Preschool to Grade 4, Continued

-- School Library Journal, 9/1/2007

Nonfiction

ALBERTI, Theresa. Vietnam ABCs: A Book about the People and Places of Vietnam. illus. by Natascha Alex Blanks. ISBN 978-1-4048-2251-1. LC 2006027234.
COOPER, Sharon Katz. Costa Rica ABCs: A Book about the People and Places of Costa Rica. illus. by Allan Eitzen. ISBN 978-1-4048-2249-8. LC 2006027230.
COOPER, Sharon Katz. Venezuela ABCs: A Book about the People and Places of Venezuela. illus. by Stacey Previn. ISBN 978-1-4048-2250-4. LC 2006027233.
SEIDMAN, David. Brazil ABCs: A Book about the People and Places of Brazil. illus. by Jeffrey Thompson. ISBN 978-1-4048-2248-1. LC 2006027229. ea vol: 32p. (Country ABCs Series). map. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Picture Window. 2007. PLB $25.26.

Gr 2–5—These well-researched, alphabetical introductions offer something meaningful and informative for every letter. A brief introduction places the country on the map, clearly stating its continent and showing its neighbors. Each page includes one letter, a few explanatory sentences, and, often, a related one-sentence "fast fact." The terms applied to the alphabet do not feel contrived, and they highlight a significant part of the country's culture. For example, "Q" in Venezuela is for queso blanco (phonetic pronunciation included), a cheese that does not melt when heated. The always-challenging letter "X" in Vietnam stands for xich lo, "a carriage ride by bike." The most captivating illustrations are seen in the expressive folk-art style of Venezuela's acrylic paintings. The art in Costa Rica also features acrylics, but in a less-engaging, realistic style. The pictures in Brazil are a bit cartoonlike and digital. The watercolor and gouache, realistic art makes Vietnam visually appealing. Back matter includes a list of encyclopedic facts (major industries, holidays, population, etc.), a useful glossary, a handful of basic words and their translations, and the FactHound link. Useful purchases with genuinely interesting facts in clear prose and colorful illustrations.—Julie R. Ranelli, Kent Island Branch Library, Stevensville, MD

AMOROSO, Gary M. & Cynthia A. Klingel. Ambulances. ISBN 978-1-59296-826-8. LC 2006023278.
ROBERTS, Cynthia. Police Cars. ISBN 978-1-59296-834-3. LC 2006023299. ea vol: 24p. (Machines at Work Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. The Child's World. 2007. PLB $21.36.

PreS-Gr 2—Both books are organized into double-page chapters, with a brief paragraph answering a question on one side and a crisp, full-page, full-color photo with captions on the other. The authors explain how the vehicles are used, what they look like, and what's inside them. Unfamiliar terms are printed in blue and defined in the glossaries. These materials are written to a formula that makes them accessible to younger readers. Both would fit in with curriculum units on safety or as supplementary titles for lessons on community workers. Serviceable additional purchases.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

ARNOSKY, Jim. Parrotfish and Sunken Ships: Exploring a Tropical Reef. illus. by author. unpaged. Collins. Sept. 2007. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-688-17123-0; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-688-17124-7. LC number unavailable.

K-Gr 3—Arnosky once again brings young readers into his wonderful world of nature. This time he uses his trademark colorful paintings of wildlife to explore the only living coral reef in the United States. Located in the Florida Keys, this area was once sailed by pirates and is now inhabited by several different types of coral and fish, as well as many ancient shipwrecks. Arnosky describes his experience exploring the reef aboard his boat, Crayfish, with his wife. Wonderfully realistic paintings depict his observations and are accompanied by a clear text that successfully draws readers into an underwater world teaming with life. Close-up sketches provide supporting facts and interesting details that supplement the narrative. As in Watching Water Birds (National Geographic, 1997) and Otters under Water (Putnam, 1999), the author continues to make nature exciting and accessible to young readers. His descriptive language and detailed, attractive paintings also make this book an excellent read-aloud. The author's knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject will inspire appreciation in all who are guided on this amazing journey.—Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale, NY

BEHRENS, Janice. Let's Find Rain Forest Animals: Up, Down, Around. ISBN 978-0-531-14874-7. LC 2006025621.
FALK, Laine. Let's Explore the Five Senses with City Dog and Country Dog. diag. ISBN 978-0-531-14873-0. LC 2006026333. ea vol: 32p. (Let's Find Out Series). photos. CIP. Children's Press. 2007. PLB $18.

PreS-K—These brightly colored books include clear photos that illustrate the concepts. Unfortunately, the quality is not consistent. Rain Forest Animals is just right for the preschool crowd. On one page an animal is partially visible with the question. "What is inside the tree?" Flip the page, and children see the entire animal with the answer. "A toucan is inside the tree." Five Senses is more like a story, with dogs superimposed onto busy background photographs. The white text appears at the bottom of the pages on red or blue backgrounds, seeming to alternate with the two dogs, but it doesn't always match the illustration. Some pages have comments superimposed over the background photo. The overall effect is somewhat confusing. A diagram on the last page shows the two dogs and the senses. "They smell with their noses," etc. The text then asks, "How do you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel?" This is the only connection to human senses. The first book is a strong choice for introducing prepositions and rain forest animals; skip the second one.—Sharon R. Pearce, Longfellow Elementary School, Oak Park, IL

BERKNER, Laurie. The Story of My Feelings. illus. by Caroline Jayne Church. unpaged. w/CD. CIP. Scholastic/Orchard. Sept. 2007. RTE $12.99. ISBN 978-0-439-42915-3. LC 2006025647.

