture book, the implied concept–how genetic traits like hair color or left-handedness are shared by some family members and not others–seems far beyond its intended audience. Even so, youngsters may simply enjoy comparing their own traits to those of the characters in the story and to think about their own families–and perhaps that is enough.–Alexa Sandmann, Kent State University, OH

JENKINS, Steve. Almost Gone: The World’s Rarest Animals. illus. by author. 33p. (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science Series). map. CIP. HarperCollins Feb. 2006. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-053598-9; pap. $5.99. ISBN 0-06-053600-4. LC 2004030199.

K-Gr 3–This engaging title is informative as well as visually stunning. Jenkins captures the essence of his subjects with appropriately colored, cut-paper collage illustrations on stark white backgrounds. Each endangered animal is introduced in a single paragraph that typically contains a fact or two about its range, behavior, diet, and those conditions that threaten its welfare. The actual number remaining is poignantly noted. A middle section, “Gone Forever,” memorializes animals no longer on Earth with an indication of when they were last seen. In a hopeful third section, Jenkins discusses the Indian crocodile, whooping crane, and Alpine ibex, three animals that are “coming back,” due to the efforts to protect their habitats. All the animals included in this book are numbered and appropriately placed on a double-page world map. Those who have enjoyed Patricia Mullins’ V for Vanishing (HarperCollins, 1997) or Alexandra Wright’s Will We Miss Them? (Charlesbridge 1991) will definitely gravitate toward this offering. Report writers may need more extensive information but the beauty of this book justifies its inclusion on most library shelves.–Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

Gr 2-4–Adapted from an unpublished memoir, this beginning chapter book is an account of Armstrong’s youthful acquisition of his first true horn. It also offers a snapshot of New Orleans’s Brick Row at the turn of the 20th century that reveals the hardship yet intimate connection of its residents. Streets and neighborhoods come to life with the sights and sounds of the city’s multiethnic communities. Young Louis lived in a rooming house with his mother and sister and dreamed of a bedroom of his own, with a real bed instead of quilts on the floor, and he helped to support the family. His musical gifts became apparent early on to those on the streets as he revealed a talent beyond the capabilities of a seven-year-old playing a tin horn without a mouthpiece. Kimmel’s skilled narrative accentuates the diversity of the boy’s surroundings and the early influence of local music upon his innate gift. Bernardin’s dynamic black-and-white artwork captures the vivacious subject well and includes many period and cultural details. This biographical slice-of-life reveals much about the background of this famed musician. Simple sentence structure provides encouragement for fledgling readers and makes this an entertaining addition for most collections.–Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

Gr 1-3–Through full-color photographs and descriptive paragraphs, this book explores the similarities, differences, and relationships among families throughout the world. The pictures feature a variety of relatives sharing meals, playing games, and going about their daily activities in and around their homes. Each photo notes the country where it was taken and an appended world map shows its location. Unfortunately, the impact and quality of the photographs are uneven and although the text is informative, neither the images nor the writing is engaging enough to read more than once. Barbara Kerley’s You and Me Together: Moms, Dads, and Kids around the World (National Geographic, 2005), with its stunning photography and poetic text, is a better choice.–Genevieve Gallagher, Murray Elementary School, Charlottesville, VA

