Preschool to Grade 4

PreS-K–When Rabbit, Fox, and Squirrel take turns hugging Baby Owl, gushing about his adorable features ad nauseum, the youngster grimaces and grumbles, insisting that he’s a “huge, sleek hunting machine with great big see-in-the-dark eyes.” Mama Owl resolves the problem at bedtime when she pairs both compliments in an acceptable fashion. Similar in style to Sandra Boynton’s work, Allen’s minimalist, black-outlined watercolors capture plenty of facial expressions. A fresh story line and (sorry, Baby Owl) cute cartoons make this a crowd-pleaser.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

PreS–Grandpa, a bespectacled wrinkly raisin, and his grandson, a plump round grape, share a day at the park. Similar to the author’s The Day the Dog Dressed Like Dad (Bloomsbury, 2004), this title makes short observations on each page, such as “Grandpa teaches me about life’s ups and downs”; the accompanying graphic shows the duo on a seesaw. Purple, green, blue, and orange dominate the unappealing color scheme in the old-fashioned-looking illustrations. This slight title won’t attract a wide audience, and, read once, is unlikely to be requested a second time.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 2-4–Traditional Northwoods characters populate this original story. The gentle Hodag has the “head of an ox, feet of a bear, back of a dinosaur, and tail of an alligator.” In this adventure, Olee Swenson and his fellow lumberjacks must think of clever ways to save him from the animal catchers who have come to take him to the zoo. These strong, macho guys conscientiously consider the feelings of the Hodag and the inhumanity of putting a wild animal in captivity. In contrast, the city slickers are three times outsmarted and outmaneuvered by the lumberjacks and sent home empty-handed. The black-and-white prints, full and double-page, enhance the woodsy tale with a style that places the adventure at the turn of the 20th century. The animal catchers are stylishly dressed in vests and knickers, and topped off with pith helmets or bowlers. With their nets and other essentials for catching a wild animal, they have a slight resemblance to Teddy Roosevelt on safari. The lumberjacks, practically clad in boots and wooly hats, look right at home in the great outdoors. The monotone prints create good texture for both the hairy Hodag and the bearded woodsmen. This story will be enjoyed both as a read-aloud and a read-alone.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

PreS-K–Little Cottontail worries that his grandfather, who now lives on the other side of the Great Green Meadow, misses him too much. After his mother says that Grandfather always loved Cottontail’s snuggly hugs, the rabbit gets an idea: he will send his hugs to his grandfather via the wind. In the same way, he uses the clouds to send a smile and the river to send a joke. When the bunny hears the trees singing and sees the stars twinkling, he decides that they are songs and winks coming from his grandfather. Mother and child blow kisses to the Moon to blow to Grandfather, and they fall asleep. The illustrations were done with multiple layers of watercolor, creating a very soft look. The effect works for the landscape backgrounds, but is less successful with the rabbits, who occasionally dissolve into vague smudges. In addition, their ears change shape and size throughout. Charlotte Zolotow’s If You Listen (Running Pr, 2002) and Jacqueline Woodson’s Coming on Home Soon (Putnam, 2004) are better titles about family separation, but Hugs can fill a need for more books about grandparents who have moved away.–Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR

K-Gr 2–In this easy chapter book, Buzz’s pet fly attends school with him. When the lunch lady allows the insect to live in the lunchroom, she is fired. Fly Guy is subsequently banned from the room by her replacement, who is a terrible cook. Finally, Buzz comes up with a plan, Roz is reinstated, and Fly Guy gets to stay in the lunchroom. The writing is fast paced, the plot is interesting, and many of the humorous and mildly “gross” details will appeal to children. The cartoon illustrations are funny and action-packed and the layout is appropriate for beginning readers, with one or two sentences per page. The text has suitable repetitive phrases to aid the developing fluency of students beginning to read independently. It could also serve slightly older reluctant and struggling readers.–Bobbee Pennington, Bryan Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 2–In this nearly wordless fable, a snake sneaks up on various animals, hisses at them, and slithers away with a chuckle. When it tries this prank on a duck overhead, the bird flies down into the snake’s belly. Now the snake can only quack, and the other reptiles laugh in response. Soon the bully is overwhelmed by quacking ducks attracted by its noises. The duck emerges and flies off with the others. The snake looks relieved that they appear to have gone, but the first one sneaks up on it and belts out a loud “QUACK!” The creature is visibly rattled, while the duck flies off with the last laugh. The only words in this book, except for various animal sounds, appear on the last page: “This book is dedicated to bullies everywhere.” In comic-strip panels, Aruego and Dewey’s signature pen-and-ink and gouache art is droll and accessible. This lighthearted tale could lead to some interesting discussions of the bird’s motivations as well as the subject of bullying. Young readers will find the format and the karmic justice of this story appealing.–Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2–Warm, expressive paintings make this picture book a joyful experience. A human mother (Mama Inside) elaborates on the days that she spends awaiting the arrival of her baby, while a bluebird (Mama Outside) awaits her little ones. The author relates the similar experiences of the two expectant mothers–and fathers–as they prepare for the days ahead. When the babies arrive, there is time for song, food, rocking, and a good deal of growing. This heartwarming look at families is irresistible.–Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2–This winning story of a pig with a dream comes alive in tidy four- and five-line verses composed mostly of one- and two-syllable words. Poppy yearns to conquer the high wire, so when Zig E. Zailey holds an open call for new talent, she seizes the day. “A circus dog,/now that is fine./But have you heard/of circus swine?” the omniscient narrator muses in an engaging aside. While comparisons to Ian Falconer’s Olivia and her foray under the big top are inevitable, Poppy is her own pig, and the similarities are few. Dillard’s cheery illustrations follow her from her sunny meadow to the bright, friendly circus tent that becomes her home. Purchase a duplicate for storytime shelves; this easy, accessible crowd-pleaser will leave everyone smiling.–Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

