Preschool to Grade 4 Cont.
-- School Library Journal, 8/1/2006
Fiction Cont.
MCALLISTER, Angela. Digory the Dragon Slayer illus. by Ian Beck. 124p. CIP. Bloomsbury 2006. Tr $14.95. ISBN 1-58234-722-0; pap. $5.95. ISBN 1-58234-912-6. LC 2005057067.Gr 3-5–Digory is the laughingstock of Batty-by-Noodle because he prefers singing and exploring to fighting. When he returns from a stroll with a dragon’s tooth stuck in his hat, the villagers assume that he killed the creature to get it. The neighborhood squire is so impressed with the boy’s apparent valor that he immediately dubs him a knight and sends him off into the world to perform heroic deeds and find a princess to marry–undertakings that Digory would prefer to avoid. During his travels, he stops off at the castle of King Widget to inquire if there are any knightly tasks that need doing. While he is making himself useful around the keep, he meets Princess Enid, who shares his fondness for poetry, songs, and expeditions. When the King offers him a permanent place, Digory is elated–until he learns that he’ll have to slay the local dragon first. In this affectionate send-up of heroic fantasy, Digory is a reluctant knight who gamely tries to live up to the role of dauntless hero, while Enid is a refreshingly independent princess. The amusing black-and-white drawings add to the mock-medieval fun. The lighthearted plot and the strong underlying message about courage and individuality make this a good choice for fantasy fans.–Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL
MCCLINTOCK, Barbara. Adèle & Simon illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks Sept. 2006. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-38044-9. LC 2002035311.PreS-Gr 2–When Adèle meets her younger brother after school, she cautions him not to lose anything on the way home. The children take a leisurely route, visiting friends, a street market, a park, and two museums. Predictably, Simon leaves an item (his drawing, hat, knapsack, glove) behind at each location. Set in Paris during the early 20th century, this simple story is the basis for some remarkable illustrations. McClintock’s pen-and-ink with watercolor technique has the feel of illustrated children’s books from that period. The retro effect is accented by an old-fashioned typeface, creamy paper, and wide borders around the spreads. The children’s route is traced on the endpapers–a map of Paris from 1907. Each stop is based on a real place, some immediately recognizable, such as the Louvre and Notre-Dame. McClintock’s research is described in wonderfully detailed endnotes. For example, in the picture of the bustling street market, the groupings of people are based on works by Honoré Daumier and Eugène Atget. In the Louvre, Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt help Simon find his crayons. Readers will enjoy the visual game of hide-and-seek; the more they look, the more they can find. A beautiful example of bookmaking, with plenty to charm children, this is a visual delight.–Robin L. Gibson, Granville Parent Cooperative Preschool, OH
MCCONNELL, Sarah. Don’t Mention Pirates illus. by author. unpaged. Barron’s 2006. Tr $14.99. ISBN 0-7641-5945-3. LC 2005929508.PreS-Gr 2–Scarlet lives in a “ship-shaped house” inherited from her famous Grandma, “Long Joan Silver.” The matriarch’s unfortunate demise at the mouth of a giant shrimp led to the family renouncing the pirate way of life. However, Scarlet has a buccaneering spirit and can’t resist her natural tendencies. When she discovers buried gold, the Silvers get carried away and dig such a deep hole that water pipes burst and their house falls over. Reclaiming their birthright, they sail away “in search of treasure, because that’s what pirates do!” Colorful, buoyant watercolors capture the silly exaggerations of the text: Scarlet makes her brother walk the plank (into a wading pool), and the shiny nugget is revealed to be Grandpa’s missing front tooth. This is a funny, swashbuckling tall tale.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada
MACDONALD, Margaret Read. Teeny Weeny Bop illus. by Diane Greenseid. unpaged. CIP. Albert Whitman 2006. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8075-7992-0. LC 2005024623.K-Gr 2–The bright, energetic pictures match the silliness of this tale that combines several folkloric motifs. Readers will recognize the story of a foolish person who runs off to buy a pet after finding money and then repeatedly makes bad bargains (trading a gold coin for a pig, a pig for a cat, etc.) until she eventually ends up with nothing. Children familiar with nursery rhymes will catch on to the refrain based on “To market, to market!” The repetition of similar lines lends the tale to telling aloud, and youngsters will happily join in the fun when the narrator interrupts to ask them what they think will happen next. Teeny Weeny Bop never learns her lesson, and when she finds another coin, she is ready to enter the mad cycle again. The action only ends because the narrator intrudes and tells her that her silly story has to stop. Children will enjoy the colorful pictures and rhythmic text.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT
MCGHEE, Alison. A Very Brave Witch illus. by Harry Bliss. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks Aug. 2006. RTE $12.95. ISBN 0-689-86730-1. LC 2005016108.K-Gr 2–A friendly young witch describes what she likes most about Halloween. She explains that although most of her kind “…are afraid of humans,” she has done research and concluded that people are not that bad. She plans to visit them this Halloween night as they “trick a tree.” After boarding her broom, she zooms in a circle, becomes dizzy, and crashes near some trick-or-treaters. She soon discovers that a brave witch and a brave human girl dressed as a witch are not so very different. As the book ends, the two new friends share a moonlit broomstick ride. The chatty text appears in dialogue balloons. Done in black ink and watercolor, the cartoon artwork captures the holiday’s spirit with crisp fall colors and amusing details. Busy witches decorate their creepy-looking mansion by hanging skeletons, un-caging bats, and sprinkling spiders out the windows. In the “Sub-Basement Costume Unit,” a seamstress is hard at work sewing a monster paw; costumes line the walls (Frankenstein, a space creature, etc.); and politician masks share space with a jar full of eyeballs. Both children–one green and one not–are appealing, and the witch’s orange cat, with its expressive features, adds to the fun. A humorous, not-scary-at-all read-aloud.–Wanda Meyers-Hines, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Huntsville, AL
