Preschool to Grade 4

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August 1, 2010

Fiction

AKIN, Sara Laux. Three Scoops and a Fig. illus. by Susan Kathleen Hartung. unpaged. glossary. CIP. Peachtree. Aug. 2010. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-522-5. LC 2009024519.
PreS-Gr 1–Little Sofia’s family is making special dishes for an upcoming visit from Nonna and Nonno, but no matter how hard she tries, Sofia is too small to help. Finally she is able to invent her own special dish that impresses her grandparents and becomes a new family classic. A list of the Italian words that appear in the text includes meanings and pronunciations. The large illustrations, some full spread, are crisp and clear, and facial expressions add humor and character development. A fun read-aloud.–Catherine Brenner, Bethlehem Public Library, Delmar, NY

BARCELO, François. My Daddy’s Footsteps. ISBN 978-1-60754-359-6.
––––. My Mommy’s Hands. ISBN 978-1-60754-362-6.
ea vol: tr. from French. illus. by Marc Mongeau. 24p. (My First Stories Series). CIP. Windmill. 2010. PLB $21.35. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–In these French imports, a nameless boy anxiously awaits his parent. My Daddy’s Footsteps finds a boy and his mother poised at the dinner table. The anxious child thinks of possible reasons to explain his father’s absence, such as, “Is he stuck in a snowstorm? Did a witch turn him into a frog?” Happily, footsteps soon announce Daddy’s arrival. In My Mommy’s Hands, the child lies in bed, waiting for his mother to bid him goodnight. While he waits, his mind wanders through various unlikely scenarios to explain her whereabouts: “Did she run off to climb Mount Everest? Kiss an alien?” At last he hears the bedroom door’s knob turn and his mommy enters the room for a hug. In both books, subdued watercolor spreads depict the possibilities. Anna Dewdney’s Llama Llama Red Pajama (Viking, 2005) and Sally Gardner’s Mama, Don’t Go Out Tonight (Bloomsbury, 2002) are livelier offerings for imaginative young worrywarts.–Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

BECKER, Bonny. A Bedtime for Bear. illus. by Kady MacDonald Denton. unpaged. Candlewick. Sept. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4101-6. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Bear and Mouse are back and charming as ever. Bear needs everything just so and perfectly quiet at night, so when his friend shows up for a sleepover, he is wary. All goes well until Mouse’s noises disturb him. Then Mouse falls asleep, and Bear hears something. Awakened by his worried friend, Mouse goes along with his host’s premise that it was he who was frightened and checks under the bed, etc., finally settling in for a bedtime story. Ultimately both fall asleep together. In a perfect marriage of illustrations and text, Becker and Denton portray Bear as skeptical, then irritated, and, finally, nervous. Unflappable Mouse, with his satisfied smile, is a perfect foil. With lines like, “‘I am here to spend the night!’ exclaimed Mouse with a happy wiggle of his whiskers,” and “‘You’ll want a bedtime story, I expect,’ said Bear. ‘For your nerves,’” Becker’s clever text imbues the characters with personality and the story with humor. Denton’s watercolor, ink, and gouache artwork brings them to life. With just a few lines, illustrations take Bear from annoyed to frightened and Mouse from sleepy to awake. In a combination of full-bleed spreads, full pages, and spot art, they draw readers through the story. For children who are frightened at night, trying to navigate the world of friendships, or facing new experiences, Bear and Mouse are the perfect companions.–Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

BERGEN, Lara. Sophie the Awesome. Bk. 1. illus. by Laura Tallardy. 112p. (Sophie Series). Scholastic/Little Apple. 2010. pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-545-14604-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–Third-grader Sophie Miller decides that she is too boring and needs another name, like Nate the Great or Ramona the Brave, so she becomes Sophie the Awesome. The only problem is that no one realizes that she is so amazing. She tries to be awesome in music class by playing her instrument too loudly. Then she tries by jumping on the stairs, which is against the rules, and she ends up in the nurse’s office. Other attempts such as stuffing her mouth with French fries and jumping rope fail to show her “awesomeness” as well. Only when Sophie prevents a kindergartner from running into a busy street does she change her name to one she deserves: Sophie the Hero. This is an early chapter book. However, in some of the cartoon drawings, the children look like middle schoolers. Sophie is a self-centered protagonist whose friends are there to serve her needs, but she does not reciprocate. Although she redeems herself in the end, readers may not get that far.–Elaine Lesh Morgan, formerly at Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

BERRY, Lynne. Ducking for Apples. illus. by Hiroe Nakata. unpaged. Holt. Aug. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8935-6. LC 2009027412.
PreS-K–Berry and Nakata’s troupe of daring ducklings returns with a new set of adventures in this rhyming story. The youngsters are celebrating a beautiful autumn day by hopping on their bikes, sans training wheels, and riding to an apple tree where they pick apples for pie and cake. They return home where they bake and eat their dessert and, exhausted and content, curl up on the hearthside rug and drift off to sleep. Berry’s playful language and appropriate humor enliven the text and the jaunty rhythms and rhymes make this picture book ideal for group sharing. Math concepts are subtly sprinkled throughout, and slightly older readers will delight in the opportunities to count and practice basic addition skills. Delicate, yet comical illustrations complement this lively story; Nakata deftly portrays the ducklings’ silliness and exuberance through delightful watercolors. This ducky picture book fits the bill.–Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI

BIEDRZYCKI, David. Ace Lacewing, Bug Detective: The Big Swat. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Charlesbridge. 2010. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-747-9. LC 2009026643.
K-Gr 2–This adventure takes the buggy private investigator into the world of baseball. Bugsy Goldwing, the star rookie player for the Stinkbugs, Motham City’s home team, has his lucky bat stolen right before a big game, and Ace is hired to find it. The trail takes him to ballparks and locker rooms throughout the league. The complicated story unravels slowly and reveals the thief to be Bugsy’s competition for the MVP award. The bat is found cracked. But Bugsy realizes that it’s not the bat; it’s his ability and he knocks the ball out of the park. The case is solved. The Photoshop-produced illustrations are crisp and colorful, although in rather flat hues. The story has a noir feel to it, as the detectives all wear trench coats and talk tough. The lengthy text is laden with insect jokes, puns, and bug names and the plot is rather convoluted. Nonetheless, fans of the previous two Ace Lacewing titles will enjoy this one.–Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

BLUMENTHAL, Deborah. The Blue House Dog. illus. by Adam Gustavson. unpaged. CIP. Peachtree. Aug. 2010. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-537-9. LC 2009040351.
Gr 1-4–A boy mourning the death of his dog watches a neighborhood stray whose blue house was torn down. Everyone says the skinny dog that Cody calls Bones is nothing special, but first-person free verse and oil paintings indicate that he will help the child heal. Although the dog still cries softly when he passes the site of the old blue house “where the old man stopped living,” Bones trusts Cody. He stays in the boy’s house a little longer each day, takes walks with Cody, and eventually accepts a new name, Blue, and a blue bandana to wear around his neck. As the physical distance between boy and dog closes, the realistic illustrations gradually include more light and brighter colors. This gentle story may help pet owners following a loss and also illuminates the caring qualities that lead to trust, healing, and friendship.–Julie R. Ranelli, Queen Anne’s County Free Library, Stevensville, MD

BOWATER, Alan. A Pig Called Pete. ISBN 978-1-60754-558-3.
––––. A Pig Called Pete Meets a Cat Called Kitty. ISBN 978-1-60754-561-3.
––––. A Pig Called Pete Meets a Dog Called Doug. ISBN 978-1-60754-564-4.
ea vol: illus. by Pete Pascoe. unpaged. (A Pig Called Pete Series). CIP. Windmill. 2010. PLB $22.80. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–These delightful books can support learning in many ways. With several words in each title that use the same initial sound, the books are excellent tools for fostering phonological awareness and later on for teaching alliteration and other devices that writers employ when considering word choices. That said, each title succeeds on its own as an entertaining story about an endearing pig who is purple rather than pink, who is fastidious instead of dirty, and who puts to rest the notion that pigs can’t fly. Pete visits many famous spots around the globe, opening the possibility for all kinds of geography lessons. In Cat, the pig sees his hopes and dreams almost dashed when he discovers that his new friend, Kitty, cannot fly and must decide whether flying or friendship is more important. In Dog, he must deal with the challenges of a three-way relationship as he watches Doug and Kitty fly off together in a balloon. Hilarious cartoon illustrations and simple but imaginative story lines will keep listeners engaged and coming back for more porcine adventures.–Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

BRADMAN, Tony. The Perfect Baby. illus. by Holly Swain. unpaged. Egmont USA. 2010. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4052-2755-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Lucy has a new brother and she does not like him at all. He cries, sleeps, and emits disgusting smells. She tells her parents that she wants them to return him to the hospital, and they reluctantly do so. Once there, a jovial doctor exchanges William for a series of ever larger and more inappropriate babies, such as a monkey, snake, octopus, and something very, very scary. There can only be one ending to this endless set of trades, and that happens when Lucy finally asks for her own brother back. The final exchange will be obvious to adults, but young children will both empathize with Lucy and laugh at the incongruous trades. The book’s silliness extends to the smallest details in the illustrations–boxes teetering high in the hospital have eyes peering out of them and danger signs plastered across them. However, there is a crossness to Lucy that makes her a little prickly. Many children with a new sibling will be comforted by the story, and may even appreciate their own new arrivals after reading about Lucy and her search for the perfect baby.–Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

BRUEL, Nick. Bad Kitty vs. Uncle Murray: The Uproar at the Front Door. illus. by author. 160p. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk. Sept. 2010. Tr $13.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-596-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–The cantankerous cat is back, and her claws are out in this picture-laden chapter book. Uncle Murray, who has appeared in previous books to give his “Fun Facts” about cats, is here to “pet sit” Bad Kitty and Poor Puppy. The feline is not happy with this arrangement and gives Uncle Murray a horrible time, skittishly jumping out at him when he least expects it. When Murray pulls out the dreaded vacuum cleaner, Bad Kitty bolts out the door and into the street. By the end of the pet-sitting arrangement, a ragged, dirty, glazed Murray keeps repeating wistfully, “fish don’t bite or scream or chase you around the house….” Different fonts and huge scrawling words appear throughout, and the black-and-white cartoons on every page often show Bad Kitty and Murray with exaggerated gestures. The style gives the book a fast pace and adds to the comedic atmosphere. However, it’s Uncle Murray’s good-natured bumbling against Bad Kitty’s cranky craziness that will get the giggles going.–Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Kearns Library, UT

CARLUCCIO, Maria. I’m 3! Look What I Can Do. illus. by author. unpaged. Holt/Christy Ottaviano Bks. Aug. 2010. Tr $10.99. ISBN 9780-8050-8313-2. LC 2009029316.
PreS–The accomplishments of two young siblings are presented, from morning to night. Short, declarative sentences announce, “I can sleep in my bed,” “I can eat with my fork and spoon,” “I can try different foods.” At preschool, the twins “read,” paint, and demonstrate social skills such as sharing. At the end of the day they put on their pajamas and kiss their family good night. The bright, cheery digital collages have an eye-catching variety of textures and patterns. An exuberant celebration of three-year-old milestones.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

CASTELLUCCI, Cecil. Grandma’s Gloves. illus. by Julia Denos. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. Aug. 2010. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3168-0. LC 2009015139.
Gr 1-3–“Grandma has a way with flowers,” reports the young narrator of this sweet tribute to intergenerational relationships and the circle of life. Readers know right away all the important things about the child’s grandmother: the way she smells, the kind of tea she pours, her green thumb, and that she sometimes repeats things. This one characteristic foreshadows the woman’s decline in health. When she is hospitalized and later dies, readers are as accepting of this last stage of life as is her granddaughter, who says, “Everything dies one day. I know that.” Taking Grandma’s gardening gloves as a keepsake, she promises to teach her own mother what she has learned about gardening, closing the circle of birth, death, and renewal. Castellucci’s narrative details give voice to the perspicacity of a sensitive child–the smells, gestures, and alterations of experience that are noticed but rarely articulated. Denos’s watercolor, pencil, and digital collage illustrations are bright and charming. Her depictions of the interactions of the winsome main character and her family will evoke recognition in readers and add to the story’s usefulness as a primer for family loss.–Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

CHAST, Roz. Too Busy Marco. illus. by author. unpaged. S & S/Atheneum. Aug. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-8474-0. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–Marco the parrot is too busy for bedtime. Cartoon illustrations in watercolor, gouache, and ink show his human mother from the waist down and a talking alarm clock urging him away from his playthings. Thought bubbles depict his dreams of painting, scientific discoveries, skateboarding, and bowling. The images attempt to show that Marco has too many plans and no time for sleeping. However, cluttered with lines, objects, and color, the pages lack a focal point. Likewise, the story lacks development in plot or character. Adult fans of Chast’s New Yorker cartoons may appreciate this loose artistic style, but most children will be better satisfied by Anna Dewdney’s Llama, Llama Red Pajama (Viking, 2005), Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s Little Hoot (Chronicle, 2008), Barney Saltzberg’s Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for Bed? (Candlewick, 2005), or Peggy Rathmann’s 10 Minutes Till Bedtime (Putnam, 1998).–Julie R. Ranelli, Queen Anne’s County Free Library, Stevensville, MD

COLOMBO, Natalia. So Close. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Tundra. 2010. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-77049-207-3. LC C2009-905381-0.
K-Gr 2–Interestingly designed illustrations portray Mr. Duck and Mr. Rabbit, who pass one another going back and forth to work every day. The last page shows the fun things they could do together if only they’d say hello. The painterly illustrations with rough textures and brush marks are simple but expressive. A creative doodle drawing style is used in title lettering and endpapers. The short text and the large pictures make this a successful selection. Independent readers may be enticed by the illustrations and theme of friendship.–Debbie Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