PreS-Gr 1–This simple concept book pairs colorful acrylics with lively rhyming text to explore different modes of transportation. Each spread illustrates a wish to pilot, drive, row, ride, etc., with flat yet appealing images of youngsters operating the vehicles. Adults will appreciate the Beatles tribute, “I wish I were the captain/of a yellow submarine,” and children will recognize and enjoy images of a cyclist “whizzing down the lane,” an astronaut “hurtling into space,” a horseback-riding cowboy, and a speedy race car driver. However, a hot-air balloon and a “coach and four” may be beyond the experience of the intended audience. End notes include a brief history for each means of travel. More functional than inspirational, but child-friendly.–Piper L. Nyman, formerly at Fairfield Civic Center Library, CA

Gr 2-4–From giant lollipops given to the kids with perfect attendance, last day treats and poems, and shirts that say “Summer!” to a vacation-home raffle for Rhoda the hamster, the students of Chapman Elementary–“wiggly kindergartners to cool fifth graders”–say good-bye to another school year. Third-grader Matthew Perez holds a special gift for his teacher until the final seconds of an unforgettable day. His wish to wait until the final bell creates a last flutter of “missing-a-good-friend panic” as he comes close to losing his chance to give the gift before his bus leaves. Varied sizes of colorful oil illustrations accompany the tale of Matt’s patient delivery of the perfect gift. True to a child’s remembrance of final school days, each page recalls memorable moments for students and teachers.–Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

PreS-Gr 2–Nate decides he wants to dance after attending a recital, but his older brother tells him that boys can’t be ballerinas. Even though the child’s parents tell him otherwise, Ben’s words worry the would-be performer. Nate loves his ballet class, but he wonders why he is the only boy. His troubles disappear when he attends a professional performance and meets one of the male dancers. He explains that he calls himself a dancer, but you could also call a male dancer a “ballerino.” Alley’s ink-and-watercolor illustrations of the animal characters have a playful energy that moves the story forward. While the word “ballerino” may not exist, which the text unfortunately fails to clarify, children will admire Nate’s persistence to follow his interest despite the obstacles. Aspiring dancers of either gender will enjoy this look at the art of dancing from a male perspective.–Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 1-3–A poignant story about loss. Stevie’s teacher finds ways to make him feel at home during his first day at a new school. Her “fondest wish,” she says, is that they have lunch together, evoking for him the sense of speaking with a fairy-tale princess. The young narrator soon discovers that Miss Perry has a “new fondest wish” daily, such as for the class to become quiet so that she can read from James and the Giant Peach or for the students to plant tulips around the school flagpole. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes, and news arrives of a car crash that has taken her life. A counselor helps the children talk about their memories, which cushions their loss by bringing back the joy of Miss Perry’s fondest wishes and the way that “her eyes disappeared when she smiled.” The delicate pen-and-ink, watercolor, and gouache illustrations reflect the varied emotions evoked by this treasured individual. This title fills a need for books that encourage healthy emotional expression. A first purchase.–Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

PreS–This 1938 collaboration will please today’s children. Opposite pairs are presented in rhythmic text, with font sizes that grow larger and smaller: “Once upon a time/there was a great big bumble bug/and a tiny little bumble bug/And there was a great big butterfly/and a little tiny butterfly.” Delightful scenes include chickens, birds, turtles, and elephants. The red, blue, green, white, and black pictures are striking in their simplicity. The final pages invite listeners to continue the story with their own big and little suggestions. A perfect choice for storytimes.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

Gr 2-4–Bryant has created a fictional chance encounter between a boy and an elderly Marianne Moore as they ride a Brooklyn bus to the zoo in the 1940s. While Moore is the focus of the story, Jonathan is the narrator, and his words have a poetic quality. The poet’s hat looks like “a piece of black cloth or a shingle that’s blown off a roof” and the words she has written in her journal “line up in rows like obedient soldiers.” Moore points out, “I see that you and I think alike,” a statement that refers to more than just the fact that they both chose the same Saturday destination. Jonathan asks, “What, exactly, does a poet do?” and Moore explains that her work begins by watching, writing words down, and rearranging them to sound just right. While this description may be accurate, children may not understand exactly what it means. The mottled and muted watercolor illustrations lend a soft, nostalgic feel to the book and complement the story’s quiet tone. While this title may be helpful to introduce children to the process of poetry and, to a lesser degree, the poet, this tale is too slight and subdued to appeal to a general audience.–Carol L. MacKay, Camrose Public Library, Alberta, Canada

PreS-K–Every Sunday, Cubby visits his grandpa, who teaches him how to be a bear. Throughout the seasons they fish, eat, hibernate, and play. The best thing about Grandpa Bear, though, is his Bear Hug, and little Cubby loves to try and wriggle out of it, which he does successfully each week. This slight, sweet story portrays a loving, intergenerational relationship through friendly watercolor paintings. Larger collections and those that never have enough bear stories will find that it makes good filler.–Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

CHILD, Lauren, adapt. The Princess and the Pea. illus by adapter photos. by Polly Borland. unpaged. Hyperion Apr. 2006. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-7868-3886-8. LC number unavailable.

