Preschool to Grade 4

Fiction

K-Gr 4–This adaptation of an Andersen favorite is faithful to the details and weight of the familiar story but has a bit less verbosity. The deft paintings, filling single pages and sometimes spread across two pages, are sunny and comic. As in other picture-book renditions, the extra-large hatchling–with his pale gray down, big feet, and winning smile–is not really ugly, just different from others in the barnyard. The various birds are colorfully feathered with graceful, elongated necks. Robert Ingpen’s handsome version (Minedition, 2005) richly expresses the darker side of the tale but is wordier at the outset. Jerry Pinkney’s rendition (Morrow, 1999) is livelier in both words and pictures. If you have room for one more, Angaramo’s interpretation is competent and attractive.–Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

K-Gr 2–Fly Guy is back for his third adventure in this rollicking series. This time, the unusual pet is exploring on his own while his owner, Buzz, has gone on a picnic. Fly Guy is searching for something good to eat. Readers are told that his favorite food is “brown, oozy, lumpy, and smelly.” His first find isn’t “oozy, lumpy, or smelly. But it was brown. Close enough!” Then the boy who is about to eat the hamburger shoos him off, and Fly Guy must look again. The scene repeats as the exuberant bug finds other “close enough” foods and gets shooed away. At last, he finds the perfect brown, oozy, lumpy, smelly food and is reunited with Buzz. This book has tons of kid appeal, as beginning readers follow the small hero through the zippy, funny story. Clear, bright pictures are surrounded by lots of white space, and the large block letters in a casual font are easy to read. Simple sentences with repetition reinforce reading skills in a humorous way. This delightful book is guaranteed to fly off library shelves.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PreS-Gr 2–Max’s two older brothers are serious collectors: Benjamin saves stamps and Karl keeps coins. The youngest boy decides to accumulate words. He carefully selects them from newspapers and magazines, cutting out and sorting them by category: colors, foods, small ones, big ones. He copies entries from the dictionary onto pieces of paper and adds them to his mounting collection. It doesn’t matter if coins or stamps are moved around, but words can be arranged and rearranged to create stories. Even though his siblings won’t share pieces of their collections, Max gives away words and the three boys devise a short story together. Imaginative, softly colored illustrations reveal the gathered words scattered all over the pages. They are fine examples of concrete poetry: “HUNGRY” has a chunk bitten out of it; “ALLIGATOR” has teeth and an eye peering from the R; “BASEBALL” is printed in the shape of a bat. The text is set in a variety of styles and sometimes curves around the piles of Max’s collection. This tale pays homage to the written word and may get children thinking about cutting and pasting their own stories or creating concrete poetry.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 3-5–Harry is back in his third adventure. He and George are teenage giant centipedes who enjoy hunting and exploring. When they stray too far from home, they become trapped in a crate of bananas with another centipede, Josie. They make a close escape from boot-clad “Hoo-Mins” who try to squish them. They run through sewer pipes, meet some rats, and find refuge in a greenhouse, only to be caught. Luckily for the ’pedes, these humans are bug lovers and take them to the zoo. The zoo folks are keen on the discovery and are bent on returning these rare creatures to their tropical home (location undisclosed). Josie moves in and has hundreds of poisonous babies (father unknown). Despite the rash of stories in which the author cleverly addresses readers, the device falls short here; translations of centipede-speak are distracting, and author comments are often intrusive. Black-and-white line drawings are scattered throughout. Fans of the previous books are the likely audience for this one.–Alison Grant, West Bloomfield Township Public Library, MI

Gr 2-5–This timely book focuses on the importance of striking a balance between development and conservation of nature. When Uno moves to the forest, he is surrounded by 100 plants and a variety of imaginary animals, including the common Snortlepig. He plants a garden. As more and more people arrive and build houses, stores, and businesses, the plants and animals begin to disappear. Eventually, all that remain are buildings surrounded by gray skies, and the people abandon the city, leaving Uno, his little garden, and the Snortlepig. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren take care of the plot after Uno is gone and keep track of the creatures they see. Slowly the environment recovers. The Snortlepig, however, has disappeared. At first, the illustrations are colorful with fanciful animals and plants, but they become dark and grim as nature is crowded out. The earth rebounds, and so does the color. Students will enjoy searching the pictures, counting the plants and animals, and finding the elusive Snortlepig. This is an effective starting point for discussions about conservation, with some math lessons along the way.–Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

PreS-K–A child dressed in a costume and mask is handing out treats at his front door. With each page turn, the door, which is a flap, opens to reveal a new “monster,” including a ghost, a witch, and a mummy, none of whom are frightening. The singsong, rhyming text is playful and works well with the illustrations. In a surprise twist, three adorable characters–a bunny, a kitten, and a fairy–appear at the door, and the frightened boy jumps into his dad’s arms. For the first time, readers see his full face unmasked and realize that he is a tiny werewolf-vampire, as is his father. A simple and fun holiday entry.–JoAnn Jonas, Chula Vista Public Library, San Diego, CA

