Preschool to Grade 4 Cont.

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-- School Library Journal, 09/01/2006

Fiction Cont.

SCHNEIDER, Howie. Wilky the White House Cockroach illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Putnam Sept. 2006. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-399-24388-7. LC 2005026897.

K-Gr 3–Wilky, a small cockroach who lives in the back of a DC pizza parlor, wants to follow in the footsteps of his adventurous uncle Julius. His mother encourages him to stay put and out of trouble, but the youngster has been hit by wanderlust. The first chance he gets, he stows away in a pizza box and winds up in the Oval Office. A madcap search ensues, as the President says, “FIND THAT COCKROACH! And step on it!” Wilky manages to outsmart all of the President’s men and women (including the Exterminator General) and in the end, the Commander in Chief declares a truce and Wilky is named the White House Cockroach. Schneider’s zany illustrations are filled with sophisticated humor. The story, however, is slight and the writing is occasionally awkward. Most libraries can skip this silly bit of fluff.–Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

PreS-Gr 3–“After school each afternoon, Luisa’s bus drops her at the door to the World.” Walter’s World of Beauty that is, where her mother is a stylist, saving tips so she can give her daughter the world in the form of college funds. While the woman works, Luisa “cuts and colors and curls” delightful mixed-media portraits of the customers and plans a surprise birthday party for her beloved parent. A photo at mama’s station, taken in the past, reveals a joyful, dancing couple in a place mama calls “Roseland.” It is this mood and setting that Luisa yearns to re-create as she exchanges secret messages with the clientele. Schotter’s nimble use of alliteration and words with multiple meanings adds depth and richness to the text. The characters are quirky and distinctive, captured in all their glory by Gallagher’s dynamic oils. Mama, a life-giving force, is clad in a warm green dress, framed by plants. The cool twilight hues bathing the city streets contrast with the golden glow of the after-hours salon party, where hopeful anticipation yields to an appreciative maternal clasp–and dancing ensues. Matter-of-fact about the realities of life with and as a single parent, while mindful of the benefits of participating in a larger community, this tale of a hardworking mother and a thoughtful daughter brings to mind the family in Vera B. Williams’s A Chair for My Mother (HarperCollins, 1982). These are scenes to savor, snuggled closely one-on-one, or shared with a group.–Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

PreS-Gr 3–In this picture-book version of a song written and recorded in 1991 by the authors, an African-American boy describes a scraggly homeless man as smelling funny and being “a little bit weird.” One day Dad offers Joe a job sweeping his storefront sidewalk. When the youngster asks his father why he is helping the man, Dad explains, “Every heart needs a chance to shine,/to be wanted by someone somewhere down the line./We’re all meant to write on the pages of time.” Joe’s quality work earns him a promotion and he is soon back on his feet. The thought-provoking story concludes with the boy incorporating his father’s message into his own relationships with other children, whom he used to call “strange.” Double-page acrylic paintings create the mood and emotion for the text with warm hues and expressive characters. The story is set against a realistic-looking urban backdrop. Sunbursts in bright shades decorate the yellow endpapers. This powerful book would be a good choice to stimulate classroom discussions about helping, sharing, giving, understanding, and differences.–Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

PreS-Gr 1–Farmer McPhee delights in his grove of lemon trees. Each perfect lemon is tasty, tart, and, most importantly, yellow. His pride fairly bursts off the page, as does his outrage when he discovers a red lemon on one of his trees. He cannot imagine a world in which lemonade is red and cupcakes are crimson. In a fit of anger, he hurls the offending fruit across the sea to a distant island. Two hundred years pass and McPhee’s prized lemon tree groves are replaced by weeds. But on the island, a vibrant city has grown up around a grove of red lemon trees. As it turns out, these lemons are six times sweeter than yellow ones, and now people travel across oceans and seas to get them. Bold, enticing illustrations dominate the pages. Staake creates a fun, dynamic world reminiscent of Dr. Seuss’s in its sweeping arcs, bright colors, multicolored cartoon people, and effortlessly rhyming text. The circles used to create Farmer McPhee and his trees give the book a polished, graphic-arts feel. Pair this tangy tale with Laura Vaccaro Seeger’s Lemons Are Not Red (Roaring Brook, 2004) for a refreshing storytime combination.–Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR

Gr 2-4–This retelling of “Cinderella” butchers the integrity of the original. Trolls Trollerella and her brother Victroll live under a castle bridge. He’s proud of his ugliness, but she longs to be beautiful. One day, she finds an invitation to Prince Charming’s ball, but she accidentally drops it down a well, where it is retrieved by the tooth fairy. Made to seem beautiful for one night by the fairy’s spell, Trollerella dances with the prince, then panics and runs away just as another girl arrives by pumpkin carriage. Both ladies lose glass slippers, but the Prince finds Trollerella’s and she claims her place as his bride. Meanwhile, the real Cinderella heads for the city to start her own cleaning business. Blending folkloric elements from a variety of traditions, the author has created a mishmash of a story. The fairy’s obsession with good dental hygiene is annoying and misplaced, and Victroll is underutilized as a greedy sidekick. The computer-enhanced illustrations have garish colors and exaggerated cartoon characters.–Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI

Gr 3-5–The members of the large Flood family find themselves aboard a shabby cruise ship, with five of the children on their way to a new school. Eight-year-old Corby is the youngest and most resourceful of the lot, and as the S. S. Euphonia sails past the magical Dalcretian coast, she reads longingly about its wonders in Hoffendinck’s Guide, a Baedeker-style travel guide. Curious Corby follows the other passengers around the ship, trying to find out everything she can about them, especially the Brotherhood of Clowns, five odd men in green bowler hats who appear to be plotting something sinister. When they catch her overhearing their scheme, they chase her on motorized deck chairs, and she barely escapes. While hiding from them in a crate of canned goods, Corby is unknowingly delivered to the Greek-like fishing town of Doralakia, which she had dreamed of seeing–but not while her family sails away without her. Stewart and Riddell follow up Fergus Crane (Random, 2006) with this second tongue-in-cheek mock-historical volume in the series. Like their “Edge Chronicles” (Random), Corby Flood is filled with Riddell’s striking line drawings of peculiar characters, weird mechanical devices, and odd creatures. Fantasy fans will smile through to the end of this silly melodrama.–Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–Four-line rhymes touch on one event or activity for each month of the year. Some of the selections are obvious–New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day. Other holidays, like the Fourth of July, are not included. July’s verse is about “Magic Camp.” December’s verse is not holiday specific, but the picture has both a Christmas tree and a menorah in the window. The photo illustrations of pompon chicks posed in miniature sets provide more interest than the text. Young readers will enjoy finding small objects and details, but they will likely miss the picture “story” and the humor. The verses are not particularly clever. “On Saint Patrick’s we march in the yearly parade./There’s music and dancing and green lemonade./I walk down the street with my whole Girl Scout troop./It would have been fun, had I not slipped in poop.” The brief rhymes and appealing illustrations seem to indicate a good choice for preschoolers. Unfortunately, the book does not live up to these expectations.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

Gr 2-4–Paws the dachshund has an impossible, wonderful dream. More than anything else in the world, he hopes to someday become a boy just like his owner. The pup imagines that life would be particularly sweet if he were able to walk and run on two legs just like Jimmy and his family. Then he could run faster, use his hands to play ball, and maybe even use a mitt! So when Paws hears that a mysterious character called The Great Mae can grant him his wish, he goes on a quest to find her. What he realizes, however, is that sometimes it’s great to be just the way you are. The book offers up an already familiar message without spending too much time on character or narrative, and it comes across as didactic rather than insightful. The thick watercolors are sometimes too simplistic. All in all, there are better early chapter books out there.–Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library

K-Gr 2–Pete loves to play pirates, but his mom never wants to play along. Her latest plan to get out of it includes tickets to see the Amazing Marco. When it is time for the Hypno-Trance, it is, of course, Pete’s mother who is called up on stage. Marco asks what she should be turned into and Pete calls out, “A pirate!” Suddenly, Marco is called away. His wife is having a baby and Pete’s mom is left as a pirate. There are many pages of her shaking her mixing spoon, her eye ablaze (the other eye has a black patch), and shouting at people. The worst part is when the PTA arrives for their meeting and she demands their loot. Pete then rushes her to the hospital, where the Amazing Marco restores her to her former self. In the end, Pete receives two more tickets from the magician to make up for his trouble. With fairly realistic illustrations but a dry plot, there is nothing particularly bad about Pirate Mom, but there is little to recommend it, either.–Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City

PreS-K–A brief rhyming text is accompanied by full-color, full-page photographs of fluffy, white-haired puppies in various states of activity. Large, two-word captions accompany each picture (“Puppy large/Puppy small/Puppy white/Puppy ball”). Although some of the language (such as “Puppy prance” and “Puppy pair”) may be too sophisticated for the intended audience, adults can use the photos to explain the unfamiliar terms. An adorable addition for animal collections.–Cathie Bashaw Morton, Millbrook Central School District, NY