MEISTER, Cari. My Pony Jack at the Horse Show illus. by Amy Young. 32p. (Viking Easy-to-Read Series). glossary. CIP. Viking 2006. RTE $13.99. ISBN 0-670-05919-6. LC 2005022810.PreS-Gr 2–Lacy gives her pony a bath, polishes his feet, and braids his mane in preparation for their first show. Although she is a little overwhelmed when she first arrives, her trainer reassures her that she will do fine. In the ring, Lacy puts Jack through his paces and, at the end of the event, they receive a second-place ribbon. This is a straightforward, easy-to-read level-one story. The rhyming text is simple but pleasant. The bright-colored, cartoon illustrations depict sturdy ponies with appropriately dressed young riders in their hard hats and boots. A cheerful choice for beginning readers and novice equestrians alike.–Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA
MICHELSON, Richard. Oh No, Not Ghosts! illus. by Adam McCauley. 44p. CIP. Harcourt Sept. 2006. RTE $16. ISBN 0-15-205186-4. LC 2005008246.Gr 1-3–Two siblings are supposed to be settling down to sleep, but their imaginations run wild. Big brother increases his sister’s mounting anxiety with dodgy reassurances such as, “It’s okay that you’re small and weak/Be smart! Just make a high-pitched Shrieeek/I’ve seen a teeny demon frighten/the biggest, meanest, greenest titan.” She replies: “Demons? Oh no, not demons!” In rhyming verse, he slyly details how he would scare away such intruders as goblins, giants, and skeletons. His teasing has little sis cowering behind the covers until their fuming dad appears. McCauley’s mixed-media illustrations feature dark, atmospheric backgrounds. Pointy-toothed werewolves cast eerie shadows on the bedroom wall, and a giant’s foot has nightmarish proportions. This slightly spooky title offers lots of bewitching fun.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada
MILLER, Edward. Captain Barnacle’s Aquarium illus. by author. unpaged. Abrams 2006. RTE $14.95. ISBN 0-8109-5985-2. LC 2005022956.K-Gr 3–Captain Barnacle, an old pirate with a jaunty parrot, tells visitors how he sailed the seas, encountered sea creatures, and used his found treasure to open an aquarium. Sidebars offer brief facts about marine life, and fun facts appear on every spread. Brightly colored, graphic-style illustrations enhance the story. Young readers will be entertained in this introduction to aquariums and the riches of the sea.–Debbie Stewart Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI
MONTANARI, Eve. Carlo Castlecrusher illus. by author. unpaged. Purple Bear 2006. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-933327-15-4; PLB $16.50. ISBN 1-933327-16-2. LC number unavailable.PreS-Gr 1–Every day at the beach, after Amon, Pei, and Cathy finish building their sandcastles, Carlo comes along and smashes them. After a new boy constructs a sand replica of a famous church, the other children are soon re-creating landmarks from their own countries. When Carlo crushes those, the many onlookers are shocked, and his father reproves him. The next day, Carlo rebuilds all of the structures and adds a new one–the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Everyone applauds and he is renamed Carlo Castlebuilder. The writing is stiff and awkward and the lesson-driven plot conveys a mixed message. Carlo’s turnaround seems too easy and his father’s reproach too gentle for the repeated crimes. The inclusion of children from different parts of the world is contrived, with the overt purpose of allowing them to create structures likely to be recognized by adult readers. The naive, mixed-media illustrations of slightly creepy, bug-eyed characters contain distracting brushstrokes and warped perspectives. While the bullying theme will be meaningful to many youngsters, the easy resolution will not. Better books on the topic include Cari Best’s Shrinking Violet (Farrar, 2001) and Judith Caseley’s Bully (HarperCollins, 2001).–Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT
MOSER, Lisa. The Monster in the Backpack illus. by Noah Z. Jones. 40p. Candlewick Aug. 2006. Tr $14.99. ISBN 0-7636-2390-3. LC number unavailable.Gr 1-2–Annie’s new backpack has pink and blue flowers, a zipper, and a monster inside. She is startled and frightened when she first discovers the creature, but summons the courage to look at it again and learns that it has eaten most of her lunch and doesn’t like to be alone. She keeps the backpack at her desk, where the monster leaves chewed gum in her boot and shreds her homework to make confetti for an “ANNIE-IS-GREAT PARADE.” This warmhearted gesture wins the girl’s heart, and she refuses an offer to trade for a friend’s sedate green backpack. The zany story is written in simple, clear language and is supported with bold, digital cartoon art. The text is a tad longer than usual easy-reader fare, but the school setting and the endearing orange monster make it an acceptable addition.–Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI
MURPHY, Jim. Fergus and the Night-Demon: An Irish Ghost Story illus. by John Manders. 32p. CIP. Clarion Sept. 2006. RTE $16. ISBN 0-618-33955-8. LC 2005036539.Gr 2-4–A slightly scary, always amusing story about a “lazy, good-for-nothing lad” named Fergus O’Mara who offers only excuses when his mother asks him to do some chores. Then he blithely saunters off to town “for a bit of play.” Gouache and colored-pencil illustrations skillfully reveal his jaunty demeanor; his remarkably flexible body exudes action and attitude. Suddenly, he encounters a hooded Night-Demon with a lethal-looking scythe who declares, “It is your time, Fergus O’Mara!” The lad is only briefly frightened before he dismisses him as a bad dream. Soon, Fergus meets the demon again; now it looms over him and its red glowing eyes are revealed. Increasingly dramatic images, served up in shades of green, blue, and brown, convey the rising tension in the story. Amusingly, when told to dig his own grave, Fergus seems more concerned that he “be rid of this hard work” than frightened of his predicament. However, after he outwits the demon, he unexpectedly resolves to “be the hardest working lad hereabouts.” This sudden repentance appears to happen because he fears that the demon will come looking for him again. Children will appreciate this humorous ghost story; it makes a good read-aloud choice.–Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA
