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September 1, 2011

In this Article

Nonfiction

Fiction

ALTEIN, Chani. Hashem Is Truly Everywhere. illus. by Marc Lumer. unpaged. Hachai. 2011. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-929628-57-5. LC 201091501.
PreS-Gr 2–A simple message about the omnipresence of Hashem (literally “the name,” a Hebrew term used by observant Jews to refer to God) is relayed through a singsong rhyming text culminating in a chorus of “Hashem is here, Hashem is there,/Hashem is truly everywhere.” When a Jewish boy questions where Hashem might be, his older friend assures him that Hashem is with him no matter where he is, “High and low,/dark and light,/Near and far, day and night.” The cumulative nature of the rhyme adds depth to the text, but the exuberant watercolor and pencil illustrations, touched up in Photoshop, steal the show. Cartoon spreads in bright saturated colors depict the boys’ travels from their own neighborhood to the depths of the sea and then far into space. Large round faces are mimicked in surrounding pictorial elements such as puffy white clouds, friendly faced fish, and big balloons. While this book will certainly be popular with its niche audience, its message is too specialized for general purchase. But for those collections serving an active Jewish population, it is one to get.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

ARNOLD, Tedd. Fly Guy vs. the Flyswatter! Bk. 10. 30p. CIP. Scholastic/Cartwheel. 2011. Tr $6.99. ISBN 978-0-545-31286-8. LC 2010031381.
PreS-Gr 2–This 10th addition to the early-reader series is sure to be a hit with young patrons, especially those who have enjoyed the silly adventures of Buzz and his pet. In this tale, Fly Guy is eating a hearty breakfast from Buzz’s leftover lunch inside the boy’s backpack. Buzz discovers his pal when he opens his backpack at school, and he puts him in his shirt pocket for the day. The irony of this adventure is that the class is headed on a field trip to a flyswatter factory, and the antics that follow will keep youngsters turning the pages. Clear, comic-style drawings, well-balanced white space, and whimsically wide-eyed characters provide beginning readers with a rollicking adventure. This is another winner, especially when searching for books for boys; definitely put this one on your shelves.–Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI

ASHMAN, Linda. No Dogs Allowed. illus. by Kristin Sorra. unpaged. Sterling. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-5837-9. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Digital artwork with plenty of captivating details essentially tells this story; the only text appears in speech bubbles and changing restaurant signage. The setting is Alberto’s City Lights Restaurant, a sidewalk café that sits on a square with a fountain. When the waiter spots a smiling boy and a dog coming toward the restaurant, he changes the chalkboard sign from “Welcome” to “No dogs allowed.” The youngster turns away and heads for the square. A series of pet owners and their animals heads toward the restaurant, and Alberto adds them to the growing list of those not allowed. One elderly customer stops to dine alone but finds it increasingly difficult to get Alberto’s attention. The pet owners purchase treats from a street vendor until she runs out of goodies. The boy solves the problem by recruiting the waiter to bring treats to the crowd in the square. Large spreads appear between pages of grouped smaller illustrations and sequential panels. Readers see an expanding variety of pets and owners; an elephant, a hippo, penguins, and a kangaroo are part of the crowd. This lively picture book is a good choice for one-on-one sharing; the details in the art could serve as a visual stimulus to initiate conversations about what is happening. A worthy selection to prompt children’s interactions with picture elements in books.–Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH

ASHMAN, Linda. Samantha on a Roll. illus. by Christine Davenier. unpaged. CIP. Farrar/Margaret Ferguson Bks. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-36399-4. LC 2009037308.
K-Gr 2–Samantha decides to try out her roller skates for the first time, despite her mother’s admonition to wait. She likes skating so much in the house that she hungers for the wide open spaces of the great outdoors. She sneaks outside, and the fun begins. She slowly ascends Hawthorne Hill, but things quickly get out of hand as she careens down the slope and into town. Along the way she runs into various people; knocks over an ice-cream cart; and collects a butterfly net, baseball bat, bridal veil, and kite. As she hits a skateboard ramp, the kite catches the breeze and she sails away, landing in a tree on her very own street. During her flight she drops her ill-gotten goods down to their rightful owners. On the ground again, she zips home where her oblivious mother finds her quietly reading. The rhyming text makes this delightful story tons of fun to read aloud. Davenier’s illustrations aptly capture the action with bold colors and plenty of lines indicating motion. She depicts a panoply of emotions using great facial expressions and easy-to-read body language. Cutting back to Mother several times during Samantha’s unsanctioned adventure adds another dimension to the tale. A fun book for storytime or individual sharing.–Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

BAKER, Keith. No Two Alike. illus. by author. unpaged. S & S/Beach Lane Bks. Nov. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-1742-7. LC 2010044659.
PreS-Gr 1–While exploring their snowy environment, two red birds determine that no two objects are exactly alike: “No two branches, no two leaves,/no two forests, full of trees.” Brief rhyming couplets, printed in large type and each requiring a page turn for completion, describe the birds’ discoveries. They observe snowflakes, nests, tracks in the snow, fences, bridges, and even the animals they encounter. Finally, they look at one another inquiring, “Are we the same–/just alike?” The answer, as youngsters will guess beforehand, is obvious. The engaging, digitally rendered avian characters stand out against the wintry landscape, and their many antics as they navigate their surroundings will sustain readers’ interest. They loop-the-loop through the falling snow, tightrope walk on branches, ski on twigs, and knock snow off fence posts. Children will readily join in the reading to supply each ending rhyme. An enjoyable and informative follow-up would be a trip outdoors to examine objects in their own locale. –Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

BANDY, Michael S. & Eric Stein. White Water. illus. by Shandra Strickland. unpaged. Candlewick. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3678-4. LC 2010040343.
K-Gr 3–A contemplative story set in the South in 1962. Michael loves going to town with his grandmother. Waiting for the bus, he gives up his seat on a bench when a white family arrives. Once he boards, he goes to the back without complaint. “Where we lived, that’s how we did things,” he explains simply. When they get to town, Michael heads straight for the water fountain marked “Colored.” A boy from the bus goes to the “White” fountain. Michael is disappointed that his water tastes “nasty, muddy, gritty yuck,” and he imagines how good the other water must taste. The watercolor, ink, and gouache illustrations take a masterful turn to fantasy as Michael thinks of the white fountain as an amazing oasis in the desert. In a nightmare, however, giant policemen fill the walls of his room, ready to take him to jail for using it. Convinced that he must find out about the water for himself, he uses his plastic army men to map out a plan of attack. The tense tone of this section is leavened by the artwork. Michael puts his plan into motion while life-size plastic figures guard his path. He finally gets his drink and finds out that the same pipe feeds both fountains. “The signs… had put a bad idea in my head. But they were a lie. If they weren’t real, what else should I question?” The child’s experience makes him decide not to let anyone or anything stand in the way of his own determination. The story may strike some as simplistic, but it conveys a feeling of authenticity.–Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA

BANKS, Kate. Max’s Castle. illus. by Boris Kulikov. unpaged. CIP. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-39919-1. LC 2010021388.
K-Gr 2–Benjamin and Karl continue their condescending attitude toward their younger brother in this third adventure about Max. They are incredulous when he enthusiastically unearths a lettered block from beneath his bed. After finding other long-abandoned toys in the stash, he begins to construct a castle. Always one to see the potential of words, Max now trains his imagination on the letters within. As “moat” becomes a “boat” and “pirates” become “rat pies,” the siblings are swept into the pretend world, and the scale transforms to life-size. When danger presents itself, quick-thinking Max rearranges the letters to alter the course of events; even when they fall into a “catastrophe” (a dungeon), the boys find “hope” and a “star.” Brimming with clever wordplay, humor, and mixed-media scenes worthy of any child’s dreams-come-true, the full impact is clearly the result of seasoned collaboration and experience; e.g., when Banks writes that the “drawer” contains a “reward,” Kulikov’s painting of a mirror proving the point is an inspired response. The perspectives are more dramatic, the contrast between light and dark is heightened, and there are more full-bleed spreads than in the earlier titles, especially at moments of tension. Those who have seen the previous books will recognize objects in the brothers’ castle rooms. Emerging readers will enjoy deciphering the words formed by the blocks before they hear the text. Everyone will delight in the imagined world, and some children may be inspired to look under their beds.–Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

BANKS, Kate. This Baby. illus. by Gabi Swiatkowska. unpaged. CIP. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-37514-0. LC 2009009299.
PreS-Gr 2–From spring through winter, a girl wonders about the new baby that her mother is carrying. Time passes slowly and then seems to speed up as the due date comes closer. The child has many questions: “Will this baby like to play?...like the cat?” Will it be a boy or a girl, and will the siblings like each other? There are no definitive answers but all of the inquiries should prompt discussion. The charming, lyrical text reads like a lullaby while the mother knits and sews baby clothes, and includes a slight change in each refrain: “Knit, Mama, knit/to and fro./The birds are piping./Soon we’ll know.” The girl imagines the miracle of life in a sweet and endearing way. For example, one spread features a baby swathed in a green, leaflike cocoon with its face peeking out, and another shows the infant within a sphere representing the womb. The whimsical paintings are all saturated with color. This title provides a visual opportunity for light explanations and conversations about what occurs during those precious nine months without getting too specific or scientific.–Anne Beier, Clifton Public Library, NJ

BARNETT, Mac. Mustache! illus. by Kevin Cornell. 40p. Hyperion/Disney. Oct. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-1671-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–Duncan, a “terribly handsome” king, spends each day “admiring his Royal Reflection, and not doing much else.” His image is everywhere. Tired of living in a kingdom that is falling apart, the people demand much-needed services. He responds with a huge banner bearing–you guessed it–his own image. The next day a mustache appears on the banner, then on all the “Wanted!” posters seeking the perpetrator, and, finally, on every statue and billboard in the realm. It turns out all of his subjects have contributed their artistic talents to this task, and the enraged king jails them all. When life “as the only free man in all the land” becomes lonely and made worse by the sounds of laughter emanating from the jail, Duncan relents, gives up his imperious haughtiness, and paints a mustache on his own face. The large cartoon illustrations, mostly spreads, are framed in gold with a peacock motif along the bottom. The brief, humorous text appears in scrolls superimposed on the paintings. Though some pictures are so dark that details are difficult to see from afar, careful viewing reveals many visual jokes. The palace contains hilarious portraits and statues, including the king as Centaur. Beleaguered servants carry a giant mirror next to the king when he’s out walking, and funny billboards abound. Despite its sheer silliness, this royal romp of a story contains some subtle messages behind the hilarity.–Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

