Preschool to Grade 4 Cont.

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-- School Library Journal, 06/01/2006

Nonfiction

K-Gr 2–Photographs carry the meaning of the text in this book that emphasizes common homophones and homonyms. “If horns played cool music,” for example, is illustrated with a full-page colorful image of a ram against a grassy green background and a picture of a brass quintet in bright red uniforms. While the text is dependent on the images, some are clumsily staged. “If nails were on fingers” is illustrated with an image of a cluster of nails opposite a photo of an awkwardly posed hand with artificial fingernails. An additional purchase for language-arts units.–Jodi Kearns, University of Akron, OH

PreS-Gr 2–These titles trace the lives of four animals from birth to maturity. Each book reads like a story with scientific details woven into the narrative. Events described are typical and not overtly fictionalized. For example, while the panda cub waits for his mother to return with food, he watches a squirrel, two takin, and a golden pheasant. Each book begins with a few facts about the animal and concludes with a location map and a list of “fun facts.” Small text boxes provide additional information without interrupting the narrative flow. Other animals common to each habitat are shown and labeled. The large, cut-paper illustrations are generally successful; occasionally, they appear awkward and flat (particularly the image of the mother panda holding her newborn). For Web sites, readers are directed to the FactHound site with a 10-digit code to enter. A list of sites then appears, but not all are specifically related (the code for pandas brings up sites about mammals, including American bison and beavers). These titles work well as read-alouds and provide enough factual information for simple reports.–Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR

Gr 1-3–Wandering mutt Charlie travels west through the United States, tying together a visual search-and-find for geographical icons and historical trivia. Colorful cartoon images dot a loosely drawn state map for each stop, and readers are encouraged to find the locations and the elusive pup in each one. An introduction to state geography for younger children and a simplification of information for older students, the format nevertheless entertains with maps of 12 states and some unusual highlights. Looking for space aliens in Roswell, NM? Charlie finds them, in addition to the Ichthyosaur Paleontologic Monument in Nevada and the London Bridge in Arizona. While it is difficult to pinpoint exact locations, a fact box fills in questions about some sites. State flags and a state locator on a U.S. map accompany each spread, and questions appear in a large font surrounded by plenty of white space. A nice addition for general-interest reading.–Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

K-Gr 2–With its softly colored, naive-style watercolors, simple vocabulary, and large typeface, this Level One reader introduces a popular site. Bauer tells how the Falls were formed and discusses the Native American origin of the word Niagara and the attraction of the Falls for daredevils. A fact page for older readers is included. This is a worthy purchase for one-on-one or group sharing, or for beginning readers.–Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ

Gr 3-5–These books are well formatted and attractive, covering approximately the same basic information as many of the other series currently available for this audience. Each cover beckons readers with a large and clear photo of a child from that state; the full-color photos inside are good sized and up-to-date. The texts are well written and informative, and each volume includes a local recipe, state flag and seal, state song, famous native-born people, festivals and celebrations. Directions for a simple craft loosely connected to the state include a Mardi Gras mask for Louisiana, a pioneer sun bonnet for Nevada, and a colonial silhouette for Georgia. A minor irritation is that none of the maps is detailed enough to show many of the areas that are referred to in the text, e.g., Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Swamp and Nevada’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Nor do the maps show the bordering states (although they are listed and there is a small U.S. map on the title page that labels all the states and shows locations). The “Hello U.S.A.” series (Lerner) has more information, and the suggested reading list includes fiction that is linked to each state–an attractive feature. Because of Hurricane Katrina, most of the books on Louisiana are outdated; the other two titles are serviceable additions where material for reports is needed.–Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Gr 1-3–Beginning with a pronunciation guide for the names of various dinosaurs, this book describes what probably happened to those reptiles 65 million years ago, when a comet or an asteroid most likely slammed into the Earth in the area of the Yucatán Peninsula. Rather than delivering a strict factual narrative, Brown focuses on some individual creatures, bringing readers closer to the scene. She tells how the dinosaurs would have been feeding and then suddenly destroyed by heat, falling rock, or tidal waves during the day of impact. Those not immediately killed would have starved following the death of their prey or plant foods. The book ends with the rise of small mammals that had hidden underground, escaping the dinosaurs’ fate. Second graders will be able to read this book independently, and with its expressive, fairly naturalistic illustrations, younger children will find that it answers the question of how the dinosaurs became extinct. An author’s note provides additional material.–Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ

Gr 1-2–Each of these easy readers provides an overview of a different body of water. The books include basic information such as location and size of the water mass, how the area was formed (with the exception of the Gulf of Mexico), what wildlife lives in or near the water, common recreational activities, and what makes the water mass unique. Abundant full-color photos, generous white space, and a large font size add to the appeal of these beginning nonfiction titles.–Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Library, UT

Gr 3-6–A moving tribute to a humble man who realized a remarkable dream. The poetic prose tells the story of a Nepalese Sherpa boy who tended yaks on steep slopes, but who was always looking up and dreaming about the “snow-dotted black-rock peak” of Mount Everest (Mountain,/Mountain,/Why do you call me?”). Norgay traveled to Katmandu, where he “Unlocked the secrets of the climber’s rope,/Studied the lore of the axe,/And apprenticed himself to death and danger.” The poem’s climax details the events of May 29, 1953, when he and Edmund Hillary made their final ascent. Throughout, the author repeats the refrain, “A song for Tenzing,/Tenzing Norgay,” followed by one of the man’s attributes (“Born to heights,” “Pathfinder,” “Quick-footed,” etc.), elucidating his life and experiences. Young’s hauntingly beautiful illustrations capture the mystery and grandeur of these dangerously high peaks with somber-hued pastels, predominantly blues and purples, set against black backgrounds. While most of the paintings are panoramic, with Norgay shown as a tiny figure, the final spread is a striking close-up portrait of him at mountain top, dazzled by the sun and beaming with pride. A stunning and lyrical ode to a contemplative man and his amazing achievement.–Be Astengo, Alachua County Library, Gainesville, FL

PreS-Gr 3–In addition to learning about sea horses, children will be enticed by the fabulous ocean depths captured in Lawrence’s prints. The artist used wood textures to create watery backgrounds for the vinyl engravings of sea plants and animals. Watercolor washes in muted tones of green, blue, and red complete the look. Text that occasionally follows the wavy pattern of an ocean current provides brief but specific descriptions of the small creatures. Additional captions provide tactile depictions: “…he has tiny prickles down his back, like a dragon.” The narrative focuses on the Barbour’s breed with a dozen other types of sea horses illustrated on the endpapers. Facts such as how they move, reproduce, and eat are revealed with concrete details such as “[Each] new sea horse is only as long as your eyelash.” Images illustrate such concepts as camouflage and the creatures’ prehensile tail. Thoroughly engaging, this is a brilliant marriage of art and science.–Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

Gr 3-5–Combining information about the rivers of the United States, Canada, and Mexico with activities, this book tries hard to remain upbeat in spite of the devastating facts regarding river health. Pollution, environmental degradation, species extinction, and toxic discharges are just some of the ecological problems discussed. A few positive movements are pointed out, and river keepers of some major waterways are profiled. Some of the activities, such as panning for gold or searching for fossils, may be out of reach for most children, although the conservation suggestions and Web sites are helpful.–Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

Gr 1-2–Full-color illustrations, plentiful white space, and a large font make these beginning math titles appealing. In each one, large-print text faces a full-page, full-color photo. Tools looks at various objects, including rulers, measuring cups, scales, clocks, and the like. Ribke introduces grouping by exploring the animals at a dog show. For example, pups are grouped by those breeds whose ears stand up versus those that hang down. Order illustrates the concept of first, second, third, etc., by looking at pictures from a trip to the carnival. Finally, Slumber Party presents basic story problems as a girl plans a sleepover, wondering about how many hours she has to get ready, how many sleeping bags she needs, etc. Each title includes a useful picture glossary. These small books will serve well for libraries in need of the most basic introductions to these concepts.–Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Library, UT