K-Gr 5–Child has expanded Andersen’s tale from a one-page gem into a humorous picture book that will delight the whole family. Color photographs of a cleverly designed, three-dimensional miniature world of dolls reveal wonderful details. The mattresses–all 12 of them–are covered in multi-patterned cloth, tables and cupboards display real china plates, and a mirror reflects a princess sitting in her parlor. The prince says that he “wanted to marry for love.” In an aside, Child comments, “He was just that kind of romantic boy.” The prince now tells his parents: “I would gladly marry tomorrow but…she must be more mesmerizing than the moon and I must find her more fascinating than all the stars in the sky. And there must be a certain…something about her.” The loving king and queen throw a royal ball so that their son can meet all the eligible princesses; unfortunately, not one fills the bill. He then decides to travel “far and wide” to look for a “real princess.” It is not until he comes home that she appears at his door. We all know what happens then. Every library will want at least one copy of this fabulously funny and unique book.–Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2–A sweetly told tale about the friendship between a boy named Will and a squirrel named Squill. They do just about everything together until Will’s parents surprise him with a kitten, and she becomes Will’s new playmate, leaving Squill to feel lonely and left out. However, the boy soon discovers that Kitty likes to sleep most of the day and doesn’t appreciate his favorite games. Will and Squill reunite, and the child realizes that old friends should not be abandoned for new ones. Lively watercolor-and-colored-pencil artwork keeps the message simple and soft. The repetition in the text makes the reading predictable and pleasurable and suitable for young children.–Hope Marie Cook, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic

PreS-Gr 2–In this alphabetical celebration of the Chinese New Year, a boy and a girl prepare for the festivities with their family. Each page or full spread, representing one letter, includes such headings as “A is for Acrobats,” “I is for Incense,” and “P is for Peking Duck.” One- to two-sentence subtitles under some of these headings explain the traditions. The “Z is for Zodiac” page includes a circular chart to allow children to find their own Chinese sign. The back matter includes an author’s note on the traditions surrounding the New Year, an artist’s note on the calligraphy appearing in the background, and a recipe for dumplings. While Compestine’s text is well researched, many of her subtitles are written in an uneven tone, vacillating between a second- and third-person voice. The art makes up for the patchy text and depicts the vibrancy and color of the celebrations as they occur in modern China. Done in watercolor, acrylic, and latex, it features stylized, richly colored figures layered on subtle, full-page calligraphic designs. Young readers will enjoy observing the antics of a playful cat on each spread. Overall, this vivid introduction is sure to fascinate youngsters new to the traditions of this holiday.–Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2–Crews uses digitally manipulated photos and line drawings along with brief text to relate the adventures of Jack and his action-figure toy, Guy. They live in a “narrow house with many stairs” that provides them with opportunities for creative play. The stairs become mountains to climb, forests to explore, and, when Jack’s cars and other toys are added to the fun, cities to visit. But one day Guy falls through a hole in the stairs, and Jack worries about what might be happening to him below. Fearful that Guy might have to deal with dragons, wild horses, or–perhaps worse–be all alone, the child uses his crane and other action figures to effect a rescue. Most illustrations are large colorful spreads, while white line drawings against the stark black ground of Guy’s “below” world under the stairs provide sharp contrast. This story, along with Mini Grey’s Traction Man Is Here! (Knopf, 2005), will surely inspire young readers to see everyday objects in a new light.–Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

PreS-Gr 2–Told that she can’t leave the table “until every pea has been chewed,” Mabel takes drastic action and hides the peas in a most unadvisable spot. Her plan, however resourceful, has a major flaw: “peas in the ear make it tricky to hear….Words seem confusing, their meanings amusing, ideas become hard to convey.” The ensuing pea-inflicted hearing loss leads to a comedy of errors as the child spends the day misinterpreting her mother’s increasingly concerned requests. Some of the misunderstandings are harmless: when Mom says “Stop!” Mabel obligingly begins to hop. It’s potentially more dangerous when Mom asks Mabel to “hold still” and she hears “get out my old drill.” It is only when she climbs into bed that night that her deception is uncovered, much to her mother’s surprise. Although there is no scene of parental disapproval, Mabel still concludes that her experiment was “perhaps not a plan worth repeating.” Yet while sitting in her closet surrounded by bits of broccoli, she suggests that “…shoes are ideal/when used to conceal/a meal that no one likes eating!” A careful look at the busy watercolor illustrations will reveal amusing pea references (even Mabel’s tights have green polka dots). And although some practice may be needed to get the rhythm and rhymes articulated correctly, this is an engaging cautionary tale, and the extreme silliness of the story makes it a fun choice for reading aloud.–Piper L. Nyman, formerly at Fairfield Civic Center Library, CA