CRUM, Shutta. Thomas and the Dragon Queen. illus. by Lee Wildish. 267p. Knopf/Borzoi. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-8570-34; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95703-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–In this medieval tale, pint-size Thomas, 12, finds that he has been elevated from squire to knight against all odds. To put it simply, he’s too young, tiny, and inexperienced for such an important position. He can’t even hold a proper sword. Yet the king has requested that he liberate the princess from the clutches of the feared dragon queen: all the big knights are off battling the enemy. Thomas sets off on old Bartholomew the donkey because he’s too short for a horse. He learns that he must defeat a monster along the way, one that has sent many a good warrior to his grave. In a quest that is full of peril and adventure, Thomas must face everyone’s worst nightmare: Does he have what it takes? This endearing story is both heartwarming and full of surprises. Thomas learns that a boy cannot be judged by his size or his intentions, but by the decisions he makes and the trials he must overcome. What sets this story apart from other knightly tales are the unusual size of the hero, the tools–or lack of tools–he has for fighting evil, and the delightful events awaiting him once he finds the princess. Expressive illustrations, many of them spreads, accompany each chapter. Memorable characters enrich the realm by giving purpose to the hero’s ordeal. This is a must-read.–Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

CUSHMAN, Doug. Halloween Good Night. illus. by author. unpaged. glossary. CIP. Holt. 2010. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8928-8. LC 2009029428.
PreS–Eight different Halloween creatures are shown in individual scenes as their parents put them to bed. A rhymed verse introduces each little monster, then word bubbles say good night in various ways. Werewolves “yowwll,” creatures of the Black Lagoon “glug,” mummies speak in hieroglyphs, and ghosts “boo.” They all say different things but the end result is the same. It’s the illustrations that take this title beyond a simple bedtime book. The watercolor and ink drawings are colorful and clever. Each scene has an appropriate background for young sleepers. Some sleep in the woods, under water, in midair, or in space capsules. The delightful illustrations make these seasonal monsters not-so-scary for very young readers. This book will fly off your holiday shelves.–Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

CUSSLER, Clive. The Adventures of Hotsy Totsy. 162p. CIP. Philomel. 2010. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25434-5. LC 2009019130.
Gr 3-5–When their parents go out of town, 10-year-old fraternal twins Casey and Lacey Nicefolk decide to use their magical black box to turn a toy model boat into a functioning powerboat and enter the Gold Cup Grand National Race up the Sacramento River. What follows is a series of mini adventures for the siblings and their dog, including kidnapping by the bad guys from The Adventures of Vin Fiz (Philomel, 2006) and the actual race itself, which comprises nearly half the book. Written in a style reminiscent of an old-fashioned dime novel, the book has no character development and a lot of telling rather than showing. The writing is stilted, and the story lacks excitement or purpose.–Jessica Marie, Renton Public Library, WA

DE LESTRADE, Agnès. Phileas’s Fortune: A Story About Self-Expression. tr. from French by Julia Frank McNeil. illus. by Valeria Docampo. unpaged. CIP. Magination. 2010. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-0790-9; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-0792-3. LC 2009052919.
K-Gr 4–A young boy lives in a strange land where people must buy and swallow the words they need in order to speak. Those who can’t afford expensive words must resort to using dull, boring, discarded terms found in trash cans and gutters, and old-fashioned, useless words that go on sale. Occasionally, if they’re lucky, they can catch a few good words floating in the air. Phileas desperately wants to wish his friend Cybele a happy birthday and profess his love, but unlike the bully Oscar, who has enough money to blurt out his feelings, He can’t afford the right words. Instead, he smiles at her and, with all the love in his heart, utters “cherry!” “ruby!” “chimes!” Cybele doesn’t have any words either, so she simply gives Phileas a kiss, to which he responds with a word he has been saving for just the right occasion: “again!” The exquisite and evocative sepia-tone paintings, highlighted with bold, vibrant reds, beautifully illustrate the poetic text and breathe life into the characters. Demonstrating that what we say is not nearly as important as how we say it, this import provides a wonderful springboard for discussing the power of words and the importance of honesty and sincerity. It will be a welcome addition to picture-book collections and useful to teachers engaged in values education.–Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

DELAND, M. Maitland. The Great Katie Kate Tackles Questions About Cancer. illus. by Jennifer Zivoin. 32p. Greenleaf. 2010. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-60832-027-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Katie Kate is a superhero who roams the hospital corridors battling fear for newly diagnosed cancer patients. She flies into the room, belittles the Worry Wombat, and explains the ins and outs of various procedures and treatments. This is just what little Suzy needs as she is awaits the results of tests and biopsies. Zivoin’s bright, cartoon characters have expressive faces. The illustrator uses color to convey movement, and the pictures, though amateurish, attract the eye. Each type of treatment is explained in child-friendly language, and Katie Kate reassures the youngster that cancer treatments are basically pain free. Although the book is about alleviating children’s fears, it is unrealistic to claim that radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery are basically pain free. This title, with its straightforward text, could be helpful to doctors or nurses in a cancer treatment center, but it must be used with extreme caution.–Wendy Smith-D’Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

DERUBERTIS, Barbara. Eddie Elephant’s Exciting Egg-Sitting. ISBN 978-1-57565-316-7; ISBN 978-1-57565-309-9. LC 2009049878.
––––. Frances Frog’s Forever Friend. ISBN 978-1-57565-317-4; ISBN 978-1-57565-310-5. LC 2009049879.
––––. Gertie Gorilla’s Glorious Gift. ISBN 978-1-57565-318-1; ISBN 978-1-57565-311-2. LC 2009049882.
––––. Hanna Hippo’s Horrible Hiccups. ISBN 978-1-57565-319-8; ISBN 978-1-57565-312-9. LC 2009049883.
ea vol: illus. by R. W. Alley. 32p. (Animal Antics A to Z Series). CIP. Kane. 2010. PLB $22.60; pap. $7.95.
K-Gr 2–Each animal character and related adventure represents a letter of the alphabet. Eddie Elephant helps egg-sit for the Emu family. Frances Frog and Felicity Fox are friends even though they are opposites in many ways. And Gertie Gorilla drops her glorious birthday gift for Goat into the gulch. Kids will enjoy hearing each story as the alphaphonemic sounds are introduced. Alley’s pen-and-ink drawings with soft watercolors capture the animals and their human characteristics in full-page illustrations, making the stories a delightful experience. Fans of Jane Belk Moncure’s “New Sound Box Library” books (The Child’s World) will appreciate a fresh spin on ways to introduce phonemes.–Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

DICAMILLO, Kate & Alison McGhee. Bink & Gollie. illus. by Tony Fucile. 96p. CIP. Candlewick. Sept. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3266-3. LC 2009049100.
Gr 1-3–In three humorous interconnected stories, Gollie, a self-confident girl who lives in a fashionable, contemporary house, and Bink, her rumpled but lovable, impish friend, are adventure-seeking companions, each with her own strong will. In the first tale, Bink’s outrageous socks offend Gollie’s sartorial eye, but the two compromise for friendship’s sake. The second story sends Gollie on an imagined climb up the Andes, shutting Bink out of the house until she arrives at the door with a sandwich, which they share on top of the “mountain.” In the final episode, Gollie is jealous of Bink’s new pet fish until Bink reassures her that no one can take her place. All three stories, written with short sentences, abundant dialogue, and some contemporary expressions, offer delightful portrayals of two headstrong characters who, despite their differences and idiosyncratic quirks, know the importance of true friendship. The delightful digitalized cartoon illustrations–mostly black and white, with color used for the two characters and in strategic splashes throughout–reinforce the humor of the text. Filled with movement, they successfully portray the protagonists’ changing moods. Elementary listeners and readers will have no trouble relating to the two friends’ antics and the bond they share.–Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, The Naples Players, FL

DOCHERTY, Thomas. Big Scary Monster. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick/Templar. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4787-2. LC 2009047397.
PreS-Gr 1–Big Scary Monster lives on top of a mountain and loves to jump out and surprise everyone with a cry of “Boo!” His friends begin hiding from him and he decides to look for new creatures to frighten. “So, off he went down the mountain. But as he walked, a strange thing happened.” The rocks, plants, and creatures become bigger, and he starts to feel small and vulnerable. After he gets scared by a huge rabbit that looms over him, shouting, “Boo!” he scurries back up the mountain, where he is startled by his old friends. Grateful to see them again, he forgets all about being big and threatening. The full-spread watercolor illustrations in deep colors add to the “scary” element of the story. As the Big Scary Monster is traveling down the mountain or up, the art is minimal, showing just the character and the rocks and plants on a white background. The style of these pictures will give young readers an early lesson in perspective. Great as a read-aloud, this book will engage young monster lovers.–Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH

DUBÉ, Pierrette. How to Become a Perfect Knight in Five Days! illus. by Caroline Hamel. ISBN 978-1-60754-373-2.
––––. How to Become a Perfect Princess in Five Days. illus. by Luc Melanson. ISBN 978-1-60754-376-3.
ea vol: tr. from French. 32p. (Rainy Day Readers Series). CIP. Windmill. 2010. PLB $22.80. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–Philbert Metalblade comes from a family of dragon fighters. Rather than wield swords, though, he likes to invent things. Great Dagobert sends his son to the Academy for Apprentice Knights, where he transforms his shield into a skateboard. With an “unauthorized animal” invention, he sneaks into a dragon cave and retrieves a ruby medallion without resorting to violence. In the second title, Princess Stringbean enjoys racing through the village. To help her daughter become more refined, Queen Bergamot enrolls her in the Perfect Princess Academy. Although Stringbean does her best to dance gracefully and fix her hair neatly, she receives failing grades. As she races back to the castle, she finds herself in a group of knights and crosses the finish line first. The quirky cartoon illustrations contain spills and triumphs and humorous details that will draw readers in. Philbert alternately wears skates and rides a two-wheeler. When she runs, Stringbean leaves behind puffs of smoke and splatters mud on her dress. These books encourage children to take pride in themselves and to develop their natural talents. Both conclude with the protagonists’ parents being proud of them.–Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada

EHLERT, Lois. Lots of Spots. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Beach Lane Bks. 2010. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0289-8. LC 2009034361.
K-Gr 2–In keeping with her traditional bold, collage illustrations, Ehlert portrays an array of animals with spots and stripes. Each one is described in a catchy, four-line rhyme. The subjects include a wood duck, an iguana, a turtle, a goose, a goat, a Dalmatian, and a cow, among others. Lots of Spots would make a good addition to an author/illustrator unit on Ehlert’s work, but its stand-alone value as a poetry or animal book falls short of remarkable.–Lindsay Persohn, Crystal Lake Elementary, Lakeland, FL

FORE, S. J. Read to Tiger. illus. by R. W. Alley. unpaged. CIP. Viking. Aug. 2010. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01140-7. LC 2009035147.
PreS-Gr 1–A wide-eyed boy nestles into his couch for a cozy read, only to be repeatedly interrupted by a full-size cartoon tiger that insists on chewing gum, growling like a bear, doing karate, blowing a whistle, then lifting the couch to find the whistle. With each offense, the animal insists, “Tiger is very sorry!” and promises to cease. Finally, the critter has a peek at the book, learns from the boy that it is about a circus tiger, and snuggles up to listen to the story. As in Tiger Can’t Sleep (Viking, 2006), Fore and Alley play with sound effects and comic expressions, which will please a read-aloud audience. The spare ink drawings expand on Tiger’s amusing antics, adding in a red train or midnight forest as backdrop. The Typeka text is somewhat difficult to read when holding the book aloft for crowd viewing and the tale goes on a little long for those under age four, but it will find fans in children who enjoy energetic tales.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

FOX, Lee. 10 Little Hermit Crabs. illus. by Shane McG. unpaged. Allen & Unwin, dist. by Trafalgar Square. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-174-175-739-2. LC number unavailable.
PreS–This rhyming book starts with a brief paragraph about hermit crabs and then counts down from 10 to one. Each page begins with a number and the words “little hermit crabs.” Next, something happens to decrease the number by one and the text moves to the refrain: “‘Hush,’ says the seashore. ‘Shh,’ says the sea./How many hermit crabs will there be?” Once down to one, the other nine reappear, and the last page reads, “10 little hermit crabs waving at me.” The text works well enough, although at times the meter strains and the refrain is a bit of a tongue twister. The computer-generated art is bold and appealing, with full-bleeds on every page, and the hermit crabs sport googly eyes on stalks and expressive mouths. Unfortunately, on a few spreads one of the crabs is obscured to the point where it is difficult to count, and several of the creatures disappear in what seem likely to be fatal ways, e.g., “down swoops a seagull,” and “one meets a shark.” Also, there are two wordless spreads interspersed in the book. While the dolphin one is quite lovely, it feels extraneous, and the shark in the other is downright frightening. Nevertheless, the cartoon art will likely appeal to today’s computer- and TV-oriented kids, and the addition of information about hermit crabs will make this useful in coastal areas. An additional purchase for libraries looking for more counting or seashore books.–Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

GARDNER, Scot. The Detachable Boy: With One Loose Foot. illus. by Heath McKenzie. 160p. Allen & Unwin. Aug. 2010. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-741753-45-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-5–Australian John Johnson is a “detachable person.” His body parts come apart and he can reattach them at will, no blood involved. John and his family keep this fact a secret until he is kidnapped. Using his detachability, he escapes, only to learn that his friend Crystal has also been kidnapped and sent to Carcass Springs, AZ. He confides in another friend and together they hatch a plan to send John to the U.S. in pieces (no passport required). Upon arrival, he must use all his wits and pieces to thwart a nefarious gang that has been collecting detachables to sell for their parts. This is a wacky romp that would appeal to readers of Dav Pilkey’s “Ricky Ricotta” books (Scholastic) and Kirk Scroggs’s “Wiley and Grampa’s Creature Features” series (Little, Brown). The only foreseeable problem is that the story is full of Australian expressions and the very readers who would be attracted to it will have problems interpreting them without a glossary.–Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

