Preschool to Grade 4

By Staff -- School Library Journal, 10/1/2006

Fiction

PreS-Gr 1–The irrepressible chimp is back, and this time he doesn’t want to go to bed. When Mama tells Bobo that it is bathtime, he enthusiastically responds “yes, yes, yes,” but when she announces bedtime, he throws a tantrum, utilizing every toddler’s favorite word: “no!” Mama walks away, leaving her son pouting until two friends come along and play with him until he falls asleep. The elephant takes the sleeping chimp to Mama’s waiting arms and all is well. While some people may find the result of Bobo’s tantrum–that he gets to play until he falls asleep–somewhat troubling, the large, colorful pictures are so delightful that children’s enjoyment will outweigh most concerns. Preschoolers and beginning readers alike will be drawn to the cartoonlike, multimedia illustrations, which are broken up nicely into panels to lend motion and flow to the story. The generous size of the appealing illustrations and simplicity of the text will lend themselves well to group and one-on-one reading. While not an essential purchase, many libraries will want to say “YES” to this pleasant addition.–Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

Gr 2-5–Fifth-grader Wilbur Riot and his younger brother, Orville, are fighting boredom once more in this uproarious follow-up to Snarf Attack, Underfoodle, and the Secret of Life (Holiday House, 2004). Amato presents three new humorous exploits, each told in brief, fast-paced chapters, as the boys embark on a spy mission, unwittingly star in a movie, and take their mother’s place as school principal during a wacky Saturday Switch Day (“Dwitch Say”). Mom is good-natured throughout all of their antics, even getting in a joke or two of her own (sneaking plastic bugs into their sandwiches) while maintaining a level of control. An appended section compiles the brothers’ many sayings (“A bad day is like bad breath. It just gets worse unless you do something about it”) and instructions for games such as “Bye-Bye Buggie” and “Sirty Dockball.” The black-and-white cartoons, large print, and straightforward language will attract both newly confident and reluctant readers, who will want to get in on the fun. This title stands on its own, but be prepared for youngsters to demand more about this crazy twosome.–Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

PreS–Milo, a small mouse with a very large nightmare, seeks advice from each member of his family in vain attempts at a restful night’s sleep. In a slight twist on a familiar theme, Milo finds that, while he must find his own courage to confront the nightmare, it does indeed have a basis in fact, albeit a harmless one. Baum neatly integrates a number of important childhood themes including family ties, friendship, growing up, and courage in the face of adversity. Hellard’s brushed illustrations bring a further depth to the story with their meticulous detail and vivid sense of movement. The mice characters lack expression, although the textured quality of their fur and bright eyes give them a cuddly appeal. The main flaw in the story is that Milo doesn’t seem to experience any frustration as he attempts each proposed solution to no avail. Preschoolers might have difficulty identifying with his forbearance or, then again, might be inspired by it.–Tamara E. Richman, Somerset County Library System, Bridgewater, NJ

PreS-K–A delightful romp, full of imagination, told in lyrical prose. Some summer mornings, “when the sun shines just so and the wind blows like this and like that on its way to somewhere else,” giants appear. Anna waits for them just beyond the end of the lane, and they play hide-and-seek, marbles, catch, jump rope, and myriad other seasonal games. At midday they share mint tea and cakes dripping with chocolate frosting. At night, Anna drifts off to sleep, a smile on her face, hoping the giants have come to stay. Large, full-page illustrations in charcoal pencils and acrylics depict the oversize, affable playmates and diminutive girl engaged in whimsical play.–Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

K-Gr 2–Gail refuses to share her toys when her cousin Claire comes to play, prompting her mother to admonish her to be nice and find something her guest would enjoy. But Gail erupts in fury and claims all her possessions for herself. Finally, with a smug look, she digs out some cast-off stuff from the attic and presents it to her disappointed cousin. Her mother gently explains that she must share her favorite things, not throwaways, but Gail, who is not ready for that, promises to think about it another day. The story, told in rhyme, is illustrated in brightly colored acrylics that depict the possessive preschooler and her dejected visitor. But the mother is far too mild and ineffective in light of her daughter’s obnoxious behavior, and the child is depicted as a sweet little girl. This story, although attempting to show a typical situation, conveys a negative message.–Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 1–Baby sister Squeak has gone to bed. Older sister Bubble is still up. Brave Bubble is definitely not afraid of monsters in her room, but would like to know what her mom would do if Squeak were afraid. Mother mouse plays along with Bubble’s professed concerns for Squeak until finally Bubble herself is fast asleep. Bonnett-Rampersaud’s dialogue vividly captures the conversation between the little mouse and her mother, and the pacing is perfect. Banta’s bright watercolors, set against the plain white page and filled with endearing household details, complement this homey story. Fans of natural-looking animals take note–the sheer cuteness of the characters may be overwhelming, from the expressive, rosy-cheeked faces to the stuffed bunny at Bubble’s side, and mother’s fuzzy pink slippers. But for those who love their picture books sugar sweet, Bubble & Squeak will hit the spot.–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 1-3–Set in Trinidad, this story features two young brothers who aim to please their grandmother. Colly and Derrick have great plans to catch more fish than their Grand Lady can cook in one day. Wanting to make her proud of their skills and their ability to provide for their family, they buy new hooks, dig lots of worms, and head for a new angling spot. But their efforts are unsuccessful until, by accident, they discover a different way to fill their bucket. Bootman’s rich oil paintings evoke a sun-drenched tropical setting. The beautifully illustrated faces are central to most pages, giving the characters complexity and depth. The family relationships are loving and natural and provide a satisfying glimpse of the culture. The text is well paced, but the dialect can be challenging to read, even with the help of the appended glossary. If readers are not familiar with the cadences and rhythms of the language, some of the pleasure of this simple tale might be lost. Nevertheless, this book is a worthwhile addition for libraries seeking to expand their multicultural collections.–Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