PreS-Gr 2–With simple text and hilarious illustrations, this story delivers an easy-to-digest language lesson. The barnyard is in a flurry as a fox races around, under, and off to catch a mouse. Grandma is sent sailing, the chickens all go cross-eyed, and the horses turn snaggle-toothed with surprise. What does Fox do when he finally catches up with the frenzied Mouse? “Tag! You’re it!” Walton excels at making grammar accessible, and this title is a shining example. Each of Bradshaw’s bright, oversize illustrations clearly supports the accompanying text. Children will laugh out loud at the animals’ exaggerated postures and facial expressions. Those seeking a more detailed explanation of prepositions may prefer Brian P. Cleary’s Under, over, by the Clover: What Is a Preposition? (Carolrhoda, 2002) or Ruth Heller’s Behind the Mask: A Book about Prepositions (Grosset & Dunlap, 1995). However, Walton’s picture book is just plain fun. A welcome addition to storytime and language-arts repertoires.–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 4–A wave deposits an old-fashioned contraption at the feet of an inquisitive young beachcomber. It’s a “Melville underwater camera,” and the excited boy quickly develops the film he finds inside. The photos are amazing: a windup fish, with intricate gears and screwed-on panels, appears in a school with its living counterparts; a fully inflated puffer, outfitted as a hot-air balloon, sails above the water; miniature green aliens kowtow to dour-faced sea horses; and more. The last print depicts a girl, holding a photo of a boy, and so on. As the images become smaller, the protagonist views them through his magnifying glass and then his microscope. The chain of children continues back through time, ending with a sepia image of a turn-of-the-20th-century boy waving from a beach. After photographing himself holding the print, the youngster tosses the camera back into the ocean, where it makes its way to its next recipient. This wordless book’s vivid watercolor paintings have a crisp realism that anchors the elements of fantasy. Shifting perspectives, from close-ups to landscape views, and a layout incorporating broad spreads and boxed sequences, add drama and motion to the storytelling and echo the photographic theme. Filled with inventive details and delightful twists, each snapshot is a tale waiting to be told. Pair this visual adventure with Wiesner’s other works, Chris Van Allsburg’s titles, or Barbara Lehman’s The Red Book (Houghton, 2004) for a mind-bending journey of imagination.–Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3–Borrowing from familiar cumulative children’s rhymes and stories, Wild adds her own inimitable touch to this offering about a crooked man, his crooked cat, and their crooked mouse, all living in their crooked little house. The residents cannot remain in their home because of its unfortunate location at the side of the railroad tracks. Thus, one move leads to another, from a desert vicinity to riverside property. “So with a creak and a groan, the little crooked house heaved itself up, and took a step....Then it ran.” Although the group experiences some disastrous events, each one plays out with humorous results, and all the while the slightly askew family sings, “Yippee-yi-yay!” Bentley’s rollicking, rowdy watercolor illustrations beckon readers to come along on this topsy-turvy trip. This wild and bumpy ride through several locations is one that readers and listeners alike will delight in and want to repeat, perhaps singing “Yippee-yi-yay” again and again themselves.–Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA

K-Gr 2–Edwina the dinosaur is known and loved throughout the town for her many acts of kindness and her excellent chocolate-chip cookies. The literal-minded class know-it-all, Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie, sets out to prove to everyone that dinosaurs are extinct. No one pays the slightest attention to him; ironically, only Edwina is convinced (not that she cares). In the end, as Reginald sits enjoying her cookies, he finds that he doesn’t care either. Willems’s expressive cartoon style makes the most of his fabled ability with line. Readers will enjoy Edwina in her straw hat, handbag, delicately painted claws, beribboned hat and simple strand of pearls, and especially her expression of utter shock when she realizes she is extinct. Aesthetically, this is neither as elegantly designed as Willems’s “Pigeon” books (Hyperion) nor as bold a departure as his Knuffle Bunny (Hyperion, 2004), but it will nonetheless please the author’s many fans. The added pleasure of finding Knuffle Bunny and Pigeon in the illustrations is an unexpected bonus.–Kate McClelland, Perrot Memorial Library, Old Greenwich, CT

K-Gr 1–This paean to love begins with a proud catalog of an enterprising child’s achievements–she can “Paint a color,/smell a flower,/draw a shape,/and name the hour.” However, “I can’t name the look/that I see on your face.” She then segues into the less concrete ways in which she perceives love. “It isn’t a color,/it isn’t a place./It’s a feeling I feel,/so appealing,/so real.” Williams describes the nature of love in specific actions such as sharing and caring: “Holding me when I cry,/helping me to try again,….” Children may be challenged by such notions as “the softness of silence,” but they are few and beautifully depicted in the luminous, mixed-media artwork. This subtle articulation of complex ideas is made all the more accessible by the inclusion of hugs and kisses. The colors, shapes, and rhymes will entrance audiences, making this a perfect book for Valentine’s Day or anytime someone wants to share those special feelings.–Tamara E. Richman, Somerset County Library System, Bridgewater, NJ

PreS–The young rabbit introduced in Tucker’s Four-Carrot School Day (HarperCollins, 2005) goes on a field trip to Farmer Sam’s Apple Orchard. He promises to bring home enough apples for a pie, but he has many things to see and eagerly lends a hand to his classmates. When the bus is ready to leave, Tucker realizes that he has no apples, and the others share a portion of their pickings with him because he was such a good friend and helper. At home the Rabbit family enjoys the pie and expresses their pride in Tucker. The sweet watercolor-and-ink paintings quietly illustrate the comfort and security of family life. Pair this seasonal title with Monica Wellington’s Apple Farmer Annie (Dutton, 2001) or Anne Rockwell’s Apples and Pumpkins (S & S, 1989).–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

Gr 2-5–Darcy Heart O’Hara, the only daughter in a large Irish family, lives in a small cottage in Pobble O’Keefe in the 1840s. Born with a gift of seeing small beauties, she finds rocks, petals, and feathers and slips them into the hem of her ragged dress. The family reluctantly emigrates to America, and it is Darcy’s small beauties that remind them of their old home and give them strength to move on in their new one. Woodruff subtly captures the lilt of Irish dialect, inviting reading the text aloud. Her smooth and descriptive prose takes readers along on the O’Haras’ journey, capturing joyful times when “her father danced a jig in the firelight” and Granddad spun tales “in the glow of the peat fire….” Rex’s mixed-media earth-tone illustrations are extraordinarily evocative, offering touching scenes with expressive faces and deep emotion. Rich in detail of the Irish landscape, the art gives a deeper understanding of this powerful story. Together, text and illustrations create a “small beauty” that gives a human face to immigration.–Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