PreS-Gr 1—The title of this book sets the tone immediately. A girl is sad, so she cries and she feels better. As her tears dry, the rainy sky brightens and a rainbow stretches across it. Laughing when she's happy, yelling when she's angry, sighing gently in a hammock when she's feeling peaceful—all of these expressions of her feelings make her feel better. Throughout the story, a puppy is her constant companion. The deceptively simple illustrations provide a comforting cohesiveness-the same girl and her companionable dog, the same patchwork flowers blooming, the wide sky above changing colors but still the sky—all reflect the message that it is safe and OK to have and express different feelings. Pair this book with Molly Bang's When Sophie Gets Angry-Really Really Angry… (Scholastic, 1999) or Aliki's Feelings (HarperCollins, 1984), or let a child study each page while listening to the accompanying CD with its gentle guitar strums and subtle vocal harmonies.—Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY

BREDESON, Carmen. Fun Facts about Alligators! map. ISBN 978-0-7660-2786-2. LC 2006024347.
BREDESON, Carmen. Fun Facts about Lizards! ISBN 978-0-7660-2789-3. LC 2006015917. ea vol: 24p. (I Like Reptiles and Amphibians! Series). diag. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow Elementary. 2007. PLB $21.26.

K-Gr 2—These attractive titles present basic information about the featured animals such as anatomy, where they live, what they eat, and their life cycle. Captioned sharp, full-color photographs appear throughout; a labeled diagram shows the subject's main body parts. Additional tidbits can be gleaned about each animal, such as how alligators swim and the fact that they keep growing throughout their lives, as well as how lizards fool their enemies and how they can climb. Youngsters will enjoy the photos and factual details. Purchase if there is a need to replace or update easy-to-read materials in these subject areas.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

BROWN, Don. Dolley Madison Saves George Washington. illus. by author. unpaged. reprods. bibliog. CIP. Houghton. Oct. 2007. RTE $16. ISBN 978-0-618-41199-3. LC 2006009813.

K-Gr 4—Known for her "beauty, her stunning gowns, and her delightful banquets," Dolley Madison first served as the premier Washington, DC, hostess while her husband, James Madison, was secretary of state under Thomas Jefferson because the president was a widower. She continued to throw "wonderful dinner parties" during her husband's subsequent eight-year presidency. While First Lady, she redecorated the President's Mansion, ensuring that Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington was prominently displayed. However, it was during the War of 1812 that she earned the gratitude of her nation when, despite the fact that the 100 soldiers assigned to protect the mansion ran off, she bravely remained behind to make sure that the painting as well as important government documents were saved from otherwise certain destruction by British forces. Pen and ink and watercolors effectively depict the simplicity and roughness of Colonial life and convey with humor the spirit of the time and characters; however, the facial features are for the most part bland. An author's note provides additional information about Stuart and Dolley Madison. Readers will enjoy this exciting picture-book biography of an important First Lady.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

BURSTEIN, John. Eating Right. ISBN 978-0-8368-7740-3. LC 2006032765.
BURSTEIN, John. Staying Well. ISBN 978-0-8368-7744-1. LC 2006032769. ea vol: photos. by Chris Pinchbeck. illus. by Ben McGinnis. 32p. (Slim Goodbody's Good Health Guides Series). further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Gareth Stevens. 2006. PLB $25.27.

Gr 2–4—Slim Goodbody is at it again, sharing his healthy lifestyle tips with children. Both books are chock-full of suggestions as well as explanations of why people of all ages need to follow the guidelines of healthy living. Eating Right discusses the different food groups and how much from each one individuals need to consume on a daily basis. The illustration of the new food pyramid gives children a visual representation of nutrition. Staying Well explains illnesses and germs. It discusses colds, earaches and eye itches, flu and pneumonia, mumps and measles, and other common ailments. In both books, the two-page chapters include a photo or illustration on every page. A "Something to Think About" box also appears on most spreads. Useful for students who need to research nutrition, diseases, and other health-related issues.—Kristen M. Todd, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

CLEMSON, Wendy & David Clemson. Treasure Hunt in the Jungle. ISBN 978-0-8368-7842-4. LC 2006052244.
CLEMSON, Wendy & David Clemson. Zookeeper for a Day. ISBN 978-0-8368-7843-1. LC 2006052710. ea vol: 32p. (Math Adventures Series). charts. diags. illus. photos. CIP. Gareth Stevens. 2007. PLB $25.27.

Gr 2–4—In Treasure Hunt, readers are part of a team of explorers in Peru. The authors incorporate information on the geography, history, wildlife, and significant buildings in the country with relevant mathematical problems to solve. The math skills include figuring out flight times, shapes, compass points, measuring length, odd and even numbers, estimating, measuring with a ruler, fractions, identifying and predicting patterns, interpreting a pictogram, and right angles. Zookeeper follows the same format with readers participating in activities in a zoo from eight in the morning until six at night, learning about reptiles, elephants, big cats, birds, giraffes, and other animals. Mathematical concepts include the terms clockwise and counterclockwise, right angles, telling time, scales, adding, subtracting, counting by 10s, interpreting charts, determining a range of numbers, measurements, counting money, and calculating change. Numerous color photographs, charts, and diagrams; the interactive approach; the large font size; and the easy-to-follow organizational scheme enhance the usefulness of these books. These titles, like Greg Tang's Math-terpieces: The Art of Problem-Solving (Scholastic, 2003) and Ann Whitehead Nagda's Cheetah Math (Holt, 2007) demonstrate the usefulness of mathematics in real-life examples. —Ann Joslin, Fort LeBoef School District, Waterford, PA

DEANS, Karen. Playing to Win: The Story of Althea Gibson. illus. by Elbrite Brown. unpaged. bibliog. chron. further reading. Web sites. CIP. Holiday House. 2007. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-1926-5. LC 2004052275.