GIFF, Patricia Reilly. Number One Kid. Bk. 1. 80p. ISBN 978-0-385-74687-8; ISBN 978-0-385-90925-9; ISBN 978-0-553-49468-6. LC 2009033019.
––––. Big Whopper. Bk. 2. 67p. ISBN 978-0-385-74688-5; ISBN 978-0-385-90926-6; ISBN 978-0-553-49469-3. LC 2009033020.
ea vol: illus. by Alasdair Bright. (Zigzag Kids Series). CIP. Random/Wendy Lamb Bks. Aug. 2010. Tr $12.99; PLB $15.99; pap. $4.99.
Gr 2-4–This series kicks off with a spunky introduction to the students at Zelda A. Zigzag School. Mitchell and his sister, Angel, are the new kids. He’s not too sure about some of his schoolmates or the Afternoon Center that they attend, but he’s sure about one thing: he wants to win a medal on prize day. Mitchell goes on nature walks, swims, paints, and gets homework help at the center, and worries that he may not be Number One at any activity. On prize day, however, he gets a big surprise. In Big Whopper, the Afternoon Center kids set out to list all of their discoveries. Everyone can think of at least something with the exception of Destiny, who, in desperation, makes up a “discovery” about a famous ancestor. Soon, she is in over her head, trying to find her way out of her big whopper of a lie. When Destiny comes clean, she finds out that she is good at making discoveries after all. Readers new to chapter books will love these quick-paced, fun stories. Spot illustrations and a generous font size add to their approachability. It won’t take long for the kids of Zelda A. Zigzag School to become favorites.–Amanda Moss Struckmeyer, Middleton Public Library, WI

GOLD, Willa. Stella and Tulip: A Home for Us. illus. by Howie Green. 36p. Black Heron. Aug. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-930773-95-3. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–In this awkward and didactic story, a lost mother and daughter dachshund meet a wise pug who leads them, along with a variety of other strays gathered on the way, to the wonderful “Shona, the rescue lady who lives in Tacoma.” During the journey, the dogs eat trash and discuss microchips, pet abandonment, the economy, and the history of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Green’s pen cartoons are lacking. At times, a dachshund resembles a pig, the pooch poses are unnatural, and the backgrounds are trite–brilliantly blossoming gardens, a Pop art sunrise, and enormous butterflies. Although this picture book is well intentioned, it misses too many marks.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

GOLLUB, Matthew. Jazz Fly 2: The Jungle Pachanga. w/CD. illus. by Karen Hanke. unpaged. CIP. Tortuga. 2010. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-889910-44-4. LC 2009024367.
K-Gr 3–Jazz Fly and his band can only get to and from a jungle club gig (and out of trouble) if they use the right Spanish words. But on the CD, Gollub tells young audiences that Spanish is not the only language to listen for in this story. They also must listen for “jazz words”: nonsense syllables that evoke classic scat singing. The Spanish words appear in pink text, while jazz words appear in green. This technique helps young readers distinguish between the two. While the colorful text and bright illustrations will appeal to children, this book may be most effective in conjunction with the CD. The lively narration brings the text’s jazz and Latin rhythms to life; this quality may not be evident when read by less musically talented adults. The author also adds effective sound effects, such as club chatter and rain-forest noises, which suggest atmosphere without drowning out the narration. His musical flair also extends to introducing instruments. Gollub presents the name of an instrument, the sound it makes, and then plays a few notes. His note explains his creative process and gives educators useful information and ideas. This book is best suited for music units or public-library music programs.–Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

GRIFFIN, Kitty. The Ride: The Legend of Betsy Dowdy. illus. by Marjorie Priceman. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. Aug. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-2816-4. LC 2009020841.
Gr 1-4–“She couldn’t stop King George. She couldn’t fight as a soldier. But she could ride.” That refrain echoes throughout this gripping tale of a girl’s courageous effort to alert Colonial troops to an impending attack on the barrier island of Currituck, NC. Although there is no proof that Betsy Dowdy really existed, her story is part of a long oral tradition, and whether truth or legend, it is inspirational. Upon hearing that Lord Dunmore’s Redcoats are on their way, most likely to commandeer their supplies and the ponies her father keeps, Betsy determines to get word to General Skinner 50 miles away. Dressed in breeches, she mounts her beloved pony, Bess, and undertakes the long and hazardous journey to Skinner’s camp, braving freezing water, packs of dogs, and the possibility of highwaymen along the way. Griffin’s writing is nicely paced, galloping along much as Bess does. Priceman’s signature swirling backgrounds and slightly off-kilter perspectives also help maintain the dramatic tension. This riveting read-aloud captures the spirit and determination of that journey to liberty fought so long ago.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

HACOHEN, Dean & Sherry Scharschmidt. Tuck Me In! illus. by authors. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. Sept. 2010. Tr $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4728-5. LC 2009040504.
PreS–In a gentle, rhythmic nighttime chant, an unseen narrator asks, “Who needs to be tucked in?” The next page reveals a pop-eyed cartoon baby animal, head on a pillow against a field of white. Readers turn a half-page which is revealed as a blanket and the baby is tucked in. The opposite page, night blue with yellow stars, displays the text “Good night, baby” and the next request for who needs tucking. In the cozy conclusion, the narrator asks readers if they are ready for bed. This simple book reveals a zoo of animals–hedgehog, pig, alligator, moose, peacock, elephant, each on a uniquely colored and patterned pillow and being covered by a joyously fun and surprisingly patterned blanket. The animals are rendered digitally in a sketchy, jazzy style with swaths of bright color. Youngsters will delight in covering the babies and chanting the text in this book that will be re-read endlessly as a comfy prelude to bedtime.–Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

HEIDE, Florence Parry. Dillweed’s Revenge: A Deadly Dose of Magic. illus. by Carson Ellis. unpaged. CIP. Harcourt. Sept. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-15-206394-8. LC 2009027599.
Gr 2-5–When his oblivious parents depart for adventures, young Dillweed is left in the care of two servants who drink, party, and make him do constant chores. The narrator’s wry tone makes it clear that the boy will not accept this situation forever, and his revenge is delightfully macabre. He unleashes a team of shadowy monsters who dispose of both butler and maid, and “Dillweed and Skorped,” his dragon-ish pet, “were happy.” The black humor turns even darker when the parents return and decide to get rid of the pet, then promptly meet the same fate as the servants. Readers leave boy and creature enjoying a cruise and living “happily ever after. Dillweed and Skorped, not the parents.” The restrained satiric voice sets the tone, slyly preparing readers for Dillweed’s revenge. Terse sentences and repeated refrains inject humor while leaving room for the playful ink and gouache illustrations, which recall Edward Gorey’s work, to fill in the details. Pictures, not words, reveal the magic stone that Dillweed uses, for example, as well as the monsters he calls forth. One especially funny spread shows the luggage of the returning parents being carried in, just as a servant’s coffin is being carried out. The mixture of humor and gruesomeness may offend some, but for fans of Roald Dahl, Lemony Snicket, or Hilaire Belloc, it’s right on target.–Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville Public Library, OR

HESHKA, Ryan. Welcome to Monster Town. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Holt. 2010. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8873-1. LC 2009029315.
PreS-K–Heshka seems to have spent all of his creative energy on the color-saturated, full-bleed renderings of monsters going about daily tasks, to the detriment of the brief text. The book is supposed to chronicle the activities of Monster Town’s citizens from dawn to dusk, but the single sentences per spread are either hokey one-liners, some of which will fly over kids’ heads–“The ghost writers cover the news”–or flat, uninteresting statements. Kids, though, will likely be entertained just by browsing through the acrylic and collage images, reminiscent of cartoon styles of the 1940s and 1950s and spooky in a kid-friendly sort of way. Definitely an additional purchase.–Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR

HUSBAND, Amy. Dear Teacher. illus. by author. unpaged. Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. 2010. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-4268-7. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–This humorous back-to-school book begins with a letter to a student from Principal N. T. Grindstone welcoming him back to school and promising lots of hard work in the year ahead. Following is a series of notes to his new teacher from the highly imaginative Michael, explaining the reasons for his lateness and subsequent absence; “The head of the secret service turned up…I did mention the math test, but he said the future of the country depends on me.” Readers follow Michael on the hunt for a missing explorer from the top of Mount Everest through the Egyptian pyramids and the Amazon, by way of a rather sinister pirate ship. The child ends up not returning to school at all, but instead finds himself on another mission of epic proportions. Or does he? The illustrations and text look as if they are the work of Michael himself, and the postscripts are often laugh-worthy (“P.S. It’s probably best not to mention this to Mom if you see her in the supermarket again.”) This book is well positioned for the back-to-school crowd and is a fun choice for children who are a little young for Jeff Kinney’s “Wimpy Kid” books (Abrams) but enjoy a similar format. The illustrations will empower readers to believe they can write a similar story. This one is more enduring than most back-to-school titles.–Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL

JOHNSON, Mo. Noah’s Garden: When Someone You Love Is in the Hospital. illus. by Annabelle Josse. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. 2010. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4782-7. LC 2009046544.
PreS-K–Noah, a typical toddler, is understandably wrapped up in his own imaginary world, sailing like an airplane whenever he is on the swings or running around fighting pirates in the garden as his grandparents watch over him. In the back of his mind, Noah is wondering, “When can Jessica come to my garden?” His parents are noncommittal: “Maybe next week…. She’s with her doctor now.” One day Noah makes a wish at a fountain and suddenly there is a surprise. His parents bring baby Jessica out to the garden. Large watercolor illustrations fill the pages. Josse shows Noah expressing feelings that range from sorrow to happiness. However, the plotline will generate more questions than answers, despite the big clue in the subtitle. In aiming for simplicity, Johnson does not make it clear that Noah has probably been playing in the hospital garden day after day for months while the family has been waiting for his baby sister’s condition to improve so that she can go home. Two paragraphs of background notes explain these facts on the final page.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

KERBY, Johanna. Little Pink Pup. photos by author. unpaged. CIP. Putnam. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25435-2. LC 2009015122.
K-Gr 3–When Pink, the runt of a large litter of piglets, is pushed aside by his siblings, he’s taken into the house where a dachshund named Tink adopts him as one of her pups. He learns to prefer dog food to pig food and soft blankets to scratchy straw. Simple, clear text relates this true story, and the large print makes the title inviting for beginner readers. Full-color photos record events in the life of this unusual family. This heartwarming story of cross-species adoption will have strong appeal for animal lovers. Readers will easily grasp the lesson of fitting in and being loved even when you’re different.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

KONTIS, Alethea. AlphaOops! H Is for Halloween. illus. by Bob Kolar. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. 2010. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3966-2. LC 2009014827.
K-Gr 3–In this sequel to AlphaOops! The Day Z Went First (Candlewick, 2006), Kontis and Kolar reintroduce readers to their cast of alphabet players. The book begins with the letter Z directing the letter H to start the show because, “Halloween can’t start with any other letter.” Appearing entirely out of sequence, the individual letters then make brief appearances dressed up as characters that begin with their respective letters: “Z is for zombie. N is for nightmare.” The tentative letter B attempts to shine, but he continually encounters problems; at one point his buccaneer costume is taken by P (Pirate) and in another scene a blackbird sits on his head. B perseveres and steals the show by delivering the final line of the play, “B is for…BOO!” Kontis’s text is rhythmic and comical, and readers who are comfortable with the alphabet will delight in the silliness of this story. Kolar’s illustrations are imbued with a sense of nighttime theater magic, and the slightly muted jewel-tone hues set the scene perfectly. A winsome union of humorous text and art, this light, fresh book is an ideal addition to holiday collections.–Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI

KULKA, Joe. Vacation’s Over!: Return of the Dinosaurs. illus. by author. unpaged. Carolrhoda. Sept. 2010. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5212-9. LC 2009034277.
PreS-Gr 2–After vacationing in space for a few million years, the creatures once thought to be extinct return home. Cartoon-style, digitally enhanced paintings show a variety of dinosaurs catching up on laundry, mowing an overgrown lawn, developing photos, and buying school supplies. However, the dinosaurs also need to adapt to challenges of the modern world: the temptation to eat humans, the Great Wall that blocks access to a portable dinosaur toilet, and a petrified pet at home in the cave. This strange mix of reality and fantasy concludes with a serene spread in which a dinosaur peacefully snores while dreaming of his next vacation. If there was an ironic intent in the text (“Good to have you back home again”), it may be lost on children who see a skeptical, even fearful pet dog, trapped under the slumbering Rex’s claws. While avid dinosaur fans may appreciate the wacky scenarios, most would be better served by a more successful melding of past and present, such as Chris Gall’s Dinotrux (Little, Brown, 2009).–Julie R. Ranelli, Queen Anne’s County Free Library, Stevensville, MD

LANDMAN, Tanya. Mary’s Penny. illus. by Richard Holland. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. 2010. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4768-1. LC 2009021489.
K-Gr 4–A farmer can’t decide which of his two sons should take charge after he is “dead and gone,” so he challenges each of them to fill the house with a penny’s worth of something. When neither of the young men can carry out his mission, he reluctantly allows his daughter to try. Despite the fact that “Everyone knows that girls can’t run farms,” Mary fills the house with music from a simple, handmade reed flute and with light from a single candle, and her humbled father chooses her to run the farm. You see, Mary’s “very special, secret something” is “brains.” Holland’s stylized mixed-media illustrations don’t quite mirror the hyperbolic descriptions in the text. The “brawny” Franz–rotund in the illustrations–is said to have hands “as big as stone slabs.” Hans has “feet the size of rowboats” (actually, a largish pair of laced black ’40s-era shoes). Clothing cut from patterned paper; shoes clipped from photos; penciled facial features; watercolor backgrounds; crayoned trees, water, and clouds invite viewers to search each page for unusual detail, like the tiny people in medieval dress in the market scenes and the small black cat that is present on most pages. While the oversize gray text is quite readable, the names of Franz and Hans, printed in large, bold type, and Mary’s in large italics, are jarring. This retelling of a “feminist fable,” with its redundant references to the inferiority of girls, just doesn’t measure up to the wealth of excellent folk tales, picture books, and novels that feature strong female characters.–Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