PreS-K–This follow-up to Baby Bear’s Chairs (Harcourt, 2005) is a sweetly illustrated poem about a cub’s passion for books. Baby Bear loves to be read to, and from morning until bedtime, he convinces a loved one to share a tale or two. He and his ever-present stuffed bee listen with rapt attention, and sometimes he returns the favor by “reading” a wordless book aloud. Rhyming couplets reveal a day in the life of this much-cherished cub as his parents and older brother indulge his delight in the written word. Mixed-media and collage illustrations create a warm and comfortable world filled with honey gathering, fishing, eating, and relaxing, pastimes that are all accompanied by books. Plaids, checks, stripes, and polka dots decorate the clothing and household of this happy family. Piled-up volumes are found on tabletops, the front porch, shelves, and even the hammock. The charming double-page pictures are large enough to share with groups, and the rhymes will engage listeners.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

K-Gr 4–This pop-up tour de force abounds with humor, vibrant artwork, and visual fireworks. A sweet-faced tyke, attired in a sky-blue onesie and fuzzy hat, toddles into a creepy house. Unperturbed by his gruesome surroundings, he encounters one monster after another, calmly asking each, “Mommy?” Although the creatures try their best to scare him, the child’s unwavering smile and mischievous actions quickly clarify who’s in charge. The youngster corks a ghoul’s fang-filled mouth with a pacifier, removes the bolts from Frankenstein’s neck, unwraps a startled mummy, and pulls down a werewolf’s pants before making his way to the welcoming arms of Frankenstein’s bride (“Baby!”). Masterfully illustrated in Sendak’s familiar style and muted palette, the almost-wordless pages are chock-full of skeletons, mysterious lab equipment, and strange vessels brimming with unidentifiable contents. Amusing details include a framed baby picture of a dour-faced, diaper-clad Frankenstein and the werewolf’s bright-yellow boxers. Each three-dimensional spread features an additional foldout pop-up, adding another element of surprise. The effects are delightful, as characters burst from hiding places with limbs flailing, heads move and eyes open and close, and the mummy–complete with shoelace bandages–spins around and around as the boy tugs a loose end. A fun, not-too-frightening romp that’s loaded with child appeal.–Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

Gr 3-6–An attractive picture-book biography, this slim, oversize volume is as much a treat for the eye as it is for the curious mind. Smith’s crisp, realistic paintings, often flooded with the bright green of pea plants, accompany Bardoe’s readable text describing a scientist whose physical and educational needs led him to the religious life, but whose curiosity about inherited traits caused him to become the “father” of genetics. Bright diagrams clearly depict Mendel’s famous plants, the internal arrangement of their seeds, and the results of carefully controlled experiments in cross-breeding with certain traits firmly in mind. An extensive author’s note presents further information. This eye-catching picture-book biography falls nicely into a field that already includes the complexities of Peter Sís’s fascinating The Tree of Life (Farrar, 2003), Michael Dooling’s handsome Young Thomas Edison (Holiday House, 2005), James Cross Giblin’s eloquent Thomas Jefferson (Scholastic, l994), and Diane Stanley’s attractive Leonardo da Vinci (Morrow, 1996).–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 3-5–Illustrated spreads highlight various aspects of each civilization, including people and customs (both the rich and the poor), occupations, religion, the military, clothing, family life, etc. The brief descriptions can be choppy–“Women ran the households. Children didn’t go to school.” Sidebars and informative pictures help clarify particular points throughout the texts. While the maps provide a geographical context invaluable to newcomers, there are some inaccuracies; for example, Ireland is labeled Great Britain on one map, and another combines Roman place names like Gaul with modern ones like Germany and Italy. The books tend to feature breadth over depth, eliminating or glossing over the kinds of things that would hook young readers, like gory specifics about Viking raids or Mayan sacrifices. Browsers will come away with a fundamental understanding of each civilization, but serious students may need more. Series such as “You Wouldn’t Want To…” (Watts) or the “Eyewitness” books (DK) better engage readers at this age level, with both interesting tidbits and eye-catching graphics.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

PreS-Gr 2–This newly illustrated edition of a 1986 title introduces the concept of air, its presence in our world, and its importance to the environment. The text describes several interesting facts, clearly explaining ideas and incorporating experiments that are easy to reproduce at home or in the classroom. The appealing artwork supports the narrative and takes readers on a journey through the natural world. Produced in pen and warm, earthy watercolors, the pictures are filled with amusing details. Additional, easy-to-replicate activities are appended. This book serves as a wonderful starting point for educators beginning a unit on an integral part of our ecosystem and would be an asset to any science collection.–Hope Marie Cook, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic

Gr 1-2–Bullard describes different types of cranes and explains how they are used in construction and other jobs. The average-quality color photographs are informative and help to elucidate the text. A page of facts about cranes and a drawing of a tower crane with the parts labeled are appended. An easy-to-read addition.–Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

Gr 2-5–This graphically appealing, colorful, and fact-rich “story” describes the importance of food to the body by following an apple as it goes through the human digestion system. While there is no index, it is fairly easy to find information on each stage of digestion, from eating, saliva production, and movement through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines to the happy ending. Abundant, humorous cartoons and clever text handle explanations of belching, passing gas, and diarrhea. This picture book would be useful for reports, but it’s more for general interest.–JoAnn Jonas, Chula Vista Public Library, San Diego, CA

Gr 1-4–These simple concept books are full of pizzazz and wonderfully illustrated with digital graphics that show kids doing typical kid things. The lumberman on the cover of Cut may not be as enticing as the active children depicted on the other titles. The book also has fewer internal pictures of youngsters, although there is a spread of a boy surrounded by wedges of cake, pie, and pizza. Other spreads depict and discuss doorstops, nails, and airplane wings. In Roll, skateboards, playground slides, and roller coasters are used as examples. Best of all is Scoop, which clearly describes several versions of the lever, found in the playground, garage, and kitchen. Tiresdiscusses wheel sizes, gears, cranks, etc. Unfortunately, “axles” is misspelled on the cover. Each book has an activity and “Fun Facts.” The FactHound Web sites listed add more information, but don’t take kids to any fun, interactive sites. If you have Sally Hewitt’s Machines We Use (Children’s Press, 1998) or Anne Welsbacher’s “Understanding Simple Machines” series (Capstone, 2001), you may not need these books.–Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

Gr 1-3–These concept books define the parts of speech and give examples of their usage. The examples are in capital letters and in a color different from the surrounding text. Bright acrylic illustrations will help younger children visualize each part of speech. They are full of movement and color and make the books inviting. These titles are excellent resources to use along with Ruth Heller’s books on the parts of speech.–Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA

Gr 3-5–Each book begins by detailing a major historical conflict and its outcome: the Trail Where They Cried in Cherokee and the Battle of Little Big Horn in Sioux. Englar then describes the tribe’s history as it relates to its geography, environment, religion, and customs before and after European contact. Discussions of major European conflicts, life today, and tribal achievements are also included. Both titles have black-and-white and color drawings and reproductions and color photos. These clearly written books are suitable for reports.–G. Alyssa Parkinson, Highland Township Library, MI

Gr 1-5–A proud girl relates the busy goings-on around her house in preparation for two Jewish holidays that occur in the fall. More an explanation of the observances than a story, the book would be most useful in (non-Orthodox) Jewish schools or with children interested in learning about various religious and family rituals. The text is well written, and the general warmth of the family gatherings and pride of faith show through. Most touching is the scene of the narrator imagining her biblical ancestors sitting beside her in the outdoor sukkah as she eats at the table in the “cool night breeze.” The lovely, muted pastel illustrations are an excellent accompaniment to the lyrical text. There is a scarcity of children’s books dealing with these two celebrations, so it is a pleasure to see such a fine one.–Lisa Silverman, Sinai Temple Library, Los Angeles

Gr 1-4–Combining 17 rhythmic poems with dramatic illustrations, this title addresses a complex topic. Greenfield’s deceptively simple verses express universal truths about both conflict and childhood. The introductory piece, “I Think I Know,” offers an innocent explanation of the causes of war, much like a playground scuffle. Other selections highlight moments such as a parade of battle-ready warriors in ancient Egypt, a shell-shocked father’s return from the American Revolution, and a young artist who tries to hold onto dreams despite the effects of combat in Iraq. The final poem summarizes the book’s message: “We are surrounded by love,/taking us through/the danger days….We are the children…still.” Gilchrist’s artwork captures the intensity of the verses, depicting conflicts from different historical periods and locations, as well as typical childhood pursuits. The spreads employ a combination of line-and-wash paintings, charcoal sketches, and photographs, and the use of collage underscores the sense of war’s effects being superimposed on a youngster’s world. This special book, which needs to be introduced and placed in context by an adult, makes a great starting point for discussion.–Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI

Gr 3-5–Accompanying each category of rude child (“They’re enormously foul,/Crude, rude, loud, and mean–/The worst-mannered kids/That you’ve ever seen!”) are exuberant line drawings of the malefactor at work and a small self-portrait of the artist offering a running commentary. The title of each poem, “Lousy Listener,” “Belcher,” etc., is hand-lettered in an appropriate wanted-poster style. The child appeal in this assortment of ill-mannered kids is undeniable: “This angel-faced girl/Thinks it’s funny and smart/To smile and secretly/Fluff out a fart.” Hample’s brats belong on the shelves with William E. Cole’s Beastly Boys and Ghastly Girls (Random, 1977), and Jovial Bob Stine’s Don’t Stand in the Soup (Bantam, 1982). Miss Manners may not be amused, but most young readers will be.–Kathleen Whalin, York Public Library, ME