BEAUMONT, Karen. Where’s My T-R-U-C-K? illus. by David Catrow. unpaged. Dial. Sept. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3222-3. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–This peppy picture book relates in rhyming verse the story of a boy’s expansive search for his favorite toy–a riding truck. The frustration escalates as he looks in obvious places, then in “Grandma’s smelly trunk…,” a toolshed, and a tree house, all to no avail. Throughout the tale, family members offer alternate toys, excuses for his temper, and affectionate consolation. A raucous and rotund dog finally digs a huge hole and reveals the treasure, which lies amid other items, including an iPod and a set of false teeth. Beaumont’s refrain promises that listeners will know how to spell “truck” by tale’s end and is perfectly paced for expressive pauses and exclamations. Catrow’s jam-packed pencil and watercolor scenes are masterworks of detail and humor. This is definitely a “read it again” book.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

BECK, Carolyn. Wellington’s Rainy Day. illus. by Brooke Kerrigan. unpaged. CIP. Orca. 2011. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-55469-284-2. LC 2010941921.
PreS-Gr 3–Wellington is a peckish hound who lives with Honey, a cat, and Master Horace. During one of Horace’s naps, Welly devours the meatloaf, burying the empty pan in Honey’s litter box; drinks from the toilet; and swallows the contents of the kitchen garbage can. The two pets have a tumultuous relationship, and the cat is determined to expose Wellington; she even taunts him with threats of a dreaded bath. Master Horace awakens from his nap and takes the dog for a walk. When they return home, they discover that Honey has excavated the empty pan and is sitting in it on the hall rug. Wellington fears that his misdeed will be disclosed, but Master Horace reprimands the cat for eating the meatloaf and gives Wellington a bone for being a good dog. While there are references to past conflicts between the pets, some readers might be confused by the animosity these animals have for one another. The somewhat rambling text is peppered with gross-out incidents, such as Wellington emptying the contents of his stuffed belly and then licking up the mess. Kerrigan’s comical, softly hued crayon and watercolor cartoon illustrations portray a seemingly clueless hound and a sneaky, fluffy orange cat. Readers looking for a better book about a dog and cat relationship may want to check out Peter McCarty’s Hondo and Fabian (Holt, 2002).–Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI

BENTLY, Peter. King Jack and the Dragon. illus. by Helen Oxenbury. unpaged. Dial. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3698-6. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–“Jack, Zack, and Casper were making a den–a mighty great fort for King Jack and his men.” So begins this delicious tale of three adventurous youngsters whose day is filled with constructing a castle (construction box, trash bags, and a ragged quilt) and battling dragons and beasts in an imaginary forest. When evening arrives, Zack and Casper are scooped up seemingly by giants (their parents) and taken home. Alone, Jack at first braves the quivering trees and sounds of scampering animals until a four-footed “SOMETHING” looms out of the night. But no, it is his parents, and Jack, riding home on his father’s shoulders, claims, “I knew you weren’t really a dragon.” Soft colors and the fanciful expressions on the various creatures offset any scare youngsters might find in the story, and the children’s beguiling faces are warm and friendly. A balance of brown-toned crosshatched drawings and full-color artwork adds to the easy flow of the action. A tale of make-believe that children will delight in hearing again and again.–Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

BLISS, Harry. Bailey. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Scholastic. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-23344-6. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Bailey is the most enthusiastic student in his class. No matter what the task, he is completely involved. After he races to catch the school bus, he has math and reading, recess and lunch, just like all the kids. But hold on. Bailey is not a kid–he’s a spirited, spotted dog with floppy ears. Deceptively simple cartoon illustrations belie the brilliance of the story. How the pup manages the everyday classroom occurrences makes this picture book perfect. When the teacher asks about Bailey’s homework, his thought bubble shows him chomping on it (next page, he visits the nurse). Bailey wows his classmates with a report on FDR’s dog, Fala, and makes short work of digging holes for plants in the school garden. From the facial expressions to the titles of the books Bailey reads, no opportunity is lost for fleshing out this character; and laughs abound on every page. This one will be a favorite of adults and kids alike. A great way to start off the school year, Bailey is pure Bliss. –Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

BOYD, Ella. Hello, Bicycle! illus. by Daniel Griffo. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. Sept. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5964-4; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6076-3. LC 2011000032.
PreS-K–A ponytailed narrator describes her daredevil graduation from tricycle to bike. One rhyme per spread takes the child on an autumn journey through a park, avoiding pedestrians and animals, pumping up a steep hill, then back home to bask in Dad’s pride for her accomplishment. There are a few glitches; “rump” serves to complete two different couplets, and youngsters may not know the term “smokin’ tread.” Griffo’s Photoshop illustrations show some energy, but the human characters lack charisma. This fast read may serve as filler during a theme on growing up, but it’s an additional purchase.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

BROKAMP, Elizabeth. The Picky Little Witch. illus. by Marsha Riti. unpaged. CIP. Pelican. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-58980-882-9. LC 2011004655.
Gr 1-2–Mama Witch has been busy preparing a special meal in her cauldron for Picky Little Witch. The soup doesn’t look appetizing to the child, though, and when she hears what it’s made of, she says, “Yuck,” “Gross,” and “Barf.” She does not want to eat something consisting of snout of anteater or scream of wheat. But when Mama Witch suggests they skip trick-or-treating and visit the witch doctor to look into Picky Little Witch’s allergy to one of the ingredients, the little witch tries the dish. It’s no surprise that she enjoys it, but it is a surprise to see that Mama Witch has similar reactions and excuses when she is asked to taste something she doesn’t want to: Little Witch’s Halloween candy. This humorous story has dialogue that contains an occasional rhyme and characters that resemble humans except for their pale green skin. A recipe for Halloween Soup (minus the snout of anteater and scream of wheat) is included.–Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada

BROWN, Peter. You WILL Be My Friend! illus. by author. unpaged. Little, Brown. Sept. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-07030-0. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Lucy, the bear who tried to adopt a boy in Children Make Terrible Pets (Little, Brown, 2010), is on the hunt for a new friend. While she searches the forest, speech bubbles capture her fervent anticipation: “We’re going to do cartwheels! And climb trees! And have picnics! And have a dance party!” A frog invites her to play, but Lucy’s overzealous belly flop empties out the pond. She dryly comments, “Things didn’t work out.” Bees invite Lucy to lunch, but she ends up eating their hive. Brown’s quirky wood-grain-bordered illustrations show the cub’s over-the-top tactics to fit in, from squeezing down a rabbit hole to gnawing tree trunks beside a beaver. After all of her overtures are rebuffed, she resorts to threats: “Come back here and have fun with me!” “You won’t get any snacks unless you start liking me RIGHT NOW.” When Lucy finally relaxes her approach, a flamingo pal comes her way. Readers will be won over by this witty, slapstick story of friendship found.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

BUNTING, Eve. Pirate Boy. illus. by Julie Fortenberry. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2321-7. LC 2010029446.
PreS-K–As Danny and his mom finish reading a pirate story, the child imagines becoming a pirate and sailing away. But “What if I don’t like it on the pirate ship? And I want to come back home?” he asks. Through questions and answers, his mother explains how she will bring him home, riding a dolphin, battling sea monsters and pirates, and using her handy magic spray. Later, they will play at the beach with Daddy and then head home for cookies. Each time Mom answers his question, Danny responds, “Okay. But, Mom…?” giving the text rhythm and predictability. Cartoon illustrations are digitally painted in muted colors, creating a quiet tone. Despite prominent texturing lines, some spreads feel flat or awkward. Similar in theme and format to Margaret Wise Brown’s Runaway Bunny (Harper, 1942) and Lisa McCourt’s I Love You, Stinky Face (Troll, 1997), with the addition of the ever-popular pirates, the story is not an essential purchase, but it is one that will find its audience. –Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR

CHRISTELOW, Eileen. Five Little Monkeys Reading in Bed. illus. by author. 32p. CIP. Clarion. Sept. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-38610-2. LC 2010043397.
PreS-Gr 1–Mama is too tired to read to her five little monkeys, so they decide to spread out their books on their bed and read to themselves. They cry when the books are sad, and cheer at the appropriate moments. In spite of their mother’s admonition to turn out the light, they read a ghost story and frighten themselves, and Mama storms in. And so it continues until they finally to go sleep. Children will be amused by Christelow’s colorful pen-and-ink cartoons of expressive and active monkeys and her jaunty rhyming couplets. It will also be fun to explore the titles of the books scattered about the monkeys’ extra-wide bed in order to anticipate the siblings’ reactions for each story. Since the publication of Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed (Clarion, 1989), youngsters have enjoyed seven titles in this popular series. They will continue to be delighted, as this time the monkeys turn the tables on their mother at the conclusion of the tale.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

CHURCHILL, Ginger. Wild Rose’s Weaving. illus. by Nicole Wong. unpaged. Tanglewood. Sept. 2011. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-933718-56-9. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–A charmingly illustrated picture book about a young girl who comes to appreciate the importance of family traditions. Grandma wants to teach Rose to weave, but the child has other plans. Accompanied by a pet sheep, she splashes in the river, dances in the wind, and frolics in the rain, as vibrant pen and watercolor illustrations bring her actions to life. Then, after seeing the colorful rug Grandma has created, Wild Rose understands how rewarding learning from her can be. Several spreads of landscapes establish a wide-open, bucolic setting with Wild Rose, Grandma, and their flock of sheep as its only inhabitants. Soft-hued greens, yellows, and blues make this potentially desolate backdrop feel familiar and inviting, even during a brief thunderstorm. Visible pen strokes add texture to the setting, such as the rolling hills or the furnishings of Grandma’s cottage. Fun background details–the sheep briefly sporting one of Rose’s scarves, Grandma’s cat unraveling balls of yarn–will enchant readers. The narrative skillfully employs repetition, like Wild Rose’s refrain of “This has got to be better than weaving” as she amuses herself outdoors. However, Grandma’s speech about weaving borders on preachy: “A rug is not just a rug….It’s a picture of life.” This heavy-handed message about the deeper meaning of the craft won’t resonate with children, but the warm, appealing illustrations will keep them engaged.–Mahnaz Dar, formerly at Convent of the Sacred Heart, New York City

CODELL, Esmé Raji. The Basket Ball. illus. by Jennifer Plecas. unpaged. Abrams. Sept. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0007-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Lulu’s passion is shooting hoops. She tears up the court, but the boys won’t allow her on their team. Undeterred, Lulu invites sporty girls from around the world to attend a Basket Ball. Plecas’s affable ink, watercolor, and gouache illustrations feature a multicultural team of sports enthusiasts who arrive in a basketball-shaped carriage wearing sequined jerseys, “high-top heels,” and “hair wrapped in nothing but net.” Many basketball phrases are woven into the rhyming text, with sometimes clunky results: “‘Girls cannot play,’ the guard would say,/Asserting his offensive …. Lulu did not quibble./She offered up a hanky for the captain’s double dribble.” The empowerment theme has appeal, but it is restricted by the extensive wordplay.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