Gr 1-3–Mini-pig Ernest, mynah bird Gabby, and Milly the cat help Grampa Bender in his day-to-day chores at the Bed and Biscuit, a friendly animal shelter. Lately, however, Grampa has been spending all of his time with a sick Scottie pup, and the other animals, particularly Milly, are feeling more than a twinge of jealousy. When she vanishes, it’s up to Ernest and Gabby to find their friend and convince her that even though there’s a new member of the family, Grampa doesn’t love her any less. This low-key metaphor is sure to hit a chord with children adjusting to a new baby. At the same time, others will love the story and the relationships among these wildly different personalities. This is a small, remarkably sweet beginning chapter book with more than its fair share of amusing illustrations and gentle humor. Animal lovers are bound to lap it up.–Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library

PreS-Gr 3–Cepeda’s story solves a compelling real-world predicament with a truly fantastic plot twist. Young Josie’s parents constantly embarrass her. Everything they own always seems to be lost or broken, so they rely on their neighbors to lend them the things they need, from kitchen utensils to lawn mowers. Their house needs painting, their dog ran away–they can’t even keep track of the time they’re supposed to spend with their daughter. Where does everything keep going? Up into the tree in the backyard, of course! One wonderful day, Josie swings on her new swing and soars into the thick branches of the old oak tree. First, a missing lantern clatters down to the ground, then a toaster, and, eventually, everything that her parents have ever lost is recovered. Everyone is elated, especially Josie, who looks forward to finally being more like her neighbors. Cepeda’s art is vibrant and engaging, and his narration complements the book’s tone, particularly in the beginning. His images of Josie’s inconvenienced neighbors grudgingly lending out their things, and of Josie trudging past their well-maintained homes, establish her predicament well. The focus then shifts to emphasize the tree and its steady consumption of household objects. While intriguing, the transition from one line of storytelling to the other is not seamless; it’s a bold move, after all, pinning the Flores family’s reputation for carelessness on a magic tree. Consider this kid-friendly flight of fancy a good supplemental purchase.–Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

K-Gr 3–With the same gentle humor and sensitivity to children that she showed in Guji Guji (Kane/Miller, 2004), Chen introduces a young featherless chicken. Not only does this poor creature get cold when the wind blows, but he’s also afflicted with miserable allergies. One day, he sees four beautifully feathered chickens on their way to go boating. He asks if he can join them, but they shun his unadorned looks. Then, thanks to a muddy puddle, bits of this and that, and a jaunty tin-can hat, he is transformed into a beautifully adorned fowl, and the others invite him to come along. During a flap about which chicken is the most handsome, the newly fancy fellow lets out a terrible sneeze, and the boat capsizes. The dunking leaves all five chickens featherless and frolicking together. The chickens’ comic expressions and their colorful feathers are perfectly rendered in Chen’s soft palate of earth tones and subtle splashes of color on thick, creamy paper. The text is set in a typewriterlike font that adds to the style and overall charm of this memorable outing.–Genevieve Gallagher, Murray Elementary School, Charlottesville, VA