Gr 2-4–In rhyming verse supplemented by entertaining sidebars, this snappy title gives a tour of the history of human waste. The poems, heavy on potty humor and gross details, take readers on a journey from the time before toilet paper and the very first toilets (8000 B.C.) to those of today, including the kinds that astronauts use. While the rhyme scheme is a little inconsistent, each poem is so full of interesting trivia that readers will hardly notice. This title will make kids really think about the realities of one of their favorite subjects. Colorful cartoons punctuate the text while also adding to the silliness. Unfortunately, the last poem offers a weak conclusion to the slightly more sophisticated bathroom humor of the previous rhymes (“Let’s do it all together./Not a whisper, give a shout:/'POOPY! POOPY! POOPY!/is what this book’s about!’” Still, kids will enjoy this quick and informative read, and it will work well when paired with Susan E. Goodman’s The Truth about Poop (Viking, 2004) and Patricia Lauber’s What You Never Knew about Tubs, Toilets, and Showers (S & S, 2001).–Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

K-Gr 3–Harris opens by introducing two cartoon characters–a green-feathered bird clad in a purple shirt and blue high-top sneakers and his spike-haired friend, a bee. They wonder, “So where DO babies come from?” Their conversational commentary, given in word balloons, is a lighthearted supplement to a more focused narrative. Told in the second person, the text is straightforward, informative, and personable. Facts are presented step-by-step, starting from the similarities and differences between boys’ and girls’ bodies, moving to a baby’s conception, growth in the womb, and birth, ending with an exploration of different configurations of families as well as a section on “okay” versus “not okay” touches. The book is logically organized into 23 double-page sections. Friendly and relaxed cartoons, either interspersed with the text or appearing in comic-strip form, are integral to the title’s success in imparting the material. The labeled drawings show both the outside and the inside parts of the body. As the bee and bird say to one another, “Knowing the names of ALL the parts of your body is–PERFECTLY NORMAL!” Overall, this book will be accessible to its intended audience, comforting in its clarity and directness, and useful to a wide range of readers.–Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI

K-Gr 3–Each book describes the featured holiday’s history, customs, symbols, etc. Clear texts are presented on generous white space surrounded by wide, colorful borders (red in New Year, green in St. Patrick’s Day, orange in Thanksgiving). Each book is awash with colorful cartoon illustrations, mostly showing children celebrating the event. A “Poets’ Corner” is included in the latter two titles. Side boxes offer further information; one in New Year lists the ingredients on the Tray of Togetherness, which has compartments for eight sweet foods, each with a special holiday meaning. A recipe and a craft complete each title. These are acceptable introductions. Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith’s Celebrating Chinese New Year (Holiday House, 1998) has similar information and photographs, as do books in the “Holiday Histories” series (Heinemann Library).–Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 3-6–These guides present the rules of each game, zero in on various aspects of the sport, look at where it’s played and who plays it, and give a lot of fun facts. Softball is the best and most readable title. Figure Skating is better than average, and Lacrosse is the most technical and least interesting. It varies from the other two by having the general text divided into men’s and women’s versions of the sport. It also has a labeling error on the field description page (the endlines are on the sidelines). The photos in all three books, although colorful action shots, do not always match the texts, lose some of the details in the gutters, and seldom identify noted people in the captions. Better choices on skating include Dan Gutman’s Ice Skating (Viking, 1995), Peter Morrissey’s The Young Ice Skater (DK, 1998), and Debbi Wilkes’s The Figure Skating Book (Firefly, 2000). If you need books about lacrosse, try Lois Nicholson’s The Composite Guide to Lacrosse (Chelsea House, 1998) or Don Wells’s For the Love of Lacrosse (Weigl, 2005). Buy Softball if you need more on this topic for female readers.–Kate Kohlbeck, Randall School, Waukesha, WI

Gr 1-2–Jones highlights Kennedy’s many achievements, beginning with his service in the Navy during World War II. He offers a few details about the president’s early life and family, and his assassination. McCormick includes events from Curie’s personal life, but emphasizes the scientist’s discoveries. The book ends with mention of her daughter’s work and the two women’s Nobel Prizes. Marshall’s life is showcased from his humble beginnings in Baltimore to his seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. Text and photographs, like the one of a segregated theater, will help to familiarize readers with some difficult topics and stimulate discussion. The size of these books is perfect for young hands. The simple texts are accompanied by black-and-white and color photos and a short pictorial glossary. These titles offer students an opportunity to begin to understand the historical importance of these figures and their legacies. Welcome additions.–Cassandra A. Lopez, Northfield Elementary School, Ellicott City, MD

Gr 2-4–Focusing primarily on the four types of skunks found in North America, Mason has provided readers with an accurate, fun-to-read look at this sometimes misunderstood animal. She offers a straightforward description of the mammal’s habitat, appearance, predators, diet, reproduction, and human interaction. Realistically rendered watercolor illustrations appear on every spread, and the easy-to-read text is written on a lightly colored background. Captions accompany most paintings and further support the information being presented. Colorful “skunk fact” boxes include interesting tidbits of trivia. A solid, well-organized addition.–Cathie Bashaw Morton, Somers Library, NY