K-Gr 3—Not only was Gibson a record-breaking tennis player, but she also played an important role in breaking down racial barriers. As a child of poor sharecroppers in the volatile South, life was full of hardships, which resulted in her being sent off to live with an aunt in New York City and then to another aunt in Philadelphia. When she was nine, the family was reunited in Harlem where young Althea grew to be as tough as nails. Amazingly, she channeled energy from fighting and skipping school to a love of sports for which she had a natural talent. Winning title after title, this amazing athlete rose to fame and proved she was indeed playing to win. For the most part, the multimedia illustrations are well matched to the power and fluidity of the text, particularly in capturing the champion in action. In some spreads, the perspective is awkward, and in a few others, the backgrounds overwhelm the main figures. Overall, though, this well-written and attractive biography will be a popular addition to most collections.—Judy Chichinski, Skyline Elementary School, Tacoma, WA

FARMER, Jacqueline. Apples. illus. by Phyllis Limbacher Tildes. unpaged. further reading. Web sites. CIP. Charlesbridge. 2007. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-694-6; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-695-3. LC 2006020942.

Gr 1–4—Farmer provides a wealth of information here. The process of grafting is clearly explained, as are the differences between apple juice and cider, the nutritional value of the popular fruit, and the apple in history and legend. A handy chart detailing the various kinds of apples and their appropriate uses is included, as is a page of facts and records and a recipe for apple pie. Watercolor illustrations feature a multicultural cast of smiling children. The pictures accurately reflect the text and are attractive, although a bit stiff. Libraries owning Gail Gibbons's Apples (Holiday House, 2000) will still find this book useful for supporting those fall/apple units.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

FEINSTEIN, Stephen. Wynton Marsalis. 24p. (African-American Heroes Series). photos. reprods. chron. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow Elementary. 2007. PLB $21.26. ISBN 978-0-7660-2766-4. LC 2006034068.

Gr 2–4—This brief biography spans Marsalis's life, from his childhood growing up in a house full of music to his adult years as a Grammy-winning performer. Most students will relate to the musician's early reluctance to practice his instrument in favor of playing with his friends. His work with young people throughout the world with regard to music education and his more recent efforts on behalf of New Orleans, his hometown, and the victims of Hurricane Katrina are both discussed. Details are few, and older readers may be left wanting more information about this important, influential figure. The color photographs add some visual interest to the fairly straightforward text, but a few are not directly related to the subject and may confuse younger students, despite the captions. Still, this is a useful addition for libraries looking to beef up their biography collection on more contemporary subjects.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

FLEISCHMAN, Paul. Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Cinderella. illus. by Julie Paschkis. unpaged. CIP. Holt. Sept. 2007. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8050-7953-1. LC 2006030615.

K-Gr 4—Capitalizing on the frequently made assertion that Cinderella is the most widely told folktale on earth, Fleischman and Paschkis have created a pan-cultural, universally pleasing interweaving of variants from 17 distinct cultures. This clever books reads nearly seamlessly and somehow manages to convey simultaneously the essential sameness of the story and the particularities of the different versions. Dressing for the royal shindig, our heroine, "…looked in her mother's sewing basket (Laos). Then she reached into the hole in the birch tree (Russia). Then a crocodile swam up to the surface—and in its mouth was a sarong made of gold (Indonesia)…a cloak sewn of kingfisher feathers (China)…a kimono red as sunset (Japan)." Paschkis's backgrounds to the text and gouache illustrations alert readers to the shifts in locale by the use of color-coding and of folk-art design motifs drawn from each culture until the final scene where costumes, dances, music, and cuisines from across the globe convene at a wedding so wondrous "that people today are still telling the story." Endings don't get any happier than in this global tour de force.—Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

GONYEA, Mark. Another Book about Design: Complicated Doesn't Make It Bad. unpaged. CIP. Holt. 2007. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-0-8050-7576-2. LC 2006043705.

Gr 1–5—This lively volume is just as successful as the author's A Book about Design: Complicated Doesn't Make It Good (Holt, 2005). Once again, Gonyea presents a deceptively simple introduction that effectively combines concise text and dramatic visuals to illuminate some of the basic principles of graphic design. Catchy chapter titles ("Don't Stand So Close to Me") and a vibrant palette of blues, reds, and yellows make the title appealing and entertaining. Artistic concepts such as foreground and background, positive and negative space, unity, and complexity are explained in terms that children can easily understand. The culminating chapter employs each principle, step by step, to show how an artist creates a finished picture—the eye-catching superhero featured on the cover. Youngsters will gain a deeper understanding of just what goes into a scene in a comic strip or graphic novel, and may be inspired to create their own graphic designs. A welcome addition.—Robin L. Gibson, Granville Parent Cooperative Preschool, OH

HEILIGMAN, Deborah. Celebrate Halloween: With Pumpkins, Costumes, and Candy. 32p. (Holidays around the World Series). map. photos. further reading. glossary. Web sites. CIP. National Geographic. 2007. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0120-9; PLB $23.90. ISBN 978-1-4263-0121-6. LC 2007003121.