Gr 1-3–Lindy Blues spends most of her time gathering news for the “broadcasts” she holds in her garage at 6:00 p.m. every Saturday. At first, the fourth grader is only mildly interested when her friend’s sister insists that the new ice-cream shop in town has disappeared. She becomes even less interested when she investigates and finds the shop right where it belongs–the person who reported it missing was on the wrong block. This is hardly the sort of scenario that keeps readers turning pages. Although the book follows the rules for easy chapter books–controlled vocabulary, short chapters, and clear action–it lacks an adequate hook. The full-page black-and-white drawings at the beginning of each chapter and the smaller illustrations scattered throughout add a little interest. However, children looking for a mystery would do better to stick with David Adler’s “Cam Jansen” books (Viking).–Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2–Pug the dog introduces his human friend and their big red truck, describing how they pick up a load and head off to deliver it. Coffelt tells the simply plotted story through short sentences and bold, bright illustrations. The cartoon-style artwork has a grainy texture, and elements within the pictures are outlined in black. While much of the text is appropriate for beginning readers, the trucking vocabulary is a bit tricky. Meanings of terms and phrases like “hammer down” (go fast), “dragon wagon” (a tow truck), and keeping “the shiny side up and the greasy side down” (driving safely and avoiding accidents) will be lost unless readers use the appended “Trucker Glossary.” However, children familiar with the jargon will breeze through the tale.–Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Gr 2-5–A gentle, sensitive story of international adoption told through the eyes of a Chinese-American girl. Ada Lorane Bennett explains how she came to have several names–the first was from her birth mother and is buried deep in her heart, another she received at the orphanage, and the third came from her adoptive parents. In telling her story, readers learn about Ada’s life in America, her likes and dislikes, and a few facts about her homeland. However, it is the child’s present life in the States and her love for her adoptive parents that is emphasized. A few Chinese words are introduced and explained within the context of the story. The book concludes with pages from Ada’s scrapbook. Consisting of pictures and thoughts, they reveal what is important to her–family, friends, pets, as well as facts about China. The theme of family should interest most children, but adopted youngsters will relate to Ada’s feelings as she considers her past as well as present circumstances. Simple, lyrical text enhances the quiet tone of the story. Soft and delicate, the realistic illustrations capture the mood of the story and reveal Ada’s thoughts about who she is and where she came from. The warmth and simplicity of this story, plus the positive message on adoption, should appeal to most readers.–Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

PreS-Gr 2–Another lovely entry about an endearing elephant. Ella is desperately worried about her school’s upcoming talent show. Her shyness and lack of a “special natural ability” seem to preclude her participation. From juggling to singing, she tries various activities with disastrous results. Still, she helps to organize the event and assists her classmates, and, on the big night, her true gift–being a good friend–shines forth. The book’s charming, old-fashioned quality is emphasized by fluid illustrations reminiscent of those in the “Babar” and “Curious George” series. However, while the simplicity of the character depictions will make readers smile, it sometimes results in a lack of expression on the elephants’ faces. Regardless, color and shadow are masterfully used to emphasize the main action in each scene while providing a richly detailed background. The story is driven by short bursts of dialogue, and key points are highlighted by moments of introspection. While primary-grade children will best sympathize with Ella’s frustration and her conflicted feelings about being in the spotlight, younger children who have ever felt left out, inept, or just a little bit different will also find the story appealing.–Tamara E. Richman, Somerset County Library System, Bridgewater, NJ

K-Gr 2–“I’m late! I’m late, but it’s not my fault.” A young boy enters his classroom, harried and exhausted, because the wind was blowing, creating outrageous-sounding obstacles to his timely arrival at school. He reports a mountain of whisking dandelions that he had to scale, a flag at the post office that flapped so hard its stars fluttered to the sidewalk, and hats from the millinery store sailing out the door. Traffic signs fly, a picket fence is whirled away, chickens and a rooster are blown to the courthouse roof, and the boy is lost in a fog until…the wind whooshes him up into the air and sets him down at the front door of the school. His teacher doesn’t believe his story until she hears the wind calling, opens the window, and is lifted out of the classroom. Derby’s dazzling language is accompanied by Nguyen’s acrylic and charcoal illustrations that carry the action and add to the story’s energy. This delightful read-aloud nearly ripples as the wind whooshes and roars, lifting readers into the enchanting tale.–Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA

PreS-Gr 2–Tony has everything he could want, including Old Red, a pedal tractor that had belonged to his uncle and his dad when they were small. He is totally content until a neighbor rides over to show off his brand-new tractor. In frustration and anger, Tony drives his vehicle too fast and wrecks it. He’s sure he’ll get a new one, but his parents’ answer of “Maybe for Christmas” doesn’t sound promising. After several boring days, he starts to think differently about Old Red. With Uncle Bob’s help, some drilling, soldering, and hammering, Tony learns a lesson and gets an almost-like-new tractor. Children will empathize with the protagonist and feel his envy. The lesson is clear without being didactic. Watercolor illustrations create a somewhat British rural setting for this farm story that transcends its location. The realistic paintings show details inside the farmhouse and in Uncle Bob’s work shed. These interior scenes are a calm contrast to the geese flying wildly off the page when Tony speeds by on his tractor. This story leads easily to discussion, and is probably best shared one-on-one.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