LEVINE, Gail Carson. Fairies and the Quest for Never Land. illus. by David Christiana. 222p. Disney. 2010. RTE $18.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-0935-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–Gwendolyn Carlisle, a descendant of Wendy Darling, receives the precious “kiss” necklace from her parents on her seventh birthday. A year and a half later, Peter Pan arrives to escort her to Never Land to meet Tink and the other fairies. However, when she arrives, nothing goes according to plan. She is told that there is danger coming and that she may be the cause of it. The evil Kyto, an imprisoned dragon, escapes with plans to destroy Never Land. As the fairies begin their quest to stop Kyto, they have to decide whether or not Gwendolyn is helpful or harmful to them. Fans of Tinkerbell and the Disney Fairies will enjoy this series entry. Written in short chapters interspersed with color illustrations, some full page, the text is accessible to readers. The occasional full-color, full-page artwork adds to the magic and excitement of the story.–Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH

LIES, Brian. Bats at the Ballgame. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Houghton Harcourt. Sept. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-24970-4. LC 2009049694.
PreS-Gr 3–As in Bats at the Beach (2006) and Bats at the Library (2008, both Houghton Harcourt), Lies’s luminous acrylic illustrations are the highlight here. The bats are earnest and cuddly, with translucent eyes and twitchy noses. Here, they’re engaged in a topsy-turvy baseball game of dizzying perspectives. The game is played on the ground, though the participants swoop, glide, and soar around the bases and the spectators hang upside down above them in the stands. The illustrations, with brilliant colors and eye-catching details, carry the story when the verses fall flat. Fans will enjoy the bats’ version of the game: flying vendors offer mothdogs and Cricket Jack, as the grounds crew marks the baselines with powdered sugar and rakes the pitcher’s mound with a fork. Careful readers will find plenty of inventive details to make this latest outing to the bats’ nocturnal world worthwhile.–Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

LUDWIG, Trudy. Confessions of a Former Bully. illus. by Beth Adams. unpaged. further reading. Web sites. CIP. Tricycle. Aug. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-58246-309-4; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-1-58246-358-2. LC 2009032296.
Gr 3-6–In a fictional scrapbook, a self-confessed former bully recounts both her own actions as a perpetrator and the steps she took to rectify her behavior. Under the guise of giving an insider’s look, Katie provides information about why bullies do what they do and some possible steps that targets and bystanders can take to stand up to them. Meant to offer advice, the insights occasionally feel too adult to be truly accessible to kids, but the language and casual writing style are age appropriate. Despite the moments when Katie’s transformation seems too pat and convenient to be believable, the advice is sound and there are specific examples that will be helpful, even if older readers may feel as though they’ve heard it all before. Jotted notes, doodles, and related quotes are peppered throughout, adding to the scrapbook format. The illustrations are a mix of collage and drawings; they are fun but not particularly noteworthy. Further reading for children and adults, as well as the websites listed at the end of the book, are useful resources.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

MCALLISTER, Angela. Yuck! That’s Not a Monster! illus. by Alison Edgson. unpaged. CIP. Good Bks. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-56148-683-0. LC 2009033696.
PreS-Gr 1–Mr. and Mrs. Monster’s hatchlings include a green son, Frightful, and purple daughter, Horrid, who have their parents’ lumpy, horned, clawed, and grimacing features. The last egg contains Little Shock. His pink fur, round blue eyes, and gentle nature are abominations to the family. His siblings try to teach him to scratch, hiss, and attack, but “cutie-pie” remains cuddly and kind. These negative attributes save the day, however, when the more aggressive toddlers accidentally awaken a full-spread red monster whose anger melts to anguish when Little Shock kisses him. The large format and brightly colored cartoons lend themselves well to group sharing. Edgson’s monsters are like plush toys with coy expressions, more funny than fierce. McAllister offers fresh descriptions touched with humor. Regarding the eggs: “Mr. Monster kept them warm by huffing with his hot, stinky breath.” “Mrs. Monster screeched to them.” Youngsters exploring irony will be fans of this story.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

MCDONALD, Megan. Judy Moody, Girl Detective. illus. by Peter H. Reynolds. 192p. Candlewick. Aug. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3450-6. LC 2009047404.
Gr1-3–Judy Moody has been reading too many Nancy Drew novels. She is looking for a mystery to solve when Officer Kopp visits the school with his police dog. When the dog goes missing a few days later, Judy pulls together her brother and friends to form a detective club and save the day. Judy is an endearing mix of precocious and familiar with just the right amount of exaggeration. The same could be said of the story. Watercolor-and-ink drawings break up the text.–Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

MCKEE, David. Elmer and the Hippos. illus. by author. unpaged. Andersen, dist. by Lerner. Sept. 2010. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-6442-9. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–In this installment, the patchwork elephant uses his powers of negotiation to solve a conflict. The hippos’ river has seemingly dried up, causing them to crowd the elephants’ waterway and make everyone miserable. After discovering that fallen rocks are the problem, Elmer and his cousin Wilber rally the other animals to restore the river’s flow. Job done, all the animals realize that working together is the best way to achieve a goal resulting in a splashy, happy, and satisfying ending for all. With its vibrant, eye-catching colors and engaging goings-on, this book is a visual delight.–Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

MCMULLAN, Kate. I’m Big! illus. by Jim McMullan. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. Sept. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-122974-9; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-122975-6. LC 2009027206.
PreS-Gr 1–A late-waking sauropod finds himself alone and asks some prehistoric beasts if they have seen his herd. Suddenly, he runs into toothy, clawy predators and knows he’s in big trouble. He’s too heavy to run, too big to hide, and has no good fighting body parts. But then he realizes that with his huge dimensions, he can bluff and scare the carnivores away. In the process, he spots the footprints of his herd, resulting in a joyful reunion. This tale of a young dinosaur finding his inner power is told through childlike vernacular with varying type sizes and colors to emphasize mood. The full-color watercolor illustrations feature plenty of action and multiple perspectives as the cheeky, pink, purple, and blue protagonist seeks out others of his kind. Perfect as a read-aloud or a read-alone, this story about a lost youngster finding his courage and his mojo will secure a welcome place in the vast herd of picture books available.–Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

MCMULLAN, Kate. School!: Adventures at the Harvey N. Trouble Elementary School. illus. by George Booth. 160p. Feiwel & Friends. Aug. 2010. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-312-37592-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-4–Ron Faster runs downstairs and eats breakfast with his parents every morning and then dashes off to catch the school bus. It inevitably gets stuck in a ditch by its driver, Mr. Ivan Stuckinaditch. Eventually, the children will all arrive at the Harvey N. Trouble Elementary School where every day is “not normal,” as little Izzy Normal always says. The story takes readers into Ron’s week, from Hotsy-Totsy Monday to Hunky-Dory Thursday, at his outlandish school, where, through extreme silliness, little life lessons are learned. Every day when Ron arrives home, he and his parents talk about what he learned. The characters all have giggle-worthy names that relate to their personalities or attributes; the music teacher is Mrs. Doremi Fasollatido, and the custodians are named Janitor Iquit and Janitor Quitoo. Booth’s great cartoon illustrations add whimsy and pure fun to every page, a quality that, when paired with McMullan’s simple, quirky story, may well draw in reluctant readers. This is a good chapter book for children who enjoy the visual stimulation of well-done graphics.–Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL

MAGENTA, Emma. Orlando on a Thursday. illus. by author. unpaged. Candlewick. Aug. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4560-1. LC 2009047406.
PreS-Gr 1–Orlando is looking forward to spending the day with Mami; it is a Thursday, however, and she is busy in town. Instead, Orlando and Papi have adventures tricycling; playing drums and dancing; and going for a walk and seeing a plane, a dog, and a beautiful tree. The best part of Thursday for Orlando, though, is when Mami comes home and the entire family is together. The simple phrases and two-dimensional collage illustrations of this first-person story lead readers to believe that a child has created it. However, the illustrations convey little expression and the writing is lackluster. The only spread that provides visual appeal shows Orlando and Papi admiring a special tree with red and golden leaves. Here the repetition of leaf patterns results in a bold and beautiful collage. While the execution falls short, the story line, which focuses on Orlando adjusting to separation from his Mami, is an important one.–Kim T. Ha, Elkridge Branch Library, MD

MAHY, Margaret. Stop That Stew! illus. by Deborah Rigby. 24p. (Treasure Chest Readers Series). further reading. CIP. Windmill. 2010. PLB $21.35. ISBN 978-1-60754-682-5. LC 2009040147.
PreS-Gr 2–Forgetful Mr. Winkle prepares a pot of stew. Looking for someone with whom to share it, he drives off to visit a friend, with the pot sitting on the roof of his car. While he motors along the winding roadway, two canines catch a whiff of the delectable dish and run along behind the auto. As this cumulative tale progresses, a dogcatcher, the pups’ owner, and police join in pursuit, but for differing reasons. Then Mr. Winkle remembers that his friend is away. Upon returning to his house, he cannot find his stew pot until the followers point out where he left it. The grandfatherly gentleman generously invites his new friends in for a homemade repast. Mahy’s writing style flows smoothly, and the repetitive text will bolster new readers’ confidence, and Rigby’s comical, full-color artwork reinforces the action. Young readers will chuckle when they spot the pot of stew on the rooftop long before Mr. Winkle does. Rigby sprinkles in details like a vanity license plate. With the exception of one spread, the text and illustrations appear on opposite pages, with plenty of white space surrounding the type. Mahy’s storytelling and Rigby’s humorous artwork merge into a cohesive, entertaining easy-reader.–Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

MILLEN, C. M. The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane. illus. by Andrea Wisnewski. unpaged. further reading. Web sites. CIP. Charlesbridge. 2010. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-179-0. LC 2009026651.
Gr 2-5–In the mountains of medieval northern Ireland, holy men live, work, and pray in plain gray stone buildings. There the monks are seen inking brown words and designs onto parchment sheets. The poetic text, written mostly in rhymed even lines with some touches of humor, tells the story of young Theophane, who reacts to the sights and sounds of nature by noting what he sees on torn parchment pieces, which appear on the illustrated pages of this book. He is reprimanded by the eldest brother and assigned the task of making brown ink. When his supply of bark dwindles, he goes to the woods to find more, returning with berries, flowers, roots, and leaves from which he makes colorful inks that he applies to his own doodles using brushes made from donkey-tail hairs. And so, Theophane illuminates both the lives of his brothers and their calligraphy. His own inspiration comes from the lush plants and bright flowers in the garden that he tends, “But the best yields of all,/for Theophane’s part,/were the peace in his mind/and the joy in his heart.” Wisnewski’s exquisitely detailed illustrations consist of a framed, bordered rectangle of text resembling a stained-glass panel set into or facing a colorful print. An author’s note speaks of the monks from whose poems Millen’s story was adapted. Using her short list of books and websites, youngsters can read some medieval monks’ poems and learn about illumination, how to make a writing quill, extract colors from plants and leaves, or make a book. This gentle tale is a real treasure to read and behold.–Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

MINARIK, Else Holmelund. Little Bear and the Marco Polo. illus. by Dorothy Doubleday. 32p. ISBN 978-0-06-085485-0; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-085487-4. LC number unavailable.
SKOFIELD, James. Detective Dinosaur Undercover. illus. by R. W. Alley. 48p. CIP. ISBN 978-0-06-623878-4. LC 2008055605.
ea vol: (An I Can Read! Bk.). HarperCollins. Sept. 2010. Tr $16.99.
K-Gr 1–In the first book, Little Bear’s grandfather is cleaning his attic, and the activity provides both a teaching moment and an opportunity to explore the contents of his sea chest. Little Bear learns about the Marco Polo, and, caught up in the moment, the two share an imaginary trip in the boat, followed by a visit to the nearby docked vessel. Water-washed ink drawings display a series of family vignettes and Little Bear’s activities while appropriate simple sentences and childlike questioning keep the pages turning. The two travel around the world through their imaginations, visiting a polar bear, panda, and koala “bear.” In the second book, the uncomplicated, practical soul introduced in Detective Dinosaur (1996) and Detective Dinosaur Lost and Found (1998, both HarperCollins) returns in a trio of investigations. As he follows instructions literally, “undercover work” translates to wearing layers of clothes, mysterious blobs under his naptime blanket terrify the Detective, and sunny skies bring an unexpected, puzzling dousing. The dino’s genial expressions projected in colorful pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons follow the action. Conversation and onomatopoeia spice up the text, presented in large font. The good detective always ends a chapter “Case Closed.” His innocent confusion creates entertaining problems with simple solutions. Solid additions to easy-reader collections.–Mary Elam, Learning Media Services Plano ISD, TX

MURPHY, Stuart J. Emma’s Friendwich. ISBN 978-1-58089-450-0; ISBN 978-1-58089-451-7. LC 2009027784.
––––. Freda Plans a Picnic. ISBN 978-1-58089-456-2; ISBN 978-1-58089-457-9. LC 2009027785.
––––. Good Job, Ajay! ISBN 978-1-58089-454-8; ISBN 978-1-58089-455-5. LC 2009027567.
––––. Percy Plays It Safe. ISBN 978-1-58089-452-4; ISBN 978-1-58089-453-1. LC 2009027787.
ea vol: illus. by author. unpaged. (I See I Learn Series). CIP. Charlesbridge. 2010. RTE $14.95; pap. $6.95.
PreS-K–Short, simple sentences with minimal detail instruct readers in social, emotional, and cognitive skills as well as health and safety. In the first book, Emma has moved to a new house and wants to make friends. She finds that “smile,” “ask,” “help,” and “share” bring about the desired result. Each concept is reinforced using inset pictures and highlighted words. Freda focuses on the cognitive skill of sequencing, with insets reinforcing the order of events from packing for the picnic to cleaning up. Ajay! deals with the emotional skills for building confidence. The child wants to throw a ball like his older sister, but he can’t. Friends remind him of other things that were difficult at first but that resulted in success. In the last title, Percy loves to play monster and takes many dangerous chances, ignores the other children’s pleas to play safe, and eventually gets hurt. The illustrations emphasize both good and bad playground habits. In each book, the colorful and playful cartoon illustrations capture young readers’ attention. A page of questions encourages readers to think about the stories and a page emphasizing the steps involved in each skill. End pages include notes for parents. While these titles may support the curriculum and offer opportunities for discussion, they are unlikely to inspire children’s interest.–Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