PreS-Gr 1–This story follows the growth and development of a painted box turtle from her birth in an underground nest to her journey to a pond, till she crosses the road to build her own nest and then crosses back to the pond. Along the way, readers learn about the dangers she faces, how she spends the winter, and mating. The illustrations, done with colored pencil over watercolor washes, with lots of watery blues and greens, give readers a close-up view of turtle behavior. A solid source for reports and general interest.–Hope Marie Cook, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic

Gr 2-5–Cleary begins with an introduction that clearly defines puns and then gives various ways to decode them. The main body of the text is divided into four chapters, each of which contains roughly a dozen four-line poems related to the subject at hand. The puns are in bold print and a different color than the rest of the text, and potentially unfamiliar words are explained at the bottom of the page. Some of the selections contain expressions that may be a stretch for children (“dairy air”), but for the most part they are both amusing and get their point across, e.g., “My grandma wears a two-foot wig/that’s held on with ape pin/But if you think her hair is big,/ewe otter sea urchin.” Sandy’s lighthearted cartoons add to the silliness, and make this a good choice for either browsers or for language-arts lessons.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

K-Gr 3–Cleary describes and illustrates antonyms from the obvious “stop and go,” “yes and no,” “front and back,” “fast and slow,” to the more obscure: “excite and soothe,” “hefty and diminutive.” He elaborates on reasons for celebrating opposites and also describes how to create them through the use of powerful prefixes such as “un,”dis,” “im,” and “non.” The illustrations for some pairs must have been quite a challenge for Gable, for example, depicting “absurd” and “somewhat normal” in two cartoon drawings. The bouncy lettering style enhances the whimsical rhymes and makes for yet another strong addition to collections of books about the English language.–Kathleen Meulen, Blakely Elementary School, Bainbridge Island, WA

K-Gr 2–These titles are visually inviting and well written, with a limited word count that doesn’t shortchange readers on vocabulary. DeGezelle offers an appealing look at snowboarding. This text consists of a mere 90 well-chosen words. Ice-Skate! introduces readers to the joy of skating, both indoors and out. However, the Web sites listed are about all winter sports, and they are not geared toward the intended audience. Both books offer full-color, full-page action shots of youngsters engaged in the sports described. These titles are more appealing than Edana Eckart’s books on the same sports (Children’s Press) and are for a younger audience than the “Action Sports” series (Chelsea House).–Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

PreS-Gr 2–The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (the “Hurricane Hunters”) flies out of Biloxi, MS, into the hearts of violent storms, compiling essential weather data that ultimately saves human lives. Demarest presents their exploits in an oversized, brightly illustrated format, twin to his Hotshots! (S & S, 2003). A brief, dynamic text follows a typical flight into a burgeoning tempest, beginning with a view of a tranquil beach and ending with a completed mission. The contrast between sunlit and storm-ravaged seas is clear, as are the heavy preparations on shore and the destructive force of the squall as it crosses land. The simple language is reinforced by the vigorous pastels, which open a window into the WC-130 Hercules and the activities of the crew. An extended author’s note provides extra data. Team this crisp, exciting book with Franklyn Branley’s Hurricane Watch (HarperCollins, 1985) and/or Rick Thomas’s Eye of the Storm (Picture Window, 2005) for more meteorology, or pair it with Keith Elliot Greenberg’s more demanding Storm Chaser (Blackbirch, 1997) for a personal look at a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) pilot and his experiences.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2–This book is a great way to introduce the many similarities and interests of children around the world. Readers follow the main character, a catlike animal that walks on two legs, throughout his day at home and school as he interacts with various children using common phrases. Each phrase is represented on a spread consisting of a simple verse that introduces readers to the action; the words in German, Hebrew, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Hindi, Chinese, Zulu, Japanese, Italian, French, and Portuguese; pronunciations; and an illustration. The text utilizes common courtesies such as: “Good morning,” “How are you?,” “Thank you,” “Please,” etc. Flat, cartoon-style illustrations done in bright colors reinforce action and concepts. The last spread features a map and a list of countries illustrating where the languages are officially spoken. An appropriate and fun way for students to experiment with various languages.–Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