Gr 1-3–Matilda, a cat, is the worst waitress Burt’s Diner has ever seen. But customers are happy to put up with the bad service since it means hearing her fabulous tales. Then the health inspector shows up. To save the diner from being shut down, Matilda cleans it until it’s spotless and becomes a model waitress. Unfortunately, all the concentration it takes to be a good waitress and keep things tidy makes Matilda too tired to think of any stories, until the health inspector returns. On that day, her new tale stops a robbery and wins his respect. The plucky heroine inhabits a world filled with phrases like “packed tighter than a jar of dill pickles,” and there are plenty of verbs missing “g’s,” such as “brewin’” and “conjurin’.” All of this makes it necessary, not to mention wicked fun, to read with a Texas twang–the bigger the better. Bowers has a knack for giving the animal characters life with seeming movement in the action scenes, comical facial expressions, and attention to detail. His illustrations perfectly capture the Western feel of the story through patrons with cowboy hats and kerchiefs, but he doesn’t overdo it; the moose fittingly wears a red-plaid flannel shirt and a down vest. Sharp-eyed readers will notice that a common housefly makes an appearance in every spread. Excellent for storytimes or as a catalyst for kids to write their own stories.–Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

PreS-Gr 2–This rollicking British import takes the format of “The Gingerbread Boy” and turns it into a cautionary tale. Young Benny has never met a burger he didn’t like; in fact, he will eat nothing else. After a steady diet of beef patties on a bun, he becomes one and finds himself being chased across the countryside by a pack of dogs, a herd of cows, and a group of hungry boys. He is finally saved from being a sideshow attraction at a burger franchise by his wise mother, who plies him with fruits and vegetables. The story is saved from a didactic and predictable ending by the warning that Benny should take care not to eat just vegetables, lest he finds himself transformed again. The simple lines and lively colors of the acrylic and colored-pencil illustrations add to the kid appeal. A fun addition to any library collection, Burger Boy perfectly suits a picky-eater-themed storytime that includes Russell Hoban’s Bread and Jam for Frances (HarperCollins, 1964) or Mary Ann Hoberman’s The Seven Silly Eaters (Harcourt, 1997).–Rita Hunt Smith, Hershey Public Library, PA

K-Gr 4–Farmer presents an imaginative tale based on a true story about a 12th-century Egyptian ruler, Al-Azeez. Ali, at age seven, works with his father taking care of messenger pigeons for the Sultan of Cairo, a harsh and wicked man. He is given a young bird to train, and although he has been warned that the animal will become “spoiled and selfish” if fed too much, he still sneaks Othman sweets. When the greedy pigeon disrupts the Sultan’s feast of rare cherries, the cruel man threatens to throw Ali’s father into the oubliette, a dark hole leading down to the domain of an enormous yellow-eyed demon. Ali has three days to replace the 600 cherries and save his father. Vivid watercolors depict the characters and the setting and lend atmosphere to the action. Readers will be especially impressed with the dramatic, fiery-red illustration of the demon surrounded by his jewels. Intricate patterns decorate the pages and appear behind text boxes. De Marcken’s endnote explains that these designs have been copied “from Cairo’s mosques and Islamic antiquities,” giving the art an authentic Arabic flavor. Throughout, elegant borders feature the words of al-Jâhiz’s “In Praise of Books” (a poem presented at the tale’s beginning) written in the Kufic form of Arabic. This beautifully written story is a treat for the eyes and ears.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 3-6–Lunchbox is a lovable basset hound, Nate is his boy, and Frazz and Grunfloz are two not-so-bright aliens on a mission to find their food, called froonga. On their travels, they discover that Earth is full of the raw material to make the snack: garbage. The aliens abduct the pup and subject him to their mental-enhancement helmet, enabling him to find garbage and convert it to froonga once he is back home. In their race to create a froonga machine and not blow up the world in the process, Nate and Lunchbox have several run-ins with parents, bullies, the crooked mayor, and the dogcatchers. The author weaves a delightful story full of alien names and places, intermixed with some shady characters and a resourceful boy. The tale is so much fun that readers might not notice that its underlying theme is about the mounting garbage problem in the U.S. The pencil-drawn cartoons throughout enhance the fun. The fast-moving plot and satisfying conclusion make this a good choice for reluctant readers, science-fiction fans, or any child who enjoys a good book about a boy and his dog.–Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