K-Gr 3—While Halloween is a favorite holiday for many children, it can also bring fear and confusion. This warm, informational book, perfect for sharing aloud or enjoying individually, will clear up the mystery and calm any fears. Children will recognize familiar customs, such as carving pumpkins, dressing up, and hanging decorations, explained in simple, yet satisfying, text. The holiday is made accessible and inviting through the use of inclusive phrases such as, "We knock on doors. We say, 'Trick or treat!'" Nervous readers will take comfort in the book's recurring theme: Halloween is a time for fun. Lovely, well-captioned color photographs feature children around the world joyfully taking part in festivities; readers will certainly see themselves reflected in the illustrations. A basic background on the origin of Halloween covers the evolution of trick-or-treating and the legend of the jack-o'-lantern. Back matter includes activity ideas, recommendations for further reading, and information on The Day of the Dead. A wonderful introduction to contemporary customs.—Amanda Moss, Maywood Elementary School, Monona, WI

HIRSCHI, Ron. Lions, Tigers, and Bears: Why Are Big Predators So Rare? photos. by Thomas D. Mangelsen. 40p. index. Web sites. CIP. Boyds Mills. Sept. 2007. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-435-8. LC 2006037956.

Gr 3–5—Cougars, polar bears, lions, cheetahs, tigers, grizzly bears, and killer whales are nature's threatened giants. Each one gets its due in this important book. Hirschi's approach is gentle and engaging, but the urgency of his message is not lost—these animals need human help. Most are threatened by loss of their habitats. Indeed, more tigers now live in captivity than in their natural world. The text is clear and easy to follow, and the problems are balanced with hope. The prime minister of India is encouraging greater protection for tigers. Recent findings indicate that killer whales have learned to share food with one another. A bit about each animal's lifestyle is also included. Mangelsen's crisp color photographs are beautifully composed and heart-grabbing. There are close-ups of lions and bears, and action shots. A cheetah chases its prey. A killer whale leaps out of the sea. Finally, Hirschi offers a page on how to help these large beasts; readers are directed to Web sites for each animal. This book about a timely topic is a first purchase.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

HOBERMAN, Mary Ann. You Read to Me, I'll Read to You: Very Short Scary Tales to Read Together. illus. by Michael Emberley. 32p. CIP. Little, Brown/Megan Tingley Bks. 2007. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-01733-6. LC 2006001223.

PreS-Gr 3—This fourth installment in the innovative series invites young readers once again to share its whimsical vignettes (written in dialogue) with a peer or an adult. Perfect for Halloween, the stories all revolve around monsters, goblins, zombies, and ghouls. The selections are short, each running across a spread, and "voices" are color-coded and carefully positioned on the page so readers know when it's their turn. Despite its title, the book is hardly engineered to keep any child awake at night. Emberley's illustrations depict friendly fiends with lopsided smiles and silly features, and the fear/gross-out factors in the text are almost nonexistent. A solid choice for most libraries.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

JANGO-COHEN, Judith. Real-Life Sea Monsters. illus. by Ryan Durney. ISBN 978-0-8225-6747-9. LC 2006009817.
WALKER, Sally M. The Search for Antarctic Dinosaurs. illus. by John Bindon. maps. ISBN 978-0-8225-6749-3. LC 2006028779. ea vol: 48p. (On My Own Science Series). bibliog. further reading. glossary. Web sites. CIP. Millbrook. Sept. 2007. PLB $25.26.

Gr 2–4—The first book introduces kraken, mermaids, and sea serpents and poses the question of whether these creatures might in fact have been giant squid, manatee, and oarfish, respectively, and does so by citing their appearances and behaviors. The author and illustrator employ a romanticized look and tone with an uneven result. Forced alliterations, "terrible tentacles that tackled ships," flow in and out of the text. The illustrations are representative of the text's uneven quality, computer-assisted art gone awry. A squatting cameraman's clothing appears painted on from waist to chest and a woman with a bulky body has a pin head. In an easy-to-understand text, the second book discusses Dr. William Hammer's discovery of Cryolophosaurus, a 190-million-year-old frozen crested lizard, in Antarctica in 1991. The straightforward presentation concisely discloses what led the team of scientists there and how the paleontologists went about their work. The book discusses their preparations, training, and techniques, and clearly conveys the dangers the expedition faced. The illustrations, done in crisp, bold colors, show the team at work and their discoveries.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

JAY, Alison. 1 2 3: A Child's First Counting Book. illus. by author. unpaged. Dutton. Sept. 2007. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-525-47836-2. LC number unavailable.

PreS-Gr 3—In this beautiful companion volume to Jay's ABC (Dutton, 2003), a child ("one little girl sleeping") dreams that she travels on a large golden goose ("two soaring wings") to visit a variety of nursery rhymes and fairy tales. Each place she visits has things to count: "three little pigs," "four frog princes," etc. The text is simple, with only three or four words on each page. The real story is told through the paintings done in Jay's familiar crackle-glaze style of simple shapes, jeweled colors, and soft lines. In each picture, the artist includes delightful details that reward observant viewers. For example, the page that says, "Eight running rats" also includes eight shoes, eight cupcakes, and a tiny view of the beanstalk from the previous page. The girl and the goose can be found on every spread, which adds continuity to the story. Some pages have hints of things to come, like the six beans lying on the table next to the six gingerbread men, foreshadowing the "Jack and the Beanstalk" scene on the next page. This clever picture book will delight the very young as well as children already familiar with the fairy tales.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

JULES, Jacqueline. Abraham's Search for God. illus. by Natascia Ugliano. unpaged. CIP. Lerner/Kar-Ben. Sept. 2007. PLB $17.95. ISBN 978-1-58013-243-5. LC 2006027429.

PreS-Gr 2—Jules retells a midrash (a legend based on biblical text) in which the youthful Abraham discovers the concept of monotheism. Rejecting worship of unresponsive idols, Abraham spends time outdoors where he senses an unseen hand directing the movements of the moon, sun, storm, and rainbow. He concludes that "God is everywhere. God is in everything. God is something we know with our hearts." The story ends with the statement that "Today we remember Abraham as the father of three great religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam." As is often the case with biblical picture books, the storytelling is slightly formal. However, the energetic pastel illustrations are cheerful and warm, and their swirling motion eases any stiffness in the text. This simply told tale is an excellent introduction to the concept of monotheism, and would be a great discussion starter for talking about God. Its neutral stance makes it useful for readers of many faiths.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

KURTZ, Kevin. A Day in the Salt Marsh. illus. by Consie Powell. unpaged. CIP. Sylvan Dell. 2007. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-9768823-5-0. LC 2006940903.