MURPHY-MELAS, Elizabeth. My Blood Brother: A Story About Childhood Leukemia. illus. by Mary Kate Wright. 32p. glossary. Web sites. CIP. Health Pr. 2010. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-0-929173-56-6. LC 2009051720.
Gr 1-3–Stefan, a boy about 10 years old, narrates this story about his younger brother’s battle with leukemia. He is exceptionally kind to Sam and always there for him as he goes through the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. One part of the story shows how Stefan joins a group for siblings of children with cancer; however, there is little mention made of the strain put on a child when a sibling is ill. Stefan is upset over his brother’s illness, but he never complains about spending so much time at the hospital or having his parents concentrate on his brother’s health, a common theme in the lives of siblings. The narration is somewhat stilted and does not sound like the voice of a young boy, and the pictures are somewhat flat, especially in the facial expressions. This book would be useful as a tool in a doctor’s office or hospital setting, but its amateurish quality limits its value as a library offering.–Wendy Smith-D’Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

NETHERY, Mary. The Famous Nini: A Mostly True Story of How a Plain White Cat Became a Star. illus. by John Manders. 32p. CIP. Clarion. 2010. RTE $17. ISBN 978-0-618-97769-7. LC 2008043691.
K-Gr 2–Before there was Dewey Readmore Books, there was Nini, also a humble stray, practicing random acts of kindness in 19th-century Venice. In this fictionalized account of an actual feline, Nini is a white tom who frequents a small caffè on the Piazza San Marco. One day composer Giuseppe Verdi stops by for a coffee and inspiration, which Nini provides with a simple meow–the perfect note that eventually finds its way into the composer’s latest opera. News of Verdi’s patronage at the caffè, as well as the cat that inspired him, spreads, and soon commoners and nobility alike come for coffee and a visit with the famous Nini. He settles a royal dispute, shares blessings with the Pope, and helps the Princess of Ethiopia find her voice again after tragedy silences her. At the heart of Nini’s appeal and talent is the fact that he is simply a charming stray. Nethery has a lot of fun with Nini’s story, creating characters openhearted enough to be touched by a purr or a nudge against the shins; she provides an analysis of the fact versus her fiction in the author’s note. Manders’s gouache and colored-pencil artwork shows Venice to be a lovely, if somewhat sanitized place, where a fine feline can survive on the kindness of strangers who ask nothing in return but the sharing of his natural charms.–Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

NEWMAN, Lesléa. Miss Tutu’s Star. illus. by Carey Armstrong-Ellis. unpaged. Abrams. Aug. 2010. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-8396-0. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–In this rhyming story, Selena loves to twirl and prance, so her mother enrolls her in Miss Tutu’s Dance Academy. As parents and younger siblings look on, the teacher instructs her students in the elements of ballet and encourages them when they are less than elegant. Finally, the children are ready for their first recital. Although the production does not go quite as smoothly as they would have hoped, thanks to Miss Tutu’s cat and an errant mouse, the audience of friends and family gives Selena and her fellow dancers a rousing ovation for their efforts. Selena is a slightly chubby and not-inherently graceful girl with plenty of bounce and a determination to succeed. The plain-looking dance instructor and her class of ordinary girls and boys should inspire youngsters who like to dance but are not natural swans. Armstrong-Ellis’s gouache and colored-pencil illustrations add comic touches. Readers will want to follow the cat’s antics and keep an eye on the scarf that Selena’s mother knits as the tale progresses. The protagonist is a likable character with lots of heart. Many children will recognize themselves in this agreeable offering.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

NILAND, Kilmeny. Two Bad Teddies. illus. by author. unpaged. Little Hare, dist. by Trafalgar Square. 2010. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-9215410-5-6. LC number unavailable.
PreS–This title continues the story of Gruffy Ted and Tilly Ted, the audacious pair of stuffed animals introduced in Two Tough Teddies (Little Hare, 2010). In this installment, their loving toddler caretaker, Mollie-Sue, receives a package from Grandma. Inside is handsome, stretchy-armed Bendy Bill, a squeaky eggplant-headed intruder. Typically, Gruffy and Tilly are extremely jealous, scheming to get rid of Bill any way they can. When hiding him and painting him fail, the Teddies plot to knock off his silly hat, which results in Gruffy falling out a nearby window. Bendy Bill’s stretchy arms come to the rescue, and all is resolved with a big hug. Simple, blurred watercolors and white backgrounds help draw attention to the main characters. However, the bears’ mean faces are somewhat distressing, especially when paired with Bendy Bill’s vacant wide-eyed smile. Try Kevin Henkes’s Julius, the Baby of the World (HarperCollins, 1995) for a meaningful lesson on sibling rivalry and jealousy.–Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

PERL, Erica S. Dotty. illus. by Julia Denos. unpaged. CIP. Abrams. Aug. 2010. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-8962-7. LC 2009047418.
K-Gr 1–When Ida starts school, she brings along her invisible friend, as do many of her peers. Each one embodies some aspect of the child it has bonded with. In Ida’s case, it’s her anger. As winter flows into spring, Ida realizes that she is the only child still bringing her special friend to school. When Katya teases her about Dotty, Ida (Dotty) shoves her and gets into trouble. Staying after school, Ida discovers that her teacher also has an invisible friend she still brings to school. Denos’s illustrations subtly show the characters and the seasons changing, and the pressures of growing up. The text is best suited for one-on-one reading as the pictures have hidden nuggets of information for those who look carefully. This enjoyable tale of maturing at one’s own pace and on one’s own terms will resonate with children and parents alike.–Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

PETERSON, Mary & Jennifer Rofé. Piggies in the Pumpkin Patch. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Charlesbridge. 2010. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-460-7; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-461-4. LC 2009026652.
PreS-Gr 1–Two adventurous little pigs sneak away from their sleeping mother and go exploring before falling asleep themselves. They cover a lot of territory, going under, over, behind, into, etc. Unfortunately, the text does little except highlight the various prepositions and action words. The narrative is awkward, sometimes rhyming and sometimes not; it does not flow easily or follow a predictable pattern. The illustrations, rendered in pencil and painted in Photoshop and Illustrator, lack dimensionality. Elements appear to float across the pages, untethered by the lack of a consistent physical plane. The perspective distorts the shape of the barn and house, which may be confusing for young children. Well-designed endpapers provide a map of the pigs’ route, which would be fun for children to trace. However, it is disappointing for the endpapers to be the best part of a book.–Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA

PIEN, Lark. Mr. Elephanter. illus. by author. unpaged. Candlewick. Sept. 2010. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4409-3. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–In this oddly charming book, tiny elephants stand in for young children, and Mr. Elephanter, a round-faced, big-nosed mustachioed human, is their loving caregiver. He arrives at the Elephantery in the morning, where his three charges greet him with “tootles and trumpets.” The elephanties spend the day eating banana pancakes, going to the pool and the park, taking a nap, getting into trouble, playing games and dancing, and finally saying good-bye to Mr. Elephanter. With lines like, “Mr. Elephanter rinses and dries them off. But sometimes they want to air-dry instead,” and an illustration of the elephanties running off, children will get a good chuckle. While the plot is minimal, the simple story will speak to youngsters, and Pien’s clever wording captures the humor in daily life. The sketchy watercolor illustrations portray both movement and story well. When the elephanties “get into trouble,” Mr. Elephanter is shown sweeping up a broken pot while the three culprits sit in time-out chairs in the background. The denizens of the park are an odd mix of humans and animals but somehow it works. Mr. Elephanter’s genuine affection for the youngsters shines through on every page, and the sweet humor will speak to the intended audience.–Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

PINKWATER, Daniel. Beautiful Yetta: The Yiddish Chicken. tr. by Edward Weiss & Guillermo Casallo. illus. by Jill Pinkwater. unpaged. Feiwel & Friends. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-312-55824-6. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–As Mr. Flegleman, an organic chicken rancher, unloads his crates in front of Phil’s Poultry World, one brave and clever fowl, determined not to become Friday night’s dinner, manages to escape. Unfortunately, beautiful Yetta is homesick and lonely in Brooklyn. The rats and pigeons tell her to get lost, and she almost gets hit by a bus. When she saves a little green bird, Eduardo, from a cat, she gains new friends and a family among the parrots on the telephone wires, and they teach her how to find fruit and crusts of pizza. While the narration is in English, Yetta’s dialogue is in Yiddish, and the parrots speak Spanish (both with English translations and transliterations). The comical marker and ink illustrations enhance the text, but, without the language gimmick, there isn’t much to the story. However, this would make for an entertaining reader’s theater, especially with authentic Yiddish and Spanish accents. And dedicated fans of the Pinkwaters will appreciate the offbeat, wry humor, as will those interested in the many urban legends surrounding Brooklyn’s flocks of wild parrots. Unlike Dave Horowitz’s Five Little Gefiltes (Putnam, 2007) and Simms Taback’s Kibitzers and Fools (Viking, 2005), which introduce children to the joys of Yiddish, the Pinkwaters’offering may have trouble reaching a wide audience.–Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

PRELLER, James. A Pirate’s Guide to First Grade. illus. by Greg Ruth. unpaged. Feiwel & Friends. Aug. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-312-36928-6. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–Told entirely in pirate lingo, this story follows a boy and his entourage of ethereal salty dogs through the first day of school. “Me great scurvy dog slurped me kisser when I was tryin’ t’ get me winks!” The protagonist’s fruitful imagination turns ordinary routine into a high-seas adventure complete with a small, skirted buccaneer walking the plank during recess. In the end, where does X mark the spot? Treasure abounds in the library, with the chance to experience the adventure of the written word. The illustrations have a vintage feel, complete with boisterous grog-drinking, scabbard-waving, and bubble-pipe-smoking pirates. The combination of the muted tones of the pirates with the bold colors of the real world adds to the visual appeal. Despite the glossary, the text may prove a little challenging for the intended audience. However, it can serve as a tremendous read-aloud, especially on Talk Like a Pirate Day.–Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

RAY, Jane. The Dollhouse Fairy. illus. by author. unpaged. Candlewick. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4411-6. LC 2009018405.
PreS-Gr 2–In this realistic story with a touch of magic, Rosy loves making special things for her dollhouse with her dad on Saturday mornings. One morning, he isn’t there; he’s gone to the hospital, and in his absence she finds a fairy with a hurt wing in the dollhouse. Rosy puts cream and bandages on Thistle’s wing, plays with her in secret, and, as the fairy starts to mend, helps her practice flying. Mixed-media illustrations in Ray’s sophisticated folk-art style are well paced, have a skilled use of white space, and start on the cover with the front of the dollhouse and end with the back. When her father returns, Rosy tells him about her guest, who appears to have flown. “But Dad left out a tiny piece of cake for Thistle, just in case....” Although there are many pink details and flowers, this is a decidedly different and not-too-sweet fairy story.–Debbie Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

REISS, Kathryn. The Puzzle of the Paper Daughter. 184p. (Julie Mystery Series). photos. reprods. American Girl. 2010. pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-1-59369-658-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–While helping her mother in her secondhand shop, Julie finds a mysterious note written in Chinese. That night, she and her friend Ivy discover that their beloved dolls are missing. While searching through San Francisco’s Chinatown for them, the girls discover a connection between the note and their missing dolls. Now Julie is focused on solving this mystery rather than preparing her bedroom for an unwanted visitor. Though set in 1974, the story relies heavily on Chinese immigration to Angel Island in the early 20th century and the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which is why there is a focus on “paper daughters” (children that legal immigrants claimed as their own in order to help them enter the country). The “Looking Back” section at the end of the book offers more information on Angel Island and what Chinese immigrants were forced to endure during this time, while the story itself also touches on family issues.–Elizabeth Swistock, Jefferson Madison Regional Library, Charlottesville, VA

RIES, Lori. Aggie the Brave. illus. by Frank W. Dormer. 48p. CIP. Charlesbridge. 2010. RTE $12.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-635-9. LC 2009026646.
K-Gr 2–Adorable Ben and his dog are off to the vet in this installment in a charming series. It’s time for Aggie to be spayed, and Ben must deal with a bit of separation anxiety and a brief change in his pet’s behavior. Ries’s style is clean and basic without being choppy and detached. It contains just a hint of wry humor that dovetails nicely with the characters’ sometimes droll expressions. Dormer’s illustrations are wonderful, evoking pathos when Ben cries in the backseat of the car on the way home after leaving Aggie, and laughter when Ben transforms her from a “lamp head” to a “lion head” by drawing a mane on her Elizabethan collar. Ries and Dormer once again prove a delightful pairing, cheerfully and tenderly persuading new readers to keep turning the page.–Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR

RODRIGUEZ, Béatrice. The Chicken Thief. illus. by author. unpaged. Enchanted Lion. 2010. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-092-9. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–The book opens with a group of animals waking up to a beautiful morning in their small house in the woods. But is that a fox lurking in the bushes? And does he have his eyes on a pretty white chicken? It is, and he does. The chase scenes that follow show a bear, rabbit, and rooster in tireless pursuit of the speedy fox with the chicken held tight in his arms. They go from the forest through the mountains until finally they reach the sea. The story closes with a surprise that kids will love. The pages are wide but not at all high, and the spreads have no white space. This layout is a great showcase for the wonderful paintings, which are full of movement, drama, and a quietly goofy form of comedy. The colors and sense of light are lovely, especially when the clear green of the forest sets off the orange fox and his little captive. A delightful wordless story.–Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