COLÓN, Edie. Good-bye, Havana! Hola, New York! illus. by Raúl Colón. unpaged. glossary. CIP. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0674-2; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3484-4. LC 2010020932.
Gr 2-5–After Castro confiscates her father’s restaurant, Gabriella’s parents leave Cuba for New York to settle in the Bronx. Unaware of the reason for their departure or its consequences, Gabriella stays with her grandparents. Several weeks later, her father returns and takes her to her new home. “She missed her toys, the sound of the beach, and Abuelita and Abito.” She cries the first day of school; “Miss Lepoor kept talking to Gabriella, but Gabriella did not understand.” This picture book chronicles the year in which Gabriella learns English, makes friends, and acclimates to her new life. One year and seven months after her parents immigrate, both Cuban grandparents join the family in America. Youngsters will gain insight into the immigrant experience as well as the Cuban revolution through the simple, heartfelt narration. Lush, evocative watercolor and colored-pencil artwork captures the warmth of the child’s family as well as the contrast between the tropical beauty and unrest of her homeland and the wintry New York landscape. Pair this book with Rosemary Wells and Secundino Fernandez’s My Havana (Candlewick, 2010), which is a more detailed account of a six-year-old boy’s exodus for similar reasons.–Barbara Auerbach, PS 217, Brooklyn, NY

CUNNANE, Kelly. Chirchir Is Singing. illus. by Jude Daly. unpaged. glossary. CIP. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86198-7; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96198-4. LC 2009048989.
K-Gr 3–Set in a rural Kenyan village joyfully portrayed by Daly’s charming folk-style artwork, this is a story to which children everywhere will relate. Chirchir’s name means “Born Quickly” in her native Kalenjin, but to American ears it sounds like the perfect word for her sunny disposition as she makes her way through the day. She wakes up and tells the rooster that she’s going to help Mama today. Sweetly she sings as she helps her draw water from the well, “Drop,/plop/the bucket in./Wiggle it…jiggle it…Let it fill…./Then hand over hand,/up comes/maji, maji–water!…But–Oh-ohh!/The rope slips,/water splashes,/Chirchir sprawls.” Mama sends her to help someone else, but all of Chirchir’s attempts end in disaster. As she becomes more discouraged, she becomes visibly grounded to the earth and no longer dances across the pages, and her songs grow quieter until finally her joy returns when she finds a job that is just right. Full of small details that capture the family’s connection to nature and daily life in the beautiful highlands of the Great Rift Valley, the story takes precedence while celebrating another culture. The endpapers include a helpful author’s note about Kenya’s Kalenjin tribe and a glossary of Swahili/Kalenjin words. The winning combination of a delightful main character and gorgeous execution should earn Chirchir a place in most libraries.–Anna Haase Krueger, Antigo Public Library, WI

DAVIES, Katie. The Great Hamster Massacre. illus. by Hannah Shaw. 192p. S & S/Beach Lane Bks. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2062-5; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3320-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-4–This British import addresses a truly dreadful phenomenon that many young pet owners are nonetheless familiar with: the death-by-parent of a litter of newborn hamsters. Although nine-year-old Anna desperately wants a hamster, her mother refuses. However, after a death in the family, she relents, and Anna and her brother, Tom, become the owners of what they believe to be two female hamsters. After Hamster Number One surprises the family by giving birth to eight babies, Anna is shocked to visit the cage in the morning to find the babies dead and Hamster Number Two missing. Instead of admitting the obvious, she decides to find the killer and bring him or her to justice. With the help of Tom, her friend Suzanne, and the advice of a neighbor “who used to be in the police,” Anna questions her friends, family, and neighbors about their whereabouts and motives regarding the creatures. What follows is an interesting take on how children deal with grief and shock, with a refreshing lack of condescension toward Anna, and by extension, young readers. Although the case is never conclusively solved, most readers won’t mind. Anna’s voice is engaging, and portrayals of various pets and neighbors (with accompanying hand-drawn side notes and cartoons) will entertain more than the mystery itself. One warning: some children may have a hard time with this book, which chronicles up to 15 pet deaths, including the hamsters. With that in mind, give this dark comedy to reluctant readers, mystery lovers, and fans of narrator-illustrated fare like Jeff Kinney’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books or Tom Angleberger’s The Strange Case of Origami Yoda (2010, both Abrams).–Heather Talty, formerly at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, New York City

DEACON, Alexis. A Place to Call Home. illus. by Viviane Schwarz. unpaged. Candlewick. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5360-6. LC 2010040125.
PreS-Gr 1–Seven growing hamster siblings find themselves crowded right out of their home, which is a hole in a piece of furniture in a junkyard. Before beginning their search for larger digs, the magnificent seven don pieces of detritus on their heads, including a pair of rubber gloves, a cup, a cardboard tube, and one useless boot, which make them feel safer as the darkness reminds them of home. Only one of the crew can see where they’re going and provides information on what he observes, though his take on things is often humorously inaccurate. To the pudgy explorers, a puddle becomes the sea and must be crossed, an old discarded desk is a mountain that has to be scaled, and a pile of sand becomes the desert. Hand-lettered speech bubbles and bordered ink and watercolor illustrations resembling comic-strip panels are entertaining and amusing. How the brave siblings outsmart the “beast” carting off their brother–who just happens to be hiding in the dog’s water dish–and find a new home makes for a funny and spirited finale. Children will get a kick out of this one. Share it with Ed Young’s Seven Blind Mice (Philomel, 1992) for a storytime about making assumptions from parts of the whole.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

DESROSIERS, Sylvie & Rémy Simard. Hocus Pocus. unpaged. Kids Can. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-577-4. LC C2011-900365-1.
K-Gr 2–This wordless book features a Wile E. Coyote vs. Road Runner-like battle between a rabbit, Hocus Pocus, and a hapless canine. Mr. Magic arrives home one day with a bag of peanuts, greens, and carrots. When he and his pooch settle down for a nap, his rabbit decides to bolt from the magic hat he left on the bureau. The carrots are a tempting snack, but he must first get past the sleeping dog. Attempting to do so turns into a bunny vs. canine showdown, with Hocus Pocus trying various methods to sneak past the pup. Eventually that leads to a dog vs. bunny showdown, beginning at the kitchen counter and ending with a miffed Dog locked outside. The small, clever bunny pulls out all the magic stops and eventually outsmarts big, strong Dog. The digitally rendered illustrations are suggestive of ’60s cartoon storyboards. The drawings are colorful, and the amusing facial expressions and antics of Dog and Hocus Pocus will appeal to children. –Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA

DEWDNEY, Anna. Llama Llama Home with Mama. illus. by author. unpaged. Viking. 2011. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01232-9. LC number unavailable.
PreS–Fans of Llama Llama will want to stay home from preschool and read this with their own mamas. Llama is sick with a sore throat, and children who have to take “yucky” medicine will relate to how he feels. Llama Mama takes care of him, and just when he starts to feel better, she gets sick. He knows just what to do to make her feel better, and after rest, and a comfy pillow, the two cozy up in bed and share a book. The story has wonderful rhyming phrases and large, colorful illustrations full of priceless facial expressions and body language.–Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

DROUHARD, Brianne. Billie the Unicorn. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Immedium. 2011. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-59702-024-4. LC 2010002435.
PreS-Gr 2–Billie leaves her ho-hum cornfield in search of adventure. She visits her cousins Rhubarb and Smudge, who live in a “mystical forest” and have the ability to make lush gardens appear. Billie’s own flower-growing talents are slow to emerge, and she is coached to “Just be yourself, think about what you like, and the magic will do the rest!” Soon, though, she wonders “what delightful treasures waited elsewhere” and sets off for the Queen’s garden. Despite the forbidding steel gates and robotic guards, Billie doesn’t hesitate in offering her flower-growing services. Her cousins arrive to find her chained and sobbing, but before they help her escape they strangely admonish her: “You cannot grow real flowers if you are unhappy.” Drouhard’s color cartoonlike illustrations feature twinkling-eyed, floppy-eared unicorns. Pass on this cliché-ridden tale.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

FALKENSTERN, Lisa. A Dragon Moves In. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5947-7; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5995-8. LC 2011001122.
PreS-Gr 1–In the spring, Rabbit and Hedgehog are having a picnic when the rock that Rabbit is sitting on rumbles and cracks. A baby dragon emerges, and they take him home. However, the little creature becomes a big problem when it can no longer fit in the house. The friends come up with a solution so that the dragon is not excluded. The illustrations are rich in detail and texture. Colors range from the lush greens of the season, to the blue-black moonlit night as the backdrop for their campfire. The faces of the three characters are full of endearing expressions and tenderness. This story of friendship and inclusion will be enjoyed by parents and children alike.–Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

FRASER, Mary Ann. Heebie-Jeebie Jamboree. illus. by author. unpaged. Boyds Mills. 2011. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-857-8. LC 2011920699.
PreS-Gr 1–Dressed as a witch and a ghost, Sam and Daphne pull tickets out of thin air to the Heebie-Jeebie Jamboree on Halloween night. They are treated to a magical, good time, experiencing everything from a haunted circus and a concert with The Rolling Bones to “eyes cream” and “barbecue bat wings.” Then, in the midst of the festivities, Sam goes missing, lending a bit of tension to the story. The full-bleed illustrations in vibrant colors feature Halloween creatures of all sorts (but none frightening), and the pages are packed with action and energy. Children will love poring over the many details.–Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

FREEDMAN, Deborah. Blue Chicken. illus. by author. unpaged. Viking. Sept. 2011. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01293-0. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Blue Chicken wasn’t always blue. When she was created in an artist’s studio, she was a bright white, as she should be. But then she decides that she wants to help finish the picture by painting the barn. She climbs right out of the painting and onto the edge of a paint container. Shockingly, it topples over, splashing blue paint all over her and onto the other animals. She is sorry, so sorry and she tries to undo the mishap. She intentionally tips over the rinse water and is relieved to watch as it washes away the blue. The animals are happy to be returned to their original state while the errant color creates a perfect wash of blue in the sky. In a surprise ending, readers find the little chicken a bright shade of red from another botched attempt, this time to help the artist who is painting an actual barn outside the studio. The chicken is childlike in its strong desire to help and often be responsible for dire consequences. Full of surprise and emotion, the story is very clever, and children will love the idea of a subject popping out of a painting and creating such mischief. Freedman’s artwork features sharp pen-and-ink watercolor drawings and an expert use of perspective. The blue splash created by the chicken is an exciting contrast to the realistic style of the artist’s rendering. The book has much to pore over on every page, and children will want to experience the action over and over again.–Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT

GANNY, Charlee. Chihuawolf: A Tail of Mystery and Horror. illus. by Nicola Slater. 144p. Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. Oct. 2011. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-5940-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–Paco is a Chihuahua with a big heart. Longing to catch the eye of Natasha, a large pedigree breed who only likes tough-guy dogs, he tries to turn himself into a werewolf. When a large, wild creature comes to town, however, Paco believes it is a real werewolf. Then Natasha disappears, and Paco overhears from his owner and her friends that she was last seen heading toward Mount Diablo with a large dog. When Paco finds out that the children are thinking of going there to find Natasha, he knows he has to stop them from becoming werewolf bait. With the help of Professor Pewmount, a skunk who’s been helping him release his wild side; Coco, his canine friend; and a group of wild animals, he risks everything to bring his love and his family back home safely. Will he succeed? The characters are a bit two-dimensional, but the mood of mystery and suspense is well sustained and does a good job holding readers’ interest. The interspersing of Spanish words and phrases is a fun addition. Each chapter opens with a small black-and-white illustration. A good addition to animal-adventure collections.–Kira Moody, Whitmore Public Library, Salt Lake City, UT

GLEESON, Libby. The Great Bear. illus. by Armin Greder. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5136-7. LC 2010040288.
Gr 2-5–Something about the dancing circus bear evokes pathos in sensitive onlookers: perhaps it’s the disconnect between the vision of the enormous, once-free and powerful animal and the minute props and unnatural motions that accompany such performances. In contrast to what readers will likely feel as the story progresses, the hooded, medieval peasants peering out from the book jacket appear eager and somewhat sinister in their pleasure; the only clue to what they are viewing is the title. As the story begins, the bear is outlined in charcoal, a small figure in the lower left corner of an otherwise blank page (except for the spare text). The recto portrays the troupe traveling through golden wheat fields; these pictures are rendered in highly textured acrylics, the palette darkening as the performers move closer. The text builds rhythmically until the momentous night, when it reveals that after years of dancing, “The bear stood very still….Sticks poke. Sticks prod. Chains yank. Stones strike, strike, strike.” In a wordless sequence following a great “ROAR,” a large shadow looms. The bear, now fully realized in acrylics, lumbers away. He climbs a pole and leaps gracefully into swirls of cobalt and light–perhaps to become a constellation? Children will sympathize with the bear’s plight and feel a quiet sense of wonder at the powerful conclusion. Older readers, who’ve learned more history about oppression, may read it on another level. Endnotes provide the backstory to this memorable Australian collaboration.–Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

GOODHART, Pippa & Sandra Aguilar. Big Cat. ISBN 978-0-7787-0574-1; ISBN 978-0-7787-0585-7. LC 2010052359.
NASH, Margaret & Lisa Williams. Dog’s New Coat. ISBN 978-0-7787-0576-5; ISBN 978-0-7787-0587-1. LC 2010052361.
READ, Leon & Clare Elsom. George the Knight. ISBN 978-0-7787-0578-9; ISBN 978-0-7787-0578-9; pap. ISBN 978-0-7787-0589-5. LC 2010052363.
ea vol: 24p. CIP. Crabtree. 2011. PLB $21.27; pap. $6.95.
K-Gr 2–These easy readers have short, simple stories with bold print, an uncomplicated sentence structure, and very few words per page. Big Cat involves a romp with the feline and a mouse, then two mice, then three, and, finally, six. In Dog’s New Coat, Dog tries to lose a spotted coat that his owners buy for him, but it keeps coming back. In George the Knight, the child must create a sword, a shield, and a horse before he is considered a knight by his older brother. Although the story lines are less than thrilling, the controlled vocabulary serves a specific purpose on a child’s path to becoming an independent reader. Bright, simple illustrations give textual clues. Each book includes an opening list of words to know, a puzzle activity, and a note to adults that offers some ideas on how to make children’s transition to independent reading more comfortable and successful.–Lindsay Persohn, Crystal Lake Elementary, Lakeland, FL

GORBACHEV, Valeri. Shhh! illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Philomel. Sept. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25429-1. LC 2010041652.
PreS-Gr 1–The boy narrating this picture book politely asks each of his playmates to stop their noisy activities while his baby brother is sleeping. The clown, knights, tiger, pilot, train conductor, and pirates then become so quiet that the child can hear a fly. But when the baby wakes up, he can make as much noise as he wants–until it is time to settle down again. In the first half of the book, Gorbachev draws the boy in realistic proportion to the characters and their respective surroundings as he shushes them. But when the baby is awake, readers see that the youngster is playing with his toys and that their previous life-size appearance was in his imagination. The illustrations, done in watercolors, gouache, and ink, are cheerfully rendered in soft tones that capture the calm, then playful, actions in the story. This is a fine book about how a child should behave while a younger sibling is asleep.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

HAPKA, Catherine. Pony Scouts: Back in the Saddle. illus. by Anne Kennedy. 32p. (I Can Read! Series). HarperCollins. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-125539-7; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-125541-0. LC 2010021961.
PreS-Gr 2–Annie, Jill, and Meg, aka the Pony Scouts, are learning to ride horses on Jill’s farm. During her lesson, Annie works on her balance but falls off her pony when she becomes distracted. She isn’t hurt, but she is frightened. Her friends and Jill’s mother try to encourage her to get back on, but it is the prospect of riding the foal, Surprise, someday that helps Annie to relax and try again. Realistic color illustrations assist readers with visual clues. This book will hold children’s interest, especially girls who love horse stories.–Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI

HORVATH, David & Sun-min Kim. What Dat?: The Great Big Uglydoll Book of Things to Look at, Search for, Point to, and Wonder About. unpaged. Random. Sept. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86434-6. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 3–In the tradition of Richard Scarry’s Busytown, Horvath and Kim have created a word book featuring the Uglyverse. Each spread has bright, labeled cartoon illustrations, and brief paragraphs ask readers to find different things on each page. The scenarios, while full, are not too busy, so the items are easy to find and the labels are easy to read. The scenes are funny, and some jokes are obviously intended for an older audience. At the Farmer’s Market, the main character, Babo, says, “I’ll have a melted ice, hold the H20.” These jokes will be easily passed over by younger children as they are buried within the scenes. The popularity of the toys combined with the fun of a look-and-find word book should make this a popular choice.–Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

HUBBELL, Patricia. Horses: Trotting! Prancing! Racing! illus. by Joe Mathieu. unpaged. Marshall Cavendish. Oct. 2011. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5949-1. LC 2010044929.
PreS-Gr 1–A simple, rhyming text introduces readers to horses–the different breeds, their abilities in providing transportation, and all else they do. “Police ride horses on their beats,/ clip-clop-clop down city streets….They swim a stream./Jump a wall./Gallop after a polo ball.” The animals are depicted working on farms, eating, and being cared for. Lovely, action-packed illustrations done in watercolors and colored pencils highlight the different hues and patterns found on the horses’ coats. White space is generously used to highlight scenes with jockeys racing horses and children enjoying riding. Other pages show horses decorated in circus and parade regalia, which will resonate with many youngsters who have not been exposed to their important presence and work on a farm. One enchanting spread illustrates horses pulling a red sled with smiling children through a snow-filled Christmas scene. This is an excellent addition for any collection, and it will extend knowledge about transportation that isn’t man-made. –Anne Beier, Clifton Public Library, NJ

HUBBELL, Patricia. Shaggy Dogs, Waggy Dogs. illus. by Donald Wu. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. Oct. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5957-6; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6064-0. LC 2010044927.
PreS-Gr 2–An assortment of lovable-looking pooches is pictured in this charming ode to man’s best friend. In perfect rhyme, Hubbell describes the canines by their characteristics rather than breeds: shaggy, waggy, thin, saggy, shy, bold, pretty, puppies, full-grown, and more. Next she offers a litany of the things dogs are good at doing, such as finding a lost ball, going for walks, digging up bones, and comforting their owners when they feel sick. Wu’s detailed illustrations drawn with colored pencil over acrylic vividly depict the different textures of each animal’s fur as it engages in typical doggie pastimes. Children who love animals will adore this fetching book.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

JOOSSE, Barbara. Dog Parade. illus. by Eugene Yelchin. unpaged. CIP. Houghton Harcourt. Sept. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-15-206690-1. LC 2010043399.
K-Gr 1–Dogs of all types and sizes comply with their owners’ wishes and don costumes for a parade. Whether readers’ laugh or groan at the prospect of canines cavorting in clothing, youngsters will recognize the behavior of certain breeds ranging from a frisky terrier to a shy hound, and they all aim to please their humans. The lighthearted artwork is rendered in gouache on watercolor paper. Each pooch portrait is isolated on a page with a plain pastel background so that viewers can fully appreciate the dog’s facial expression and reaction to his costume. Fans of David McKee’s Elmer’s Special Day (Andersen, 2009) and the story-line sequence of animals on parade will find a contrast here with Joosse’s simple array of dog breeds expressing their opinions about the situation, without a traditional plot. While supplementary in nature, this book could be used with any costume-wearing theme, even Halloween.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

JUAN, Ana. The Pet Shop Revolution. illus. by author. unpaged. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-12810-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–Mr. Walnut might just be the meanest pet shop owner in the world. His shop is dark and cold, and the animals’ cages are dirty and small. The townspeople complain among themselves, but no one has the courage to confront the overbearing man. One day young Mina’s rabbit disappears, and the child is convinced that Mr. Walnut has her. With the help of Bobo, a local delivery boy, brave Mina devises a plan to free all of the animals. Although Mr. Walnut longs to recapture them, he harbors a dark secret that prevents him from leaving his store. After days of isolation in the empty, gloomy shop, the man has a change of heart, which inspires a plan. Ultimately Mina, Bobo, and all of the animals pitch in to help him turn his dreary pet shop into a big, bright toy factory. This intriguing and thought-provoking tale skillfully illustrates the benevolence that is born when one walks in the shoes of another. It may also generate some activist thinking among young readers who may not have considered the dismal lives of caged animals. Juan’s beautifully stylized and deeply expressive acrylic and colored pencil drawings perfectly capture the somber tone that prevails throughout most of the book and provide a suitable contrast for the upbeat ending.–Debbie Lewis, Alachua County Library District, FL

JUSTER, Norton. Neville. illus. by G. Brian Karas. unpaged. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. Oct. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86765-1; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96765-8. LC 2010024119.
Gr 1-3–Finding new friends after a family move can be one of the most devastating traumas of childhood, but Juster and Karas use imagination and humor to address the situation. Told by his mother to take a walk down the block–“you might meet someone”–a child takes her suggestion to a new level. Heading down the sidewalk, he suddenly throws his head back and shouts “NEVILLE” at the top of his lungs. Soon one child, then another, and before long, a bevy of youngsters show up mimicking his cry. Even the neighborhood dogs join in. Questions fly as to who this Neville is and what he is like, and at the end of the day, as everyone goes home for supper, the crowd pleads with the boy to return tomorrow, which, of course, he is happy to do. Karas places likably scruffy-looking children across the spreads and, in sync with the call-outs for “Neville,” stretches out hand-written versions of the name in various sizes and colors, cleverly capturing the evolving event with wit and energy. Although Juster doesn’t reveal who Neville is until the last page, sharp readers will guess his identity early on. Nevertheless, this ingenious foray into breaking into a new neighborhood makes for an amusing and appealing story.–Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