K-Gr 1–Reminiscent of Mirra Ginsburg’s Mushroom in the Rain (S & S, 1987) and Audrey Wood’s The Napping House (Harcourt, 1984), this is the cumulative story of many animals all attempting to shelter from the rain in a doghouse. Children will love the hilarious ending when all of the inhabitants hastily vacate after an odiferous intruder tries to squeeze in, too. The marvelously textured watercolor-and-acrylic illustrations convey the feeling of a driving rain, the fur and feathers of the various creatures, and the joy of Rover when his house is once again his sole domain. The repetition of key phrases, the rhythmic text, and the cumulative structure of the narrative make this book an ideal read-aloud. The pictures and text evoke the cozy, warm feeling of curling up for a nap on a rainy day and the unbridled thrill of leaping out into the sun.–Tamara E. Richman, Somerset County Library System, Bridgewater, NJ

PreS-Gr 1–Fin, a dinosaur, is playing with his friends, with each one trying to top the others in tests of agility, daring, or strength. Then, a gang of bullies turns up and spoils the game. When Fin challenges the intruders, a chase begins. Slowly, they drop off as one can’t leap, one can’t swim, one can’t climb, etc. Finally, the only remaining pursuer is T. rex, at which point Fin spreads his “feeble fluffy arms” and flies away. The story line is slight and forgettable, but young dinosaur lovers will be drawn in by Blathwayt’s highly detailed illustrations. Each reptile, as well as the landscape that Fin and his pursuers traverse, is carefully drawn with clean lines and in a crisp palette that invites children to pore over the pictures. This is not a storytime choice, but it’s a suitable selection for collections in which dinosaur books experience high demand.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

PreS-Gr 3–Hedgie the hedgehog is back. Aspiring to become an astronaut, he works as a member of the cleanup crew for the Star Lab run by the Professor (a dog), who is “the smartest scientist on Earth” and “in charge of Outer Space.” On the tiny planet of Mikkop, an erupting crater called the Big Sparkler, a popular tourist attraction, is inexplicably slowing down. The Professor orders his team to build a small spaceship that can carry a robotic astronaut into space to assess the problem. When the robot malfunctions, Hedgie is the only one who can fit into the vehicle, and off he zooms. Brett’s color illustrations are filled with humorous details, including eager reporters (an owl, a flamingo, a toucan, and a cockatoo, whose postures convey their avid impatience) and whimsical spaceships filled with comical alien tourists. Small groups can easily view the richly hued art, although many scenes merit closer inspection. Children will cheer for this intrepid hedgehog as he solves the problem of the plugged crater.–Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

Gr 1-4–Chowder is not like most bulldogs. Instead of burying bones, he busily arranges them into a skeletal formation, as an archaeologist would. He gets about town with his doting owners in the type of backpack that a toddler would ride in, and he uses the toilet like a human. His “quirkiness” leads the neighborhood canines to conclude that he would be better off in a zoo, so it is with mounting excitement that he spots the grocery store’s new “Critter Corral” through his balcony telescope and looks forward to making friends there. Brown’s static, acrylic-and-pencil compositions and the repetition of visual elements across the page yield strong designs. The rounded figures and precise patterning suggest a Playmobil™ world, with a touch of texture. The scenes depicted through the telescope are circular close-ups, framed in black. The parting shot, showing how Chowder communicates with his new friends even when they can’t be together, requires a bit of visual sophistication, as does the book in general. Its wacky comedy and the quest for acceptance will best be appreciated by those who’ve been around the block a few times. Fans of Anthony Browne and Craig Frazier will sit up and beg for more.–Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

PreS–The 10 cuddly animal friends from Ten in the Den (Peachtree, 2005) return for a game of hide-and-seek in a bright, lush meadow. Bear is “it” and uncovers his friends hiding, sometimes by twos, under daisies, foxgloves, bluebells, and lilies. All except for Mouse, who has grown tired and is only discovered in the end, fast asleep in his own bed. However, observant children will quickly spy Mouse on many pages, as he appears with each new discovery, though quite unnoticed by the other animals. Butler’s soft, wide-eyed animals will appeal to children. The soft purple glow of the waning light as the edges of night creep over the meadow is beautifully depicted. The rhyming text can be sung to the first stanza of the traditional song referred to in the title, but this pattern doesn’t continue to the second stanza. Instead, snappy dialogue contributes to the pacing of the story and makes it well suited for reading aloud.–Robin L. Gibson, Granville Parent Cooperative Preschool, OH