Gr 3-5–Fleischman skillfully drops readers into the life of Run-Run, an orphan in old Siam who struggles to make a living as a mahout (elephant trainer) with Walking Mountain, his beloved old elephant. A cruel prince, accidentally sprayed with water by the animal, complicates Run-Run’s already difficult life by giving him a gift that is really a curse–a white elephant. Somehow, Run-Run must take excellent care of Sahib, who is forbidden to work because he is sacred: “Wash the hair at his ears! Brush it! Use no harsh words. Do not scold him. Treat him like an honored guest!” the Prince’s servant orders the elephant boy. “If you value your own skin, you will be a servant to Prince Noi’s gift….” Sahib surprises the boy, however, with his intelligence and bravery, and, in the end, enables Run-Run to seek out a more hopeful future. This young-reader-friendly book features ample margins and generous line spacing, short chapters, and full-page black-and-white illustrations that give visual information. Fleischman successfully immerses readers in this ancient culture, creating clever and believable plot twists that bring the story to a satisfying but open-ended conclusion. Strong writing, interesting dialogue, and clear plot development add up to another fine Fleischman novel.–Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

PreS-Gr 4–As a pig family gathers round a table at mealtime, one piglet spills his milk. This seemingly innocuous accident unleashes an unfortunate and elaborate chain of events in this wordless picture book. As the milk seeps through a vent, it drips into a paint tray in the workroom below, causing it to tip over and fall, knocking over some tools on its way to the floor. A few more steps down the chain and a table saw is unleashed, cutting its way through one of the main supports of the house. As the dwelling careens away from the terraced hillside onto which it is built, pipes burst, weakening the roots of the tree bearing the children’s tree house. And on it goes. Despite the destruction, humorous touches in Geisert’s characteristic colored etchings lighten the tragedy, and there is a happy ending. Children will enjoy poring over the detailed illustrations, figuring out how one thing leads to another, and noticing more and more upon repeated viewings. Although this family might well want to cry over spilt milk, they are intact and smiling at the end, standing together amid the wreckage of their home.–Robin L. Gibson, Granville Parent Cooperative Preschool, OH

Gr 3-5–British comedian Gervais uses a field-guide approach in this second book about the bumpy, lumpy fanciful creatures first described in Flanimals (Putnam, 2005). Four short chapters discuss “The Flanimal Kingdom,” “Flanimal Evolution,” “Flanatomy,” and “Flanimal Behavior.” A longer chapter, “Spotter’s Guide,” identifies 17 species, from the Skwunt to the Swog Monglet. All are illustrated with homely, cross-eyed cartoon figures, as in the first volume. The broad humor of the wordplay and the garish, impudent figures may be a quick draw for reluctant readers. The book strains at being clever, but some readers may like its brevity and silliness. It could also be used to encourage children to invent their own creatures.–Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 1-3–This easy, transitional chapter book features the characters from Moose’s Big Idea and Moose Crossing (both Marshall Cavendish, 2005). Hildy the pig asks Moose to go with her to a pig pickin’ down South. Thinking that it is a beauty contest, she buys a special dress and shoes. Moose, however, is suspicious and discovers that “Wendell’s Pig Pickin’” is a well-known pork barbecue. While Wendell is fattening Hildy up with pizza and ice cream, Moose comes up with a plan to save her. He keeps substituting her dress for larger sizes and her shoes for smaller sizes, so that Wendell will think she is sick. Readers will enjoy the lighthearted humor and playful, mostly full-page pencil and gray-wash drawings.–Marilyn Ackerman, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2–In this offbeat retelling of “The Gingerbread Man,” an ice cube hops out of a freezer, saying “Can’t catch me,/…I’m off to the sea.” Perhaps his dreams of bumping into boats arise from a little boy’s crayon drawings of boats (one being hit by an iceberg) on the refrigerator. Although the day is hot, this perky little piece of ice stops for no one–not Boy, for whose lemonade it was intended, or Ant, who wants to get his ice skates, or the (literally) hot dog, or the goose that would like to get goose bumps. This fractured fairy tale is equal in its silliness and whimsical artwork to the Hassetts’ The Three Silly Girls Grubb (Houghton, 2002). The warm colors of the illustrations, unusual perspectives, and smiling ice cube add to the visual appeal. The unusual protagonist’s repeated refrain and the humorous wordplay make this tale especially suited for sharing aloud.–Robin L. Gibson, Granville Parent Cooperative Preschool, OH

K-Gr 1–A young raccoon wakes up in the morning and says, “This is a perfect day.” First Ruby thinks about a perfect breakfast with her friend Fiona Fox, but Fiona is too busy. Ruby makes enough breakfast for two, eats it, and then heads outside. She decides that the day is perfect for playing checkers, but Dan Duck is too busy. Ruby plays by herself, using leaves to make a checkerboard. Bunny Rabbit is too busy to join her, but that doesn’t stop Ruby from enjoying rolling down the hill. The last page shows a happy raccoon back home, lying on the grass and thinking, “A perfect day for being all by myself!” This level-one book is perfect for beginning readers. A simple plot and good sentence structure provide repetition without being simplistic, and Ruby is indeed appealing. Children will be excited about real sentences and, at the same time, will feel proud of their reading skills. A nice plus is the idea that you can have a wonderful time all by yourself.–Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City