Gr 3-5–These spare introductions profile three small predators in two-page sections. Each title briefly describes the subject animal’s basic anatomy and outstanding physical and behavioral characteristics. Snakes also describes the distinctive characteristics of two North American species. Color photos accompany the texts on every spread. Some close-ups lack detail. Of the three books, Bats is the most lucid; the others are marred by contradictory statements and inaccuracies, respectively. For example, Snakes describes the reptiles’ eyes as small in one section but large in another, and Spiders states, “Many insects are arthropods, including the class called arachnids,” erroneously implying that some insects are not arthropods, and that arachnids belong to the same class as insects. Bats, with its specific information on this rare species, will be a useful additional title as most general introductions only mention these bats in relation to their small size. Snakes will be useful as well where there is a heavy demand for material on poisonous snakes. Margery Facklam’s Spiders and Their Web Sites (Little, Brown, 2001) is a better choice for material on daddy longlegs than the Wheeler title.–Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–According to the front cover, this book includes more than 800 words and pictures by 16 illustrators. Topics include bodies, houses, schools, cities, shopping, and nature. Each page is bordered along its outside vertical edge. Periodic questions, or riddles, encourage viewers to think about what they are seeing by looking for specific things on the pages. Some pictures are confusing, mainly because they are not drawn to scale. On one page, a pebble is as big as the rock above it. Items supposedly located in a broom closet include a floor mat that looks like a kitchen towel, rubber gloves that are flesh toned and look like hands, and a sewing machine, among other things. Each chapter opens with a transparent overlay that changes the look of the pages on the spread as they are flipped from side to side. Some of these pages are too busy, with such small and undefined illustrations that it is difficult to see them clearly. Stick with what you have.–Kathleen Simonetta, Indian Trails Public Library District, Wheeling, IL

Gr 1-4–An unusual book about the author’s childhood on his family’s farm. The text, comprised of three to six sentences per page, describes Lewis’s family, work and play, the produce raised, school, and the farm itself. Old black-and-white family photos serve as the focal point of each full-page illustration. The full-color art appears around and under them, thus extending the background to the surrounding landscape. Other vintage photos with the old black corner mounts are displayed as in a scrapbook. The only criticism is that the clarity and quality of some of the original 1950s photos are not the greatest. With this shortcoming, this title is still an outstanding choice for this genre.–Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS

K-Gr 3–This story of the first woman to receive a U.S. patent makes an excellent introduction to inventors and Women’s History Month. Knight used tools inherited from her father to design and build her inventions. As a child, she was always sketching one of her “brainstorms” for toys and kites for her brothers. She once designed a foot warmer for her mother. Although it was never patented, Knight’s design for a safer loom saved textile workers from injuries and death. Later as an adult, she fought in court and won the right to patent her most famous invention, a machine that would make paper bags. Mattie’s story is told in a style that is not only easy to understand, but that is also a good read-aloud. The watercolor-and-ink illustrations capture the spirited inventor and support the text in style and design. Their sketchy quality works well with the pen-and-ink drawings of inventions at the bottom of the pages. While most of these are simulated, the actual drawings from the 1871 patent for the paper-bag machine are included. The text has some fictional dialogue that makes Mattie more real to young readers without compromising the facts. An author’s note gives additional biographical information about this creative woman. This is not the best source for reports, but it will inspire interest in women and children as inventors. It’s a good reminder that nonfiction isn’t just for reports. It pairs nicely with Marlene Targ Brill’s Margaret Knight: a Girl Inventor (Millbrook, 2001).–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

Gr 2-5–Markle’s overviews of jackals, Tasmanian devils, and wolverines skillfully mingle the sights, sounds, and smells of their worlds. She describes the challenges these animals face in foraging for food, maintaining a territory, raising progeny, and using physical attributes to survive in their specialized habitat. The full-color, full-page photos, all from a broad array of archives, clearly support the texts. Laurence Pringle’s Jackal Woman (S & S, 1993) and Kathy Darling’s Tasmanian Devil (HarperCollins, 1992) offer even more information. These titles are laudable for their readable texts but they lack the edgy brilliance of original photographs to match her smooth visual language.–Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