Gr 1-3–This charming early chapter book tells the story of a girl who “finds” a dinosaur when she goes outside to play. Boo insists that she needs a particular book from the library to read to it, and then that she and her older brother, Sammy, must jump on her bed so that the dinosaur can see them through the window. In true older-sibling fashion, the boy at first tries to deter her but is eventually forced to give in or come to some sort of compromise. Brooks’s illustrations show the action as well as Boo’s flights of fancy. Byars takes full advantage of short words and sentences, helping readers to see themselves both in Boo’s plays for attention and Sammy’s desire for some peace and quiet. In the end, when Boo has to give up her dinosaur, she and Sammy share a lovely moment of mutual understanding. A natural recommendation for graduates of Syd Hoff’s Danny and the Dinosaur (HarperCollins, 1958), this book is a welcome addition.–Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 1–Another picture book based on the popular counting song, also known as “Roll Over” or “Move Over.” In Cabrera’s version, after the first stuffed animal (curiously referred to as “the Snorer”) is kicked out of bed, the other toys engage in various types of play until all of them have fallen out. These activities include dancing like ballerinas, pretending to be pirates, and playing doctor. Each number is counted down in a spread full of loud, childlike splashes of color. Children may enjoy the gaudy illustrations and the sense of make-believe, but the book is unlikely to lull anyone to sleep.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 3-5–In this new twist to the series, readers meet Jess, who is on an archaeological dig in Belize with her parents. It is a trip of firsts, and the 10-year-old is excited about the adventures that await her. The characters are well drawn and likable, and the print is fairly large. The story line is well thought out and the factual information about dig sites and Maya culture are seamlessly integrated into the text. An afterword, complete with full-color photos, introduces 10-year-old Elyse, a real girl who has accompanied her archaeologist parents on several two-month digs in Belize. “American Girl” fans will enjoy this addition to the series.–Krista Tokarz, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

Gr 1-3–Emily puts a great deal of thought into where she’s going to sit on the bus. So discombobulated is she by the sudden appearance of a new, smaller vehicle one morning that she forgets to grab her lunch bag when she’s getting off. When she gets to school and realizes her mistake, classmate Vincetta Louise sends her into an unnecessary panic over what will happen. Emily’s irritation with the spunky girl begins to fade, though, when she helps Emily out of a sticky spot and shares her talent for drawing. The text provides a solid bridge from beginning readers to chapter books. Like the black-and-white illustrations, this gentle read is warm and smooth around the edges. This title won’t be a hot ticket, but it will find its audience in larger collections.–Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY

K-Gr 3–Anna and her little sister, Katya, love to dance together and pretend to be ballerinas. At the age of five, the younger child contracts polio and becomes disabled. She wonders if she will ever be able to dance again. Anna is hopeful, but, despite treatment, her sister remains unable even to walk without the aid of braces. She buys some dainty white gloves and sews pink ribbons on them to make ballerina gloves, and Katya is able to dance with her arms, which strengthens her spirit. The delicate watercolor illustrations are marred by inconsistencies in the drawings of the characters. Personal notes from both the author and illustrator tell how polio affected their families. An explanation of the disease, including details of President Roosevelt’s affliction, is helpful. A sincere, nostalgic effort.–Debbie Stewart Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

PreS-K–To keep track of her 12 ducklings, Mama Duck groups them and regroups them–in twos, then threes, then fours, and finally in two lines of six. A hungry wolf with poor eyesight smells them marching through the weeds and decides to attack. Hearing “One, two,” he thinks that it will be easy for him to capture his lunch. He’s in for a surprise when he learns that Mama Duck has her offspring in two groups, and that 12 ducklings can pack a punch. Each little bird has an individual hairstyle and a personality to go with it, making the bold color illustrations fun to follow while looking for the wolf. Kids will enjoy this read-aloud that introduces math concepts. The text falls short as some rhymes work (“back”/“track”) while others do not (“out”/“count”), but don’t let that stop anyone from enjoying the educational value of this book and its funny little quackers.–Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

Gr 2-4–Lindy Blues, “Your Nose for News,” is a fourth-grade investigative reporter. From the headquarters of Lindy Blues Network (her house), she covers all of the news of her neighborhood on her family’s old camcorder, then “broadcasts” it every Saturday night in her garage. This week (a slow news week), the big story concerns her neighbor Joshua Becker’s seven-year-old sister’s missing silver dollar. Since Lindy is surprisingly precocious and analytical for her age, she easily puts the clues together to solve the case. Full-page drawings and spot art enliven the text and help to establish the characters. This beginning chapter book often takes a funny, sardonic tone, but as a mystery, it misses the mark. The plot is clever, but the writing style is uneven. An additional purchase.–Rachael Vilmar, Atlanta Fulton Public Library, GA