KARGMAN,Jill & Sadie Kargman. Pirates & Princesses. illus. by Christine Davenier. unpaged. Dutton. Sept. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42229-7. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–Ivy and Fletch have a very special relationship. They had been friends since birth and played together exclusively until kindergarten. Now their relationship is tested. Unlike nursery school, the boys and girls segregate themselves. The boys play pirates, and the girls play princesses during recess. Their worlds never collide until Ivy is captured by the pirates and Fletch comes to her rescue. The other children are shocked to see a boy stand up for a girl and it is difficult for them to understand that the two are friends. Ivy and Fletch proceed to join both factions and teach them games to play together. Davenier illustrates the story with kid-friendly sketched figures in pastel and watercolor, and her art shows much motion and emotion. Unfortunately, the delivery of the message is not well done. The text seems to have been created for a slightly older audience as some dialogue doesn’t seem on target in a book meant for five-year-olds. Children may find the story too lengthy and lacking in appeal. This one misses the mark.–Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT

KETTEMAN, Helen. If Beaver Had a Fever. illus. by Kevin O’Malley. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. Sept. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5951-4; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5998-9. LC 2010044928.
K-Gr 3–Momma Bear and her cub enjoy a rhyming conversation about how she’d care for the animals if she were a doctor. “If you were a doctor/in charge of the zoo,/what would you do/if Gnu had the flu?” asks Little Bear. Momma would come to the rescue with cake and the appropriate pills. But what about chimps with limps, deer that can’t hear, a meerkat that gets too fat, or weasels with measles? Momma has the proper cure for every one of them. The question inevitably turns to “how would you be/if you were a doctor,/and the sick one were me?” As that would be a special case, Momma’s proposed cures are extra nice. Little Bear would get his favorite foods, a round of board games, cuddles and tickles, and the best care of all. O’Malley’s illustrations were done with crayons, colored pencils, and colored markers. In the foreground Momma and Little Bear have their playful conversation, while behind them Little Bear’s artwork–drawn to mimic crayon drawings by children–act as the backdrop. Overall, an additional story about a mother’s enduring love. –Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA

KOCHAN, Vera. What If Your Best Friend Were Blue? illus. by Viviana Garofoli. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. Sept. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5897-5; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6077-0. LC 2010022522.
PreS-K–A boy wonders what the world would be like if people were different colors. His best friend might be blue, but he would still play soccer. If the boy were lost, a green policewoman would help him find his parents. A yellow doctor, a purple fireman, and a red teacher would continue to do their jobs despite their color. His orange babysitter would be just as much fun as ever. He concludes that “these people don’t care what color you are, either....They like you just because you’re YOU!” Full-color acrylic illustrations are done in a cartoon style, and the simple text makes the lesson on tolerance accessible to youngsters. This book could be used as an introduction to Emily Jenkins’s The Little Bit Scary People (Hyperion, 2008), which would deepen a discussion of tolerance and identity.–Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

LAFAYE, A. Walking Home to Rosie Lee. illus. by Keith D. Shepherd. unpaged. CIP. Cinco Puntos. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-933693-97-2. LC 2010037397.
Gr 2-5–Narrated by an African-American boy recently freed from slavery, this moving tale recounts the heartbreaking struggle of those looking to reconnect with family members after the Civil War. Gabe has only the tips of his fellow northward-bound travelers and the sadly overburdened Freedmen’s Bureau for assistance in tracking down his mama. He follows one lead after another without success, and readers will wonder whether he will ever find her. They will not be disappointed. Gabe’s tale concludes with a prayer that all the other sons and mothers find one another as well. LaFaye crafts a convincing voice for Gabe, conveying a sense of world-weary pragmatism in his sometimes clipped sentences. The book also has a beautiful lyricism that will make for an impressive read-aloud. “I stumbled off down the road, crying for the Rosie I couldn’t find. Not in Jasper, not in Chattanooga, not in any other place the rumors of a fine-cooking Rosie took me. Had me thinner than a leaf with the sorrow of it….” Shepherd’s richly hued paintings echo both the burden of Gabe’s sad journey and the sense of connection he finds with the other travelers he encounters, often shown united by a comforting physical gesture. Though LaFaye’s tale about the lingering effects of slavery on families is sobering, this work will be useful in creating context for historical units. The well-crafted narrative and the artist’s thoughtful imagery make it a powerful choice.–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

LANGDO, Bryan. Tornado Slim and the Magic Cowboy Hat. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. Oct. 2011. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5962-0; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6075-6. LC 2011000031.
K-Gr 2–Tornado Slim is in for an adventure when a coyote asks him to deliver a letter to the sheriff of Fire Gulch City. The coyote sees that he’s a bit hesitant and sweetens the deal by giving Slim his special cowboy hat. The young man travels from town to town, and, as he does, floods, tornadoes, fire, and bandits seem to follow him. He quickly learns that his new hat is not the run-of-the-mill variety; it allows him to avert these catastrophes. An even bigger surprise awaits him in Fire Gulch City as he becomes the new sheriff. Full of cowboy lingo such as “pard’ner” and “sarsaparilla” and food such as smoked ribs and five-alarm chili, this book paints a fun picture of the Wild West. The detail-oriented watercolor illustrations add to the adventure. Appealing as a read-aloud or as independent reading, Tornado Slim will have youngsters laughing up a storm.–Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH

LONDON, Jonathan. Little Penguin: The Emperor of Antarctica. illus. by Julie Olson. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. Oct. 2011. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5954-5; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6062-6. LC 2010026501.
PreS-Gr 2–Simple text and pleasant illustrations in pencil, watercolor, and digital media recount the months in the life of an emperor penguin from spring hatching to his midsummer dive into the sea. As in the many books for young readers about this popular animal, this one emphasizes the father’s role in keeping the egg and then the chick warm under the belly flap just above his feet. The chick is fed the milky mix from his father’s gullet, and the youngster and his hungry parent soon welcome the mother penguin returning from her feeding months at sea. The adults trade feeding and child care, protecting their offspring from the elements while he grows, plays with other young penguins, and begins to lose his baby down. “At five months old Little Emperor and his clan waddled down to the sea. They hopped…and leaped…and tobogganed…WHOOSH! until they reached the ocean.” The text and competent paintings convey a realistic sense of the Antarctic world and the birds’ life cycle, although both are at times a bit cute. A straightforward author’s note briefly explains aspects of the emperor penguin’s physiology and life experiences. Some adults will enjoy the cozy tone for reading aloud, and libraries that are not amply stocked on this appealing subject will find this a useful and attractive introduction.–Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

LYON, Tammie. Olive and Snowflake. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. Oct. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5955-2; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6069-5. LC 2011001124.
PreS-Gr 1–Olive and her dog are two peas in a pod. This inseparable pair does everything together, including getting into trouble. After a series of unfortunate events, Olive’s parents threaten to send Snowflake away if he does not go to obedience school. With childlike innocence, Olive worries that she, too, will be sent away if she does not learn to sit, stay, and roll over. Happily, both Olive and Snowflake learn a lesson or two about obedience. Bold text and vibrant cartoon-style illustrations make this a great read-aloud or lap read. Children will delight in the happy ending and will appreciate this simple tale of love, responsibility, and growing up.–Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

MCNAMARA, Margaret. The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot. illus. by Mark Fearing. unpaged. CIP. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. Sept. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86689-0; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96689-7. LC 201005053.
PreS-Gr 3–With its broad humor and a knowing wink to folktale conventions, this delightful reworking of “The Three Little Pigs” has potential to become a crowd-pleasing favorite. When Mama’s cozy house in a crater on Mercury grows too crowded, she sends her three little aliens out into the universe to find a planet of their own. She warns them to stay together and watch out for the big, bad robot: “And call me every once in a while.” The youngsters strap on their jet packs, bypassing Venus (“Too hot”), Earth (“Too crowded”), and meteors. When pigtailed Bork spies a shiny space rover, she ignores the warning to stick together and settles on Mars. One-eyed Gork is smitten with Saturn’s rings. It is left to sensible Nklxwcyz to travel on until he reaches Neptune, where he builds a safe, sturdy home. And just in time, too, for with “Greep Boink Meep Peeedily Deeep Ork Eep,” the Big Bad Robot is on his way. Fearing’s hand-drawn cartoon illustrations rendered digitally with collage techniques offer bug-eyed, green aliens and an enjoyable mix of science and playful details. An author’s note refers readers to NASA’s website for more facts about the solar system. This lively, well-told twist on a classic tale will capture the hearts of a wide audience.–Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

MANNA, Anthony L. & Soula Mitakidou. The Orphan: A Cinderella Story from Greece. illus. by Giselle Potter. unpaged. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. Oct. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86691-3. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–Simple yet lyrical storytelling combined with Potter’s masterful watercolors brings this tale to life. An unnamed girl has been lovingly and tenderly cared for, but “as people say in Greece,” “A child becomes an orphan when she loses her mother.” A cruel stepmother and spoiled stepsisters make her life a misery, until she is driven to sob out her story over her mother’s grave. Her mother’s voice directs her to return home to await “true fortune’s blessings.” The next day, Mother Nature and her children bestow gifts upon her and adorn her in new finery, and she catches the eye of the prince at the church service. The oral storytelling style uses rhetorical questions and distinctive turns of phrase: “Go, my child, go to good, with all my blessings, go!” Potter’s naïve style and brilliant colors and perspective heighten the drama and emotion throughout. This well-crafted variation is a welcome addition to the scores of fine “Cinderella” tales and deepens readers’ understanding of the story’s timeless appeal. –Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

MAYER, Mercer. Too Many Dinosaurs. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. Sept. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2316-3. LC 2010029442.
K-Gr 2–A boy whose mother won’t let him get a dog instead buys a dinosaur egg for a dollar at Mr. Jerry’s yard sale. A triceratops hatches, sneaks away, and spends the morning causing trouble in the neighborhood, and the boy needs help catching his new pet. Luckily, Mr. Jerry has a dinosaur horn he’s willing to lend that should bring the creature back. Unfortunately, it works too well and all manner of dinosaurs appear when it’s blown. They follow the panicked boy home where his mother demands that he “Do something.” One more blow on the horn and miraculously the dinosaurs begin to fade away and disappear. In the aftermath, the exasperated mother says, “That’s it. You’re getting a puppy.” Mayer’s colloquial text and unmistakable illustrative style are both present here. The illustrations are full-page or cutouts surrounded by white space and done in rich colors. The text is placed in and around them to good effect. Plenty of background details spice up the very funny scenes for observant readers, and wild action and chases abound. Kids will love the clever twist at the end, where they see what happened to the dinosaurs.–Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