Gr 1-3–These sources will help to answer children’s questions about life around them. The eye-catching color photos on each spread are bright and substantial, but the “Life Cycle” illustrations on the final pages lack appeal and detail. The first title mainly focuses on the garden spider: how it lays eggs, guards them, and then dies. What the spiderlings do to survive after they hatch, how they spin webs to catch food, and mating before winter are discussed. One statement is confusing: “Adult spider that over-wintered mates in early fall.” Apple focuses on the Red Delicious. The common frog is the subject of the last title. In all three books, a lead-in question or statement on the left keeps children focused on the basic texts. Young readers will find these titles interesting and their size manageable.–Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

Gr 3-5–Concise but thorough, this picture book discusses the evolution of a distinctive American music style through a chronicle of its biggest stars. After a lively introduction to the history of Country & Western music from its beginnings in 19th-century folk songs to the present, the author highlights 20th-century artists from the Grand Ole Opry, honky-tonks, western swing, and rock and roll. Each artist or group receives a full-page treatment opposite an illustration. The Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Roy Acuff, Gene Autry, Ernest Tubb, and Bill Monroe are all featured for their performances or their introduction of unique sounds: guitar leads, hillbilly yodels, Hollywood films, electric guitar, and the string-band blues and gospel mix of the Kentucky Bluegrass sound. Bob Wills and his country swing music, Kitty Wells’s empathy for women’s issues, Hank Williams’s pop chart hits, Patsy Cline’s Nashville Sound with small orchestras and background singers, Buck Owens’s Bakersfield Sound of rockin’ Country & Western, the solo sounds of Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, George Jones, and Johnny Cash all receive individual entries that define their talents, personal history, and professional accomplishments. Colorful, stylized, folk art of the performers and/or their instruments is included.–Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

Gr 1-2–This heavily fictionalized, saccharine easy reader contains a smattering of facts and paints nine-year-old Jackie as a zealous competitor. He readily picks up new sports skills but chafes at being bested by his older sibling, Mack. When Jackie is invited to join his brother’s baseball game, he hits a single off Mack and then proceeds to steal second, third, and home. Unappealing watercolor illustrations show the boys playing among multiracial children; in fact, the brothers grew up in a time when society was deeply segregated by race. Young readers seeking an introduction to this famous athlete are better served by David A. Adler’s A Picture Book of Jackie Robinson (Holiday House, 1994) and Peter Golenbock’s Teammates (Harcourt, 1990).–Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 2-6–Large photographs of the construction of the MIT Stata Center in Cambridge, MA, are the core of this book. The simple text explains the process from the design by Frank O. Gehry to the completed building. Construction-zone activity, equipment, and jargon are pictured and explained. Caution tape frames the pictures and separates blocks of bright colors and text. Words in bold, such as “concrete” and “rebar,” are defined and explained at the bottom of the page on which they appear. These explanations are indicated by orange diamond-shaped signs with a question mark, adding to the construction-zone feel. Children will be fascinated by both the picture story and the informative text. Adults will appreciate the photojournalist’s note about his experience in documenting the three-year construction of this very unique building.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

PreS-Gr 2–In this eye-popping book illustrated with cut- and torn-paper collages, animals leap, swim, slide, swing, and waddle. Each spread contains one action word and two animals for whom that behavior is typical. One of the animals turns up again on the next page alongside a different creature, both of them representing another kind of motion. For example, on one side a crocodile slithers into the water opposite a snake slithering through leaves; with the turn, the snake climbs a tree and a praying mantis climbs a blade of grass. The information will pique readers’ interest. Jenkins uses brief phrases as captions and provides a well-written, concise appendix. A sharp-headed, blue-eyed bird hovers over the caption, “A roadrunner flies, but not too far….” On the next page, the bird, clasping a lizard in its beak, sprints away to the words, “…it would rather run to catch its prey.” The end matter explains where the roadrunner lives, what it eats, how large it is, and why it is more suited to running than flying. This book is gorgeous and educational.–Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