ROSS, Tony. I Want My Light On!: A Little Princess Story. illus. by author. unpaged. Andersen, dist. by Lerner. Sept. 2010. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-6443-6. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–The Little Princess is afraid of ghosts and insists that her light stay on at bedtime. Her dad confirms that there are no ghosts under her bed; the Admiral assures her that if there were any, the General would deal with them; the doctor instructs her to blow her nose if she sees any; and the maid insists that if there were ghosts, they would be very small. But when the Little Princess and her stuffed animal, Gilbert, hear a ghostly sound, they hide under the bed, only to discover a little ghost who is more afraid of them than they are of him. He runs back to his mother at the top of the castle and proclaims that he has seen a little girl. “‘Don’t be silly,’ said his mom. ‘There are NO such things as little girls!’ ‘I want my light on anyway!’ said the little ghost. ‘Just in case.’” A common bedtime fear is given a delightful twist with the help of a ghost clutching his own lovey. Readers familiar with the series will recognize the eccentric and memorable characters. Clear, expressive watercolors add humor to the simple text, and the Little Princess formula still works well at cleverly addressing common early childhood issues.–Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

RUDDELL, Deborah. Who Said Coo? illus. by Robin Luebs. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Beach Lane Bks. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-8510-5. LC 2009000929.
PreS-Gr 1–Each time Lulu the pig settles sleepily into her bed, she is awakened by Pigeon and Owl, two mischievous friends who coo, hoot, and moo at her door. When she finally angrily shoos the pranksters away, their loud laments bring her out to apologize and invite them back to sleep with her. When the rooster rouses them, Lulu politely asks him to return in a few hours to crow them awake and they settle down to sleep (including a tiny surprise guest). Using a framing phrase to bridge the action (“Everything was cozy and quiet, just the way she liked it, until somebody somewhere said…”), this rhythmic romp incorporates fresh rhymes and repetition to detail Lulu’s travails. The full-color acrylic illustrations are set against blue and white backgrounds and feature chunky rounded characters in warm colors. Although there is a confusing moment when the avian friends break character and start mooing, the gentle message that one can achieve desired results through means other than anger will find an appreciative audience.–Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

RYAN, Candace. Animal House. illus. by Nathan Hale. unpaged. CIP. Walker. Aug. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-9828-2; RTE $17.89. ISBN 978-0-8027-9829-9. LC 2009028787.
K- Gr 2–In the tradition of far-fetched excuses for missing homework, Jeremy’s tops the list: his “vulchair” has eaten it. Mrs. Nuddles, his teacher, has had enough of his imaginative excuses, prompting a home visit. Her intent is to ban Jeremy from the field trip if she does not like what she finds at his “gorvilla,” a house made entirely from live animals. Featured are the “condoor,” “floormingos,” his mother’s “zebras,” and so on. The plot is thin, and confusing. The ending reveals that the school trip will be to a “mooseum,” leading readers to wonder why Mrs. Nuddles did not believe Jeremy’s tale in the first place. Nevertheless, the use of portmanteau is clever, and the large, acrylic illustrations are imaginative, bringing each part of the animal house to life, as well as the Guggenheim-like “mooseum.”–Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

SANTORO, Scott. Which Way to Witch School? illus. by author. unpaged. HarperCollins. Aug. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-06-078181-1. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–In rhyming couplets, Santoro presents Miss Thornapple’s School for Witches. The girls are seen as they prepare for the journey (“Packing is simple,/it’s done just like that./The trick is to get all your things in your hat”), travel by flying bus, and then engage in such activities as dining on eyeballs and tentacles, being able to swim in a swamp, and learning the physics behind flying broomsticks. The rhymes often seem forced (“Miss Zorch is their teacher in chemistry class,/which for a witch is important to pass”), making this an awkward read-aloud. Santoro’s background as an animator is evident in both the perspectives and in the rather flat quality of the art, which resembles still shots from cartoons. Better stories about witches and about school abound.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

SAUER, Tammi. Mostly Monsterly. illus. by Scott Magoon. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks. Aug. 2010. RTE $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-6110-9. LC 2008048676.
K-Gr 2–With her pointy ears, claws, and fangs, Bernadette is mostly monsterly. She lurches, growls, and causes mayhem. However, she also likes to pet kittens, pick flowers, and bake. This side of her personality doesn’t go over well with her classmates at the Monster Academy, until she shows them that she can hold her own with the best of them. Sauer tells a well-paced story in simple, repetitive phrases. The writing reveals just enough, allowing the artwork to fill in the rest of the story. Magoon’s whimsical cartoon illustrations featuring rough lines are reminiscent of those in Mo Willems’s Leonardo, the Terrible Monster (Hyperion, 2005). This artistic style proves effective in conveying the look of monsters without the frightening attributes. In fact, the art complements the humorous tone of the story, and the interplay of text and illustration is such that the book comes across as the product of one mind instead of two. A fun and delightful read for all children who have both a monsterly and a kind side.–Kim T. Ha, Elkridge Branch Library, MD

SCHWARTZ, Howard. Gathering Sparks. illus. by Kristina Swarner. unpaged. CIP. Roaring Brook. Aug. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-280-2. LC 2009042238.
K-Gr 3–Schwartz and Swarner have created another beautiful picture book based on Jewish folklore. The narration begins when “you” ask “your grandfather” about the origin of the stars. He responds that before people were created, God sent ships carrying light sailing across the sky. These fragile vessels broke apart, scattering their precious cargo across the Earth and sky. It is the job of the human race to gather the “sparks of light” and restore them to their proper place by doing acts of kindness and love. An endnote explains that the story is based on a Jewish myth, and although the author refers to “God,” there is no reference in the story to a specific religion. Schwartz’s language is simple, personal, and poetic, and his use of the second person adds a sense of intimacy. The text is printed in a large attractive font on top of the full-spread, full-color illustrations, sometimes black on light, sometimes white on dark. Swarner’s stylized, painterly artwork is soft and gentle and complements the peaceful mood of the text. The rich, textured greens of the grass and trees and the deep speckled blues of the sky contrast with the soft radiance of the child’s and grandfather’s faces. This is a handsome book with a timeless message.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

SEABROOKE, Brenda. Wolf Pie. illus. by Liz Callen. 48p. CIP. Clarion. 2010. RTE $16. ISBN 978-0-547-04403-3. LC 2009015820.
Gr 1-2–Can a wolf and three pigs ever be friends? That’s the situation Seabrooke puts forth in this early chapter book. Wilfong, dressed in purple pants, red-and-orange striped socks, turquoise shoes, and a hot-pink scarf, is clearly an unusual wolf. When the Pygg brothers refuse to let him in, he huffs, puffs, and then decides, “If you won’t let me in, I won’t let you out.” Luckily the Pyggs are prepared to stay inside all winter. After watching them play games, listening to their stories, and joining in with their sing-a-longs, Wilfong abandons the idea of eating them. The Pyggs eventually accept the idea of a wolf friend and build him his own room attached to their house. The real moment of truth arrives, however, when a hipster gang of wolves (all in stylish boots) decides to eat the pigs. Wilfong comes up with a creative solution–one that may even inspire young readers to look at their vegetables a little differently. The pencil, watercolor, and digital-media illustrations, while funny, are surprisingly abstract. A flattened 2-D perspective is used for some of the buildings and the wolves’ heads. Instead of profiles, the illustrator shows the whole head, unnaturally angled. While there is more text than image, the art is important in establishing the characters’ personalities. Readers who are familiar with the traditional story will enjoy anticipating the twists in this more sophisticated version.–Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA

SMITH, Lane. It’s a Book. illus. by author. unpaged. Roaring Brook. Aug. 2010. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-606-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–Smith jump-starts the action on the title page where readers meet the characters–a mouse, a jackass, and a monkey. The monkey’s oval head creates an “o” in the word “book.” Slapstick humor ensues in an armchair face-off when one character, reared on a diet of Web 2.0 and gaming, cannot fathom what to do with a book and slings a barrage of annoying questions, “Can you blog with it? How do you scroll down? Can you make the characters fight?” Readers know who is speaking by each animal’s unique font type and color, achieving economy and elegance on each page. Exasperated, Monkey hands over the volume. Life, death, and madness, all in a single illustrated page of Treasure Island, draw Jackass in. He responds with a knee-jerk reaction (“too many letters”) and hilariously reduces it to text speak, but his interest is piqued. He covets the book and readers watch him pore over it for hours. Repeated images of him transfixed, shifting left to right, up and down, ears upright, then splayed, and eyes wide open, fill a wordless spread and offer a priceless visual testimony to the focused interaction between readers’ imaginations and a narrative. Mouse delivers the final punch line, which will lead to a fit of naughty but well-deserved laughter, and shouts of “Encore.” A clever choice for readers, young and old, who love a good joke and admire the picture book’s ability to embody in 32 stills the action of the cinema.–Sara Lissa Paulson, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City

SNYDER, Laurel. Baxter, the Pig Who Wanted to Be Kosher. illus. by David Goldin. unpaged. photos. glossary. CIP. Tricycle. Aug. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-58246-315-5; RTE $18.99. ISBN 978-1-58246-360-5. LC 2009032293.
PreS-Gr 2–Baxter desperately wants to experience Shabbat dinner, the special Friday-night meal that ushers in the Jewish day of rest. He wants to see for himself how “the candles gleam and glow and dance while our sweetest voices lift in song.” When he learns that pork is a forbidden food according to Jewish law, he stuffs his face with kosher pickles and raisin challah, hoping to become kosher. He even tries, unsuccessfully, to become a cow. Finally, an encounter with a kind rabbi sets him straight. She explains that while he’s not kosher to eat, never will be, and really wouldn’t want to be, everyone is welcome at Shabbat dinner. Baxter enjoys a marvelous evening with the rabbi, pigging out on kugel, a Jewish casserole dish, and realizing that it is much better to be a guest than an item on the menu. The delightfully expressive and comical pen-and-ink illustrations are digitally enhanced with photographs of storefronts, deli counters, pickle jars, and traditional Jewish foods. While animals celebrating Shabbat isn’t new–think Sylvia A. Rouss’s Sammy Spider’s First Shabbat (1998), Diane Rauchwerger’s Dinosaur on Shabbat (2006), and Jacqueline Jules’s Once Upon a Shabbos (1999, all Kar-Ben)–the idea of a pig wanting to become kosher will entertain children and the adults reading to them, especially those familiar with Jewish traditions.–Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

STERN, AJ. Frankly, Frannie. illus. by Doreen Mulryan Marts. 127p. Grosset & Dunlap. 2010. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-448-45349-1; pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-448-45348-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-3–Frannie, known this week as Frankly, is a girl on a mission. After she gets over the initial relief of being allowed to go with her class to the local radio station–the last field trip involved some unauthorized touching of papers that led to soggy results–she decides that it is time to get a job. She fashions her own business cards and résumé, which she plans on leaving at the station during the trip. But Frankly can’t help being her curious and do-gooder self, and things do not go as planned. Instead of finding a job, she finds a whole lot of on-air trouble. This beginning chapter book will find readers among fans of Ramona and Clementine, but Frannie is a personality all her own. Illustrations and changing fonts pepper the pages and add to the reading experience. A perfect addition to the growing collection of feisty girls in early-chapter-book series.–Stacy Dillon, LREI, New York City

TARPLEY, Todd. How About a Kiss for Me? illus. by Liza Woodruff. unpaged. CIP. Dutton. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42235-8. LC 2009024702.
PreS–An unseen narrator asks a little boy, “Do you like to kiss a dog? Do you like to kiss a frog?” And so this rhyming list of potential animals, reptiles, birds, and insects begins. Each page shows the little boy gamely trying to kiss (or avoid kissing) creatures such as a skunk, snake, goose, and flea. At the end of the story, the father asks for his own kiss goodnight, completing the circle. Some of the rhymes are a little forced, but that will be covered up by the laughs from children envisioning themselves kissing these animals. The illustrations are sweet and humorous–readers can tell from the expression on the little boy’s face whether or not he is inclined to kiss that animal. This book would be ideal as an individual lap-sit or storytime selection. Either way, readers will feel that it ended just right, with a kiss from Dad.–Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

USATSCHOW, Andre. The Giant Wheel. tr. from German. illus. by Alexandra Junge. unpaged. NorthSouth. 2010. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-2296-2. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–A cast of animals escapes the zoo one night to ride a newly built giant Ferris wheel next door. While soaring high above the clouds, the creatures each see their old homes and families. The polar bear glimpses the “cold blue sea and the glistening ice” and the crocodile sees Uncle Neil working as a ferryboat, “carrying people back and forth across the river.” To adults, the message is somewhat clear–the animals are seeing what is inside their hearts–but children would simply notice the colorful landscapes and scenery, and the walking, talking animals. The scenes are vibrant and detailed, although somewhat cartoonlike, which contrasts with the deep topic. Perhaps some parents can explain to children what the animals’ visions really mean and have an interesting discussion if they can get past the visual metaphors. Then again, perhaps not.–Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Kearns Library, UT

WALLACE, Carol. The Pumpkin Mystery. illus. by Steve Björkman. 40p. (Holiday House Reader Series). CIP. Holiday House. Sept. 2010. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2219-7. LC 2009049148.
K-Gr 3–Scruffy the cat and Mocha the dog set out to help their human family plant a garden and must have their enthusiasm reined in several times. Once things start to grow, they keep rabbits out of the plot. Leah and Aden want to plant pumpkins so that they can give one to each guest at their Halloween party, and recall the fun they had “throwing the leftover pumpkins into the pasture” at the end of the prior season. When the beans are bushy and the corn knee-high, they soak the pumpkin seeds and plant them in mounds, but they do not grow well. Weeks later Louie the rabbit tells Scruffy and Mocha, “The rain washed some of the seeds away. Most of the others rotted. There was too much water.” The rabbit agrees to tell the pets about a field of pumpkins if they promise to allow the rabbits to thin the rows the next spring. Louie leads them to the pasture where the children threw pumpkins last fall, and they joyfully find “tons of pumpkins!” Björkman’s colorful cartoon illustrations provide humor and picture clues for the tale. The complex narrative is left justified with no paragraph breaks, making it difficult to identify different speakers. While Louie shares important gardening information with Scruffy and Mocha, beginning readers may find these talking animals confusing.–Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