PreS-Gr 1–Martin’s simple poem celebrates the colors of varied landscapes and the glories of the seasons. Each line of text appears on half a page, under a photo of a child. The rest of each spread is devoted to a panoramic vista. The boys and girls, of varying ages, come from many racial and ethnic groups from around the globe. The jacket flap notes that Lipow took his photos on five continents. However, no information about any of the locales is included in captions or in the endnotes. This omission limits the title’s possibilities as a springboard for further exploration and discussion. The book might serve as an introductory read-aloud choice for very young children on occasions such as Earth Day, but its range is limited. G. Brian Karas couples his celebration of Earth’s wonders with basic science in On Earth (Penguin, 2005). Judith Nicholls’s compilation of earth-related poems in The Sun in Me (Barefoot, 2003) includes a variety of styles –Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 3-6–Rankin was born in Montana in 1880 and attended the newly formed University of Montana. After leading a successful campaign for women’s suffrage in her home state, she was elected to Congress in 1916. In 1919 she was the only woman who voted for the bill that became the 19th Amendment. A stanch advocate of peace, she voted against America’s entry into both World Wars. At times Marx waxes lyrical in admiration for her subject’s commitment to peace, but acknowledges that Rankin’s antiwar sentiments were controversial. The writing is clear and interesting but sources are not cited and there is no bibliography. The muted colors of Andreasen’s sensitive oil paintings and skillful graphite sketches reinforce the peaceful tone of the narrative. Each sentence starts on a new line, which makes the type look ragged and might disrupt the flow of the prose for some readers. Still, the writing and the illustrations make this a good choice for young readers who enjoy biographies. Report writers might prefer Mary Barmeyer O’Brien’s Jeannette Rankin: Bright Star in the Big Sky (Falcon, 2001).–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

K-Gr 2–These books look at different types of living situations. All five titles begin with the same introductory paragraph that describes neighborhoods as a part of a larger community and all go on to elaborate on aspects of daily life, such as transportation, safety, work, and recreation. Each volume ends with a section on how people come together on shared projects. Full-color photos fill most of the pages and text is limited to two paragraphs per spread. Captions explain the pictures but do not note the location. City is somewhat awkward, since readers might wish to identify the metropolitan areas pictured. These introductions to neighborhoods that are vital parts of the social fabric of the United States provide useful and attractive support to community units in a social-studies curriculum.–Kathleen Meulen, Blakely Elementary School, Bainbridge Island, WA

Gr 3 Up–The book opens with an author’s note giving background about Saint Francis’s poem “The Canticle of Brother Sun,” followed by a summary of the man’s life. This six-page section seems to be aimed more at adults than children. The rest of the book consists of brief vignettes from the saint’s life, accompanied by an illustration. The author has used medieval biographies as sources and retold the stories in accessible language for modern readers. Verses from the poem introduce each section and the entire poem is reproduced at the end of the book. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Saint Francis of Assisi (Hyperion, 2005), illustrated by Dennis Nolan, is a straightforward picture-book biography and Richard Egielski’s Saint Francis and the Wolf (HarperCollins, 2005). focuses on one episode from the man’s life. Pandell concentrates more on Francis’s spiritual nature–how he would preach to birds or talk to a cicada or a hare; how he would praise the wind, water, fire, and earth. The book is beautifully designed. Unifying elements appear throughout, such as a repeated pattern of colored tiles, the verses of “The Canticle” reproduced in gold superimposed on a medieval-style shield background, and Le Tord’s gold-embellished, primitive-style paintings. This title would not be the best choice to introduce young children to the life of Saint Francis, but for those who have some knowledge of him, it’s is a lovely testament to his spirit.–Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA

Gr 1-5–This title captures the essence of Expressionism with examples of work by renowned artists Munch, van Gogh, Kirchner, Kandinsky, de Kooning, and Pollock; illustrated step-by-step projects; a statement on the genre; a text that stimulates thinking by asking questions; and generous examples of student art. Projects inspired by Kandinsky, for example, include creating an abstract work that conveys emotion with cut-paper shapes and paint. The book’s strength lies in its organization and attractive, brightly colored presentation of art as self-discovery. Activities promote individuality, while the biographies of the artists highlight their techniques. Lists of materials, kid-friendly instructions, and notes to adults and children are included. An excellent addition to art sections and a helpful teaching aid.–Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

Gr 3-5–This basic book for young entrepreneurs is full of ideas. The six chapters include “Build Your Own Business Model” and “Managing Your Money.” In the section on sample businesses, Rancic provides pros and cons as well as tips for getting started. He shares his philosophy of honesty and the lessons he has learned in his ventures. Kids 7 through 12 also present their experiences. Black-and-white family photographs appear throughout.–Kathleen A. Nester, Downingtown High Ninth Grade Center, PA

RICHARDS, Beah E. Keep Climbing, Girls. illus. by R. Gregory Christie. unpaged. CIP. S & S 2006. RTE $15.95. ISBN 1-4169-0264-3. LC 2004029153.