PreS-K–One cold winter, snow drifts down for an entire month, covering the land, trees, and buildings in piles of the white stuff. Sammy climbs to the roof of his house and imagines what might be happening under the frigid mounds, conjuring up fanciful scenarios. Beginning with more realistic daydreams, including bears hibernating and seals swimming, his imagination expands to more far-fetched scenes that include moles drinking soda and tea, Santa creating in his workshop, and elves mining rubies and emeralds. As the season warms and the snow melts, the boy’s thoughts turn to spring. The artwork outshines the quiet story. Pleasant watercolor-and-ink illustrations, with charcoal and some oil-stick accents, deftly reveal the various possibilities that Sammy ponders. The variety of techniques used, including a style that resembles scratchboard, creates texture and interest. An additional purchase.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 1–Bear, a cub, cannot sleep. He watches his wakeful woodland friends from the mouth of his cold, dark cave and feels that life has treated him very unfairly. Why do they have fun while he has to hibernate? He gathers the other animals together and tells them that he wants to do all the things that they do, including flying across the lake with the geese. His friends suggest that his plan sounds exhausting, and they leave him alone as he cries out, “More! I want to play more!” Bear falls asleep as the first snow begins to descend, and his parents “carry him back to the warm cave, where he will sleep until spring.” Cooper captures the indignation of a youngster who does not want to go to bed, especially when friends are allowed to stay up later. The watercolor-and-pencil illustrations softly portray the transition from fall to winter as well as from wakefulness to slumber. A striking spread, reminiscent of a constellation chart, transports the animals from the solid earth to a snowy nighttime sky, where Bear sleeps, surrounded by his friends. This quiet book with its dreamlike quality is ideal for bedtime sharing.–Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI

K-Gr 3–It would be helpful to have a book explaining who uses the substance and why, possible reactions, responsibilities, and legal implications, but this picture book is not it. Jackie wakes up late at night and finds her parents smoking pot. They give a simple explanation and promise to talk to her about it the next day, which happens to be Halloween. The awkwardly drawn, full-page art shows Jackie and her mom in odd costumes riding their bikes to see the marijuana farmer, and then to a doctor who explains that some adults use the drug, but that children absolutely should not. When they pass some stores and the child recognizes the now-familiar sweet smell, she sees a group of African-American men smoking. Implausibly, they stop and explain some details about marijuana and hold still when the police arrive. Even more surprising is the officer who explains why the drug is illegal and that people are trying to change the laws; he then lets the young men go with a simple warning.–Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City

Gr 2-3–In this pleasant family story set in western New York in the early 1820s, Abbie, who is perhaps six or seven, attends sewing classes but would rather read than stitch the required sampler. To make matters worse, her older sister has set a challenging example. Done in soft focus, the double-page paintings with framed text blocks create a good sense of the period, Abbie’s home life, and Mrs. Brown’s Wednesday-afternoon embroidery sessions. The story spans several months of the girl’s struggles with less-than-neat fabric and stitches and her final humorous statement of rebellion, sewn into the bottom of her work. Though the story focuses on the laborious needlework, no distinct picture of it or any sampler is provided–all are only suggested in indistinct form. An afterword describes the era’s educational practices for girls and the emphasis placed on the embroidered sampler. A good selection for those who like reading about life in other times.–Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

PreS-Gr 3–A gentle version of “The Old Woman and Her Pig,” set in Texas. Old Zeke buys an ornery longhorn steer that balks at being corralled, and the frustrated cowboy “won’t get home for chili” until the job is done. When he requests help from a collie and is refused, he asks a mesquite stick to poke the dog, and so it goes. Davis features a tenderhearted, politically correct protagonist. Zeke mildly presents a bluebonnet flower to a mockingbird that sings to a lovely cowgirl, who kisses a cowboy, who chases an armadillo, and so on, until the steer is finally put away. The straightforward language rolls off the storyteller’s tongue, but the narrative suffers from being scrunched up in paragraphs that get longer and longer. The tightly arranged text blocks look wrong on spreads that depict the open Texas landscape. Still, the colorful cartoon illustrations cleverly convey the action and are filled with humor. The keen combination of art and story is further enhanced by endpapers that map out the events in simple line drawings that will encourage retellings. Altogether, this softer interpretation of the folktale will fit in with current sensibilities.–Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

PreS–While a little girl sleeps, toy animals describe their nighttime activities on her behalf: checking under the bed for monsters, pulling up the covers, scaring away bad dreams, preventing her from waking when Santa comes, and more. Their repayment is the love they receive as “bedside” toys. The soft-focus artwork verges on being overly dark at times, but it has a lot of nice texture, and the spread of the stuffed animals huddled together in the dark, with fearful, glowing eyes, works beautifully. While the story is slight, the gentle text flows well and will please children who fantasize about their playthings coming alive while they slumber.–Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