PreS-K–A little elephant wonders what he can do with a plain cardboard box. He comes up with all sorts of ideas, transforming the object into a hat, a container for toys, and a hide-and-seek haven. Finally, he decides to make a book box, and the rest of the story provides insight into the limitless possibilities of such a creation. Single- and double-page paintings show the elephant and his small frog friend enjoying the contents of the book box from breakfast to the bathroom to bedtime. The soft illustrations, done in egg tempera, oil pastels, and ink, lend occasional humor to the simple, quiet text. The last page provides instructions for making a book box. An additional purchase.–Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

PreS-Gr 2–At the Greenstalk Farm, it’s no problem if the sheep get lost, the farmer drops his watch down the well, the dog eats young Jeffrey’s book report, the cow gets stuck in a tree, the duck steals the truck, or Mrs. Greenstalk is too tired to cook. It’s “Chickens to the rescue!” Unless it’s Sunday when they get some hard-earned rest and the pigs step in to help out. This rollicking story, made up of simple statements in a specific pattern, follows the fowls’ heroics Monday through Sunday. The simplicity of the text allows the sheer brilliance of the colored-pencil and watercolor illustrations to shine through. The details in each rescue scene will have everyone laughing and noting the expressions of the animals, their crazy but appropriate outfits, and their amazing abilities. Pair this hilarious story with Doreen Cronin’s Click, Clack, Moo (S & S, 2000) and David Shannon’s Duck on a Bike (Scholastic, 2002) for a lively storytime about extraordinary farm animals.–Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

PreS-Gr 2–In her third adventure, the irrepressible Priscilla wants to try something new and exciting, but just can’t find the right activity. Her friend Bettina provides the answer when she invites her to the opening night for Princess Rollerina, who is “elegance, grace, power, and speed.” The next morning, Priscilla registers at L’École Rolleret. She practices at every chance she gets and tries her hardest to be precise and controlled, but she wipes out at the audition for the leading role in the school’s play and is terribly disappointed when her teacher asks her to be the Wind. In the end, though, she shows off her true talent–freestyle skating–and is perfectly happy soaring across the stage. The bouncy rhymes move along quickly despite some rough spots. Priscilla’s enthusiasm for life and her zest for becoming a star are conveyed through both the text and the candy-colored cartoons. Purchase where earlier Priscilla books are popular.–Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

PreS-Gr 1–In this installment about the endearing black Labrador who starred in Sally Goes to the Beach (2000), Sally Goes to the Mountains (2001), and Sally Goes to the Farm (2002, all Abrams), the pup is off to a dog-friendly ski lodge. With nary a person in sight, Sally sleeps on a sofa (“The bed is just like mine at home”) and makes friends with the other visiting dogs. She meets two canines in “handsome” vests who introduce themselves as on-duty rescue dogs. After fanciful adventures skiing, tobogganing, and saucering, Sally is ready to head back to the lodge. Unfortunately, she strays from the trail and is soon lost in the woods. Her new friends alert the rescue dogs, who “know just what to do,” ensuring a happy ending. Dog lovers and Sally’s fans will enjoy her latest romp. The story also provides a starting point for a discussion of rescue animals, lifeguards, or others who wear recognizable uniforms. The woodcut illustrations provide the right balance of simple lines and details to draw in children. From the skiing dachshund to a tiny Sally lost on the tall mountain, the art contributes much to the story. The text, however, has a choppy style that will not suit every reader. Further, there is an awkward switch from first- to third-person narration and back again. However, this is a small glitch that is probably more distracting to adults than to children. Overall, a fine purchase for seasonal storyhours.–Rita Hunt Smith, Hershey Public Library, PA

PreS-Gr 1–A preschooler wakes up excited, knowing that his trucker daddy will be picking him up from school in his tanker truck. Throughout the day, the boy’s thoughts are on the impending time with his dad. Some of the illustrations depict the father’s activities with childlike, crayonlike drawings, perhaps “created” by the young protagonist. Other illustrations with fuller, brighter hues follow his activities. Bouncy rhyming text accompanies the simple pictures. “I’m waiting and waiting so hard./I hum our favorite song./Humming through my sandwich,/'Daddy don’t be long!’” The man is stuck in traffic, but when he finally arrives, the boy is full of glee and runs into his arms. The trucker dad is depicted wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt, and he sports a short ponytail, an earring, and tattoos. The happy twosome set off for the open road together. While not an essential purchase, the subject matter will appeal to the crowds of boys who can’t get enough truck books.–DeAnn Okamura, San Mateo County Library, CA