K-Gr 4–In this variant of a Tlingit legend, the headman’s beautiful daughter rejects all suitors, proclaiming to one who has slightly bulging eyes, “Why I would sooner marry a frog from our lake!” That night, a handsome stranger with slightly bulging eyes and long fingers leads her down a row of steps under the lake surface to join the Frog People. The rest of the story relates how her parents try to get her back. Bright swaths of watercolors illuminate the landscapes and backgrounds. The blankets that the Native People wear are mostly a solid color, although, historically, the Chilkat blanket had long fringes and was adorned with abstract designs and animal patterns that represented either the raven or eagle clan, or a family. The chief has a full beard that looks more typical of a Viking, and his skin color varies, even within an individual depiction of his face. An additional purchase.–Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma Library, CA

Gr1-4–This title follows a porcupette from her birth in a cave in early May until early fall when she is able to survive away from her mother. This talented writer/photographer team provides a well-balanced combination of information with extraordinary full-color photos obtained by observing a mother and her baby in a Minnesota forest. Readers are given insight into the animal’s diet and behavior and a look at some of the other wildlife that shares her habitat. A captivating moment comes when a fisher comes after the baby while she is alone, and includes images of her attempt to protect herself by squeezing into some rocks and of her predator with a nose full of quills. Though the text is spare, the glimpses that it provides of the daily life of a porcupine are fascinating. A “Did You Know?” section offers additional bits of trivia. An appealing presentation.–Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

K-Gr 4–Descriptive language paints a picture of this spectacular coastal ecosystem as clearly as the accompanying full-color photographs. Short, rhyming phrases relate a visit to Monterey Bay and celebrate its wonders. Vivid, two-page photos depict the area’s different habitats, plants, and animals. Additional photographs of the flora and fauna are presented in black boxes along with more in-depth information. The images are so crisp that readers will be tempted to reach out and touch the animals. Sea lions, otters, whales, and a variety of birds are some of the creatures included, along with brief glimpses at life in a kelp forest, a tide pool, and an estuary. The simple text can be shared with younger children while the boxed sections provide enough detail to interest older students. With stunning photographs and text that will meet the needs of a wide range of ages, this title will be a welcome addition to most collections.–Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

PreS-K–This third version of Martin’s take on the classic nursery rhyme is as rollicking as ever. Radunsky has devised a scenario consisting entirely of female mice that view a suspicious fire from their dim closet. (The fire turns out to be the candles on a cat’s birthday cake.) The little rodents are winsome, wearing helmets and hiding in roller blades, wielding sledgehammers, peeking through a clever cut-out keyhole, and–in a laugh-out-loud scene–tobogganing downstairs in a sack of potatoes. Still, staging a book almost entirely in a dark closet makes for a dark book. The whimsical mice and playful font can only do so much to mitigate the prevailing gloom. Text such as “'Where? Where?’ said Mrs. Bear. 'Downtown!’ said Mrs. Brown” doesn’t make sense: the mice are viewing the fire through a keyhole in their own building. On the whole, though, this is a likable creation whose cover art will draw readers into its funny world.–Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

Gr 2-5–Featuring a friendly, rotund, green monster determined to make healthy choices, this book presents basic information about food, exercise, and health. Each topic is introduced in one or two paragraphs; additional facts appear in boxes, sidebars, lists, and diagrams. For example, the section on “The 5 Food Groups” contains interesting tidbits such as “During the Middle Ages, onions were so valuable that people paid their rent with them” and “It takes around 550 peanuts to make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter.” Other subjects include food nutrients, counting calories and understanding food labels, tips for making healthy lunches and snacks, the benefits of getting enough sleep and exercise, and ways to improve self-esteem. Miller’s retro-style illustrations fill the pages with color, shapes, and humorous details, and silly jokes are tucked everywhere. An impressive list of Web sites provides additional resources. This lively, visually appealing book about a critical but potentially dry subject belongs in children’s hands.–Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

PreS-Gr 1–There is nothing left to the imagination in these “workbooks in trade format,” and nothing much for children and parents to discuss. The answer to the counting questions is always a repetition of the book’s title, and even the name of the boy in each book is the featured number. The artwork is bland, and the texts read like simple counting, addition, and subtraction problems joined together by a loose plot. At one point in Nine, a “real astronaut” comes and picks up Nine for a ride in a “real spaceship” that looks like a child’s drawing of a flying saucer. In Five, the boy, Five, goes out in a boat fishing alone and throws everything he catches and counts back into the sea. These children are totally alone in their simplistic world and do not interact with any other characters. There are any number of better counting and simple math books available.–Erlene Bishop Killeen, Fox Prairie Elementary School, Stoughton, WI