PreS-K–In this sweet story, a bulldog feels replaced when her young owner gets a doll for her birthday, and cannot be comforted by the other two children in the family. Unfortunately, the text is composed of singsong rhymes, mostly lists of single words rather than full sentences, which often seem awkward and do not scan well. Charming little vignettes on the endpapers show the canine and the little girl in happier times: Gloria pulls her in a wagon, watches intently as she blows bubbles, and looks content when she is being petted. Throughout the story, the pup’s expressions exude attitude, but the siblings’ faces seem a little static even as their body movements capture the action. In several places, the very tops of the children’s heads are cut off, creating visuals that look as if the artist ran out of space. Large illustrations done in rich, bright colors are great for viewing at a distance, and the text, if read aloud, could be given expression. Preschoolers will laugh at Gloria’s antics and undoubtedly sympathize with her feelings. However, while the author’s Llama, Llama Red Pajama (Viking, 2005) is a surefire winner, this effort is an additional purchase.–Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2–Less than half of this volume is devoted to the story of an early-morning fishing outing. Jonny enjoys watching wildlife and interacting with his father. He even manages to catch a bass, which they release back into the lake. The unpunctuated lines of verse drag at times, and the cartoon illustrations aim to amuse viewers more than to depict nature. However, this forgettable story is followed by a clear and thorough fishing guide directed at parents. DiLorenzo offers basic information on safety, licenses, and equipment. He explains how to assemble a rig, cast, and land a fish. He suggests ways to combat boredom and make the trip enjoyable for everyone. Among the ideas is a game incorporating the illustrations and descriptions of 10 freshwater fish. Even the artwork is better in the guide section than in Jonny’s story. One bothersome aspect is the unspoken assumption that men and boys are the only ones who fish. Usually the author refers to “adult” and “child,” but anglers are invariably “fishermen.” None of the illustrations includes a female. Still, adults searching for basic knowledge and encouragement about how to take children fishing will find the guide section useful even if the reading of Jonny’s adventure is decidedly optional.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 2-4–What do you do when your best friend moves in the second week of 4th grade? That is the situation facing Phineas Listerman MacGuire (Mac). Everyone in class already has a best friend, except for the new kid–Mac Robbins, known as Mac R., who has gone out of his way to alienate his classmates. The one bright light in Mac’s life is the science fair in a few weeks. He is a scientist who specializes in volcanoes, a passion that his friend Marcus shared. When Mac R. is assigned to be his partner, Mac is sure it will be a disaster. Surprisingly, he finds that the new kid has some good ideas about their project, has a talent in art, and isn’t as tough as he pretends to be. His real name is actually Ben. Though their science project hits a few bumps along the way, the volcano has a successful eruption and it looks like Mac just might have a new best friend. Three science experiments are appended, including, of course, an erupting volcano. Readers who enjoy Suzy Kline’s “Herbie Jones” (Putnam) and “Horrible Harry” books (Viking) will find Mac appealing.–Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2–At the end of each school day, the class pet chameleon goes home with a different child, along with a journal. The experiences that the students record and the accompanying pictures are largely flights of fancy, as tiny Rex is depicted as an enormous Tyrannasaurus Rex that falls out of a window unscathed and terrorizes customers in a flower shop. He goes to the movies and a restaurant, is dressed as Malibu Barbie, and takes a dip in a pool. While there is humor in the situations described, the line between fantasy and reality is blurred, and readers are slightly uncomfortable, knowing that if there are any factual roots to the stories, the animal is being cavalierly treated if not downright abused. The color cartoon illustrations have a lot of energy, but sometimes the childlike drawings are totally unattractive.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

PreS-Gr 1–Beth is wearing a frown today. Nothing that her father or mother, or Grandma or Grandpa, or her aunts and uncle do can make it disappear. She just thinks they are all “Sillybillies.” But when her sister comes home and mimics her expression, sticks out her tongue, and makes a funny face, just a hint of a smile appears. Then it becomes a burst of laughter. A simple oversize text and brilliant hues in gouache watercolors will nudge youngsters into giggles as a special sisterly bond works its magic.–Wanda Meyers-Hines, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Huntsville, AL

PreS-Gr 2–When a cow decides to take her usual Saturday constitutional, she accidentally steps through a clothesline and ends up with a pair of bloomers covering her head. Unable to see and running off in a panic, the poor bovine wreaks havoc as she falls into a postman’s cart that heads down a long hill, followed by all the characters whose lives she’s disrupted: the underwear’s owner, the postman, some children, and a few yapping dogs. The chaos reaches a spectacularly hilarious conclusion when she crashes (literally) a wedding and flies off the end of a dock, landing in a passing boat, and the underwear blows back into its owner’s hands. The cow calmly steps ashore and goes about her usual business. The story is told with a dry wit and an economy of words, and the illustrations interpret the action with panache. Denton uses the spreads to distinct advantage as his bovine heroine careens and caroms from one potential disaster to the next. The cartoon illustrations bounce with energy and are suffused with warm colors. Udders and undies combine to make this funny read-aloud a sure hit.–Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