MOORE, Jodi. When a Dragon Moves In. illus. by Howard McWilliam. unpaged. Flashlight. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-979974-67-0. LC 2010936493.
PreS-Gr 2–While enjoying a day at the beach with his family, a boy builds a perfect sand castle and a dragon promptly moves in toting a well-worn suitcase. The youngster can’t believe his luck while the rest of the family can’t believe him. Mischief blamed on the dragon eventually gets the child in trouble, but that doesn’t stop him from building an even better castle the next day. While the text is fun, the story is truly told through the comical illustrations. The friendly red dragon’s expressions are hilarious whether he is joyfully flying a kite, gobbling sandwiches, or has his snout wrapped in a towel to smother his smoke. Readers will enjoy pointing out what could be real-life explanations for everything the boy attributes to it. Certainly “no beach bully would dare stomp your castle with a dragon inside.” (But it would run from an angry dad, pictured behind the narrator.) From the delighted face of the boy when he finds the dragon, to the frustration of the parents when the creature has caused too much trouble, the story and pictures show a classic family outing. This story of a runaway imagination will make for an entertaining storytime as well as an enjoyable one-on-one read.–Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

MOSES, Will. Mary and Her Little Lamb: The True Story of the Famous Nursery Rhyme. illus. by author. 40p. CIP. Philomel. Sept. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25154-2. LC 20100037445.
Gr 1-3–Readers will probably be surprised to learn that the familiar nursery rhyme is actually based on a pamphlet written by Mary Elizabeth Sawyer, a farm girl who loved animals, especially sheep. When its mother rejected a frail lamb twin, Mary raised it herself, and the lamb became a beloved pet that followed her everywhere–once even to school. John Roulstone, a visitor at school that day, wrote a verse about the incident and gave it to Mary. End matter provides musical notation and additional information about Sawyer, who was born in 1806 and attended the Redstone Schoolhouse in Sudbury, MA; Sarah Josepha Hale, who published the poem with added verses; and Lowell Mason, who composed music for it. Moses’s rich oil paintings, rendered in his characteristic folk-art style, beautifully depict rural 19th-century life. They include spreads, framed pictures with images of books and hens in the margins, and vignettes accompanying the lengthy text. Mary’s large farmhouse kitchen has a spinning wheel, a pump at the sink, and pots simmering in the hearth. Animals romp in the fields, and in the distance, horses and carriages ride along a dirt road past the church and other low-lying buildings. Desks attached to benches line Mary’s schoolroom where children write on slates and draw humorous pictures on the blackboard in the teacher’s absence. Moses’s Mother Goose (Philomel, 2003) would be a perfect accompaniment to this interesting story.–Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

MUIR, Leslie. Gibbus Moony Wants to Bite You! illus. by Jen Corace. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-7905-0. LC 2010009786.
K-Gr 2–A young vampire is anxious to try out his new fangs on all sots of things, even after his family explains that they are nectarians (fruit suckers). Gibbus wants to chew on his toys, a photo album, a violin. But nothing is satisfying. He next tries his sleeping grandfather’s ear, but it’s a mere tickle. Outside he tries to bite the gardener but is shooed away like a mosquito. Gibbus is frustrated and falls asleep under a tree. He’s awakened by something pecking on his nose. It’s a little girl. He decides that she and her brother would be a perfect test for his new fangs. He threatens to bite the boy, who convinces him that biting is for babies. They become friends instead and make plans for the next day. The vampire goes home and announces to his family that he’s past his biting stage. The illustrations, done in pen, ink with watercolor, and acrylic, are clean and crisp with very little background. They are also potentially confusing. While Gibbus and his family members are all quite pale and sport fangs, he is the only one with bat cape. Despite the fun art and the positive message, some might feel that this title takes the vampire craze a bit too far.–Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

MURPHY, Claire Rudolf. Marching with Aunt Susan: Susan B. Anthony and the Fight for Women’s Suffrage. illus. by Stacey Schuett. unpaged. photos. chron. further reading. CIP. Peachtree. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-593-5. LC 2011002703.
Gr 1-5–This story takes place in San Francisco in 1896 and is told from the point of view of a young girl named Bessie as her mother hosts a tea with the famous suffragist as the guest of honor. Already influenced and irritated by the many things her brothers get to do that she cannot, Bessie is inspired by Anthony’s words and joins the movement by marching, making signs, and talking to her best friend whose domineering father makes all decisions about family life. Bessie’s supportive father and activist mother help her deal with her disappointments by balancing them with opportunities for making a difference. Schuett’s somewhat impressionistic gouache paintings effectively capture the time and place and convey the emotionally charged tenor of the campaign. The endnotes, accompanied by photographs, provide factual material about the real Bessie Keith Pond, Anthony, and the suffrage movement, especially in California. –Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID

MURPHY, Sally. Pearl Verses the World. illus. by Heather Potter. 73p. Candlewick. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4821-3. LC 2010040149.
Gr 2-4 –“My poems don’t rhyme, and neither do I.” Pearl feels lonely. She doesn’t fit in with the ballet girls, the library kids, the bus kids, or the rough kids. She can’t write the rhyming poems that her teacher prefers. She longs to be at home with her mother and her Granny, where she feels safe and loved. These days Pearl’s mother is always tired, and readers learn that she is caring for Pearl’s ailing Granny “…I think she’s in there. If only she could come out to play.” The possibility of moving her into a care home is mentioned, but before Pearl can figure out how to “save” her, her grandmother dies. Children will grieve with Pearl and share in her special moment when she reads a poem (that doesn’t rhyme) at the funeral. Her freedom to express her feelings marks a new time in her life of openness and a sense of beginning to connect with the people around her. This gentle, tender story is written in verse to wonderful effect and the plot moves along as freely as the words flow. Visually, this book is tremendously accessible, even for younger readers. Words like “swirling” and “swinging” are set in different type, as if they are moving on the pages. Potter’s artwork melds well with the text; children will be able to understand Pearl’s emotions better by looking at the expressive faces, and the illustrations serve as a counterpoint to the poignant, delicate narrative. This book is strongly recommended for a study of aging, dementia, and grief. It would be well placed in school counselors’ offices as well as in public libraries. –Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL

OLDLAND, Nicholas. The Busy Beaver. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Kids Can. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-749-5. LC C2011-901072-0.
PreS-K–Beaver’s exuberance for his work leads to careless accidents for a bear, moose, and bird’s nest, and eventually for himself. After recuperating from “one bent tail, two broken limbs, three cracked ribs…,” Beaver realizes he has a great deal for which to atone. He exercises, reads a how-to book, and practices apologies. His return is greeted by fear until he shows his newfound consideration with gifts and kind deeds. Once accepted at home, Beaver dreams of becoming a dam-building instructor, playing in an animal band, and taking more naps. He chooses the last. The comic Photoshop illustrations have a stop-action effect and creative attention to detail. Try this title as bibliotherapy for youngsters who need to focus on impulse control.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

PALATINI, Margie. Stuff. illus. by Noah Z. Jones. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. Sept. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-171921-9. LC 2009049900.
PreS-Gr 2–Young Edward, a rabbit, is a bit of a hoarder. He is obsessed with his stuff, and can’t seem to stop collecting it, even when it drives away his two best friends. One day a large truck causes so much vibration that he becomes buried under an avalanche of his treasures. Although unharmed, Edward is trapped along with many of his possessions. He soon tires of them and longs for his friends. Responding to his cries for help, Anthony and Marguerite burrow through the mess and free Edward, who emerges with an epiphany: there is more to life than stuff. With the help of his friends, he gives everything away. Unencumbered, he once again has the time to play with them, which is really the “best STUFF of all.” The message is a bit heavy-handed and might have done better to promote a healthy balance between material possessions and friendship. Few children would like to be put in the position of having to choose between one or the other. The bright cartoon illustrations are quite appealing, and there’s a lot going on in the pages. The characters’ faces are expressive and will help clue in young readers.–Debbie Lewis, Alachua County Library District, FL

PAMINTUAN, Macky. Twelve Haunted Rooms of Halloween. illus. by author. unpaged. Sterling. Sept. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-7935-0. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–A wary bear peeks into 12 rooms to find a variety of Halloween characters in this reworking of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Black cats, wicked witches, jack-o-lanterns, dancing zombies, and howling werewolves are among the things he finds until a foldout spread reveals a party attended by 12 trick-or-treaters. What raises this title above other books of this type, including Guy Vasilovich’s The 13 Nights of Halloween (HarperCollins, 2011), is the “I Spy”-type format. Each picture includes all of the items mentioned previously along with the new addition, and readers are invited to search each spread to find them. Children will want to pore over the not-too-scary pictures until they find every creature mentioned in the rhyme. A fun addition to Halloween collections.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

PARISH, Herman. Amelia Bedelia’s First Field Trip. illus. by Lynne Avril. unpaged. CIP. Greenwillow. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-196413-8; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-196414-5. LC 2010034175.
Gr 1-3–When literal-minded little Amelia Bedelia goes on a class trip to Fairview Farm, she goes in search of the farmer’s wife’s “green thumb,” “shakes her leg” when told to hurry, corrects a classmate who calls the rooster a “loudmouth” by saying it’s a “loud beak,” and pitches the lunch salad all over the farm when asked to toss it. Her imagination goes wild as she envisions the potatoes having eyes, the corn having ears, and the lettuce having heads. She wonders if the farmers will plant jelly beans along with all the other varieties. After a strenuous day, she looks forward to a refreshing swim in the “car pool.” Amelia Bedelia’s antics are well balanced by the insertion of interesting farm facts. This combination of humor and information makes for a enjoyable story. Lively, cartoon illustrations add a colorful splash to the hilarity. The farm-animal theme is sure to be popular with youngsters. –Corrina Austin, Locke’s Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada

PECK, Richard. Secrets at Sea. illus. by Kelly Murphy. 240p. Dial. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3455-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–In his first venture into animal fantasy, Peck weaves a delicious tale of three mice–Helena, Louise, and Beatrice–and their troublesome brother, Lamont. Their ordered life in the Hudson Valley home of the socially inept Cranston family is thrown into turmoil as they find themselves on an ocean voyage, accompanying their unwitting humans who are hoping to marry off their elder daughter in England. Helena, who has assumed the parental role since their father was killed by a barn cat and their mother and two sisters drowned in a rain barrel, must help her siblings overcome their fear of water and keep them out of human sight as they avoid the ship’s cat, negotiate corridors, and slip in and out of staterooms. They meet other mice who are accompanying their humans on the trip: the influential Duchess of Cheddar Gorge, with connections to Queen Victoria; Nigel, the ship’s steward who entices Lamont into his service; and dashing Lord Peter Henslow, mouse equerry to the human Lord Peter. Chaos, intrigue, and romance ensue, culminating in a royal rodent wedding, synchronized with the queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The Upstairs, Downstairs motif works nicely, and personalities, both human and anthropomorphic, interact to hilarious effect. The fast-paced story is peppered with the author’s characteristic sly wit and is pure fun. It is sure to be enjoyed by fans of Avi’s “Poppy” series as well as by mouse lovers of all ages. –Marie Orlando, formerly at Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