K-Gr 3–In this picture-book rendition of Richards’s 1951 poem of the same name, girls are urged to “keep climbing” no matter what obstacles get in the way. Bold gouache illustrations create a beguiling green-and-gold landscape with an irresistible tree and a determined little girl who climbs it higher and higher with every page turn. Stern and frightened Miss Nettie tries coaxing the child out of the tree, using scare tactics of broken necks and taunts of tomboy. “But a little girl victorious/can’t hide her childish glee,/to see Miss Nettie so put out/that she, a girl, could climb a tree.” An introduction by LisaGay Hamilton gives readers more information about the poem and Richards, an African-American actor, playwright, and poet who set her own sights high and faced plenty of challenges along the way. This work helps to encourage and bolster up young girls as they begin to make their way in the world.–Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

Gr 3-5–This cursory biography may answer a few questions for curious Fleischman fans, but it is unlikely to pique the interest of anyone unfamiliar with his writing. Chapter spreads are devoted to the author’s early background, accomplishments as a magician, World War II military service, and highlights of his writing career. Unfortunately, the mediocre delivery and the arbitrary nature of information are a disappointing match for this animated literary figure. The format of the book is suitable for report writers and students honing their nonfiction reading skills. Ruffin attributes Fleischman’s writing abilities to a college class where he learned “a new way of reading,” though she misses an opportunity to explore exactly how he was enlightened. Another noticeable omission is the fact that Fleishman’s son, Paul, has followed in his father’s footsteps, not only as a writer, but also as a Newbery recipient. For a real understanding of the author, stick with Fleischman’s autobiography, The Abracadabra Kid (HarperCollins, 1996).–Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

PreS-Gr 3–Twenty-four snappy poems revolve around the growing season. All are short; most are no more than four lines. Some are “punny”–”Would You Carrot All to Dance?” Others are riddles, such as “A Riddle Picnic.” “Papa ate the root/and tossed the leaves./Mama ate the leaves/and said 'Mine’s best!’/Brother ate the stem/and found no seeds./Sister ate the seeds/and tossed the rest.” (Answers: carrot, spinach, celery, peas) Children will like the quick pace and the lilting rhythm. The jokes and puns will be better understood by adults, but young readers will grow into the humor. The watercolor illustrations will definitely appeal to the very young. Simple sketches are planted in the white space in and around the poems, uniting the text and art. Large paintings fill a few pages and give contrast to the smaller sketches. These seasonal poems can be shared one-on-one, read in storytimes, or alone. Selected single poems will fit especially well into garden-themed units.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

Gr 1-6–This edition of Shepard’s collection of closely adapted story scripts for elementary children is basically the same as the original (H. W. Wilson, 1993) with a couple of changes. It has been pared down from 22 stories to 15 (more available on the Web site) and omits the appendix that offered detailed information on using readers’ theater in the classroom and on these scripts in particular. With its mix of humor, fantasy, and multicultural tales, such as Caryn Yacowitz’s “The Jade Stone” and Harold Courlander’s “Talk,” this book gives teachers both a fun and useful tool for bringing reading and literature to their students.–Betty S. Evans, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield

K-Gr 3–Simon provides the basic facts, which include the importance of horses to humans throughout history, their evolution, physical traits, interactions among themselves, and the various breeds. The information is clear and accurate. The striking color photos will capture readers’ attention. However, it’s unfortunate that they lack captions, particularly when showing different breeds. Children will pore over the photos and garner enough information from the text to make this book a popular introductory choice.–Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 3-4–Skrepnick introduces a small, feathered dinosaur whose fossilized remains were found in China in 1996. Because little is known about this poultry-sized creature, the book is padded with smidgens of data on five additional feathery dinosaurs, including the only flyer in the group, Archaeopteryx. The dinosaur/bird evolutionary connection is accepted as a given in the brief, easy-to-read text. Realistic, golden-brown toned illustrations fill the pages. While not essential, this book will be welcomed by neophyte readers and dinophiles, as it does contain some information on a newly discovered species.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 2-3–In each of these sleekly formatted easy readers, a boxed text overlaid on color photo spreads outlines the chief physical and behavioral characteristics of the featured animal as well as distinctive characteristics of particular species. Ants and Snakes also mention natural enemies and defense mechanisms and include simple anatomical diagrams of representative animals. The best feature of all three titles is the photography. The enlargements of ants and bees, in particular, are so sharply focused that hairs on body parts, grains of pollen, etc., are plainly visible. Although the texts are clearly written, the first two books are flawed to some degree by oversimplification and the third by a factual error. For instance, Ants implies that the change from larva to pupa is immediate; Bees omits a description of the insects’ metamorphosis. Snakes has a glaring error in the statement that “All snakes lay eggs.” Other titles offer more detailed information, albeit without the excellent photography. Ting Morris’s Ant (Smart Apple Media, 2004) and Joyce Milton’s Honeybees (Grosset & Dunlap, 2003)–aimed at a slightly higher reading level–both do a better job of describing insect metamorphosis. Dorothy Hinshaw Patent’s Slinky, Scaly, Slithery Snakes (Walker, 2000) gives a more accurate description of snake reproduction.–Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

Gr 3-6–In 1869, a one-armed Civil War veteran who was mad about geology gathered a small crew to explore the last blank space left on the U.S. map: the Colorado River. A description of the area’s natural history segues right into the adventure. Powell and his men were the first on record to run the river’s rapids from a tributary in Wyoming down through the Grand Canyon. It was a wild ride–rowboats smashing, Powell dangling from a canyon wall by a rescuer’s long underwear, brutal conditions, resentment of the leader, disappearing men–and this book does it justice. Well-chosen thrills, spills, and conflicts are spliced into a narrative that highlights the danger underlying this scientific mission. Readers learn about Powell and what drove him, but it’s the journey that takes center stage. The handsomely designed text pages are accompanied by boxed journal entries from some of the men, lending immediacy to the tale, or by black-and-white period photos. Large, full-color impressionistic paintings convey the action, events, and geographic drama. A foldout map that can remain open while reading is helpful; several careless editing errors (including a URL typo) are not. An afterword briefly recounts the further lives of the expedition’s survivors. With its brevity and sharp focus, this would be a good introduction to the excursion and might spark interest in more detailed accounts, such as Mary Ann Fraser’s In Search of the Grand Canyon (Holt, 1995).–Nancy Palmer, The Little School, Bellevue, WA

YOLEN, Jane, ed. This Little Piggy: Lap Songs, Finger Plays, Clapping Games, and Pantomime Rhymes. illus. by Will Hillenbrand. 80p. bibliog. index. score. Candlewick 2005. RTE $19.99. ISBN 0-7636-1348-7. LC 2005042072.

PreS–A beautifully crafted, oversized anthology of approximately 60 lap rhymes, songs, clapping rhymes, and finger and foot rhymes, all presented with explanations and simple instructions for parents to play with their babies and toddlers. Most are familiar, but there are also a few that are less well known. Hillenbrand has framed the rhymes with lovely mixed-media pictures in an array of sherbet pastel colors with happy piggy families acting out the rhymes. The songs include simple musical arrangements for guitar and piano. A delightful accompanying CD includes 13 songs from the text, beautifully done with vivacious accompaniment. The result is a perfect book for one-on-one sharing–a feast for the eyes and the ears–as well as a wonderful compendium of first rhymes for the very young. A special selection that all new parents and grandparents will want to read again and again.–Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

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