K-Gr 3–Each of the 23 original poems in this collection is accompanied by an illustration that gives a clue to the answer. Solutions are found on the following pages. The riddles range from the simple (“I chewed and I blew./It was the thing to do./Now I can’t get it off my nose/and I can’t get it off my shoe./Bubblegum”) to the more challenging (“It’s in the river/but not in the lake./It’s in the raindrop/but not the snowflake./The letter R”). The double-page paintings, featuring two golden-haired children interacting and exploring the world around them, are bright, playful, and full of action. A good choice for riddle fans.–Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 3–Through fresh and playful language, Myers explores a broad range of bedtime moods and subjects. In “What the Dad Said to His Kids at 8:23 on a School Night,” children meet a funny, frustrated parent: “All right, you rambling roustabouts,/you leaping, quirking, twitching, ever-itching little rebel rodents–/get your waggly buns to bed!” Meanwhile, “At the Skunks’ House,” a mother sends her “stinkbugs, all cuddly and smelly” off to their “bushy-tail beds.” “A Bed-Going Rhyme” is just right for little ones who are resisting the inevitable: “Nonny nonny nussknocker/Nonny nonny nore/Read them a story but/they want one more.” The book also includes selections that will reassure young sleepers. In “My Brother and Me,” two siblings settle down for the night (“Like otters on waters,/...quiet and safe and dreaming”), while another entry advises, “If you feel lonely in your bed,/then don’t forget, my sleepyhead:/all night long, as darkness lulls,/you’re sleeping with the Animals.” From serene to wild, the moods of the verses are captured by Cunningham’s excellent pastel illustrations, which range in style from realistic to whimsical. This lovely collection of tucking-in poems will have broad child appeal.–Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

K-Gr 3–This follow-up to Wow! City! (Hyperion, 2004) is aptly named: with every turn of a page, readers will find themselves exclaiming, “Wow!” The beginning endpapers boast a giant map of the United States, with two tiny sisters gazing up at it in wonder. On the next spread, the children hurry down the road from their mountain home, as Izzy chases after Jo. The title page shows the girls running across another map as they set off to explore their country. The colorful, eye-grabbing, two-page paintings that follow depict some of America’s most popular and fascinating locales: Washington, DC (“Wow! Capitol!”), Cape Canaveral (“Wow! Space!”), and more. The sisters marvel at Niagara Falls, visit an Atlantic Coast beach, eye pies at a state fair, wrangle horses in the West, stand before the glorious Rockies, and view Mauna Loa from a helicopter. Three-page gatefolds provide glimpses of the busy Mississippi River and the Grand Canyon. At book’s end, the intrepid travelers run into their mother’s arms for a hug (“Wow! Home!”). Packed with interesting details and loads of action, the playful illustrations grab readers’ attention, drawing them into a fun-filled journey. Energetic, captivating, and irresistible, this is geography, sociology, and Americana all in one book. Wow!–Jodi Kearns, University of Akron, OH

PreS-K–This entertaining twist on the traditional lullaby opens with the lines, “Hush, little digger, don’t say a word,/Papa’s gonna scoop you a pile of dirt./And if that dirt starts to overflow,/Papa’s gonna find you a red backhoe.” In succession, Papa upgrades to a front-end loader, a big dump truck, an asphalt paver, a bulldozer, a concrete crusher, etc. The lyrics flow in rhythm with the traditional melody. White’s cartoons, rendered in painted oil and colored pencil, perk up the verses. In one illustration, little digger maneuvers a backhoe with a scoop full of penguins. When the cherry picker gives the boy a lift up, the youngster offers an apple to an eager giraffe. A fun, lively choice for one-on-one sharing or for storytimes, this father/son story is a whimsical addition for kids who just can’t get enough heavy equipment.–Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Gr 3-6–Growing up during segregation did not stop Parks from determinedly pursuing a career in photography. “What a white boy can do, you can too–and no excuses,” his mother told him. His photographs seem to reflect extremes: haut-couture in Paris, poverty in Brazil, gang wars in Harlem, Civil Rights leaders, and more. The shadows in his photos and expressive low-lighting are entrancing, and it should be no surprise that he was employed by Life magazine for many years. This brief biography and cross section of his photography portfolio are interrupted with sketches that attempt to fill in the gaps when images of Parks did not exist. Though respectably detailed and realistic, they are stiff and awkward when coupled with Parks’s stunning work. The sincerity within the photos of this recently deceased artist and the simple text tell a story of belief in oneself and strength to prevail over adversity.–Jodi Kearns, University of Akron, OH