PreS–In simple rhyming text, Denslow tells of a child who puts seeds out for woodland animals on a snowy winter’s day. In turn, the chickadee, sparrow, cardinal, crow, squirrels, bunnies, mouse, and opossum come to partake of the treat. The story is slight, but the friendly looking animals that come to visit will charm young children and beginning readers. The setting is a snowy woods that’s just right for winter themes; the animals fill the spreads and are perfect for storytimes. The “which animal will come next” aspect of the story provides opportunities for dialogic reading. Teachers will be tempted to use this book in curriculum units, but the artistic license used in creating the animals’ tracks keep it from being an early science book. Still, it’s a satisfactory choice for group or one-on-one readings.–Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

Gr 3-6–This field guide purports to be a copy of Arthur Spiderwick’s sketches and investigations into the beings and beasties of the “Invisible World”–the brownies, boggarts, kelpies, and other creatures that populate the stories. The beautiful illustrations in gouache and pencil, seemingly modeled after Audubon’s work in Birds of America, are printed as if they were real century-old artworks that have left their shadowy imprints on the opposite pages. The descriptions are bits of Spiderwick’s hard-learned lore, many apparently in his own handwriting, that make the art all the richer. Fantasy readers will love immersing themselves in the lore of the hidden–those things that only they, and people who are like them, can see. Field Guide will be pored over by anyone, of any age, who believes in sprites, phookas, and nixies.–Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 2-3–These four paperbacks feature the denizens of Pixie Hollow, in Never Land. Beck, an animal-talent fairy, helps to end a war between the hummingbirds and the chipmunks. Lily, a garden-talent fairy, plants a mysterious seed that grows into a noxious but ultimately amazing plant. Tink, otherwise known as Tinker Bell, is a pots-and-pans fairy whose talent disappears when she loses her magic hammer. Vidia is a fast-flying-talent fairy with a mean streak, whose heart warms just a little when other fairies help her clear her name when she is falsely accused of stealing the Fairy Queen’s crown. The full-color illustrations are typical Disney animation style. These attractive, fluffy titles will almost certainly fly off the shelves where such paperback series as Tracey West’s “Pixie Tricks” (Scholastic) are popular.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3-6–Imaginative fifth-grader Eric is running through a slushy Michigan park, trying to escape aliens. He rejoins the real world when he meets brainy Jon, his best friend. When they spot the “for sale” signs for Lenox Field, Eric decides that he must save the park and decides that the best way to do so is to get his mother elected to city council. With Jonathan’s help, he gets the necessary petitions and organizes the campaign, all while keeping his plan a secret from his mom. When his parents finally figure out what is going on, they decide that she’ll go ahead and run for office. Readers will identify with Eric’s good intentions, his frustrations, and his rivalry with know-it-all Caitlin, the mayor’s niece. The characters are well drawn, and the inherent civics lesson demonstrates democracy in action. Full-page, humorous drawings appear throughout. This novel is for a younger audience than Dan Gutman’s The Kid Who Ran for President (Scholastic, 2000) and is more believable.–Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

Gr 3-5–A promise the protagonist made in Evangeline Mudd and the Golden-Haired Apes of the Ikkinasti Jungle (Candlewick, 2004) brings her back to Mudd Manor, the home of Melvin Mudd, her father’s second cousin twice removed. Her goal: to free the mink from Melvin’s Marvelous Mink farm before they can be turned into costumes for a ballet extravaganza featuring Melvin’s dance-obsessed wife, India Terpsichore. When the young heroine arrives at the mansion, she meets young dancer Alexy Alexy and his evil manager and learns of the young man’s sad story. Now she has another goal: to free Alexy from Ratsputin’s clutches. In the end, both the mink and the dancer are freed from bondage and Evangeline even makes it back home in time for the birth of her baby brother. This madcap novel, which has an underlying theme of respect for all living creatures, also contains the humorous elements of Astrid Lindgren’s “Pippi Longstocking” (Penguin) and the spirit of Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events” (HarperCollins). Evangeline overcomes the obstacles set by evil adults and triumphs. Wesson’s amusing pen-and-ink illustrations illuminate this rollicking adventure.–Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

Gr 1-3–When the beans in Josias’s garden won’t grow, he must find a solution or his family will not have enough to eat. He tries giving the plants extra water and manure, to no avail. He asks a friend who is lucky enough to “hold the book” (attend school) if the answer might be found in a book. What Josias learns convinces him to ask his parents if, in addition to tending the garden, he can go to school. Elvgren has crafted a matter-of-fact snapshot of rural Haitian life. Tadgell’s muted watercolor spreads set the tone and enhance the text. Emotions are clearly depicted, giving the characters added dimension and believability. An author’s note gives a detailed account of why rural Haitians often don’t attend school and of a typical primary-school day.–Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

Gr 3-5–Anthony is a dog with a nasty skin condition and a distinctly British voice. When his itchy, flaky flesh gets too disgusting for his family to abide, they take him to the vet and have his fur shaved off, leaving only his head and the tip of his tail intact. This latest happening in a lifetime of perceived indignities leaves Anthony devastated and ashamed until he learns how to use his new look to his advantage. He has a dry, sarcastic sense of humor and an uncharacteristic lack of loyalty for his owners, particularly the lady of the house, whom he witheringly refers to as “Her Ladyship,” “Mrs. Neglectful,” “the Kitchen Queen,” and more. With large print, appealing black-and-white illustrations, and plenty of low-grade gross-out fun, this easy chapter book is ideal for reluctant readers. A sound supplemental purchase.–Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