PreS-K–French includes 12 untold stories that give background and context for such familiar rhymes as “Little Miss Muffet,” “Georgie Porgie,” “Old King Cole,” and “Hickory, Dickory, Dock.” In “Hey, Diddle, Diddle,” a cow named Lilly leaves home because she wants to be famous. Soon she meets a dog that is carrying a basket with “a grumpy-looking tin dish and an angry-looking silver spoon” and is practicing to be a juggler. Although Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel’s And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon (Harcourt, 2001) expands this favorite rhyme into a humorous story and Mini Grey’s The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon (Knopf, 2006) tells what happens after the dish and the spoon run away, there is always room for another original tale. Four European illustrators contribute lively, colorful, and witty illustrations that adeptly articulate the cozy narratives. There is pleasing variety in the size, shape, and placement of the visuals that masterfully adorn the large-print text. Images include a roof of a house that is made out of wool from black sheep, a mermaid named Mary tending a garden, and an old king playing the Scottish “pipes.” All of the details stand out clearly on the bright white background. Children will enjoy this sprightly collection that affectionately showcases favorite Mother Goose characters.–Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

PreS-K–Sam and his older sister are spending the day pursuing various entertainments. While Stella reads, paints, and works on craft projects, she keeps track of her brother’s activities by asking periodically, “What are you doing, Sam?” The boy keeps busy with his dog, Fred, making him pancakes, playing hide-and-seek, and more. Stella looks in on Sam from time to time, but is never perturbed by the mess left in the wake of this small and very active child. The deceptively simple illustrations were created with a variety of materials: watercolor, HB pencil, colored pencils, collage, and acrylic ink. The smallest details add to the charm of the pictures: Sam walks around with only one sock on; he calls out his commands to a decidedly inert dog; and he borrows his grandmother’s glasses to aid Fred in learning to read. Another charming tale about these siblings that will delight all who enter their cozy realm.-–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 2–Octavia Octopus and her marine friends like to play a game called “how to hide from a hungry creature.” When Octavia boasts that she can squirt a purple ink cloud to help her escape, all she can manage are yellow, orange, green, red, and blue ink clouds. But practice makes perfect, and when a hungry shark looms up and the other creatures hide, Octavia manages to squirt a big dark purple cloud and escapes in the nick of time. Large, bright, sometimes garish illustrations show the underwater animals in detail. A page on camouflage and protection and other “fun facts” about the octopus help make this a learning tool for classrooms. Less-well-advised is a “Color your own ink cloud” craft page, intended to be copied or downloaded, which is an open invitation for the first enthusiastic young patron to ruin the book. Strictly additional.–Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

Gr 1-5–This stunningly illustrated picture book is based on a Midrash about a white ram that is made by God on the sixth day of creation for a single purpose–to sacrifice himself on the altar in exchange for Abraham’s son. The art, done in pen and ink, oils, and colored pencil, is mesmerizing. With a captivating use of language along with true drama, Gerstein tells of the ram that patiently awaits the moment when he can play his part in God’s plan. “I must save the boy!” he repeats, and the story takes on a true sense of urgency. The selfless act contributes much to subsequent Jewish history, and thus to the entire world. Young children might be frightened by “the evil one,” who is depicted as taking many clever forms in order to foil the ram’s intention, but most kids will find the tale exciting. Both Judaic and Christological references can be gleaned from the text, but the story is truly ecumenical and would be universal to all belief systems. Dedicated to “all our fellow animals from whom we take and receive so much,” this book is sure to provoke thought and provide a moment of reflection about those in our lives who sacrifice so much for us. A masterful melding of illustration and story, The White Ram will enhance all collections.–Lisa Silverman, Sinai Temple Library, Los Angeles

K-Gr 1–“I’ve got an elephant…” the rhyme begins. “But when I go to school, he gets lonely and then…He goes out and brings home an elephant friend.” This sets the pattern for a busy little girl and her loyal pachyderms who fight loneliness after each successive activity by simply adding another friend to their growing numbers. Soon the house is filled with them engaging in tail-to-trunk carefree play. Soothing cartoon pastels frame elephant antics on the way to school, shopping, swimming, in tutus and tights, at the movies, fishing, or at tea. Each frame captures the joie de vivre of the activity or the devastation of being left behind. New additions to the group provide the opportunity to watch for details–elephants unsure of their dance steps, forcing huge feet into the girl’s tiny new shoes, and intently watching their lures while fishing. What to do with so many elephants? The heroine cries “ENOUGH!” and finds a perfect solution as she once again begins counting with a new friend. An entertaining addition to collections of counting tales.–Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

K-Gr 3–A clever and unique picture book that is illustrated with digital images of objects arranged in collages. “One night, all of a sudden, the world split in two.” An elephant loses his back half, and the sections wander around the world trying out new partners and discovering the advantages of being separate. Suddenly things snap back into place and the two are reunited (but not quite the same as before). The artwork is full of interesting details to pore over: nuts and bolts, washers, screws, wood pieces, springs, paintbrushes, and other everyday items are scattered across the pages, even creeping into the font every so often. On one spread, the halves of many animals circle the pages, tempting readers to match them up. This imaginative book could be used in storytime, but it will work best with individual readers who can delight over the inventive constructions.–Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