THE OBI SHAAIM MAA. Kheru Nefer (Beautiful Night): A Khamitic (Ancient Egyptian) Lullaby illus. by Peter Fasolino. unpaged. with CD. glossary. Spirit 2006. Tr $21.95. ISBN 0-9770967-0-X. LC number unavailable.PreS–The true charm of this package lies in the CD: a four-part, seven-minute-plus lullaby featuring permutations of the book’s brief text sung by both adults and children and set to soothing music mingling both Western and “world” sounds. The lyrics, apparently drawn from ancient Egyptian sources, are rather slight, totaling fewer than 20 lines, of which about half are the repeated phrase “Kheru Nefer.” Printed in large type with no more than two lines to a page, the text faces a full-page illustration depicting children asleep in various settings: an Egyptian girl sleeps on a hillside overlooking the Nile, a French girl cuddles her teddy bear with the Eiffel Tower visible through her window, a presumably American boy has a wall poster of Tyrannosaurus rex. In each case, an Egyptian “angel” watches over the child. Older children may recognize the motifs based on Egyptian dieties, which the jacket flap describes as forces of God that “carry out different tasks in the world.” The pictures are colorful and painted on what appears to be papyrus, but the content sometimes verges on the stereotypical and saccharine. A glossary provides the name and attribute of each guardian angel. A book with limited child appeal.–Coop Renner, Hillside Elementary, El Paso, TX
PINKWATER, Daniel. Bad Bear Detectives: An Irving & Muktuk Story illus. by Jill Pinkwater. unpaged. CIP. Houghton Aug. 2006. Tr $16. ISBN 0-618-43125-X. LC 2004018780.Gr 1-3–Irving and Muktuk are accused of stealing a shipment of blueberry muffins that was stored in a waterfront warehouse. The two polar bears swear tearfully that they are innocent, but, as they set out to prove it, they seem more and more suspect. To look like detectives, they steal hats from the Zoo Director and go in search of clues. As they sniff their way closer to the truth, their memory gets jogged concerning the actual nature of events. Kids will love the cartoon drawings rendered in felt-tip marker and ink. The white bears outlined in black ink, one wearing a red hat, the other a yellow one, contrast delightfully with a midnight-blue sky and colorful city buildings as they stride through the streets. This charming mystery will have kids guessing. This story is great for independent mid-level readers and as a read-aloud.–Wanda Meyers-Hines, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Huntsville, AL
POLACCO, Patricia. Something about Hensley’s illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Philomel Aug. 2006. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-399-24538-3. LC 2005032680.PreS-Gr 4–A story that can be enjoyed as a read-aloud or by independent readers. It touches upon the troubles of a family, newly relocated to a town that has a special shopkeeper who stocks anything a person could ever need or want. Hensley’s is more than a normal general store, and its optimistic and resourceful proprietor spreads magic into the lives of everyone he meets. Polacco spins an engaging tale with universal appeal. The subjects of single-parent difficulties, family stress, financial straits, and medical emergencies make this book a great tool for parents, caregivers, and educators who work with children who may share similar problems. The artwork draws readers into the emotions felt by the characters and frames the story with a certain charm that makes it one to read again and again. A terrific addition to any picture-book collection.–Kathleen Pavin, Purdy Elementary School Library, Fort Atkinson, WI
RAWLINSON, Julia. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves illus. by Tiphanie Beeke. unpaged. HarperCollins/Greenwillow Sept. 2006. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-113401-5. LC number unavailable. PreS-Gr 3–This potent synthesis of art and prose conveys a child’s first awareness of the changing seasons with reverence and wonder. Fletcher, a tiny fox, is concerned when his favorite tree turns brown. His mother tells him, “Don’t worry, it’s only autumn,” but the tree hardly seems fine to Fletcher. As its leaves fall and flutter away, the youngster struggles in vain to catch and reattach them. When only one leaf remains, he does his level best to secure it to the limb, but eventually the stem dries up and the leaf pops off. Mournful and confused, he carries it home and takes it to bed with him. Still worried about his tree, he wakes up the next morning to find that it has undergone a sweet and satisfying transformation. Beeke’s resplendent watercolors work beautifully with the book’s tone, content, layout, and design. Picture books about nature sometimes suffer from cloying, excessively pastoral language or imagery; this rare example succumbs to neither. A first purchase for every collection.–Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC
RAYNER, Catherine. Augustus and His Smile illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Good Bks 2006. Tr $16. ISBN 1-56148-510-1. LC 2005022187.PreS-Gr 2–Augustus the tiger has lost his smile. Not knowing where to find it, he begins a quest that takes him all over the world. He explores jungles, deserts, and oceans while searching for it, and finally finds it by looking in a pool of water. He comes to the realization that all of the things he has experienced will bring back his missing smile any time he thinks of them. Rayner has created a simple, poetic story that will have children speculating about what makes them feel good. The underlying theme of the enjoyment of the natural world will also help them articulate what parts they like best. The art matches the simplicity of the large-print text. Each spread has shapes or creatures that symbolize the area that the protagonist is currently visiting (large overlapping leaves for the jungle, a school of fish for the ocean, etc.). The illustrations work well with the spare narrative, giving viewers an idea of the expanse of the environments without becoming cluttered. The settings are soothing and majestic in contrast to the tiger’s movement and energy. This book will suit storytimes, where children will smile along with Augustus.–Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ
REA, Ba. Monarch! Come Play with Me illus. by author. 32p. Bas Relief 2006. pap. $10.95. ISBN 0-9657472-5-5. LC 2005908540.K-Gr 2–A two-way conversation between a girl and a focused monarch caterpillar provides a pleasant introduction to the miracle of metamorphosis. Colorful, realistic paintings accompany the brief, chatty text as the child attempts to cajole the caterpillar into playtime, while he replies that he is much too busy. (Incidentally, she says, “Frass is a funny word, but I know what it means. Ha ha! Everybody poops.”) Two pages at the end explain where monarch butterflies go in the fall. Pair this slender work with Gail Gibbons’s informative Monarch Butterfly (Holiday House, 1989) or Deborah Heiligman’s attractive From Caterpillar to Butterfly (HarperCollins, 1996) for a broader look at these dramatic flitterers, or team it with Carol Lerner’s colorful Butterflies in the Garden (HarperCollins, 2002) or Eve Bunting’s lyrical Butterfly House (Scholastic, 1999) for some neat ideas for raising and attracting these fragile flyers.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
REISBERG, Joanne A. Zachary Zormer: Shape Transformer: A Math Adventure illus. by David Hohn. 32p. CIP. Charlesbridge 2006. RTE $16.95. ISBN 1-57091-875-9; pap. $6.95. ISBN 1-57091-876-7. LC 2005020749.Gr 2-4–A well-explained introduction to the concepts of area, perimeter, length, and width. Each Friday, Ms. Merkle has her students share objects as part of a mathematical show-and-tell. Zachary has a tendency to forget and must use his ingenuity to meet the assignment’s requirements. One week, he uses a piece of paper to create a Moebius Strip, which serves as something to measure. The following Friday, he uses a scrap of paper to make an expanding frame for his lesson on perimeters. For his third assignment, he uses a flashlight to show the area of a rectangle. The text has realistic dialogue, and Zachary’s ability to explain his projects to his classmates ensures that readers also have a very good chance of understanding the lessons. The plot also includes a rivalry between Zachary and another boy to give the most interesting presentation each week. This rivalry is well developed, and readers will recognize the classroom dynamics in action as the story builds. The resolution is believable and positive. Hohn’s illustrations bring the story to life with plenty of detail. Sharp-eyed readers will notice that the blackboard lists the Friday assignments, further reinforcing the terms and concepts. At the end of the book, each of Zachary’s three transformations is explained in well-detailed steps so children can try them on their own. Youngsters will find Zachary’s quick thinking and solid explanations both entertaining and educational.–Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA
REYNOLDS, Peter H. The Best Kid in the World: A SugarLoaf Book illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Atheneum Aug. 2006. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-689-87624-6. LC 2005024032.PreS-Gr 2–This companion to Reynolds’s My Very Big Little World (S & S, 2006) deals with sibling rivalry. The appealing main character, a golden, teddy-bearlike child, is delighted to be celebrating her older brother’s birthday with her family. However, when Gramma arrives with Spoke’s “Remembering Box,” which is filled with special items that he has saved each year, SugarLoaf is jealous, especially of the sparkly “Best Kid in the World” award, given to him before she was born for being especially helpful. She resolves to prove that she deserves recognition just as much as her brother. The next day, she performs a number of good deeds around the house, all of which go awry. Discouraged, she tucks herself into bed, believing that she has ruined her chances to win the coveted ribbon. Much to her delight, her family presents her with the dazzling prize after all, explaining that the effort and heart she put into her well-intentioned mishaps is what counts. The story is written in clear, simple sentences, and the breezy watercolor illustrations depict the child’s undertakings with humor and charm. Cozy clothing and furnishings, a contented pet cat, and the characters’ expressive faces reflect a happy home’s warm and loving atmosphere. Children will identify with SugarLoaf and her desire to be The Best Kid in the World.–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA
RODMAN, Mary Ann. First Grade Stinks! illus. by Beth Spiegel. unpaged. CIP. Peachtree Sept. 2006. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-56145-377-3. LC 2006002711.PreS-Gr 1–On her first day of first grade, Haley discovers that the routines are much different and decidedly less fun than kindergarten. She gets only one recess, no sharing time, a room without the familiar decorations, a teacher who is less demonstrative than her beloved Ms. Lacy, and, worst of all, a read-aloud that isn’t even finished. Each time Haley discovers another difference she mutters to herself, “First grade stinks!” Finally, a gentle reprimand for whispering sends Haley into a full-blown meltdown, screaming her mantra of frustration aloud to the entire class. When she lists her complaints to her teacher, Ms. Gray explains about chapter books and reassures her that soon she will be reading them on her own. With her eyes opened to the possibilities ahead, Haley decides that first grade is great. The scratchy, fluid, full-color watercolor-and-ink illustrations feature plenty of white space. Perfect as a read-aloud, this book is a worthy successor to Miriam Cohen’s When Will I Read? (Dell, 1996). Pair it with Kevin Henkes’s Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse (HarperCollins, 1996) for a spot-on depiction of teachers helping kids through rough patches.–Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI
SANTORO, Scott. Farm-Fresh Cats illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins 2006. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-078178-5; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-078179-3. LC 2005014511.PreS-Gr 2–Cabbage patches have long been the rumored birthplace of babies. However, after “something extraordinary” happens one night (no one is sure just what), it’s not cabbages or babies that Farmer Ray finds in his field. The puzzled man discovers very green, orange-eyed cats where he thought he’d planted cabbage. He and his wife decide that they might as well harvest this odd crop, which seems to be “no more trouble than houseplants.” But then green cats begin popping up all over. When the felines outnumber the vegetables, the ordinary farm animals threaten to leave. The couple cleverly solves the overpopulation problem by selling the cats at their vegetable stand. With the last of them sold, the farm seems to return to the ordinary–or does it? Children will easily follow the brief story line and the brightly colored cartoon drawings that match the perky tone of the text. Quick lines and simple gestures capture the characters’ emotions–Farmer Ray’s surprise and confusion, the animals’ discontent, and the cats’ impish potential. A light “sci-fi” picture book to be enjoyed alone, one-on-one, or in groups.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH
SASSO, Sandy Eisenberg. Butterflies under Our Hats illus. by Joani Keller Rothenberg. unpaged. CIP. Paraclete 2006. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-55725-474-5. LC 2005058667.Gr 1-4–The author of God’s Paintbrush (Jewish Lights, 1992) tries her hand at a story set in the old-world town of simpletons made popular through Jewish folklore. Stripped of any of the usual Yiddish-tinged humor or sense of place, the story revolves around the human desire for luck and need for hope. The plot is simple. After searching everywhere, the people of Chelm despair of ever finding any luck. One day a strange, beautiful woman with a purple hat comes to town and tells them that there is something better than luck. She tells them to try to capture hope, in the form of butterflies, under their hats. When they find they cannot, they despair again at their bad luck. But when they look under their hats again, they find that the butterflies have left a faint powder–a trace of hope–and that was all they needed to be happy. The book is clearly meant to serve as a discussion starter about what is important in life, but as a story, it falls a bit flat. The illustrations and design are lovely, especially the bright and appealing oil paintings of butterflies, but this fanciful tale has no roots in any Eastern European village.–Lisa Silverman, Sinai Temple Library, Los Angeles
SCHWARTZ, Amy. A Beautiful Girl illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk Aug. 2006. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-59643-165-2. LC 2005033022.PreS-K–Precocious young Jenna meets an assortment of characters on her way to the market, and they all find her unusual features baffling. Baby Elephant thinks that her trunk looks funny. Robin declares her beak “silly.” Her scarcity of eyes confuses Fly, who has 100. And Goldfish calls her gills “goofy.” Jenna patiently explains to each animal in turn that she is a girl and therefore has a nose, a mouth, two eyes, and ears instead. With all misunderstandings finally cleared up, they all go to the market together to purchase a few special treats and then play until Jenna’s mother comes. The short and snappy story line and dialogue will hold the attention of young audiences, as will the naive cartoon illustrations in bright, candy-colored watercolors on white backgrounds. This is a good choice for sharing with groups of young children who are discovering the wonders of their own five senses.–Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA
SHULEVITZ, Uri. So Sleepy Story illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Farrar Aug. 2006. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-37031-1. LC 2005051146. PreS-Gr 1–A “sleepy sleepy boy” is fast asleep in his “sleepy sleepy bed” along with everything else in his “sleepy sleepy house” until music comes drifting in, in ever louder tones. Then the child and his surroundings gradually come alive, dance, and shake to the beat, and drift back to sleep as the notes and instruments depart. The brief repetitive text takes a backseat to the whimsical watercolor-and-ink cartoon illustrations. Indeed, a couple of spreads have no words at all. Dark background washes engulf the personified objects as they settle into slumber. With the arrival of notes that become instrument-playing characters, the washes begin to lighten with the slowly awakening household, until the cavorting furnishings are suffused with brilliant oranges and yellows. This transformation is only temporary, however, for with the exodus of the music makers, dusty blues, greens, and grays wrap everyone in sleep once again. Before youngsters themselves nod off, there is much for them to see and enjoy here–dancing dishes that eventually slump over, picture-framed characters with outrageous beards and mustaches, vibrating tables and chairs, a bookcase containing Shulevitz titles, trees and house leaning over in sleep, and more. This is a bedtime bonanza.–Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT
SILVERMAN, Erica. Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa: Partners illus. by Betsy Lewin. unpaged. CIP. Harcourt 2006. RTE $15. ISBN 0-15-202125-6. LC 2004027435.K-Gr 2–The cowpoke and her horse are back, once again riding the range in this beginning reader. From shoeing to roping to rounding up cattle, Kate is as resourceful as Cocoa is contrary as they once again prove that a best friend is one you can count on through hot and cold, weak and strong, and even wet and dry. Lewin’s cartoon style is as fresh as a prairie breeze after a spring rain. Set against a white backdrop, bold black outlines and warm watercolors underscore the busy days of ranch life. Libraries will have a hard time keeping this title in stock, so be sure to purchase more than one copy.–H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL
SPERRING, Mark. Mermaid Dreams illus. by The Pope Twins. unpaged. Scholastic/The Chicken House 2006. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-439-79610-5. LC number unavailable.PreS-K–As Meriam’s mother is helping her get ready for bed, the child describes her day in the ocean, where she went deeper than the dolphins and the octopuses. When the woman combs her daughter’s hair, she finds a shell and seaweed in it. The girl then explains that she swam so far to get her mother a pearl. A little fish jumps out from her clean ears and a baby crab emerges from her scrubbed neck. Meriam falls asleep while resting her head gently on a starfish. The twist comes on the last spread, where readers see the lower half of Meriam for the first time: she is a mermaid. The enchanting illustrations capture the rich hues of ocean and marine life and enhance the story’s sense of whimsy.–Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA
TOEWS, Marj. Black-and-White Blanche illus. by Dianna Bonder. unpaged. CIP. Fitzhenry & Whiteside 2006. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-55005-132-6. LC C2005-907262-8.Gr 1-3–All of the members of this upper-class Victorian household “had their place and everyone knew the rules.” Since the queen wears only black dresses, they properly follow suit. Young Blanche Weatherspoon wants a pink dress so much that she rebels against the black-and-white edict and tries to dye her petticoats with rose petals. Small portraits show the shocked reactions: laundry maid Buttons drops her basket, nanny Miss Blinkers gasps, and housekeeper Mrs. Black faints. When Blanche sneaks away and joins her friend Felicity the Flower Seller, chaos reigns. Mr. Weatherspoon eventually comes to appreciate the pleasure that color brings to life and decides to lift his ban. Bonder’s expressive illustrations show the family’s demeanor changing from stuffy austerity to playful merriment, and provide a glimpse into a long-ago period. The class system overtones may puzzle young readers, but they will relate to the theme of individuality.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada
TWAIN, Mark. The Best Fence Painter Bk. 2. ISBN 1-4027-3288-0.TWAIN, Mark. A Song for Aunt Polly Bk. 1. ISBN 1-4027-3287-2. ea vol: adapt. by Catherine Nichols. illus. by Amy Bates. 32p. (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Series). Sterling 2006. pap. $3.95. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–The essence of Tom Sawyer’s mischief and of his irresistible personality is preserved in these easy readers. Each title focuses on just one episode from the novel, broken down into four brief chapters with simple vocabulary and controlled sentence length. Tom skips his piano lesson in order to go to the swimming hole in the first book and tricks his friends into painting a fence for him in the second. For each of his escapades, he must face Aunt Polly, depicted with old-fashioned charm by Bates, whose colorful, realistic illustrations add a great deal to this interpretation of the classic. Shortened, condensed books are often tedious to read; in an effort to deliver plot, they can run roughshod over the author’s style and the character’s voice. However, Nichols’s adaptations are deliberately less ambitious. The result is a spare but pleasing narration that will provide children with a tiny taste of Twain and, hopefully, a desire to enjoy a larger helping later on.–Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT
UFER, David A. The Giraffe Who Was Afraid of Heights illus. by Kirsten Carlson. unpaged. Sylvan Dell 2006. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-9768823-0-2. LC 2005931002.PreS–A young giraffe living on the African savannah is afraid of heights. On his way to the doctor for a remedy, he encounters a monkey afraid to climb trees and a hippo scared of water. When a crocodile intimidates the three new friends, they put their fears aside in order to help one another against the common threat. After vanquishing the enemy, they realize that they don’t need the doctor because they’ve cured themselves. Watercolor illustrations done predominantly in tans, blues, and greens have unusual perspectives, often showing only parts of the animals. The story lacks logic; if the giraffe’s parents are so worried about lions hurting their child since he can’t raise his head to watch for danger, why do they send him to the doctor alone? Also, it seems odd to put coconut trees on the savannah and then explain in the back matter that they don’t grow there.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI
VESTERGAARD, Hope. What Do You Do When a Monster Says Boo? illus. by Maggie Smith. unpaged. Dutton Aug. 2006. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-525-47737-3. LC number unavailable.PreS-Gr 1–The monster in this book is an annoying little sister who throws things, has tantrums, and could drive any big brother to distraction. In rhyming text and playful illustrations, the story shows the ways this big brother could react, and then a more positive way to respond. “What do you do when a monster pulls hair?/Show it your teeth and pretend that you’ll bite?/Forget all your manners and start a big fight?” “No, no NO! The best thing to do when a monster pulls hair/Is find its soft tummy and tickle it there.” The pictures are colorful and bold, with art and text dividing the pages into interesting angles. The over-the-top antics of this little “monster” and her brother’s responses will delight children.–Shelley B. Sutherland, Niles Public Library, IL