Gr 1-3–This concept book shows the different ways of moving or carrying heavy objects, using illustrations of construction beams and containers of varying weights. The cumulative increase of the weight of the objects and size of the machinery used to move them is well paced, going from a single construction worker carrying a 50-pound steel beam to a 10,000-ton tanker hauling all of the containers previously shown. The well-laid-out and clear color illustrations are on white backgrounds with large, black-type measurements labeling the weight of each object. Sharp readers, however, will question the numbers listed on the containers of the freight train as that of the pound weight of the contents (20,000 pounds incorrectly labeled as 20 tons, 5,000 pounds incorrectly labeled as 5 tons) contradicting the previous definition. An explanation of the different measuring systems for weight, standard and metric, is included. For a more thorough explanation of measurement for young children look to David M. Schwartz’s Millions to Measure (HarperCollins, 2003).–Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

Gr 1-4–Hayes, one of the Marines who struggled to thrust an American flag into a hill on Iwo Jima, became famous as a result of Joe Rosenthal’s Pulitzer Prize-winning photo. This illustrated biography gives context to a shy man who “never wanted to be a hero,” tracking his childhood on a Pima Indian reservation, his experiences at an Indian boarding school, his military action in the Pacific, his deep depression following his return home, and his death at age 32. The author glosses over the less savory details of Hayes’s later years, but acknowledges his growing problems with alcoholism. The writing is clear and avoids fictionalized thoughts or dialogue. Soft, well-composed acrylic paintings support the text. Nelson cleverly obscures the faces of the soldiers in battle, emphasizing their anonymity, conveying the fact that any one of them could have been in Hayes’s position, and underscoring his struggle to accept attention that he believed to be undeserved (“…the soldiers who died on Iwo Jima and in other battles were the real heroes”). An author’s note provides additional details and photographs. This book will prove a satisfying read for those in search of background on the iconic photograph, families looking for a patriotic story, and students seeking material on minority Americans.–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

K-Gr 3–This title combines a traditional alphabet book with a search-and-find picture puzzle. Each page is a mix of images jumbled together, and at the bottom of each page, readers are given the number of items to look for that start with a particular letter, such as 20 K’s or 8 U’s. Answer keys are provided in the back of the book. Combining a variety of elements and styles, including line drawings, etchings, and paintings in one picture creates a surrealist effect, with a hippo in a hula hoop and a patch-wearing poodle painting a portrait of a parrot. It is unlikely that youngsters will find all 32 words beginning with T unless they recognize a tapir, or remember to count the 13 turquoise trees as three words. The book’s main drawback is the complexity of the rules for play, which cover two pages at the beginning. Fans of Walter Wick’s picture-puzzle books will enjoy studying this title and may find many of the items, provided they have a firm grasp of the alphabet and a strong vocabulary.–Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR

Gr 3-5–Filled with informative tabs, lift-the-flaps, and pop-ups, this highly interactive book acts as a giant grammar lesson. Readers will learn the proper use for commas, semicolons, colons, exclamation points, dashes, and more. The text is funny as well; for example, the section called “comma jokes” shows how commas change the meaning of sentences: “Let’s eat the kids begged Mom” becomes “'Let’s eat,’ the kids begged Mom.” Children will enjoy this book, though its engineering design makes it delicate for heavy circulation. Consider a copy for reference or classroom use.–Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

Gr 2-5–This hilarious collection of illustrated poems describes the lives of well-known monsters. There’s Frankenstein, who tries to borrow food from townsfolk, but is instead pelted with garbage: “It’s true, at first/he thought the worst:/His neighbors were so rude!/But then he found/that on the ground/they’d made a mound of food.” The accompanying illustration shows the pickle-green brute happily eyeing a towering sandwich made from discarded edibles. In several comical appearances, the Phantom of the Opera bemoans the fact that he can no longer compose arias because he can’t get catchy tunes out of his head (“It’s a small world after all./Angry cursing fills the hall./Now he’s crawling up the wall./It’s a small, small world”). He eventually considers an alternate career. The Creature from the Black Lagoon ignores his mother’s advice, swims too soon after eating, and sinks; Count Dracula walks around with spinach in his teeth because no one dares tell him about it. Told with smooth, unstrained rhymes, each selection captures its subject’s voice. Rex uses an impressive variety of techniques and media in the artwork while paying homage to famed illustrators. From shiny black-and-white graphics in “Zombie Zombie,” to a Richard Scarry-esque interpretation of the Yeti, to pen-and-ink sketches of Dr. Jekyll, each creature claims its own style. The book is fresh, creative, and funny, with just enough gory detail to cause a few gasps. Kids will eat it up.–Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

Gr 3-5–This beginner’s book includes step-by-step instructions for 22 projects and is illustrated with color drawings. Younger children may need assistance with some basic tools, but, for the most part, the projects are simple to assemble. Materials lists are illustrated, showing each item and its name. Crafts include a cereal-box file, paper-plate recipe scrapbook, scrapbook pockets, and box scrapbook. For older youth, try Jill Haglund’s Scrapbooking for Kids, Ages 1 to 100 (Tweety Jill, 1999).–G. Alyssa Parkinson, Highland Township Library, MI