K-Gr 2–This slight story is about a child’s first soccer practice. Because Luke is always kicking either a ball or his sister’s stuffed animals around the house, his parents decide that it is time for him to join a soccer team. He has a lot to learn but, amazingly, he scores a goal during the practice match, earning the admiration of his new teammates. At the conclusion of the story, the coach invites the team to watch a real soccer game where Luke’s family encourages Nick, the best player on the team, to sit with them in the bleachers. Illustrations are animated and colorful. Side sketches add humor by showing a kangaroo and a rabbit demonstrating various skills such as the bicycle kick, push-pass, and header. Related terms, such as “substitution bench” and “playing field,” are noted in a spread, along with superfluous illustrations labeled “back of a soccer jersey” and “front of a soccer jersey” as well as “notebook,” “pen,” and “whistle.” A board game is appended. Pass on this title for one with more substance about a beginner learning the game.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

PreS–This winsome title features two little green birds, nine big trucks, and one warm surprise. On his way to the florist to buy a gift for his friend Amy, Ivan passes lots of delivery vans filled with goodies, all heading the other way. Little does he know that their cargo is her special surprise for him. “What is in the blue truck?” Youngsters lift the flap to find out, eventually counting from one birthday cake to 10 flowers at Frank’s shop. Harper’s lighthearted acrylic illustrations are plain and uncluttered, despite their busy patchwork backdrop.–Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

Gr 2-4–Two brothers have matching humps but they have very different personalities. Morris is happy with his life and celebrates the wonders around him. Boris is angry and treats the world with contempt. After a journey, Morris is rewarded for his kindness with the loss of his hump. Boris sees this change and sets out on the same journey. Yet, instead of disappearing, his hump grows larger. In the end, he realizes the error of his ways and resolves to change. The illustrations, which alternate between black-and-white ink drawings and full-color spreads and panels, evoke a feeling of mystery and have hidden creatures in the trees and bushes. However, the details are tiny and will be difficult to share with a group. While the story shares elements of many traditional tales, the focus on the appreciation of nature and enjoyment of life sets it apart.–Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

Gr 1-3–Otoshi’s considerable talents are grievously misplaced in this self-serving tribute to the cinema. Tiny Marcello Mousetriani loves movies and dreams of making a film of his own. He overcomes obstacles, including a lack of equipment (everything he needs is conveniently abandoned in an attic), a lack of budget (he forages for food, yet “hires” a swing gang), and, of course, the constant threat of cat attacks. After a lot of hard work, he finally completes his masterpiece–whatever that is, since the creative vision that drives him receives only cursory attention. But nevermind; it’s brilliant. Next thing we know, Marcello is at the M.I.C.E. Awards, accepting accolades as Best Director. Hockinson’s facile text is loaded with industry jargon and silly wordplay that will hold little meaning for young readers. The book looks great, but high style is no compensation for poor substance; this whole project belongs on the cutting-room floor.–Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

PreS-Gr 1–As a little girl prepares for bed, she gets her wide-awake stuffed animals ready, too. One by one, she hushes them as she bathes, brushes her teeth, and puts on her pajamas. Eventually everyone is settled down and tucked in for the night. The story is told in rhyming couplets that are effective despite some stretches. “My polka-dot pig/plays electric guitar./Hush, dotted pig–wish on a star./My little red hen/eats alphabet soup./Hush, little hen–/climb into your coop.” The watercolor spreads enliven the text with fun depictions of the toys’ antics. The illustrations are framed by a color border and contain rich details that will engage readers. The background activities include a cat-and-mouse chase, a teddy bear brushing her teeth, and a cow searching a drawer for pajamas. Good for bedtime or a sleep-themed storytime.–Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

Gr 2-4–This lovely early chapter book, the third in a series about fourth-grader Winnie, is full of quiet emotions and on-target observations about the way young children think and act. Winnie’s friend Zoe represents their school in the city spelling bee. Vanessa, her other best pal, is in the high school’s production of The Sound of Music. Winnie, trying to find what she does best, enters an art contest run by a local museum. At school, she is paired with a defiant kindergartener, John Stuart, as a reading buddy. While keying in on his interests and helping him to learn to read, she finds that they have something in common; Winnie’s mom died soon after she was born, and John Stuart’s mom is sick and his father is absent. Later, when his mom is rushed to the hospital, Winnie can either stay with the frightened little boy or see how she does at the art contest. Choosing the right thing to do does not come easily. By the end, she realizes that although she draws well, she’s best at being a friend. Simple line drawings add charm and whimsy and effectively depict the characters’ feelings. Winnie is a well-rounded and earnest protagonist who can comfortably join the ranks of spunky girls like Amber Brown, Ramona, and Junie B. Jones.–Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