PreS-K–A stuffed penguin that has been a child’s constant companion since infancy tells this cozy story. When new toys appear at Danny’s birthday party and threaten Pangoo’s status, he runs away to find a new home. First, he heads for the penguins at the Central Park Zoo. Once there, though, he sees that he doesn’t fit in. He doesn’t eat fish or like living in the cold like the real animals. Pangoo’s realization of his proper place won’t come as a surprise to adults, but the reassuring ending will be comforting to young children. The tale, smoothly and concisely written, is familiar, but Ichikawa’s lovely watercolors are distinctive, making splendid use of line and color to convey character and atmosphere. The figures seem to have real depth and weight, and, especially in the pictures of Danny tumbling about as a baby, movement as well. The blue showing Pangoo alone and forgotten after Danny opens his gifts is an icy, isolating color, while the blue of the water where the zoo penguins swim is charged with green and full of life.–Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 4–Inspired by the pluck and tradition of Helen Bannerman’s The Story of Little Black Sambo and infused with the flavor of an American tall tale, this story tells of Toby, who bounces from the back of her parents’ buckboard and into the depths of the New England woods, where she must surrender her brand-new sartorial treasures to various denizens in order to secure her safety. A wolf wears her beautiful blue coat, a cougar takes her sunny-yellow sweater, a skunk gets her buck-hide boots, and a porcupine her bonnie brown dress. When a great big bear dons her bright orange mittens (on his ears), the animals begin to argue over which of them is the grandest. A chasing melee ensues, and they melt into a golden brown moat at the foot of the tree they race around. Toby retrieves her clothes, her parents’ search for their lost girl is happily ended, and the tree drinks up that critter juice and transforms it into–sweet maple syrup! Time for a pancake feast! And just as Bannerman’s fictional family did, one parent ate 27 pancakes, one ate 55, and the child ate 169, “because she was so hungry.” Isaacs’s clever, respectful take on an iconic tale is testament to its appeal. Teague’s pictures are brilliant, cinematic full-bleed oil-paint dramas that capture the essence of a nascent New England spring. His characters’ faces, human and animal, are overtly expressive and their stances just ooze attitude. This irresistibly delicious package will surely become a mainstay on the storytime menu.–Kathy Krasniewicz, Perrot Library, Old Greenwich, CT

Gr 1-3–Andy Shane does not want to go to bossy Dolores Starbuckle’s birthday party, but when he learns that his grandmother has volunteered to help out with it, he’s trapped. Dolores tells Granny and Andy that some tricksters have broken all of the jack-o’-lanterns on her street, and the children consider different methods to catch the vandals. In the end, Andy invents his own clever solution to the problem and realizes that Dolores isn’t so bad after all. Attractive pen-and-ink illustrations help move the story along. An entertaining, easy chapter book for holiday collections.–Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH

PreS–In this cozy picture book, a patient mother declares her unwavering love for her daughter, no matter what trouble she gets into. The tot’s actions–pouring cereal on the floor, trying to sneak dessert without eating dinner, chewing with mouth open wide, unfurling newly folded laundry, throwing a tantrum–will seem familiar to young listeners. Ruzzier’s intimate, warm-hued paintings spotlight each behavior and add lots of humor. The characters, white cats with expressive cartoon faces, are appealing. The youngster’s fluid features go from devilish to emotionally distraught to irresistibly sweet, while the mother’s reactions to her child’s antics are hilarious. For example, the illustration for “Love you when you…won’t get dressed” shows the kitten dancing nude on top of a dresser, the drawers open wide and spilling clothes, while Mom stands by with a look of exhausted resignation. The tale ends with reassurances and bedtime hugs. Pair this tale with David Shannon’s No, David! (Scholastic, 1998) to encourage kids to examine their own behaviors–and have a good laugh at themselves.–Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2–One way to describe this offering is to call it a wordless story with a soundtrack. Johnson switches between interior and exterior scenes to create a visual narrative: a youngster rises and gets dressed; a snowplow clears the road to his rural house; the boy shovels the walk while his father cleans the driveway; the school bus arrives; his mother rushes out with a forgotten present; the smiling child sits onboard anticipating a holiday celebration. Full-bleed watercolor spreads capture the light of a wintry morning perfectly: a deep gray-blue predominates, shot through with a translucent mottled white and accented with small focused patches of vibrant color–a yawning mouth, the date (December 23) circled on a calendar, the gift wrapped in red paper. Descriptive words accompany the artwork, from the boy’s quiet “Snore” and the predawn “hush,” to the snowplow’s “Crash Crush Clank” and the bus’s “Jingly Clink.” This accomplished offering has a variety of uses and will appeal to a wide age range: younger children will enjoy the action, while those with more developed narrative skills will comb through the pages to create and re-create the story. Although the book’s complete aesthetic delight might best be appreciated by children from snowy climes, most libraries will value this unique and intriguing title.–Nina Lindsay, Oakland Public Library, CA