K-Gr 3—Through rhyming text, Kurtz introduces a salt marsh and its plant and animal inhabitants. Beginning at sunrise, the verses present an hour-by-hour look at the activities of various creatures and changes in the tide: "It's twelve o'clock in the salt marsh;/the tide is rising fast./A grey fin breaks the water/as a dolphin swims right past!" Each spread offers a background view of the marsh along with two smaller inset illustrations: a close-up of the flora and fauna being described and a bird's-eye representation of the scene. Activities and additional information for both students and teachers are appended. An inviting approach to an interesting ecosystem.—Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

MADDEN, Caolan. Let's Count Critters 1–20. illus. by Amy Vangsgard. ISBN 978-0-531-14870-9. LC 2006026332.
MILLER, Amanda. Let's Add to Ten, Again and Again! photos. by James Levin. illus. by Joan Michael. ISBN 978-0-531-14869-3. LC 2006026331. ea vol: unpaged. (Let's Find Out Series). CIP. Children's Press. 2007. PLB $18.

PreS-Gr 1—These small-format books are designed for youngsters learning to count and to perform simple addition. In the first book, children count clay animals two times per page: once numerically and again on a graph. The accompanying rhyme, the clay figures, and the bright colors are appealing. However, for some numbers over 10, the animals can be difficult to find because they blend in with their same-colored backgrounds. In contrast, the visuals in the second book are outstanding. Michael combines photographs of children and objects, cleverly manipulating the youngsters' sizes so that they fit inside socks, shoes, and toy trains. A cheerful rhyme accompanies each scene. Let's Count is an additional purchase. Let's Add may be a hit in libraries where the demand for simple math books is high.—Barbara Katz, Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX

MICKLETHWAIT, Lucy. I Spy Colors in Art. unpaged. reprods. CIP. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Sept. 2007. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-06-134837-2. LC 2006036552.

PreS-Gr 2—Micklethwait continues the series concept of matching simple, familiar statements with examples of ever-changing artistic styles and subject matter. The fine art included here ranges from a 15th-century Nativity scene ("I spy with my little eye a brown cow") to a 21st-century painting by Michael Craig-Martin entitled Eyetest, featuring brightly hued common objects arranged in a hierarchy of sizes ("I spy with my little eye lots of colors"). As viewers discover a purple square, green elephant, and pink socks, they are building up, in the author's words, "a store of images." The repetition of the refrain and the large font employed for each object, in combination with the visual clues, make this a natural choice for both preschoolers and beginning readers. Adults can easily extend the game with other items on the pages or with pictures in other settings, including galleries. Titles and artists are identified in context; dates and locations are provided as endnotes. In a market flooded with collections of reproductions masquerading as concept books, this one is the real deal.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

MORA, Pat. Yum! MmMm! Qué rico!: Americas' Sproutings. illus. by Rafael López. unpaged. CIP. Lee & Low. Sept. 2007. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58430-271-1. LC 2006038199.

PreS-Gr 3—This concept book serves as a delicious introduction to 14 types of food, all of which have their origins in the Americas. Snippets of information and a haiku poem accompany each one, ranging from blueberry and chili pepper through papaya, prickly pear, and vanilla. Using English and a smattering of Spanish words, Mora crafts a playful introduction to each one, as in "Pumpkin": "Under round luna,/scattered tumblings down the rows,/autumn's orange face." The sense of whimsy is further underscored in López's colorful acrylic on wood-panel illustrations. Artful compositions and brilliant complementary colors bear out the book's multicultural themes. The art conveys an infectious sense of fun, as smiling suns and moons beam down upon happy children and animals, along with a trumpet-wielding peanut-butter sandwich and a dancing pineapple. Teachers will find this a welcome addition to their social-studies units, but it should also win a broad general audience for its inventive, fun-filled approach to an ever-popular topic: food.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

MUNRO, Roxie. Mazeways. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Sterling. 2007. PLB $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-3774-9. LC 2007001586.

K-Gr 2—Munro has drawn a wide variety of appealing, alphabetically arranged mazes filled with colorful details that will absorb young readers. Each letter is featured on a spread or a page with directions for traveling through the maze and finding different objects along the way. For example, O is for orchard: "Carry the basket of apples through the ORCHARD to the farmhouse. Then get back on the path to the picnic table for lunch." Then, readers are asked to "find 3 cows, a pier, a barn, a bridge, a park bench, a horse, a tractor, a ladder, 4 gates, a dog, a picnic table, and a pickup truck." Other settings include an airport, boatyard, highway, library, quarry, and ranch. The level of difficulty for each challenge falls somewhat below Martin Handford's "Where's Waldo?" (Candlewick) books and Jean Marzollo's "I Spy" (Scholastic) series. Back pages provide solutions. This engaging title works as an interactive alphabet book, an introduction to mapping skills, or to sharpen visual discrimination skills.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

MURPHY, Liz. A Dictionary of Dance. illus. by author. unpaged. Blue Apple. Sept. 2007. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-59354-613-7. LC number unavailable.