PreS–The first book brings to life the frustrations of a small green ferret whose large blue hippo friend is too busy “plonking” the piano to play with him. Toddlers are sure to empathize with HaHa when Bea refuses to be enticed away with offers of toys and games. The clear, colorful cartoon illustrations do an excellent job of telling the story and conveying strong emotion. This clever book incorporates themes of problem solving, friendship, and cooperation. The emotional component is comparable to that in David Shannon’s No, David! (Scholastic, 1998). In the second title, Bea climbs “up, up, up” a ladder without explanation. HaHa’s attempts to get her to come down are in vain until he announces, “I’m going to go eat some yogurt,” and she responds with a cry for help. While toddlers may empathize with the feeling of being ignored, HaHa’s attempt at reverse psychology will most likely pass them by. This book is a curious mix of sophisticated emotions and the concept of up and down. Preschoolers will do better with Sandra Boynton’s Opposites (S & S, 1982) and, for dealing with basic emotional quandaries, Pat Hutchins’s Titch (S & S, 1971) or Mo Willems’s Knuffle Bunny (Hyperion, 2004).–Tamara E. Richman, Somerset County Library System, Bridgewater, NJ

K-Gr 3–In this utterly delightful peek into the secret lives of toys, three beloved playthings participate in a series of small adventures. StingRay is a plush stuffed animal who enjoys acting the know-it-all. Lumphy is a tough little buffalo who doesn’t mind the occasional cuddle. And Plastic (whose physical appearance is kept mysterious for quite some time) is a sensible bouncy ball. They are the best friends of a little girl and they deal with the world around them in their own particular manner. From meditating on the scary unknown (washing machines) to understanding what makes an individual special, Jenkins gives readers an early chapter book with plenty of delightful insights, well-thought-out details, and loving affection for her characters. Here is a book bound to be a favorite with any child who has ever adored an inanimate object. Zelinsky’s beautifully detailed black-and-white illustrations are a lovely addition to this very special book.–Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library

Gr 1-3–Willie and his sidekicks, Lucy and Kyle, solve another mystery in this fifth entry in the series. Developers are planning to tear down Oak Hill Cemetery, and anonymous notes indicate that its inhabitants would prefer not to move. Concerned that their client is a ghost or a corpse, Willie and friends hire their arch-enemy and neighborhood bully, Chuckie, for “24-hour protection” just in case. Mild slapstick humor and a talking parrot help bring the case to a satisfactory conclusion. Numerous black-and-white illustrations, some full page, accompany the text. Joosse stays in safe, comfortable territory with daylight cemetery visits and plenty of humor infused to keep situations light, while Chuckie’s entrepreneurial spirit (he charges for information as well as protection) adds a subplot to this detective tale. This isn’t an essential purchase, but it’s a decent choice for readers looking for easy chapter books.–Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

PreS-Gr 1–In celebration of the United Nations International Day of Peace on September 21, the author of The Colors of Us (Holt, 1999) delivers another delightful foray into diversity. One side of each spread features a lively scene from a particular country (“Meena lives in India”), while opposite, a close-up portrait shows a child who wishes readers peace in his or her own language: “Meena says shanti (SHAHN-tee).” The last few pages make the point that no matter where they live, all children want the same things, “to go to school, to walk in their towns and cities, to play outside…to share food with their families…and feel safe. No matter how we say it, we all want peace.” The book closes with an outline world map with tiny images of the youngsters shown waving from their homelands, and a list of other words for peace. Created in collage and mixed media, the vivacious illustrations are filled with movement and energy. Katz’s happy, round-faced characters and bold folk-art colors and patterns work beautifully to lighten up the message. A simple, buoyantly illustrated look at the wonderful variety of lifestyles across the globe and the similarities of children everywhere.–Shelley B. Sutherland, Niles Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 2–Keller takes on the subject of name calling in a gentle, simple, and compassionate manner. Rose the fox uses her exceptional sense of smell to find things that others lose, such as a lipstick that “smells red,” a baseball that “smells new,” and the baby’s bottle that smells like milk. Because of her abilities, she is dubbed Nosy Rosie, a name that everyone thinks is funny except Rose. Finally, when family members beg her to find their missing items, she shouts, “I don’t hear you because that’s not my name.” The heartfelt dialogue poignantly conveys the little fox’s hurt feelings and reads aloud perfectly. The colorful mixture of robust watercolors and simple black lines touchingly reveals each character’s attitude through expressive body movement rather than facial features. Each spread has one big illustration that sometimes fills the entire page and an opposite page that displays smaller vignettes on a clean white background. The large text is easy to see even on a colored background, and the satisfying conclusion is one that children will cheer. A great choice to start a discussion of this issue, as well as a sweet story.–Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

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