Gr 3-4–In this addition to the series, Lucy discovers that fourth grade is full of new experiences. Through brief diary entries, she provides interesting stories. She also describes her curiosity and desire to eavesdrop on her mother and neighbors. Based on her snooping, she worries that her mother has begun dating, fears that her best friend is moving away, and is convinced that a friend’s mother has a gambling problem. As events unfold, the truth is revealed and Lucy is relieved when she learns that her fears were all false and promises to stop spying. The uncomplicated text contains hilarious episodes, such as descriptions of toilet repairs and exploding Halloween costumes. Lucy does not filter her thoughts and feelings, and readers know when she’s angry, excited, happy, and embarrassed. Rex’s occasional full-page illustrations add humor and verve. The book’s conversational tone is ideal for reluctant readers, and fans of the series will welcome this installment.–Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI

PreS-Gr 2–Counting sheep has long been the suggested cure for insomnia, but for Sam that’s not the problem. He needs to keep track of his herd of 10, but each time he tries to count them, he nods off before he finishes. The sheep conclude that they must be too boring to keep the shepherd alert and that they must find a way to be more interesting. This becomes imminently important when a wolf in sheep’s clothing appears at the door on a stormy night. Just as the man is about to let him in, the real sheep insist that he count one more time. They put on a show, and at last he is able to keep his eyes open long enough to count the chorus line. The wolf is left out in the storm, and the sheep and Sam go back to bed. The rhyming text is somewhat inconsistent. Some lines are exact rhymes; others are very loosely rhymed–so loose it’s hard to recognize the lines as verse. This and the uneven cadence make the story difficult to read smoothly. However, children will giggle over the comical illustrations. The rounded bodies of Sam and his sheep (on two legs) walk up over the quilted hills, creating their own rhythm. The white sheep with their dark faces and striped stocking caps pull readers’ eyes across the pages. Laughter will ring out when the wolf’s loud knock literally scares the hats and socks right off them as they slumber. Pair this tale with Rob Scotton’s Russell the Sheep (HarperCollins, 2005) for a wide-awake storytime.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

PreS-Gr 2–When a wily old wolf spies a tender lamb through his telescope, he begins a correspondence aimed at luring the tasty tidbit to his lair. The young and innocent lamb is delighted to have a friend and eagerly exchanges missives with his mystery pen pal. When Wolf invites the lamb to meet him, an alarmed Mama Sheep goes to the post office and finds that his correspondent is up to no good. She forces the wolf to write a letter breaking off the friendship, and then the family emigrates to Australia to make sure that their “small, white, fluffy thing” remains safe. The lush, soft-focus paintings sprawl across spreads that feature simple action, engaging characters, and pastoral backgrounds. The lesson inherent in this story–which echoes the caution of parents to children about the Internet–may miss its audience. However, for those who do want to introduce this message to younger children, this tale may help open the conversation.–Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 1-4–Each of these six selections opens with a full-page illustration that captures the heart of its story. The gorgeous oil paintings are filled with light and religious imagery befitting the legends. The tales are all well told and engaging, but the endings are rather abrupt. The last chapter, “The Padre’s Gift,” contains two selections about the mysterious padre of San Antonio and is the best of the bunch. A time line about the creation and use of the Texas missions is included, and Kimmel cites his source for the stories in an author’s note. This is a lovely book that will probably prove most useful in Texas and possibly in other areas with a history of Spanish missions.–S K Joiner, Brazoria County Library System, Angleton, TX

PreS-Gr 4–A fine picture-book debut from the creator of MAD magazine’s popular “SPY vs. SPY” cartoons. In this flashback to the 1950s beatnik generation, Theo is a beret-wearing hep cat who loves to play his saxophone. Unfortunately, he can only blow one blue note. One night, a clarinet-shaped rocket appears in his yard. The ship carries him to the moon, where he finds another spacecraft (the Apollo) and a band made up of famous performers such as Duck Ellington, Nat King Cobra, and Elephants Gerald. Theo joins the jam session, and with Duck’s help on the piano, is soon “playing all the BLUES!” (sky, indigo, periwinkle, etc.). The Apollo takes off, “blasting COOL jazz with a HOT beat….” Done in watercolors, colored pencils, and collage, the blue-tinged illustrations reflect the story’s tone. Spray-painted backgrounds add texture and give the artwork a dreamlike quality. The gleaming gold rocket signifies Theo’s change in mood, which brightens when he finds the other musicians, and the book ends on a scintillating yellow note. This enjoyable story presents a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to jazz and the artists alluded to. Team this “razzmatazz” tale with Chris Raschka’s Charlie Parker Played Be Bop (Scholastic, 1992) and similar titles for a swinging storytime ensemble.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

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