K-Gr 3—From "Arabesque" to "Zones," this is a very broad overview of the subject. The defined words vary a great deal in complexity. Some of the more sophisticated ones include "Notation" and "Improvisation." "Energetic" and "Yearn" are among the more generic terms. Specific movements ("Ouvert") and specific styles, such as "Quickstep" and "Break dancing" are briefly explained. The dynamic and colorful illustrations have real child appeal with line-drawn characters happily and enthusiastically interpreting the words. This potpourri of aspects of dance is imaginatively done, and those who already have an interest in the subject may be fascinated.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

OPIE, Iona. Mother Goose's Little Treasures. illus. by Rosemary Wells. unpaged. Candlewick. Sept. 2007. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3655-5. LC number unavailable.

PreS—This third collection by Opie and Wells includes 22 less-familiar rhymes. According to Opie's introduction, "…the little treasures in this book…are the most mysterious fragments of our shared memory." Some rhymes are silly ("Little old dog sits under a chair,/Twenty-five grasshoppers/snarled in his hair….") Others are surreal. For example, "Mother, May I?" poses the question, "Mother, may I go out swimming?," which is answered, "Yes, my darling daughter;/Hang your clothes on a hickory limb,/But don't go near the water." Meanwhile, the picture shows a little girl, waist-deep in a pool, pulling a little boat and holding a doll that looks just like the little girl, which does transform this playful verse into something, yes, mysterious. Many of the characters make multiple appearances, and many are Wells's characteristic rabbits and cats. The very nature of this book makes it a less-essential purchase than this team's My Very First Mother Goose (1996) or Here Comes Mother Goose (1999, both Candlewick), so possibly only larger collections or libraries with lots of Rosemary Wells fans will want it.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

PIERCE, Terry, comp. Cuddly Critters: Animal Nursey Rhymes. illus. by Simone Abel. ISBN 978-1-4048-2344-0. LC 2006027244.
PIERCE, Terry. Sleepytime: Bedtime Nursey Rhymes. illus. by Barbara Vagnozzi. ISBN 978-1 -4048-2345-7. LC 2006027247.
PIERCE, Terry. Ticktock: Time Nursery Rhymes. illus. by Cori Doerrfeld. ISBN 978-1-4048-2348-8. LC 2006027250. ea vol: 32p. (Mother Goose Rhymes Series). further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Picture Window. 2007. PLB $25.26.

PreS—While the concept of compiling nursery rhymes by theme holds a lot of potential, these books have a bland, cookie-cutter feel. The format is identical, with the exception of the illustrations, which are different in style even though they were all created digitally. The overall design feels unpolished and the artwork, though bright, lacks emotion. The rhymes in each volume range from familiar to lesser known. Each one includes a note on the history of Mother Goose. The books all use The Random House Book of Mother Goose (1986), compiled and illustrated by Arnold Lobel, as a reference for editorial and formatting decisions. That book is once again in print and is a far better choice for nursery-rhyme collections.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

PITTMAN, Rickey. Jim Limber Davis: A Black Orphan in the Confederate White House. illus. by Judith Hierstein. unpaged. CIP. Pelican. 2007. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58980-435-7. LC 2006036282.

Gr 2–4—This is a heartbreaking tale of a free black orphan boy adopted by Jefferson Davis and his family. After Davis was arrested by the Union army, Jim was kidnapped and taken to the North as an unwilling example of the cruelties meted out by Davis to the boy. One illustration shows Jim exposing his welt-covered back to shocked Northerners. In reality, his scars were not from the beatings suffered under the Confederate president, but from the boy's uncle. Pittman does a terrific job of capturing readers' interest, but there are concerns about this title. First of all, thoughts and feelings, which cannot be known, are ubiquitous. When Jim's adopted brother dies after a fall, the text reads, "These were sad days for the Davis family, but especially for Jim because he loved Joe so much." Surely Mrs. Davis would have had her own particular, undeniable, maternal grief. There is so much speculation and filling in of unknown blanks. Large, average-quality illustrations evoke the author's sympathetic views toward the Davis family and the Confederacy. Without source notes, readers should view this story as fiction, not biography. The mystery of what happened to young Jim remains unknown. Davis searched for him after the Civil War, but never found him. Despite the above concerns, it is a worthy tale for young students.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

ROMPELLA, Natalie. Don't Squash That Bug!: The Curious Kid's Guide to Insects. illus. by Margo Burian. unpaged. (Lobster Learners Series). photos. CIP. Lobster, dist. by Univ. of Toronto. 2007. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-897073-50-6. LC C2006-905146-1.

Gr 2–4—This appealing introduction to insects uses colorful photographs and a consistent layout to engage and inform readers. Youngsters will know just what to expect as each color-coded section's purpose is described in the opening pages. For example: the spread on flies identifies the "order" as Diptera, which means "two wings"; a "Don't Squash That Bug!" sidebar details the helpful benefits of flies; and "Country Cousins" discusses related insects. Other spreads include a "Where Are They?" section to describe where the creatures can be found. An excellent glossary is included. The conversational text will hold readers' interest without overwhelming them. A welcome addition to nature sections.—Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

SHOFNER, Shawndra. How It Happens at the Motorcycle Plant. ISBN 1-881508-99-4. LC 2006021832.
SHOFNER, Shawndra. How It Happens at the Pizza Company. ISBN 1-881508-98-6. LC 2006021827. ea vol: photos. by Bob Wolfe & Diane Wolfe. 32p. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Clara House. 2006. Tr $19.95.

Gr 3–4—These titles provide step-by-step descriptions of how an item makes the journey from individual parts to a complete whole. Each spread includes large color photographs and a few sentences, resulting in a clean, engaging layout. Descriptions occasionally feel uneven. Motorcycles are particularly complicated machines with many parts, and the explanations sometimes make assumptions about previous knowledge of them. It's unfortunate that there's no simple diagram with labeled parts. There is no discussion of how a pizza crust is made or its ingredients, despite a thorough breakdown of tomato sauce. These books are similar in audience appeal and format to the "Made in the USA" series (Gale), but are not repetitive of specific subjects. While not essential, they would be acceptable additions to most collections.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

STAUFFACHER, Sue. Nothing but Trouble: The Story of Althea Gibson. illus. by Greg Couch. unpaged. CIP. Knopf/Borzoi. 2007. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-83408-0; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-375-93408-7. LC 2006012605.