PreS-Gr 2–When Mouse realizes that autumn has arrived, she is delighted to make the long journey to the distant nut tree to gather food for the winter, dressed in her coat with the extra-big pockets. She is warned by Gull that a storm is coming, but she can’t hear him because of the wind. She is warned by Sheep that a dog is near, but she can’t hear the bleats over the barking. She blithely continues toward her goal, ignoring the brewing storm. When at last she arrives at the tree, all of the nuts and leaves have blown away. She returns home with empty pockets and finds a surprise waiting for her. Although the story is slight, the words are well chosen and the repeated refrain will delight readers. The pencil-and-pastel illustrations are charming, displaying the textures and colors of fall and the foreboding energy of the storm. Gerritsen effectively contrasts the tiny mouse with the large expanses she must travel. And even the vast spreads include small details tucked away for curious eyes to discover. Nuts is a good read-aloud to accompany units on the seasons, animal habits, and goal-planning.–Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

PreS-Gr 3–An aphid wants to know what lies beyond her big green world. Her curiosity is so great that she sprouts wings and flies off to explore. First, she flies too close to the sun, then lands on the moon. Next she is off to ride a comet, and then she has an encounter with a black hole. She is frightened by a Big Bang, lands in a bubbling sea, and is rescued by a benevolent giant. Readers see that Anna’s world is a plant on a windowsill, and that she is flying around a baby’s room, landing on normal household objects. Using saturated primary colors, thickly applied to a textured surface, Goppel presents the insect’s universe quite realistically. Both the story and the illustrations will appeal to children’s imaginations and may leave them asking questions about their own world.–Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

PreS-Gr 2–A boy pleads with his teacher to let him bring to school the prize he won in a magazine contest–a pterodactyl. He cites the many advantages: bullies would be put in their place; the school band could be sheltered from the rain under its wings, and, if the heat were out, the dinosaur’s wings could create a cozy blanket around the class. There would be no need to go to the museum, and bus trips would be a thing of the past since the pterodactyl could ferry a whole class on its back. After running through the positives, the boy suddenly realizes that he is winning a woolly mammoth and the book ends with him ready to list the advantages of that beast. The illustrations, done in transparent dyes, depict a character much older than the preschooler featured in Grambling’s Can I Have a Stegosaurus, Mom? Can I? Please!? (1997) and Can I Have a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Dad? Can I? Please!? (2000, both Bridgewater). Since most kids don’t take a pet to school to stay, this title lacks the compelling reason to keep a dinosaur as a pet that was found in the earlier titles. This slight and lengthy tale won’t make the grade for even the most avid dinosaur fans.–Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha’s Public Library, WI

Gr 2-3–Fans of the author’s “Zack Files” series (Grosset & Dunlap) will be delighted with this fast-paced science-fiction adventure that’s full of goofy humor. Klatu and his brother and sister have mistakenly crashed their spaceship into the Nevada desert. Hilarious dialogue among the space aliens and the humans they meet follows as Ploo is captured and taken to an army base for study. Klatu and Lek use all the tricks at their disposal to retrieve her, including morphing into human form and chewing English-language gum to communicate with the earthlings. Ploo is rescued by a human girl who proves herself less prejudiced than her adult counterparts. The text is peppered with funny, easily “translated” alien vocabulary, and the large print and short declarative sentences will be accessible to emerging readers. The book even sneaks in an antismoking message and a short history lesson. Readers will not be able to resist these appealing googly-eyed extraterrestrials with distinct personalities, and the gentle subliminal message that being different is not necessarily bad or scary is welcome. This is a perfect book for those who are beyond easy readers but not yet ready for intermediate fiction.–Quinby Frank, formerly at Green Hedges School, Vienna, VA

Gr 1-3–In this second easy chapter book starring Moose and his pig friend, Moose is thrilled when he discovers his “own” new Moose Crossing sign by the side of the road. He is strutting back and forth and striking poses when Hildy arrives to ask him to go swimming. He declines, saying that he has to stay to watch over his sign and wait for his adoring fans. Angry that he does not realize that the sign is for all of the moose in the area, the pig storms away. When people arrive, Moose is ready to give free autographs, but they have other ideas. With screams that the animal might charge, babies wailing, and flashbulbs going off in all directions, he runs back to safety. A prisoner in his home for days as more and more fans stop by, Moose hopes everyone will leave. After he calls a truce with Hildy, she gives him a great idea that will send his fans away for good. Mathieu’s black-and-white cartoon illustrations follow the humor of the text perfectly. Children will take pleasure in watching Moose realize that being famous is not as much fun as he thought.–Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

Gr 1-3–Walter is having a birthday party complete with cake, ice cream, and horseback riding, and his best friend, Iris, can hardly wait for the day to arrive. They bathe Rain and comb her mane, Iris makes her a special birthday medallion, and Walter’s parents assure him that the festivities will run smoothly. Walter is so busy making things just right that he doesn’t realize that Rain is ever so close to giving birth. This easy reader is chock-full of universal kid banter, and the child-friendly illustrations in pen and ink provide the perfect backdrop as these two pals go about their everyday lives among family and friends.–Wanda Meyers-Hines, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Huntsville, AL