WALSH, Ellen Stoll. Balancing Act. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Beach Lane Bks. Sept. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0757-2. LC 2007047659.
PreS-K–This deceptively simple and creative book is loaded with fun. Two adorable mice create a teeter-totter using a stick balanced on a rock. A salamander joins one side, creating an imbalance, but then another one of equal weight joins the other mouse, and all is in order–until it happens again with a frog and a bird. Readers might be fooled into thinking that this is just a concept book, but Walsh gives them so much more, including a twist in the ending. Observant children will want to converse about animal and color identification, as well as why the actions and reactions of the animals are creating balances/imbalances on the teeter-totter. The delightful illustrations were done using cut-paper collage and then splattered with acrylic paints. A rock at the middle of the teeter-totter is cleverly placed in the gutter, creating eye-catching spreads with lots of white space and spare text. This book is full of wonder and can be used at storytime or one-on-one.–Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NY

WASHINGTON, Kathy Gates. Three Colors of Katie. illus. by Kathy Farina. unpaged. College of Dupage. 2010. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-932514-18-6. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–Katie is sad because a classmate said her brown skin is dirty. To reassure her, her parents use several examples of natural beauty to celebrate their family’s multicultural heritage. Katie learns that African-American ancestors gave her skin the color of life-giving earth. Native American forebears bequeathed skin the color of fire, which provides light and warmth. And her Caucasian heritage gives her skin the color of stars. By the end of the story, Katie is proud of her skin and her rich background. Washington’s simple, straightforward text conveys these ideas in language young children can easily understand. For example, when Katie’s mother uses the word “ancestors,” she explains that ancestors lived long ago, “but are still part of us today.” This exchange perfectly echoes real conversations between parents and children. Familial love is a central theme in this book, and Farina’s impressionistic illustrations and warm colors enhance the story.–Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

WHITE, Linda. Too Many Turkeys. illus. by Megan Lloyd. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. Aug. 2010. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2084-1. LC 2008049210.
Gr 1-3–Belle and Fred have a secret to their flourishing, bountiful garden–their “special formula fertilizer” is “a little of this, a smidge of that,” or, actually, a generous helping of manure from the couple’s recently adopted turkey. Buford is a benefit until the day Belle leaves for her annual birdhouse convention and local wild-turkey hens attempt to move in on the garden. With a “flip, a flop, and a flutter,” dozens of them descend on the yard and avoid Fred’s repeated attempts to persuade them to leave. Fans of White’s Too Many Pumpkins (Holiday House, 1996) will appreciate the community-friendly inspiration that enables Fred to solve his dilemma. Bright watercolors wash over detailed illustrations of Belle’s garden, the couple’s house, and “casa Buford.” A flurry of feathers with increasing numbers of turkey hens builds until birds and foliage begin to spill over illustration frames. Text moves readers forward with italicized first-person ruminations and the occasional “but then…” encouragement to turn the page. An engaging story with a delightfully appropriate final view of Buford’s new roommate(s), this book is a welcome addition for all libraries.–Mary Elam, Learning Media Services Plano ISD, TX

WILLEMS, Mo. Can I Play Too? illus. by author. 58p. (An Elephant & Piggie Bk.). Hyperion/Disney. 2010. Tr $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-1991-3. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–This beginning reader focuses on differently abled animals as Elephant and Piggy get ready for a game of catch. Before they begin, Snake asks to join them. Simple gestures and facial expressions convey Elephant’s embarrassment at Snake’s inability to catch a ball. Piggy breaks the silence stating, “You don’t have arms!” and Snake dejectedly slithers away. On the next page, Snake diffuses his rejection by saying, “Hee-hee! Ha-ha! Hee-hee! Ha-ha! Hee-hee! I know I do not have arms./I am a snake.” Elephant asks, “But can a snake play catch?” The story moves from clever to cruel as Elephant throws the ball and hits Snake on the head, and the reptile’s expressions indicate distress. Piggy follows suit, with the same result. Then Elephant decides, “Maybe we need more balls,” and the next spread shows Elephant and Piggy bombarding Snake with balls, each one hitting him with a “BONK!” and Snake upside down in anguish. Then Piggy gets the idea to use Snake as the ball. Snake happily says, “Whee!” to which Piggy replies, “I love playing catch with my friends!” While all ends on a positive note, Jeanne Willis’s Susan Laughs (Holt, 2000) and Grace Maccarone’s The Gym Day Winner (Scholastic, 1996) offer more respectful treatments of inclusion.–Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

WILSON, Karma. The Cow Loves Cookies. illus. by Marcellus Hall. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-4206-1. LC 2009000742.
PreS-Gr 1–As a farmer makes his daily rounds, readers learn what he feeds his animals and how often. “Whenever Farmer knows what the horse,/he feeds the horsey hay, of course./The horse just loves to nibble hay./He eats it every single day. ” In a twist, readers are reminded after each animal’s feeding, “But the cow loves cookies.” As the cumulative story progresses, what each creature eats is repeated in successive fashion. “The geese munch corn; it tastes so fine./The hogs think slop is just divine./The dog adores his doggy treats./But Cow would rather eat things sweet….” The story ends with Farmer and Cow sharing cookies and milk. The cleverly rhyming text and pace of the story make it perfect for a read-aloud. The whimsical ink and watercolor illustrations add to the humor. An instant storytime crowd pleaser.–Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH

WINTERS, Kay. This School Year Will Be the Best! illus. by Renée Andriani. unpaged. Dutton. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42775-4. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–In this ode to the school year, children will delight in discovering the wishes of a class of students for the days ahead. On the very first day, the teacher asks her students to share a hope for the year. These are printed in varying fonts and range from the expected, “I’ll look good in my school picture” to the fantastical, “We’ll have a chocolate fountain at lunch!” Readers will recognize their own experiences in dreams that reflect kicking the ball into the right goal, of not being a vegetable in the school play, and of making friends. Each time a hope is expressed, the font switches, ranging from script to bold and block letters. Each hope (20 in all) is illustrated with whimsy and movement. Pair this book with Jamie Harper’s Miss Mingo and the First Day of School (Candlewick, 2006) for a read-aloud that sets a fun tone for the year.–Stacy Dillon, LREI, New York City

WOOD, Audrey. Piggy Pie Po. illus. by Don Wood. unpaged. Houghton Harcourt. Sept. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-15-202494-9. LC 2009941275.
PreS-K–Three vignettes follow the antics of an active and curious piglet. In the first narrative, the lovable character displays some of his special clothes and what he likes to do while wearing them. “Piggy Pie Po likes to dance/when he wears his party pants./If he wears his rubber fins,/Piggy Pie Po swims and swims.” In the next, children hear about all the things the little piggy is good at. “For a penny he will spell pistachio and pimpernel./But there’s one thing he can’t do…/Piggy Pie can’t tie his shoe–yet!” In the last tale, Piggy Pie Po arrives at dinner before the other guests and helps himself to the delicious feast but regrets his final, unfortunate sampling of a red hot pepper. The jolly, alliterative rhyme dances merrily on the tongue, and the paintings of the endearing pig’s adventures are surrounded by generous white space. Particularly amusing are the illustrations of Piggy Pie’s trip to the tub, where he wears “only bubbles, head to toes,” and of his attempt to slurp the soup that’s running down his head. Though perfect for storytime, the simple language and limited text per page will appeal to beginning readers as well. This sweet tale will have wide appeal.–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

WRIGHT, Michael. Jake Goes Peanuts. illus. by author. unpaged. Feiwel & Friends. Aug. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-312-54967-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Picky eater Jake’s food of choice is peanut butter. “He would not try tomatoes or a single Brussels sprout./And if he tasted something new, he’d spit that thing right out.” In an attempt to expand their son’s palate, his parents offer to add peanut butter to each meal. After a week of “peanut butter pot roast/served with peanut butter rice” and “peanut butter soda/chilled with peanut butter ice,” Jake’s obsession starts to wane and he hankers for a balanced diet that even includes lima beans. The exaggerated humor in the rhyming text includes “peanut butter poop.” Equally over-the-top are Wright’s bright, bold, and droll cartoon illustrations. Tuna casseroles haunt Jake’s dreams and newspaper headlines read, “Peanut Butter Sales Thru Roof.” A deliciously kooky tale.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

YATES, Louise. Dog Loves Books. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Knopf/Borzoi. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86449-0; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96449-7. LC 2009011097.
PreS-Gr 1–A small white dog loves books so much that he decides to open his own bookstore. Unfortunately, no customers come, so he occupies his time by reading. He is engrossed in his imaginary adventures when his first real customer asks for a book. Of course, he knows exactly what to suggest. The simple story is accompanied by soft pastel pencil and watercolor drawings that give the book a whimsical, dreamy quality. Dog is surrounded by nonthreatening dinosaurs, space aliens, and other creatures when he is reading about them. Young children can enjoy the book by themselves by following the charming illustrations. Pair this gentle tale with a winning message with Tad Hills’s How Rocket Learned to Read (Random, 2010) for a dogs-that-love-books storytime.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

YEE, Lisa. Bobby the Brave (Sometimes). illus. by Dan Santat. 160p. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. Sept. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-545-05594-9. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–Bobby Ellis-Chan is back in another charming story about an average fourth-grade boy from an unconventional family. His new gym teacher thinks he’s super-athletic like his dad, a former star linebacker (he’s not); his class is putting on a play (uh-oh); and he hears his father telling his quarterback sister, “He’s not like me.” Good thing he has close friends (except for awful Jillian Zarr) and gets his first choice for his role in Annie, Sandy. Bobby’s classmates, friends, and family ring true; Yee has created believable and endearing characters. There’s an excellent chapter in which the class discusses Bobby’s asthma. Illustrations are included throughout the book. Readers will devour the fast-paced writing, spot-on dialogue, and heartfelt lessons embedded in the text and empathize with the sometimes-brave Bobby, his worries about his place in his family and at school, and his struggles and successes.–Nicole Waskie, Chenango Forks Elementary, Binghamton, NY

Nonfiction

ADLER, David A. & Michael S. Adler. A Picture Book of Cesar Chavez. illus. by Marie Olofsdotter. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. Aug. 2010. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2202-9. LC 2009039319.
Gr 2-4–Adler and his son, Michael, have collaborated to produce another respectable addition to the biography series the senior Adler began years ago. Those owning Kathleen Krull’s Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez (Harcourt, 2003), a standout biography of Chavez for this age group, will still want to consider this title because of its slightly different bent. While Krull emphasizes Chavez’s younger years that inspired him to become an activist and focuses on the 1965 grape pickers boycott and the 300-mile march that resulted in the first farm workers’ contract, the Adlers’ book includes those events, but provides a more linear approach. It covers Chavez’s life from birth to death, providing important facts, such as the posthumous award of the Congressional Medal of Freedom, not mentioned in Krull’s title. Olofsdotter’s lively, earth-toned illustrations extend the text.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

BROWN, Calef. Hallowilloween: Nefarious Silliness from Calef Brown. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Houghton Harcourt. Sept. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-21540-2. LC 2009049698.
Gr 2-5–Brown’s playful collection of poems and paintings is likely to inspire as many giggles as it does shivers. Readers meet a werewolf named Jack, Duncan the shrunken head, and an unhappy mummy: “Why oh why/was I so badly mummified?/Where is the pride/in good mummification?” Gory René admires his self-portrait, a faithful rendering of his festering sores and hideous mange until his painted image turns oddly handsome, and in shame, he hides it away in the attic. “The Vumpire” stares at the back of players’ necks; and the “Oompachupa Loompacabra” lures goats with chocolate bars, then “gobbles up their brains.” Brown’s acrylic illustrations add to the creepy silliness: an artful mix of naive and stylized, whimsical details and vibrant color. Young readers will relish the wordplay and find themselves torn to choose a favorite among this wacky menagerie. Fans of Eve Merriam and Lane Smith’s Halloween ABC (1995) and Spooky ABC (2002, both S & S) will be won over by Brown’s whimsy.–Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

CLEARY, Brian P. A-B-A-B-A–a Book of Pattern Play. illus. by Brian Gable. 32p. (Math Is CATegorical Series). CIP. Millbrook. Aug. 2010. PLB $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8225-7880-2. LC 2009049386.
K-Gr 3–Through rhyming text and colorful illustrations, readers are given examples of simple visual and numerical patterns–from circle-square-circle-square to 1-3-5-7. “See the colors? Green, red, gold/then green, red, gold, green, red./Once you catch on, you can guess/exactly what’s ahead.” As in earlier volumes in the series, Gable’s whimsical feline characters appear throughout, demonstrating patterns, such as boy-girl-boy-girl in a very long line for ice cream. Though the buoyant narrative calls for reading aloud and the images are large enough for a modest group setting, students will need to look closely to appreciate at least one example–a book’s pagination. The simple mathematical patterns are for a slightly older audience than Trudy Harris’s preschool-friendly Pattern Fish (Millbrook, 2000). Cleary’s latest title is a serviceable addition to nonfiction collections.–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

DAVIS, Jill. Orangutans Are Ticklish: Fun Facts from an Animal Photographer. photos by Steve Grubman. unpaged. CIP. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85886-4; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95886-1. LC 2009024917.
PreS-Gr 2–If you see a hippo yawning, don’t assume it’s naptime. The animal might be preparing to attack. This is just one of the informational nuggets found throughout this colorful and entertaining look at a variety of creatures. The close-up photographs are crisp, clear, inventive, and engaging, and the accompanying text on the double-page entries is compact. Nine photographs are necessary to show the variety of a chimpanzee’s facial expressions, and six of an orangutan to capture her dance moves. And “scientists say yes!” confirms that orangutans are ticklish. Two photographs of a kangaroo show it at rest and hopping (a move termed saltation). The golden lion strides across two pages displaying his magnificent mane, yellow eyes, and tufted tail (the only one in the cat family). This title will be enjoyable browsing and great for reading aloud and sharing one-on-one. A “More Fun Facts” section at the end adds more details, and a smaller photograph provides a sense of the relative sizes of the subjects.–Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