Gr 2–5—"Althea Gibson was the tallest, wildest tomboy in the history of Harlem. Everybody said so." How this girl, considered "nothing but trouble," became the first African American to win the Wimbledon Tennis Championship in 1957 is both stylishly and compellingly told in this picture-book biography. From an early age, Gibson's love of sports distracted her from everything else. Buddy Walker, a neighborhood play leader, recognized her ability at street tennis, played with a wooden paddle, and handed Althea her first stringed racket. After considerable practice, he had her play at the Harlem River Tennis Courts, where she attracted the eye of Juan Serrell, a member of the upscale Cosmopolitan Tennis Club. There, assisted by pro Fred Johnson and Rhoda Smith, Gibson's game and deportment improved—though she bristled at the strict rules of behavior. Her eventual victory at Wimbledon is described in both the swinging auctorial voice and the tournament announcers' excited commentary, ending with Gibson's graceful acceptance speech. Couch's kinetic illustrations done in acrylic with digital imaging wonderfully enhance the text. Althea stands out in a blur of color against somber sepia, blue, and olive-drab backgrounds. The prose is rhythmic and has the cadence of the street, and it's a treat to read aloud. Like Katherine Krull's Wilma Unlimited (Harcourt, 1996), this is an affecting tribute to a great athlete, and a story to both enjoy and inspire.—Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary, Tacoma, WA

STEWIG, John Warren. The Animals Watched. illus. by Rosanne Litzinger. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. Sept. 2007. RTE $14.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-1906-7. LC 2006004784.

PreS-Gr 1—A simple account of the story of Noah's ark. The language is easy enough for young children to understand, but remains true to the basics of the Genesis text. Individual letters are not shown by themselves; instead, in alphabetical order from aardvarks to jaguars to zebras, animals tell a part of the tale. "'We,' said the iguanas, 'we saw the Lord close the door of the ark.'" End matter provides information about the creatures and pronunciation guides for unfamiliar names. The appealing illustrations are done in pencil, watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil. The animals show expression without being humanlike, although the text assigns them human responses. The size and scale of the ark vary greatly. In exterior views, a few animals may fill the entire deck; interior scenes, however, are more realistically depicted with large spaces in comparison to the animals housed. Both the humans and the beasts are shown as solid, calm figures, emphasizing the hopeful, reassuring aspects of the story over the frightening premise of the flood.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

STIER, Catherine. If I Ran for President. illus. by Lynne Avril. unpaged. CIP. Albert Whitman. Oct. 2007. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-8075-3543-1. LC 2007001344.

Gr 1–3—This title is a step above the usual election books, both in content and entertainment value. Six children take turns explaining the election process as if they were running for president. They discuss their decision to run, campaigning, primaries and conventions, debating, being interviewed, meeting the public, voting, and being sworn in on Inauguration Day. Stier does a good job of explaining election details, both in an introductory note about electoral votes and in the text itself. The fact that one must be 35 years of age is only mentioned in the note. The author adds flavor by providing humorous examples, such as the need to smile despite indigestion. However, the multiple narrators can be confusing. One must rely on the illustrations to know which child is speaking, and sometimes it is not apparent at first glance. The lively cartoons cheerfully clarify the action and reinforce the concepts. Libraries will want to consider this kid-friendly title.—Barbara Katz, Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX

TANG, Greg. Math Fables Too: Making Science Count. illus. by Taia Morley. unpaged. CIP. Scholastic. Sept. 2007. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-439-78351-4. LC 2006028970.

K-Gr 2—In this companion book to Math Fables (Scholastic, 2004), Tang offers 10 rhymes about animals that teach science concepts as well as basic arithmetic. In addition (no pun intended), each selection contains a moral, such as for the seahorse, "He's happy to be different—/it makes him more unique!" and for the herons, "They know the secret to success/is patience, smarts, and skill!" For number six, "Know Spitting" shows how the archerfish can aim at insects above the water and knock them into the water to catch their dinner. Then combinations of archerfish are shown in groups of five and one, four and two, and three and three. The author also encourages vocabulary growth by using words such as "din," "gorged," "physique," and "marsupials." The bright, bold computer-generated illustrations bring personality to the animals and create colorful displays for counting and adding. Further information about the animal highlighted in each rhyme is appended.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

THOMPSON, Lauren. Ballerina Dreams: A True Story. photos. by James Estrin. unpaged. Feiwel & Friends. Oct. 2007. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-312-37029-9. LC number unavailable.

PreS-Gr 2—Five adorable little girls are given the opportunity to learn to dance like ballerinas and eventually perform on stage. This is no small accomplishment since the girls have cerebral palsy and other muscle disorders and several wear leg braces. To inspire them, their teacher, who is a dancer and physical therapist, gives each of them a glittery tiara and a wand. Assistance is provided to them, as needed, by helpers between the ages of 11 and 16 who work with them during each class and at the recital. As the children learn the steps, their confidence improves and their muscles grow stronger. Finally on the day of the recital, the excitement of makeup and lovely costumes combines with the magic of performing to the beautiful music from The Nutcracker and Swan Lake as they realize their dreams. This is an inspiring portrayal of determination and love that will foster empathy among young readers. The colorful photographs of this dancing community working toward a common goal accurately and sensitively capture the struggles and joyful enthusiasm of all of the participants.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

UNGAR, Richard. Even Higher. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Tundra. 2007. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-0-88776-758-6. LC 2006909046.