K-Gr 3–Vivid and slightly stylized illustrations, especially those featuring warm shades of yellow and brown, characterize this tale of a worn stone that a sculptor shapes into a Buddha. Little Stone Buddha awakes to enjoy the beauty of nature and to use his powers to hearten weary travelers and protect the foxes that share the forest with him. The large paintings invoke the interconnections of life and the creatures of all sorts that inhabit the planet. Ferri’s faces–of the foxes, of the various humans who pass through the forest, and of the little Buddha himself--express delight, surprise, contentment, and dismay. Drawn in by the marvelous illustrations, young readers may find the story itself somewhat static. The major plot element involves Little Stone Buddha’s protection of the foxes from hunters and how, as time passes, the forest becomes a sanctuary for them. The didactic element is strong, embodied both in the statue’s benevolence and in its disapproval of the hunters’ activities, as well as in sweetened language such as Little Stone Buddha “smiled happily at how beautiful the world was” or an offering to the statue “was almost too pretty to eat.” Even so, the book is visually superior and will be useful in collections seeking more material on Buddhism.–Coop Renner, Hillside Elementary, El Paso, TX

PreS-Gr 2–A group of rough, tough girl pirates sneaks over to Tom’s house to steal the front of his house to disguise their ship. When Tom hears them, he asks to join them, and they agree. Then it’s off to steal a treasure that belongs to adult pirates, and they are so befuddled by the ship’s house front that they give it up easily. This leads to victory and a good night’s sleep for Tom. Harris’s soothing text has a storyteller’s rhythm built in. The rhyming couplets are interspersed with questions that lead to the next section of the tale, clarifying and expanding it. The text is written in a rolling font that adds to the movement of the pirate ship. Allwright’s illustrations are moody and midnight-colored with some collages added in. Their texture, made of maps and graph paper among other items, adds to the mystery of the adventures. The story’s touch of the ridiculous will appeal to young listeners, especially surrounding the adult pirates. This tale would be terrific at a pajama storytime, and its pirate theme will satisfy many young girls and boys.–Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

PreS-Gr 3–When a beautiful moose is captured by the dastardly trapper Steel McSteal, a boy moose who worships her from afar vows to rescue her and bring her back to the wild Canadian woods. But how can a moose travel all the way from Canada to New York City and not be discovered? The shy animal seeks the advice of his friend Owl McFowl, who suggests that he take an invisibility potion so that he can search the streets of Manhattan without disruption. After many amusing escapades, the hero eventually finds the object of his affection and, with the help of a second bottle of invisibility potion, they start the long journey home, together and in love. The text and the watercolor illustrations are loaded with humorous touches and quirky details that will keep readers entertained for long periods.–Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

PreS-Gr 2–Letterbox Lil has a bad habit: she spies on her neighbors by looking through the mail slots on their front doors. She sees a baby surrounded by a menacing-looking pet snake and quirky Davy Dark, who is happiest when hanging upside down like a vampire. Long-legged Peter turns out to be a closet spider-eater with a lizardlike tongue, while Professor Plotz’s robots creepily change zebra stripes to spots. However “Lil wasn’t put off/by the horrors she saw./Spying was fun,/so she peeped more and more.” Eventually she comes face-to-face with the downside of her own game with an effective lift-the-flap–“Spying is fun, it’s undoubtedly true,/but not when the person/that’s spied on/is you!” The exaggerated cartoon illustrations match the over-the-top nature of this odd and engaging cautionary tale, and the rhyming text is appealing. Young audiences will be tickled to learn that Lil is ultimately scared away from peeping by her own pet cat.–Piper L. Nyman, formerly at Fairfield Civic Center Library, CA

PreS–From morning hair brushing to “night-night” with a teddy bear, listeners take a lively tour of a baby’s day at the playground, at dinner, and in a bath. Hindley’s unfussy rhyme offers on-target opportunities for concept development: “low,” “high,” “bye,” “out.” Granström’s festive gouache-and-pencil cartoons shine in this large format. From single snapshots of the star in a red beret to the multicultural cast in the double-page playground scenes, toddlers will be engaged but never overwhelmed.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

K-Gr 2–The little girl who starred in Priscilla and the Pink Planet (Little, Brown, 2004) is back in another rhyming adventure. This time, the heroine, who owes more than a little to Hilary Knight’s Eloise, faces three days of rain. “Well, Priscilla is neither a fish nor a duck./By her way of thinking, this rain was bad luck./But bad luck aside, Priscilla’s no poop./She belongs to the do-what-you-gotta-do group.” She goes out, meets a pixie, and learns that “The rain used to seem such a dreary old bore./I understand now it’s about so much more!” Brightly colored, Smurf-like drawings accompany the lackluster text. It’s not easy to write a memorable story in rhyme–the best belong to masters like Dr. Seuss and Mary Ann Hoberman. Buy another copy of Horton (Random) and forget Priscilla.–Kathleen Whalin, York Public Library, ME