PENN, Audrey. A Bedtime Kiss for Chester Racoon. illus. by Barbara L. Gibson. unpaged. Tanglewood. 2011. BD $7.95. ISBN 978-1-933718-52-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS–As Chester Raccoon nestles into his lair, he begins to imagine frightening creatures in the light that streams across his bedroom. At first, it takes on the form of a crocodile and later a pair of spiders. Like many children who see monsters in the shadows of their bedrooms, Chester becomes increasingly agitated as he tries to sleep. Soon, his mother comes to assure him that there is nothing to fear. Just as she reassured him in The Kissing Hand (Child Welfare League of America, 1993), she kisses Chester’s palm to soothe his worries. The ink and watercolor illustrations are realistic and reassuringly expressive. Chester’s nonthreatening bedtime imaginings are silly enough that young readers’ own slumbers will not be interrupted. Designed for younger children, this board book features rounded corners, rhyming couplets, and a simpler text than the earlier books in the series. It should find an audience in most public libraries.–Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

QUATTLEBAUM, Mary. The Hungry Ghost of Rue Orleans. illus. by Patricia Castelao. unpaged. Random. Sept. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86207-6; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96207-3. LC 2010037063.
PreS-Gr 2–Fred the ghost is very happy haunting the leaky, dusty, rundown house on Rue Orleans until Pierre and his daughter, Marie, fix up the place and turn it into a jazzy-snazzy restaurant offering gumbo, crawfish, red beans, and rice. Reluctantly deciding to move because of all the “clean and gleam and shine,” Fred stumbles onto a powerful reason for staying: Pierre’s delicious Powdered Ghost Puffs–if only the house were as ghostly as before, with leaks and creaks and broken doors. Fortunately, Marie comes up with a satisfactory solution and all ends well. The painterly illustrations, rich in color and detail, are reminiscent of Don Wood’s work in King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub (Harcourt, 1985), with reds, purples, and gold-browns, conveying the atmosphere of the old house and the New Orleans setting perfectly. A good story for both storytime and a one-on-one read. –Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

REGAN, Dian Curtis. The Dragon Stone. illus. by Stacy Curtis. 96p. (Rocky Cave Kids Series). CIP. Marshall Cavendish. Sept. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5974-3; ebook $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6085-5. LC 2011000036.
K-Gr 2–Miggy is a happy-go-lucky Stone Age child whose family stays home while the rest of the clan goes off for the summer. As she eagerly awaits their return, she also seeks to spot a Spinosaurus–a rare sight. She accidentally stumbles across a dragon stone, known to bring luck and grant wishes. But in order for the magic to work, she has to keep her find a secret. Several scary and humorous adventures transpire involving friends, raptors, and lost brothers. The website calls this “imagined historical fiction,” as in: What if dinosaurs and humans had lived at the same time? Fans of the first “Magic Tree House” book, Mary Pope Osborne’s Dinosaurs Before Dark (Random, 1992), or Rex Stone’s “Dinosaur Cove” series (Scholastic) will enjoy this imaginative chapter book. The cartoon dinosaur with loads of teeth on the cover will entice readers, as will the map and roster at the beginning. –Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

REIDY, Jean. Light Up the Night. illus. by Margaret Chodos-Irvine. unpaged. Hyperion/Disney. Oct. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-2024-7. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–This cumulative tale is narrated by a boy who is supposed to be in bed. But after his mom leaves his bedroom, his red-and-white blanket transforms into a rocket and zooms up into space. “These are my galaxy stars so bright–/they light up the heavens late at night/in my own little piece of the universe.” After traveling around the stars and planets, he begins his descent to Earth. He flies his blanket/plane over the hemisphere in which he lives, describing the ice caps and mountains that dot the land. He says, “This is my continent, far and wide./It kisses an ocean on either side.” The blanket changes into a train when he lands in his country, and then a truck when he travels into his town. This story ends with the boy back in his bedroom surrounded by toys and furnishings that resemble parts of his universe. After a second goodnight kiss from his mom, the boy falls asleep. Chodos-Irvine’s colorful illustrations show a welcoming, friendly universe filled with interesting things to see and places to visit.–Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada

RICHARDS, Lucy. Ollie and the Lost Toy. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Sterling. 2011. Tr $9.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-7754-7. LC 2010037979.
PreS–A puppy and his favorite toy are always together until Snaily goes missing. Ollie is afraid of going to bed because of the darkness, but in the process of searching for his toy, he conquers his fear. In the end, all is well. The soft, colorful illustrations will elicit an emotional response from children. At one point, there’s a tear on Ollie’s face when he is so desperately longing for Snaily. The book has many lift-the-flap elements; some are quite small and flimsy and may not stand up to repeated readings. It is best be suited to one-on-one sharing.–Lora Van Marel, Orland Park Public Library, IL

RICHMOND, Marianne. Beautiful Blue Eyes. illus. by author. unpaged. Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-5639-4. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 3–A woman tells how she wondered what color her newborn child’s eyes would be. In time they turn blue and reveal her offspring’s personality. “‘Eyes cannot talk!’ you say to me....I see your eyes speaking,” the mother relates. They show attributes such as playfulness and thoughtfulness, and also moods. Mother concludes by explaining how grateful she is to share her life with her child. Bold and colorful mixed-media artwork accented with buttons and yarn depicts a variety of doll-like, blue-eyed children. Sometimes just shy of saccharine, this sentimental look at the maternal bond will make a great gift book for adults who are about to become parents, but it is an optional purchase for libraries. –C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY

ROBINSON, Fiona. What Animals Really Like: A New Song Composed & Conducted by Mr. Herbert Timberteeth. illus. by author. unpaged. Abrams. Oct. 2011. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-8976-4. LC number unavailable. Gr 1-2–This amusing story begins when readers open two foldouts to part a pair of red curtains. On stage is a large group of animals ready to give voice to the composer/conductor’s new song. Unfortunately, his preconceived notions about the creatures are evident. For example, “We are lions,/and we like to prowl./We are wolves,/and we like to howl./We are pigeons,/and we like to coo.” But when the cows sing, “We are cows,/and we like to…dig,” Mr. Herbert Timberteeth hesitates. “Dig” was not part of his song. He allows the performance to continue, though, as the monkeys, horses, and worms sing their lines. But when the warthogs start blowing bubbles to demonstrate what they like to do best, and the kangaroos croon about their love of Ping-Pong, the conductor is ready to quit. The pen, ink and marker-pens illustrations show a number of animals dressed in their finest. They become livelier and bolder as their performance goes on. Although Robinson keeps the focus and humor on the well-lit stage, she occasionally pans over to the audience where all readers see are the many colorful eyeballs peering out of the darkness. Sublime silliness.–Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada

ROCKWELL, Anne. First Day of School. illus. by Lizzy Rockwell. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-050191-4. LC 2010010167.
K-Gr 2–A group of children prepares for the upcoming school year and reminisces about last year’s first day of school. Haircuts, new lunch boxes, bigger shoes, fancy backpacks, and a few nervous feelings are the topics of conversation with these culturally diverse kids. Their calm dialogue and kind words for one another make this a nice addition to any back-to-school bookshelf. Pleasing, peaceful illustrations contain just enough details to spark conversations and may help to ease the tense feelings that often accompany the arrival of a new school year.–Lindsay Persohn, Crystal Lake Elementary, Lakeland, FL

RODRIGUEZ, Béatrice. Rooster’s Revenge. illus. by author. unpaged. Enchanted Lion. Sept. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-098. LC 2011922186.
PreS-Gr 1–This wordless book concludes the “Fox and Hen” trilogy (Enchanted Lion). As Bear and Rabbit row their boat into the ocean, they wave good-bye to Fox and Hen. Unfortunately, they have a grumpy rooster onboard, and they are headed straight into a storm. When their boat capsizes, they are carried to safety by a group of turtles. But the scowl doesn’t come off Rooster’s face until he sees a mysterious glowing sphere that leads him home. Bear and Rabbit follow close behind, and they are helped on their way by several bats, slugs, and fish. The terrain they pass changes from oversize mushrooms and steep cliffs to a forest and green grasses. One illustration hints at what’s inside the glowing object, but readers will have to wait until the penultimate spread, when Rooster accidentally breaks it, to see its contents. Children will have an easy time imaging the dialogue by looking at the exaggerated expressions and body language of the characters in the humorous illustrations.–Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada

ROODE, Daniel. Little Bea and the Snowy Day. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Oct. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-06-199395-4. LC 2010032236.
PreS–Dressed in seasonal gear, the little bumble bee and her animal friends enjoy playing hide-and-seek outside, making snow angels, catching snowflakes, sledding, throwing snowballs, and ice-skating. The story concludes with the pals warming up with cups of hot chocolate and building a new snow friend. The simplistic text and singsong rhyme are best suited for two-year-olds: “Tickle. Tingle. Chilly. Fun!/Let’s catch snowflakes/one by one.” Children will delight in the bright, animated digital art and large, two-dimensional perspective. Supplemental.–Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI

RYLANT, Cynthia. Brownie & Pearl Hit the Hay. illus. by Brian Biggs. unpaged. (Brownie & Pearl Series). CIP. S & S/Beach Lane Bks. Sept. 2011. Tr $13.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-8635-5; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3505-6. LC 2010009414.
PreS-Gr 1–Brownie (girl) and Pearl (cat) are tired. Together they go through their routine of bath, snack, and story before it’s time to hit the hay. The trek to Brownie’s room ends with the two snuggled under her moon-covered, pink-and-purple quilt. The text is written in short sentences suitable for beginner readers and perfect for sharing with toddlers at bedtime. Biggs’s digitally rendered illustrations are full of bright colors, clean lines, and great expressions, and have plenty of white space. Adults should be prepared to explain the phrase “hit the hay.” Sure to be sought after by fans of the previous books.–Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

SARCONE-ROACH, Julia. Subway Story. illus. by author. unpaged. Knopf. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85859-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–This story of “Jessie,” a subway car built in the early 1960s, was inspired by the author’s trip to the New York Transit Museum and is a lovely tribute to the city and its boroughs. Told in a clever biographical format, the story begins with Jessie’s “birth” details: weight, length, etc. The shiny, new car takes her responsibilities seriously as she safely carries children to school, adults to work, and friends and family members to visit one another. As the decades pass, Jessie delivers visitors to the 1964 World’s Fair in Queens, is covered in graffiti, then painted red, repaired, and refurbished, including air-conditioning to replace outdated fans. Eventually, she is retired and becomes part of an artificial reef in the Atlantic Ocean, where she assumes her new job. The expressive acrylic illustrations set the tone and give the story depth. The features on the front of the subway car are used to make Jessie’s eyes, nose, and mouth. An author’s note gives details about the history of subway cars around the world. This title will be appreciated by train buffs and those curious about the history of New York City.–Anne Beier, Clifton Public Library, NJ