WEIS, Carol. When the Cows Got Loose illus. by Ard Hoyt. unpaged. S & S 2006. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-689-85166-9. LC number unavailable.K-Gr 3–This unusual tale mixes circus scenery and characters with a familiar barnyard theme. On the day the cows get loose, Ida Mae is hanging upside down in an apple tree, “dreamin’ about how to git famous.” Pa asks her to find their 26 roaming bovines, and, although Ida Mae rights herself to start her search, the story continues to feel topsy-turvy. The animals’ names span from A to Z, but the cows are not listed or discovered in alphabetical order. In fact, it is difficult to know when all the missing animals are found. Rendered in a combination of watercolor, colored pencil, and pen and ink, the energetic illustrations add to the chaos. From the front cover to the back, cows practically jump off the pages, performing circuslike antics such as juggling, flying on trapezes, and walking a tightrope. Ida Mae’s family and neighbors are equally unconventional. She lives in a dilapidated trailer “Fun House,” rides a plumed zebra, and visits a bearded lady and a fire-swallowing man during the roundup. At story’s end, she can finally see her way to fame, envisioning “Ida Mae’s Bovine Big Top.” The busy illustrations and zany action will have some readers reeling in confusion, while others will be reeling with laughter. A selection best suited for individual or one-to-one reading.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH
WISE, William. Zany Zoo illus. by Lynn Munsinger. 32p. CIP. Houghton/Lorraine 2006. Tr $16. ISBN 0-618-18891-6. LC 2005020058.K-Gr 4–“Panda-monium” reigns in this hilarious and pun-filled book of rhymes. Deftly animated with Munsinger’s distinctive pictures of animals, all 25 poems introduce a familiar phrase and painlessly stretch the vocabulary. Words such as “prodigious,” “estuary,” and “purloined” are presented in context with descriptive pictures that make intuiting their meaning possible. Grown-ups might find some of the humor a bit cheesy, but it is hard not to laugh when geese attempt Shakespeare and put on a “truly fowl play” or a “real cool” feline experiences “social cat-astrophe” when his disco duds split at the seams. However, some of the references are beyond the experience of most children. For example, when Hope the hyena, a dancer, is too scary when performing as the Sugar Plum Fairy, she is “switched…to Faust/And the regions infernal.” Fortunately, the text and artwork allow youngsters to enjoy the verse without completely grasping the occasional adult-oriented details. Wise also incorporates some unusual creatures into his amusing menagerie, including Yuri the yak, Gertrude the agouti, a tapir, and terns. This book is a fantastic tool for sharing literature and language with a humorous and dramatic flare. It’s sure to appeal to a wide audience.–Piper L. Nyman, formerly at Fairfield Civic Center Library, CA
ZIEFERT, Harriet. Bigger Than Daddy illus. by Elliot Kreloff. unpaged. Blue Apple 2006. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-59354-147-3. LC number unavailable.PreS–A slight story about the relationship between a boy and his father. Edward yearns to be big like his dad and fast like a fire truck. He wants to be all grown up–until his legs get tired and he wants to be carried home. Before dinner they play a game in which Edward and his dad switch roles for a little while, with Edward scolding the man for not drinking his juice. Then Edward wants a drink and the role switching ends. Kreloff’s naive pastel-and-collage illustrations use simple lines and strong colors to enhance the youngster’s perspective. Children will enjoy the sweet story and will take comfort in the common scenarios.–Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME
ZIEFERT, Harriet. Grandma, It’s for You! illus. by Lauren Browne. unpaged. Blue Apple 2006. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-59354-109-0. LC number unavailable.PreS-Gr 1–Lulu wants to make an extra-special present for her grandmother, so she decides to create the most beautiful hat she can imagine. Using an old straw hat from her mother’s closet, she loads it with bits of things that Grandma loves: flowers, leaves, feathers, necklaces, and ribbon, and adds a bird’s nest on top. In a side story revealed only in the art, Lulu’s naughty cat tears off the bird’s nest and demolishes it while the child prepares for her grandmother’s arrival. Of course, Grandma thinks that Lulu’s creation is absolutely gorgeous. The pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are light and cheery, adding humor and sweetness to the text. This delightful story is perfect for reading on Grandma’s lap. Other laps will work as well.–Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME
Nonfiction
ANDERSON, Jill. Giant Pandas ISBN 1-55971-937-0; ISBN 1-55971-938-9. LC 2005018644.ANDERSON, Jill. Kangaroos ISBN 1-55971-935-4; ISBN 1-55971-936-2. LC 2005020871. ea vol: unpaged. (Wild Ones Series). photos. CIP. NorthWord 2006. Tr $12.95; pap. $6.95.
PreS-Gr 2–These colorful books have appealing photos and a tiny bit of information about the featured animals. The texts are conversational in tone, but the organization is helter-skelter and much of the content is fluff. On the whole, the titles look and read more like pieces for a children’s wildlife magazine than as books for libraries. There are many better introductions to these creatures.–Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA
BOSTON, Lisa. Sing! Play! Create!: Hands-On Learning for 3- to 7-Year-Olds illus. by Sarah Cole. 126p. (A Williamson Little Hands Bk.). index. CIP. Williamson 2006. Tr $14.95. ISBN 0-8249-6781-X; pap. $12.95. ISBN 0-8249-6780-1. LC 2005030453.PreS-Gr 2–A colorful, kid-friendly cover welcomes readers to this extensive collection of activities. The introduction emphasizes the simplicity of the projects, creating a basic supply and game box, the importance of spontaneity and fun, safety, and readily available materials. Chapters center on four places familiar to children: the pond, garden, zoo, and farm. Each one begins with a lively poem in large print followed by units consisting of “Let’s Sing,” “Let’s Create,” “Let’s Play,” and “Let’s Draw.” The more than two dozen crafts can be completed in two to seven steps. Twenty-seven familiar songs and melodies include “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” “This Is the Way We Plant Our Garden,” and lively animal tunes. A number of games are introduced as well. “Nature Notes” gives brief but interesting trivia, and sidebars list two to five picture books related to the topic. Color illustrations appear on every page. A fun and popular addition that will provide teachers, librarians, and parents with lots of theme program or party suggestions.–Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NJ
BROWN, Jonatha A. Nevada ISBN 0-8368-4671-0. LC 2005044479.DEADY, Kathleen W. Colorado ISBN 0-8368-4662-1. LC 2005054064.