Gr 3-6–These eight stories, featuring characters like Molly Cottontail, Miz Grasshopper, and Miz Goose, are energetically retold from Anne Virginia Culbertson’s long out-of-print At the Big House (Bobbs-Merrill, 1904). The informative introduction states that the motivation for this book is to reintroduce female tricksters who are otherwise sparsely represented in folklore. An occasional pointed statement implies that females are more adept at thinking than males. Tales include an amusing story about Mistah Fox, who pretends to be dead; a humorous pourquoi tale that explains why roosters and toads eat grasshoppers; and a hilarious tale about Mistah Bear, who sits on a pile of pumpkins because Miz Goose convinces him that they are eggs that will hatch the family he so dearly wants. Delicious dialect and expressions convey a rural Southern flavor, yet the text is never hard to read or understand. In one story, Molly Cottontail responds to Mistah Fox, “I know I’m no more to look at these days than a lean crow with a graveyard cough.” Stunning, richly colored, detailed, and playful paintings showing animals dressed in lavish finery introduce each lively tale. The illustrations and the large-print text stand out clearly on cream-colored backgrounds. This book warrants a place in all folklore collections.–Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

K-Gr 4–This title presents elements of Native American culture, arranged alphabetically. Rhyming text meant to be read aloud is paired with side panels offering more information on each topic. Earth-tone paintings of indigenous Americans in traditional dress accompany each topic. Unfortunately, most of the faces lack individuality and some are oddly distorted. Some topics, such as “Osage Orange Tree,” seem to have been selected more out of convenience than logic. The poetry is clunky, and no pronunciation guide is offered. Moreover, listeners may have difficulty differentiating between the many Native cultures if exposed to the rhyming text alone. Some side-panel explanations are confusing, most notably the description of potlatch. Cursory mention is made of modern nations, but the focus is clearly on elements of traditional culture.–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 2-4–This easy chapter book tells the story of a group of Armenian refugee boys who made the journey from Corfu, Greece, to Georgetown, Canada, after the Armenian genocide in the early 1900s. The story, based on the experiences of one of these boys, describes a trip of sadness, anxiety, and hope from a child’s point of view. The actual genocide is briefly and gently explained in a historical note at the end. Realistic color illustrations on most pages, some of them spreads, add authenticity to the narrative. Covering an incident little known in the United States, this work would be of particular interest in areas where Armenian immigrants live, but it could also underline a general discussion of humanitarianism.–Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Gr 2-4–These titles take a cookie-cutter approach to the topics. Each volume has the same two-page introductory warning about the threats of extinction. Basic information about the animals includes habitat and food sources. Half of each book is devoted to natural dangers and human threats to the creatures’ survival. A chart illustrates the precipitous declines of population. The authors provide information about efforts groups such as the World Wildlife Fund and suggest ways readers can help save the animals. Numerous photos and a range map accompany the simple texts. Purchase as needed to bolster basic report material about one or more of these animals.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

PreS-K–“The moon has a face like the clock in the hall;/She shines on thieves on the garden wall,/On streets and fields/and harbour quays,….” Stevenson’s poetic images might seem a bit puzzling to young listeners today, but they make perfect sense juxtaposed with this satisfying visual story of a nighttime boat ride. The full moon outside a family’s house parallels the round face of the tall clock as a small boy and his father prepare for the outing. Outside, raccoons are busy on the garden wall. Lots of homey detail in the line drawings washed in watercolor sketch in the busy home life as Mom in her bathrobe and slippers and a sleepy baby stay at home while the family dog and cat curl up in the back of the pickup truck to join the outing. The poetic lines unfold with the trip through the countryside, out on the lake, and eventually back home and into bed. The loving family, their energetic pets, the homey clutter, and the lush countryside at night convey a lovely bedtime story that concludes with the morning sun rising on a new day. Stevenson’s lines fall pleasantly on the ear, and Pearson offers much to see on this moonlit night. The three stanzas of the poem appear together in reprise as the final page in a beautifully crafted interpretation that’s sure to be widely enjoyed as family reading.–Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 1-4–These picture books aim to help youngsters deal with a new sibling, moving, divorce, or a seriously ill parent. Solutions always include finding someone to talk to and getting help from friends. Important points are summarized at the end. The situations and advice are realistic and the books can possibly be useful as bibliotherapy. There is a page in the front to sign the owner’s name and a page in the back to draw a picture on the book’s topic–potential pitfalls for libraries. The “anime” cartoon-style artwork is garish and unappealing. However, the advice is sound and libraries in need of material on these topics may wish to purchase theses titles.–Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

K-Gr 3–Thomas introduces the concepts of honesty and politeness and explains why they are important and how to implement them. The texts are simple and short, with one or two sentences per spread. The watercolor-and-ink illustrations support the text. Information is provided about how to use the book. A good choice for updating social-skills sections and as a jumping-off point for discussions.–Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

Gr 2-3–This charming introduction to the peafowl family presents facts and color photographs in an easy-to-read format. Underwood covers what they eat, where they sleep, and how they care for their young. An outline drawing of a peafowl with the parts labeled and a map showing countries native to the species are included. An informative and enjoyable book.–Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

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