Gr 2-5–With a sure hand, Hobbs develops an engaging story told through the eyes of a border collie whose purposeful existence on Bob and Ellen’s sheep ranch ends abruptly after a fire. From that point the canine’s name changes as he moves from person to person, situation to situation. Some are tolerable: the Goat Man talks philosophically as he journeys nowhere in particular along the highway. Others are intolerably cruel: when the dog refuses to perform a humiliating act, the circus trainer beats him mercilessly. The character of the dog is sympathetically delineated through realistic observations and plot developments, and readers will be drawn into his story. The resolution–his connection to an orphan boy who also finds a home–is both believable and satisfying. This title will have appeal for independent readers searching for a shorter book; it will also make a strong read-aloud choice for a broad range of grade levels. It’s a winner.–Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

Gr 1-3–A kitten with “eyes that are the color of the sea” scampers happily after autumn leaves while her family enjoys a picnic at a highway rest stop–until a dog arrives in another car. Chased by him, the defenseless feline becomes lost. When she finds her way back to the parking lot, her people have vanished. Alone, the ball of tawny fur falls asleep under a picnic table and is awakened by the sound of tires. Although they have two cats at home, a couple rescues the foundling, who stays at their inn on Penobscot Bay. The adopted pet quickly settles in and is named after the large pumpkins that decorate the lobby. She befriends the stream of vacationers who come to stay at Strawberry Hill, basking in their attention and growing increasingly content as the years pass. Lovely watercolors in soft hues dominate the pages, deftly capturing Pumpkin’s curious and friendly personality and paying homage to the beauty of the Maine coast. Cat lovers will delight in this straightforward story with a happy ending.–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

Gr 1-4–It’s no surprise that the exquisitely rendered child attired in 18th-century clothing on the title page, her mouth open, eyes alight, is an inquisitive little girl. Iris is anxiously awaiting a cousin’s birth, but when she asks when it will happen, she receives some outlandish answers. Grandpa says the baby will come “When the giant stork flies across the sky and drops him over your aunt’s house.” Grandma says he will grow under a cabbage. Mr. Conner says he will come after the nine months it takes to build a ladder to the clouds and get him. Only Momma gives the little girl a bead on the truth. But it still takes a long time, and when Gregory does arrive, Iris must continue to wait to build a snowman with him. Swiatkowska’s familiar swirls of paint are evident in the pictures inspired by French artists and circus themes. The myths Iris hears about Gregory’s birth appear throughout in surreal paintings and drawings–a stork moves along on a pulley to make its delivery; clocks mark the passage of time; animals, charts, and weird-looking inventions abound. There is more to discover with each viewing. Waiting for an infant to be born is not a new theme in picture books, but the mixed-media illustrations here make this rendition unique.–Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

K-Gr 3–A spicy Louisiana tale about a boy and his dog as they search for turtle eggs. Trosclair and Ollie are drawn to forbidden Bee Island Swamp, home of Gargantua, the notorious, omnivorous, enormous alligator, because it also affords the tastiest turtle eggs. Trosclair’s father had warned him to stay away: “'That alligator eat you and Ollie so fast,’ Père said, 'he won’t even stop to burp.’” Stepping on a “log” that’s really Gargantua, the two flee up the nearest tree where a buzzing hive presents the means for their clever escape. The language is rich with imagery and vernacular that begs to be read aloud. Huggins provides a careful balance between evocative dialect and a readable tale. The mixed-media artwork combines watercolors, ink, and cut paper in a visual gumbo, layered with heat and cool, humor and fear. A successful pairing of text and illustrations.–Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

Gr 2-4–Kessler devised this creation story “to convey his own love for the Dakotas,” where he works as a seasonal park ranger. However, his choice to incorporate Lakota phrases and symbols seems misguided. Wakantanka arrives in the land of the Dakotas after he has created the rest of the world. When the medicine man, Woksape, asks him to make imposing mountains, dense forests, vast lakes, or broad deserts as the Great Spirit has done for other Native peoples, Wakantanka turns him down again and again; all those natural wonders have been given away. How Woksape could know the names of the other peoples and the landscapes in which they live is never explained. From the remnants in his bag, Wakantanka creates tall prairie grasses; he turns his bag into Tatanka, the buffalo; and blows on his pipe to create “sacred clouds.” Curiously, Kessler never mentions the presence of the most important and sacred site for the Lakota: the Black Hills. Morin’s landscapes are striking. However, he provides no information on sources for the clothing, beads, paint, or other attributes of the main characters. Nor does Kessler supply notes on sources or suggested readings. The representation of Wakantanka as a human is problematic in itself, and the inclusion of the buffalo, sacred pipe, and miscellaneous Lakota words increases the potential confusion. The final pronouncement, “And it was good,” echoes the Judeo-Christian creation story and further distances the tale from Native American legend. What may have been intended as an homage ultimately seems ill-conceived and disrespectful.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

PreS-Gr 3–Kopelke has a firm grasp on the situational dramas that unfold in childhood and their potential for humor. Here, quirky caricatures depict two redheaded siblings with lopsided smirks who spend their days planning or escaping from one another’s torment while the omniscient cat reacts. (The pet’s sympathies lie with the older child.) Helpful tips from this younger brother’s guidebook include: secretly switch glasses after your sister makes you a “Mystery Shake,” don’t follow her suggestion to get the candy out of your nose with bubble gum, and don’t run around in underwear in case one is locked outside. The advice is presented as brief sentences on ripped notepaper against highly textured, energetic, acrylic and mixed-media scenes. Although he is younger, this protagonist is clearly not defenseless. Readers in any birth-order slot will take heart at Kopelke’s depiction of familial life. Pair this story with David Pelham’s Sam’s Sandwich (Dutton, 1991) to offer a look at a sister on the receiving end.–Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