Gr 1–4—The boys of Nemirov are curious as to where their esteemed rabbi goes each year on the day before Rosh Hashanah. Rumor has it that he ascends to heaven to beg God to forgive the sins of the villagers, but Yossel, Menachem, and Reuven are skeptical and the bigger boys agree that Reuven should find out exactly what the rabbi is up to. He secretly follows him home, hides under his bed, and trails him the next day. Discovering that the man, disguised as a woodcutter, ventures into the forest to chop wood and deliver it to a poor widow, the boy reports back to his friends that not only does the rabbi ascend to heaven, but he ascends "even higher." Adapted from I. L. Peretz's "If Not Higher," Ungar's version is more accessible to children and holds more appeal, yet still maintains the sophisticated message that may require adult explanation and guided discussion. The richly textured illustrations, in watercolor with colored pencil, provide readers with a sense of eastern European shtetl life. Unfortunately, the small white font often blends into the paintings, making it difficult to read. Jewish libraries, and those with large folktale collections, will want to consider this new retelling of a classic tale.—Rachel Kamin, Temple Israel Libraries & Media Center, West Bloomfield, MI

URBIGKIT, Cat. Cattle Kids: A Year on the Western Range. photos. by author. unpaged. CIP. Boyds Mills. Sept. 2007. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-508-9. LC 2006037937.

Gr 1–4—This glossy pictorial essay attempts to show how children fit into life on a modern cattle ranch. Unfortunately, the book has little substance and readers are often left wondering who these "Cattle Kids" are and exactly what they do. Urbigkit describes the various tasks that take place during a typical year, such as birthing, branding, and grazing. Descriptions of these tasks are limited, however, and sentences are often vague and even trite. "The work can be hard, but it's never boring and usually it's a lot of fun." Even more frustrating is the fact that some of the photos are used several times. Cattle Kids has no page numbers, no index, and no glossary to define difficult words such as "castration" or "lariat." Its only use is as a cursory introduction to Western ranching. For a much more interesting and informative account of work with cattle from a child's perspective, suggest Judy Wolfman's Life on a Cattle Farm (Carolrhoda, 2001) instead.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

WILDING, Valerie. Real Princesses: An Inside Look at Royal Life. 64p. illus. photos. reprods. index. Walker. Sept. 2007. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8027-9675-2. LC number unavailable.

Gr 2–5—Readers who can't get enough of pink-and-purple princess books will be drawn to this title, which promises the real scoop on royal life. The author explains what it means to be a princess, different routes to becoming one, and what princesses do. She offers surprising stories and details about the lives of historical and contemporary figures from around the world, along with substantial information on Princess Diana. While diverse royal lifestyles, such as families living in quarters other than palaces, are mentioned, this book really plays into the media-hyped image of princesses. Much of it covers the stuff of movies and daydreams: designer dresses, gourmet food, jewelry, and weddings. This is done in a general way, implying that every princess lives in luxury, which contradicts earlier statements in the narrative. Nearly all of the drawings show skinny white people in sparkly, revealing outfits. Captioned photos appear throughout. A lack of clear headings, general organization, and tools such as maps and time lines may create frustration for those actually looking for information. Fictional sidebars and slang words, such as "bling," add to the informal feel of the text. Adequate for browsing; opt for specific biographies for focused information.—Amanda Moss, Maywood Elementary School, Monona, WI

WITHROW, Sarah. Be a Baby. illus. by Manuel Monroy. unpaged. CIP. Groundwood. Sept. 2007. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-88899-776-0. LC C2007-900606-X.

PreS—A mother's lullaby to her baby recalls the little one's actions through the day into night, from a game of peek-a-boo hiding under a blanket ("Be a birdie, Baby. Be a lonely loon") to some active play of crawling with a stuffed elephant toy ("Or be a herd of elephants and I'll chase you round the house"). A few of the rhymes will amuse preschoolers ("Be a hungry monkey, shove bananas in your mouth"), but a number of them, such as "Be a dancing flower. Be a tired tree," seem random at best, especially as there are no dancing flowers depicted and the trees in the background don't look particularly tired. Others will just bewilder young children, such as "Be a big-vroom motorbike or a shaggy dog that purrs"; baby is smiling next to a stuffed blue dog, with no motorbike in sight. The mild colors and gentle, soft-focus illustrations of a wide-eyed baby are pleasant but frequently do not match up with the imagery of the text. The loving picture of mother and child in a chocolate-colored room as baby is rocked to sleep is a sweet ending to a genial offering.—Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY

ZALBEN, Jane Breskin. Light. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Dutton. Sept. 2007. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-525-47827-0. LC 2006102948.

Gr 1–4—Zalben's tale was inspired by a 16th-century midrash (a legend based on biblical text). Beginning with "emptiness, like a blank canvas," the Creator made the world and then planned to paint everything with a special light so that it would shine with goodness. The vessel in which the light was stored broke accidentally, sparks were scattered, and humans were created for the task of gathering the shards to make the world "complete and perfect," a project that has yet to be finished. The illustrations were created through mixed-media experimentation and the result is pretty but somewhat jumbled, combining static, detailed figures with dynamic, abstract forms, giving the story a somewhat stumbling pace. The text is rather vague and unfocused; this may be seen as part of its mystical charm, but it detracts from the empowering message inherent in the legend, that we are all part of the solution to the world's problems. There are few children's books that directly address the Jewish concept of tikkun olam ("repairing the world"), and this one has the advantage of being told in a universal way that will appeal to all faiths. While not completely successful in conveying its message of peace, this title does highlight important concepts and would make an excellent discussion starter.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

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