K-Gr 3–A daring and adventurous individual is introduced in this lovely picture-book biography. Stinson’s mother was a hardheaded woman who wouldn’t let anyone hold her daughters back from learning to fly. And fly they did, eventually teaching at a school that Mrs. Stinson opened in San Antonio. Katherine was indeed a star and became the fourth American woman licensed to fly. She traveled the world and performed in front of the Chinese emperor in 1917. She was named an honorary princess of the Manitoba tribe in Canada. Denied permission to fly in Europe during World War I, she instead flew exhibitions in the U.S., raising more than two million dollars for the war effort, and eventually became an ambulance driver for the Red Cross. Her inspiring story is told in clear language, printed on top of softly rendered, action-packed, pastel illustrations. The focus here is on Stinson Otero’s glory days. Indeed, her recovery from tuberculosis, marriage, and later years are summed up on the last page. Overall, this is a good choice for anyone interested in strong women and/or aviation history.–Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

K-Gr 3–Each of these beginning chapter books has two-page presentations that single out nine animals, plants, or man-made objects that are found in the highlighted environment. Beach includes a discussion of seaweed and interesting facts about starfish. Rain Forest describes the timid nocturnal tapir, which heads for water when threatened, and the liana vines that rope across the forest canopy. Deserts includes the Joshua tree of the Southwestern Mojave Desert and an explanation of the biblical origin of its name. Farm shows its British origins in its mention of the importance of Shire horses and sheepdogs (border collies). The books have vivid color photos of the featured animals, plants, and objects, including detailed close-ups to pinpoint discussion topics. Pair these introductory scavenger hunts with the marvelous collage art in Steven Jenkins and Robin Page’s I See a Kookaburra!: Discovering Animal Habitats around the World (Houghton, 2005).–Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

PreS-K–A colorful concept book on a subject that fascinates young readers. The brief rhyming text and precise artwork feature different types of wheels performing many jobs: “Push/Pull/Pedal/Tow/Wheels help to make us go.” Square vignettes offer numerous close-up examples, while single- and double-page pictures show broader scenes depicting bikes, a skateboard, a golf cart, a helicopter, a tire swing, and more. The striking collage art consists of paper cutouts that have been layered to provide dimension and enhanced by drawing and painting. The phrase, “Wheels soar into the sky,” is illustrated with the dramatic image of a Ferris wheel resplendent in bright primary colors and set against a starlit backdrop, perfectly capturing the thrill and function of this engineering marvel. “Sometimes wheels spit and sputter” is accompanied by a spread packed with a crisply hued array of cars. Puffs of smoke coming from several tailpipes indicate a traffic jam, and each unique automobile has its own passengers and details. The anticipatory quality of the rhymes and the detailed visuals will help children to guess the next word, making this a fun choice for storytime. It will also be a hit with the train- and truck-loving crowd.–Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

Gr 2-5–These 22 projects range from clever and cute (finger puppets made from balloons) to mundane and forgettable (“Soda Bottle Mouse”). The author dives right in with a promising “Earth-Friendly Crafting Box” but after three pages of instructions most kids will have lost interest. The remaining crafts are mostly two pages in length and include an illustrated supplies list and mostly clear directions. Materials include sequins, magnetic tape, pom-poms, and beads in addition to common household objects. For a more extensive collection of projects that seriously espouse the three R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle), see Laurie M. Carlson’s EcoArt!: Earth-Friendly Art & Craft Experiences for 3- to 9-Year-Olds (Williamson, 1993) or stick with Ross’s Every Day Is Earth Day (Millbrook, 1996).–Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