FRANK, Mary Kate. Rihanna. ISBN 978-1-4339-2379-1. LC 2009007171.
KENNEDY, Mike. Derek Jeter. ISBN 978-1-4339-1969-5. LC 2009002540.
MCGOWAN, Joseph. Will Smith. ISBN 978-1-4339-2380-7. LC 2009003208.
STEWART, Mark. Eli Manning. ISBN 978-1-4339-1966-4. LC 2009008292.
ea vol: 48p. (Today’s Superstars Series). photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Gareth Stevens. 2010. PLB $31.
Gr 3-5–These titles share a similarly pleasant, sometimes conversational, writing style. They highlight difficulties the subjects have overcome and describe some of the positive aspects of their personal lives and careers. For instance, Rihanna’s experience with an abusive boyfriend is used as a positive teaching opportunity, and that book’s further-reading list includes the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline’s website address. Similarly, the other titles relate how Jeter had to overcome prejudice due to his mixed racial heritage, Smith nearly went bankrupt after his first album became a success, and Manning has had to compete with and be compared to his successful older brother and dad. Family love and support are emphasized along with the need for hard work and dedication. Charitable work is also included. The books are enlivened by clear, color photographs. “True or False” questions are interspersed throughout, with answers given at the end. Supplementary resources.–Kate Kohlbeck, Randall School, Waukesha, WI

GRAY, Rita, comp. One Big Rain: Poems for Rainy Days. illus. by Ryan O’Rourke. 32p. CIP. Charlesbridge. 2010. RTE $9.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-716-5. LC 2009026748.
Gr 3-6–This collection artfully evokes the types of precipitation throughout the seasons. Twenty poems trace the yearly cycle through the leaf-clearing rains of autumn, the forceful squalls of winter, spring’s gentle promise, and welcome summer showers. There’s a poem by Robert Frost (“To the Thawing Wind”) and one by Carl Sandburg (“Summer Grass”), along with selections by Eve Merriam, Richard Lewis, and Issa’s delightful “a bush warbler…/muddy feet wiped/on the plum blossoms.” The short poems are distinctive and well chosen, as in Lilian Moore’s “Weather Report,” which imagines a wintry crystalline orchard. The delightful oil-on-paper illustrations in muted colors wrap around the text and add whimsical details such as sparrows in knitted caps and scarves. This attractive collection offers a delightful introduction to nature poetry.–Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

HILL, Laban Carrick. Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave. illus. by Bryan Collier. unpaged. bibliog. Web sites. Little, Brown. Sept. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-10731-0. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 4–The life of an astonishingly prolific and skilled potter who lived and died a slave in 19th-century South Carolina is related in simple, powerful sentences that outline the making of a pot. The movements of Dave’s hands are described using familiar, solid verbs: pulling, pinching, squeezing, pounding. Rural imagery–a robin’s puffed breast, a carnival wheel–remind readers of Dave’s surroundings. The pithy lines themselves recall the short poems that Dave inscribed on his pots. Collier’s earth-toned watercolor and collage art extends the story, showing the landscape, materials, and architecture of a South Carolina farm. Alert readers will find hidden messages in some of the collages, but what stands out in these pictures are Dave’s hands and eyes, and the strength of his body, reflected in the shape and size of his legendary jars and pots. A lengthy author’s note fleshes out what is known of the man’s life story and reproduces several of his two-line poems. A photograph of some of Dave’s surviving works cements the book’s link to the present and lists of print and online resources encourage further exploration. An inspiring story, perfectly presented and sure to prompt classroom discussion and projects. Outstanding in every way.–Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

JANISCH, Heinz. The Fantastic Adventures of Baron Munchausen. tr. from German by Belinda Cooper. illus. by Aljoscha Blau. 32p. Enchanted Lion. 2010. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-091-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-6–Tales about Baron Karl Friedrich Hieronymus von Munchausen have been told and retold since they first appeared in the 1780s. Janisch includes stories that he claims to have discovered recently as well as traditional accounts. Among his exploits, Munchausen rides a huge seahorse to explore ocean depths, mounts a cannon ball to spy on enemy troops, pulls himself out of a swamp by his pigtail, and outwits the Sultan of Constantinople to amass a fortune. Janisch’s elegant prose flows smoothly, creating a narrative voice that allows Munchausen to make the most absurd assertions in a matter-of-fact way. Blau’s surrealistic illustrations are a perfect complement to the deadpan style, placing the 18th-century narrator in the unlikely situations he recounts. Perhaps these 11 stories could find a place in a study of tall tales, but it is probably additional for most libraries.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

KULLING, Monica. All Aboard!: Elijah McCoy’s Steam Engine. illus. by Bill Slavin. unpaged. CIP. Tundra. Aug. 2010. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-88776-945-0. LC 2009937952.
K-Gr 3–An engaging biography of the African-American inventor. The son of former slaves who escaped to Canada via the Underground Railroad, young McCoy was interested in how machines work. At age 16, he went to Scotland to study mechanical engineering. After his schooling was complete, he joined his family in Michigan, where he applied for work at the Michigan Central Railroad. He was offered a job oiling the train wheels and shoveling coal rather than building and designing engines. In need of employment, he accepted the “ashcat” position, and as he toiled away at the dangerous job, he realized that there had to be a safer way to keep the trains running. For two years, McCoy made drawings and eventually a model of an oil cup to supply lubrication to the moving parts of the engine. Wisely, he patented his invention and convinced his employer to give it a trial run. The train to Kalamazoo arrived at its destination in record time without having to stop to oil the engine machinery. The narrative includes fictionalized dialogue and clear explanations about how the machinery works and concludes with an inspiring message. “When Elijah got older, he encouraged children to stay in school and to follow their dreams too.” Expressive watercolors, some full page and some full spread, capture the time period, allowing readers to imagine what life was like in this era, and add energy and touches of humor.–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

LARSON, Jennifer S. Do I Need It? Or Do I Want It?: Making Budget Choices. ISBN 978-0-7613-3914-4. LC 2009027459.
––––. What Can You Do with Money?: Earning, Spending, and Saving. ISBN 978-0-7613-3910-6. LC 2009027468.
––––. What Is Money, Anyway?: Why Dollars and Coins Have Value. ISBN 978-0-7613-3915-1. LC 2009027469.
––––. Who’s Buying? Who’s Selling?: Understanding Consumers and Producers. ISBN 978-0-7613-3912-0. LC 2009027460.
ea vol: 32p. (Lightning Bolt Bks.–Exploring Economics Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Lerner. 2010. PLB $25.26.
K-Gr 2–These books offer easy-to-read introductions to the world of economics. Addressing readers as “you,” Larson asks questions such as, “Did you ever get money for your birthday?” and “How do you decide what to do with your money?” (Do I Need It?). The everyday-life examples will demonstrate to children that they can play a vital role in the economic world. Clear, age-appropriate language explains new concepts well: “When someone works at a paid job, he or she earns money. This money is called income.” Simple paragraphs of two to four short sentences appear in large colored fonts against bright backgrounds that change color with every page. Each title includes an activity such as making a spend-or-save list to help decide what to do with birthday money. The books’ layout is interesting and fresh, and each page features a large, well-chosen photograph with a boxed caption. A caption in What Is Money, Anyway? states that “People trade goods at swap meets,” which may confuse readers who only know swap meets as a place to buy merchandise. Margaret Hall’s “Earning, Saving, Spending” series (Heinemann, 2008) covers similar topics of money, banks, allowance, credit cards, and checks, but is for first through third graders. Report writers will value her longer paragraphs with detailed coverage including history and global issues. Larson’s books will help ease younger readers into the world of economics.–June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CA

MACKEN, JoAnn Early. Bighorn Sheep. ISBN 978-1-4339-2409-5. LC 2009000100.
––––. Cougars. ISBN 978-1-4339-2411-8. LC 2009000102.
––––. Golden Eagles. ISBN 978-1-4339-2413-2. LC 2009000104.
––––. Mountain Goats. ISBN 978-1-4339-2414-9. LC 2009000105.
ea vol: 24p. (Animals That Live in the Mountains Series). chart. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Weekly Reader. 2010. PLB $22.
K-Gr 2–These titles will grab readers’ interest with a close-up look at the featured animal on the cover, set against a bright green background. Ideally suited to new readers looking for appealing nonfiction, the books provide basic facts about the animals’ life cycles, diet, and predatory threats in two to three sentences per spread accompanied by a full-color photograph on the facing page. Some photographs include arrowed labels. Words appearing in the glossary are printed in boldface type throughout. Each book concludes with statistics on the animal’s size, diet, and life span. Enjoyable supplements.–Cathie Bashaw Morton, Millbrook Central School District, NY

MARX, Trish. Kindergarten Day USA and China: A Flip-Me-Over Book. photos by Ellen B. Senisi. unpaged. CIP. Charlesbridge. 2010. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-219-3; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-220-9. LC 2009026881.
PreS-Gr 1–Half of this book narrates a day at a kindergarten in Schenectady, NY; when flipped, it details a day with Chinese children in Beijing. Although there are some differences between the two classes, the book focuses on illustrating their similarities. Both groups learn reading in their respective languages, draw pictures, eat lunch, celebrate a classmate’s birthday, play outside, witness a disagreement mediated by a teacher, and enjoy friends. The minor differences mostly involve language and food, although American kids will be happy to see that the Chinese kindergarteners also eat birthday cake, albeit with chopsticks. At the end of each half, the class wonders what kids are like on the other side of the world. The Chinese section includes one Chinese word per page. Additionally, a text box on the first page explains pinyin transliteration. Large, bright photographs and a limited number of words per page make this a good choice for storytime. The focus on similarities between the kids doesn’t teach much about Chinese culture, but it does give a nice lesson on the universality of the kindergarten experience.–Jennifer Rothschild, Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, Oxon Hill, MD

MARZOLLO, Jean. Pierre the Penguin: A True Story. illus. by Laura Regan. unpaged. CIP. Sleeping Bear. 2010. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-485-5. LC 2009040871.
PreS-Gr 2–Stories don’t come any sweeter than this. Pierre the penguin lives at the California Academy of Sciences. Being an African penguin, he prefers warmer climates. For some reason (it’s not clear why), he loses his feathers and thus will not swim because he is too cold. In addition, the other penguins are afraid of him and bray at him. Pam, his caring handler, designs a neoprene wetsuit that keeps him warm when swimming. Over time, his feathers grow back, and the story ends with Pierre making a “nest for his very best friend.” Regan’s realistic paintings work well with the text and enhance the drama and appeal of the storytelling. The book concludes with “Questions from Kids with Answers from Pam.” They include “What is neoprene?” and “How many kinds of penguins are there?” This is an excellent book to share with children as it offers multiple discussion points and curriculum connections.–Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL

SLADE, Suzanne. Climbing Lincoln’s Steps: The African American Journey. illus. by Colin Bootman. unpaged. chron. CIP. Albert Whitman. Sept. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-1204-3. LC 2010004962.
Gr 2-5–This attractive, accessible title uses the Lincoln Memorial as a vehicle to outline the history of the Civil Rights Movement from the Emancipation Proclamation to Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech to the 2008 presidential election. Other pivotal moments include world-renowned singer Marian Anderson’s 1939 performance at the memorial when she was barred from singing at Constitution Hall. Slade explains in clear, descriptive prose how the memorial “was created from twenty-eight smaller pieces carved out of white marble.” Bootman’s realistic watercolor spreads are striking; one of them features portraits of several accomplished African-Americans, including Toni Morrison, Mae Jemison, Colin Powell, and Oprah Winfrey. “Change. It happens slowly. One small step at a time,” is the refrain that echoes repeatedly along with the “Pitter-patter….Click, click, click….Clomp, clomp” of the children, women, and men who climb the steps of the iconic structure. An afterword asks youngsters, “Can you help make change happen?” and describes the steps taken by Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Jackie Robinson, and Rosa Parks. A time line that begins with Douglass’s escape from slavery highlights some African-American “firsts.”–Barbara Auerbach, PS 217, Brooklyn, NY

WEIGEL, Jeff. Thunder from the Sea: Adventure on Board the HMS Defender. illus. by author. 48p. diags. map. reprods. bibliog. further reading. Putnam. 2010. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25089-7. LC 2009932801.
Gr 3-6–Written in a comic-book format, this picture book tells the story of life aboard a British naval ship in 1805, the height of the Napoleonic War. Young Jack Hoyton was ship’s boy on the frigate HMS Defender. While the story of the 12-year-old and his life aboard the midsize ship is fiction, sidebars provide an enormous amount of supporting information about ships, the British Navy, and the conflict with France, and define words and phrases having to do with ships and sailors, such as “press gangs,” “powder monkeys,” and “heaving on a reef.” This hybrid will lure in young readers with exciting seafaring adventure (and conflict) and fascinating factual tidbits. It offers a well-rounded, if brief, picture of the period. The illustrations, maps, and diagrams are chock-full of details. A rich reading and visual experience.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

ZOHN, Ethan & David Rosenberg. Soccer World South Africa: Explore the World Through Soccer. illus. by Shawn Braley. 45p. glossary. index. Nomad. 2010. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-934670-53-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-5–A chatty introduction to South Africa using the theme of playing soccer as a universal language. Beginning with a map, the authors touch on the topography, ethnic groups, and various languages that are represented in the country. However, they try to do too much by adding a couple of science experiments, a traditional recipe, and a recycling craft. Illustrations are colorful and add cartoonlike liveliness to the text. While children may recognize Zohn’s name as one who dribbled a soccer ball 550 miles from Boston to Washington, DC, adults will know him from reality television shows. It is admirable that the concluding chapter discusses making a difference in the world through participating in charitable groups, but the skewed focus of the book makes it merely a supplemental purchase.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

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