SONNEBORN, Liz. Oregon ISBN 0-8368-4673-7. LC 2005044472. ea vol: 32p. (Portraits of the States Series). charts. maps. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Gareth Stevens 2006. PLB $23.33.
Gr 2-3–The format in these easy readers is much the same, with sections covering history, people, land, economy, and government. Each volume also includes a fact page with information on the state’s population, capital, square miles, flag, flower, tree, animal, etc. A full-color photo, reproduction, or fact box appears on almost every page. The limited vocabulary and simple sentence structure can lead to some confusion. In Oregon, the only sentence describing World War II states, “In the early 1940s, the United States went to war against Japan.” There is also a factual error in this title when it states that Mount Hood is an extinct volcano. In reality it is a dormant volcano. The other two books seem more clearly written. If an easy reading level is important, the titles in Ann Heinrichs’s “This Land Is Your Land” series (Compass Point) are better choices. If reading level is not the first consideration, then select books in the “Hello U.S.A” (Lerner) or “From Sea to Shining Sea” (Children’s Press) series.–Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR
BROWNING, Kurt. A Is for Axel: An Ice Skating Alphabet illus. by Melanie Rose. unpaged. CIP. Sleeping Bear 2006. Tr $17.95. ISBN 1-58536-280-8. LC 2005027790.Gr 2-4–The popular and successful Canadian figure skater gives readers a great deal of information about skating technique and equipment. As an alphabet book, it works reasonably well with the exception of a few weak word choices (e.g., “N is for Needs more practice...And Never give up….” and “Y is for You.” There’s a typo for the letter “Q”: “The rink becomes a blur,/your spinning now don’t quit.” The colorful, realistic oil paintings are the book’s best feature. The reading level varies as this is almost two books in one. The rhyming text giving the alphabet is appropriate for K-3 level, while the majority of the text in the sidebars is about a grade three and up reading level in rather small type. Add this to your collection as an “extra” purchase for your skating fans, not as a first choice. Or you may prefer Naia Bray-Moffatt’s Ice Skating School (DK, 2004) or Debbi Wilkes’s The Figure Skating Book (Firefly, 2000).–Kate Kohlbeck, Randall School, Waukesha, WI
COLLARD, Sneed B., III. Shep: Our Most Loyal Dog illus. by Joanna Yardley. unpaged. CIP. Sleeping Bear 2006. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-58536-259-X. LC 2005027656.Gr 2-4–This picture book celebrates the bond between a sheep dog and his owner. During the Depression, in north central Montana, a sheepherder passed away. Shep watched the man’s coffin being loaded onto a train to be returned to his family back east. From that day forward, the loyal canine met every passenger train that arrived at the Fort Benton depot. The station manager and many townspeople noticed him and slowly discovered the details of his life. The people adopted him, feeding him and loving him, until the day he died. News of the dog’s death spread throughout the country and his story was featured in Reader’s Digest, Lady’s Circle, and other major publications. An author’s note gives additional background information. Yardley’s watercolor paintings, reminiscent of Susan Jeffers’s work, are warm, detailed, and textured. Dog lovers will appreciate the reverential tone of the story. A good addition for larger collections.–Linda Zeilstra Sawyer, Skokie Public Library, IL
DAHL, Michael. Ants at the Picnic: Counting by Tens ISBN 1-4048-1318-7. LC 2005021816.DAHL, Michael. Plenty of Petals: Counting by Tens ISBN 1-4048-1317-9. LC 2005021818.
DAHL, Michael. Tail Feather Fun: Counting by Tens ISBN 1-4048-1319-5. LC 2005021820.
DAHL, Michael. Toasty Toes: Counting by Tens ISBN 1-4048-1320-9. LC 2005021842. ea vol: illus. by Zachary Trover. 24p. (Know Your Numbers Series). CIP. Picture Window 2006. PLB $22.60.
PreS-Gr 2–These four books all tell their stories through the structure of counting by 10, and they do so in various ways. Ten ants carry off picnic food, 10 woodpeckers each have 10 tail feathers and the number of feathers decreases by 10 as each bird flies away, a young bear gives away 10-petaled flowers to folks in his community, and 10 toes join the fun at the beach. Throughout the books, the featured numbers are hidden in the collage-style illustrations and are shown through a grid with a matching number of dots. Although there is certainly a need for easy books to use when teaching the times tables, there is no need for four such similar ones, and none of these books is outstanding. The texts are choppy, the illustrations are uneven, and the elements seem disjointed. Toasty Toes and Tail Feather Fun are the best of this bunch, but there are better choices for math picture books, such as Stuart J. Murphy’s “MathStart” series (HarperCollins).–Genevieve Gallagher, Murray Elementary School, Charlottesville, VA
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