K-Gr 3–Possibly the most beloved character in Indonesian folklore, Kanchil the mouse deer has yet another adventure. In this retelling of a classic trickster tale, he and his friend Monyet the monkey, tired of having to search for food, decide to plant mango and banana trees and share the fruit. When it is finally ripe, Kanchil realizes that he is dependent on his friend for harvesting. Then the monkey begins eating as many bananas as he picks, and doesn’t stop until they are all gone. Kanchil fears the same fate for the mangoes until he foils Monyet’s greed. The illustrations, done in the traditional Kalamkari style of Indian textile painting, bring a richness to the story. The art, painted on cloth with bamboo pens and vegetable dyes, is fully explained in the afterword, accompanied by photographs of the process. Children will readily relate to the story, but the earth tones of the cover and of the interior illustrations will probably not draw them to it independently.–Alexa Sandmann, Kent State University, OH

Gr 1-3–Sousa discusses venomous animals that use their poisons to defend themselves and capture prey. The short chapters have broad subject titles and focus on only a few creatures as examples. “Venom in the Sea” is devoted to the Australian box jellyfish and the stingray. “Tiny Terrors” tells about funnel-web tarantulas, black widow spiders, and scorpions. There is no mention of the specific chemicals contained in these venoms. Shipwreck tells about the 1995 underwater expedition off the coast of Charleston, SC, to find the wreck of the H. L. Hunley, a southern Civil War submarine. Walker describes how the ship was located, raised in 2000, and taken to a lab for study by archaeologists. Realistic paintings support the texts well. With its focus on just one subject, Shipwreck is better organized than Poison! Each of these books might be somewhat useful for reports, but, generally, they make interesting reading for newly emergent readers or for small-group sharing. High-interest content makes these titles perfect for reading practice.–Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ

Gr 3-5–This is a slender, pictorial introduction to the idea that various butterflies rely on specialized habitats for survival, and that humans can affect the balance of these delicate environments. Stewart describes the niche butterflies fill as pollinators and their importance in complex food chains, and offers tips on helping these fragile flutterers continue to decorate our landscapes. Even more interesting are the 11 species she presents as prime residents in various locales, including the familiar Monarch and rarer individuals such as the Palos Verdes Blue. Bond’s realistic acrylics keep colorful step, recording charred forests, serene pastures, and placid ponds with natural beauty, placing the starred butterflies and their caterpillars in their preferred locations. Pair this title with Eve Bunting’s Butterfly House (Scholastic, 1999) for additional beauty or team it with Jonathan P. Latimer and Karen Stray Nolting’s Caterpillars and/or Butterflies (both Houghton, 2000). Eye-catching and informative.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2–Buoyant language and vivid artwork depict the excitement of the migration of “Massive, hairy,/legendary” woolly mammoths. The words flow smoothly, providing interesting bits of information about the animals within the rhymed framework: “Come colder days, those mammoth herds/migrated south, just like the birds.” Occasional humorous phrases (“so mammoths packed their trunks and moved”) add a lighthearted touch without detracting from the progression of the journey. Short refrains (“Big and bulky,/huge and hulky,/wide and woolly mammoths!”) break up the rhythm neatly and are especially lively when read aloud. Scratchboard-and-watercolor illustrations capture the creatures’ majesty and the beautiful landscape of their trek. Thick black lines and stark whites are balanced by the luminous colors of sky, water, and snow. The composition of the spreads is varied to strong effect. A dramatic scene shows two grown males clashing, for example, while a page turn reveals a much less imposing pair of calves play fighting. Other visual highlights depict the prehistoric beasts swimming with “snorkel-trunks up high,” plodding past the bones of less-fortunate travelers, and finally emerging into green fields as “They reached the south by winter’s end.../then started heading north again!” This successful mixture of rhyme, facts, and illustration, applied to a fascinating subject, will make this picture book a popular choice.–Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR

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