Gr 1-4–Young readers will identify with the realistic situations and believable characters in these stories. In Ashley, a girl must choose between doing her own work or “reusing” a paper that her brother did for the same assignment several years earlier. Reading her brother’s story about honesty forces her to think hard about doing the right thing. In Ryan, a race at school results in name-calling when a classmate is last across the finish line. “Doug the Slug” might sound funny but Ryan doesn’t know that he has hurt the boy’s feelings. When the tables are turned and his brother calls him “Cryin’ Ryan,” he realizes how hurtful words can be. Both protagonists have parents who move subtly in the background, reinforcing the importance of honesty and respect. Both books can be read independently or used by adults as part of a discussion on character. Colorful cartoon illustrations add to the appeal. Schools looking for books to support character-education programs will want to consider these titles.–Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

PreS–This book starts when Bear is a newborn. A page of rhyming couplets describes each year until “NOW,” the age of five, when the number of things the cub can do expands exponentially. Beginning with milestones such as riding a tricycle at age three or blowing bubbles at four, the list highlighting the child’s growing independence and abilities quickly expands to include singing the ABCs, helping carry groceries, and putting on puppet shows. Most of the book is spent on these five-year-old skills, leading up to the first day of kindergarten, when readers turn the final page sideways to see a tall exuberant Bear, “a baby no more!!!!!” Whereas readers may not do all of the things this highly capable youngster can do, they will certainly identify with the joy and pride, evident on every page, that are a part of accomplishing something new. And with so many milestones included, most readers are bound to recognize themselves in some achievement. This sense of belonging is amplified by the friendly, cheerful art done in bright pastels. Bear is visibly happy, engaged, and supported by family and friends. A sidekick mouse in a ruffled orange dress lends added interest. This is a fun, celebratory story for any child just waiting to go to school.–Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI

K-Gr 3–Captain Oliver, weather-wise pirate mouse, and his agreeable wife, Rosie, are blown off course and must scuttle their plans to steal grain. When they decide to drop anchor and grow their own, the nearby villagers are concerned about the pirates’ proximity. When another storm blows in, the ship saves the tiny villagers from certain death, and the newcomers become friends with the locals. Krupinski’s “city mouse/country mouse” story is brought to life via paintings rich in detail and color, with charmingly dressed mice as the main characters. However, there is an agricultural problem with the illustrations: on one page, the text says the mice are trying to keep crows and rabbits out of their corn, but they are shown in a field of mature wheat. Still, this gentle story of community and friendship, combined with Oliver’s weather folklore, will find an audience.–Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

Gr 1 Up–Conjuring up the whimsy of Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s The Little Prince (Harcourt, 1968), this Dutch import recounts the life of a woman growing up among benevolent animals. One fine day, the animal residents of a little harbor town are startled to find a large white swan carrying a baby girl on its back. The child, Josie, is adopted by Sanford, the pig carpenter, and grows up poor but happy with her tender guardian. When she turns seven, he dies, leaving her to be cared for by the other animals in the community. In three distinct sections, the book presents an array of small, meaningful stories involving Josie, her soldier husband, and their child. It is at its best, however, when tackling larger issues like death and grief. In one tale, the protagonist is given the key to a wardrobe into which all the animals may place their grief, so they do not have to feel their pain. In time, however, it becomes clear that without grief, a person cannot laugh or cry or even remember those they have loved and lost. Jutte’s pen-and-ink illustrations are reminiscent of those by Ernest H. Shepard. A truly beautiful purchase for libraries of every size.–Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library

K-Gr 2–Everyone in Mr. Thompson’s class has been busily preparing for the 100th day of school, assembling collections of bottle caps, buttons, paper clips, etc. Jake has been working on a scrapbook with 100 pictures of his family, but is so excited when the big day comes that he forgets his book bag with his album in it. An understanding principal helps him assemble a second collection, and when his Grandma Maggie arrives with her 100-year-old Aunt Lula, the day becomes “superific.” Laminack’s writing is, for the most part, clear and straightforward, although there is some strained imagery at times (“her voice was softer than a pillow,” “the sound of it swooshed across the room like wind on the playground”). Love’s energetic ink-and-watercolor illustrations feature an ethnically diverse classroom with lots of whimsical details as 100 marbles bounce from overloaded plastic bags and paper airplanes whizz through the hallways. This particular spread is doubly effective as the principal’s attention is directed not toward the chaos, but rather toward the child who stands alone. Pair this with Margery Cuyler’s 100th Day Worries (S & S, 2000), where the issue is similarly resolved by understanding family and school staff.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

PreS-Gr 1–A father expresses the joy he gets from spending a day in the park with his child, sharing simple experiences such as sliding, wading, and changing tears to giggles. Words and images work together to create a happy package of pleasant memories. The rhyming text is sweet and to the point. Corvino’s soft illustrations fairly glow with sun-dappled colors. In the tradition of Sam McBratney’s Guess How Much I Love You (Candlewick, 1995) and Nancy Tafuri’s I Love You, Little One (Scholastic, 1998), this is an excellent book for reading aloud and sharing one-to-one.–Kara Schaff Dean, Needham Public Library, MA

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