SCHUBERT, Leda. Reading to Peanut. illus. by Amanda Haley. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2339-2. LC 2010031412.
K-Gr 2–Lucy decides that it’s time she learned how to read and write. There is something she wants to do and needs those skills to do it, but she’s not telling anyone what that is. Lucy draws pictures, and Mom and Dad supply the printed words, but Peanut the dog usually eats the paper. When Lucy and her mother plant a vegetable garden, they make signs for each row, but the pup digs everything up and eats the signs. The garden has to be replanted. While it is growing, Lucy keeps working on her reading and writing. When the vegetables are harvested, she makes a cake that she puts in her pet’s bowl. She then makes a birthday card for him, showing everyone that she can now read and write by herself. The illustrations are done in acrylic, gouache, and colored and pastel pencils. The cartoon characters have big heads, skinny necks, and small arms and legs. The joke of the dog eating all the paper goes on a bit too long and the big event that readers have been promised doesn’t quite satisfy.–Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

SHIREEN, Nadia. Good Little Wolf. illus. by author. unpaged. Knopf. Sept. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86904-4; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96904-1. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 1–Rolf is a good little wolf who likes baking cakes, eating his vegetables, and being nice to his friends, especially Mrs. Boggins. Then a Big Bad Wolf tells him that he is not a real wolf unless he howls at the moon, blows down houses, and eats people up. Rolf fails the first two tests, but when the BBW threatens Mrs. Boggins, he feels “an unfamiliar, wild feeling growing inside him…” and things change–for the moment. After subduing the BBW and rescuing his elderly friend, they all sit down to tea, and Rolf asks, “Will you stop eating people up?” The BBW answers, “Oh, I suppose so….I’ll stop first thing tomorrow.” The next illustration shows the villain with a big belly licking his chops and smiling–alone on the page. The very simple cartoon illustrations, created with pencil, ink, and collages, include rather scary-looking pictures of the sharp-toothed beast. This is not a book for sensitive preschoolers, but kindergarteners and first graders will probably enjoy the fun.–Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

SIMINOVICH, Lorena. I Like Vegetables. illus. by author. unpaged. (A Touch-and-Feel Board Book). Candlewick/Templar. 2011. BD $6.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5283-8. LC number unavailable.
PreS–This square board book explores both vegetables and opposites over several spreads. For example, one page offers a cross-section of earth with five growing carrots. Adrift over the stems is the word “above,” and the word “below” sits beneath them. The opposite page displays three carrots and several slices. A portion of one carrot features a cutout with a coarse paper filling that stands in contrast to the smoothness of the glossy card-stock pages; this technique invites repeated touching. Different materials are used to add tactile elements to the vegetables, such as a plush orange cloth for a part of a pumpkin and glossy raised cardboard on an ear of bumpy corn. An engaging presentation.–Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

SOLTIS, Sue. Nothing Like a Puffin. illus. by Bob Kolar. unpaged. Candlewick. Sept. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3617-3. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–This title offers the ultimate comparison study for younger readers. Is a puffin like a ladder? A house? A newspaper? A pair of jeans? A goldfish? A shovel? A snake? A helicopter? Are they a little alike, or a lot? Is a puffin like a penguin–or is it so special that it’s one of a kind? In a conversational stream of questions, youngsters are also asked to think a bit deeper before the page turns. How are birds like snakes? (They both hatch from eggs.) How is a newspaper like a puffin? (Both are black and white.) Large spreads highlight digitally created images with bold colors and patterns. A bit of humor, visual hints, opportunities for inference, and motion-inspired figures pull readers from page to page. “What is a puffin?” A final list summarizes the creature’s attributes, but perhaps readers will agree–there’s nothing quite like a puffin.–Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

STRATHEARN, Chris. Splat the Cat Sings Flat. based on the bestselling books by Rob Scotton. illus. by Robert Eberz. 32p. (I Can Read! Series). HarperCollins. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-197854-8; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-197853-1. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–Lovable and fuzzy Splat the Cat is back. The shy feline is filled with anxiety when he learns that his class will be performing on Parents’ Night. He looks to his pet mouse, Seymour, for inspiration on how to be brave. Still, he worries as he commits himself to practice singing. At last the night arrives; Splat’s performance is not perfect, but he does his best and has fun. This beginning chapter book is similar to the earlier titles in both monochromatic tone and style. Children who are familiar with them will recognize Splat’s classmates, fun background details, and silly expressions. Unlike Splat himself, this offering doesn’t fall flat.–Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

TABACK, Simms. Postcards from Camp. illus. by author. unpaged. Penguin. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-23973-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-5–Drawing on the common feelings of trepidation and adjustment that first-time campers experience, Taback has created a fun story told through postcards and letters sent between home and camp. He uses the epistolary format to expand his familiar illustration style, with drawings, collage elements, real envelopes, and removable letters creating a work of art that readers will want to pore over. Including plenty of puns, the book has reluctant-reader appeal, although struggling readers may be challenged by the handwritten portions of text. Each page shows the front of an envelope or postcard, with the reverse page showing the back of each piece of mail–all showcasing Taback’s colorful frenetic style and inherent humor. In this book, the medium is the message. It’s a wonderful gift book for Taback fans and kids who are interested in camp, but the removable pieces pose problems for libraries without an in-house collection of toy books.–Anna Haase Krueger, Antigo Public Library, WI

THOMAS, Jan. Is Everyone Ready for Fun? illus. by author. unpaged. S & S/Beach Lane Bks. Sept. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2364-1; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3574-2. LC 2011005212.
PreS–Three cows decide that it’s time to have fun, which entails jumping, dancing, and wiggling on Chicken’s sofa. Chicken is not happy about this until the cows hit on a use for the sofa that she, too, can appreciate. The text begins before the actual title page and falls into a pattern. On one spread, for example, a cow declares, “It’s time to jump” and the page turn reveals the gleeful bovines shouting, “JUMP! Up and down, up and down. Let’s all JUMP up and down! On Chicken’s sofa!” Chicken lays down the law, “There’s no JUMPING on my sofa!” and then the cycle starts again. This silly story just begs to be read aloud and invites youngsters to move and shake along with the cows. The simple text is related via speech bubbles, making the narrative great for multiple voices. The artist’s bright and vibrant illustrations add to the exuberant tone. Children will love the humor and the art and will beg for the book to be read over and over. Perfect for preschool storytimes.–Lora Van Marel, Orland Park Public Library, IL

TILLMAN, Nancy. The Crown on Your Head. illus. by author. unpaged. Feiwel & Friends. Sept. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-312-64521-2. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–A child is born with a glowing crown on his head. Through the course of the book, the youngster grows, and the crown is always there. On each spread, he is set against a scene in nature–fields of flowers, twinkling night skies, an autumn tree–and often surrounded by animals. It’s not until the end of the book that the idea that everyone is special in some way comes across. “No one’s brighter,/no one’s duller./It’s only a crown of a different color.” The mixed-media illustrations steal the show. The deep lush colors of the landscapes and the sky are very soothing. The animals, especially the zebra, are spectacular. Tillman adds another dreamy volume to her collection of self-esteem-building titles.–Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

TUCK, Justin. Home-Field Advantage. illus. by Leonardo Rodriguez. unpaged. S & S. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0369-7. LC 2010043733.
PreS-Gr 2–In a conversational style, the New York Giants’ defensive end tells the story of when his twin sisters, Christale and Tiffany, decide to give him a haircut. The results are eye-popping. Justin sees his mangled hair in a mirror and holes up in his room. He remains in bed until his parents return home and bawls when they pull off his blanket. The sisters admit that maybe they did go a bit too far, apologize, and assure him that they love him. He acknowledges that he knows he is loved, but also notes that over time he became less of a pushover. The plot is realistic and believable. Rodriguez’s comical watercolor illustrations match well with the text. The children’s exaggerated expressions capture Justin and his sisters’ changing emotions. A good choice for storytimes or independent reading.–Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH

TULLET, Hervé. The Book with a Hole. unpaged. Abrams. 2011. pap. $14.50. ISBN 978-1-85437-946-7. LC 2010910053.
K-Gr 3–As he did in Press Here (Chronicle, 2011), Tullet does an exemplary job of getting children to engage in imaginative play. Each black-and-white spread in this oversize book has a 5½-inch hole cut out of the center, which becomes the focal point. The text consists of questions that the artist poses to readers, encouraging their participation and prompting creative thinking. On the “What are you going to feed it?” page, the picture shows a three-eyed monster’s face drawn around its large open mouth while it holds a knife and fork. “Who’s the king of the castle?” allows children the opportunity of putting their faces through the hole and immediately becoming royalty with a crown and jewels. Other pictures invent games to play, including basketball with the hole as the hoop and a racetrack with an invitation to run a finger along the zigzagging line without falling through the hole. The large, childlike illustrations contribute to the interactivity, even suggesting some 3-D elements.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

TULLET, Hervé. The Game of Finger Worms. ISBN 978-0-7148-6071-8.
–––– . The Game of Let’s Go! ISBN 978-0-7148-6075-6.
–––– . The Game of Light. ISBN 978-0-7148-6189-0.
–––– . The Game of Mix and Match. ISBN 978-0-7148-6073-2.
–––– . The Game of Mix-Up Art. ISBN 978-0-7148-6188-3.
–––– . The Game of Patterns. ISBN 978-0-7148-6187-6.
ea vol: illus. by author. unpaged. Phaidon. 2011. BD $8.95. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–These board books take children into an imaginative world of games. Finger Worms contains a single cutout of a hole that goes right through the middle of the book; youngsters are encouraged to draw “two eyes and a mouth” on a finger and wiggle it to make a worm. Let’s Go! is comprised of a single velvety green line; readers must close their eyes and trace their finger along it. The line takes on an obstacle course among cutout shapes and increases in difficulty as the route progresses. Light makes for a fun nighttime activity as simple cutout shapes on each page can be illuminated with a flashlight. In Mix and Match, each page contains four flaps that children can mix and match to create more than 50 pictures among familiar objects such as hearts, stars, and the sun. Similarly, Mix-Up Art contains colorful shapes and obscure patterns among zigzagged cut-page flaps that create new artwork and designs as different flaps are turned. Patterns provides the opportunity to point out as many patterns and similarities children can find on each spread. They increase in difficulty as the book progresses. All of the books have whimsical art done in bold watercolors. The books are appropriate for hands-on learning in early education settings or one-on-one with an adult to help youngsters develop finger dexterity and fine motor skills.–Janet Weber, Tigard Public Library, OR

UHLBERG, Myron. A Storm Called Katrina. illus. by Colin Bootman. unpaged. photos. bibliog. further reading. Web sites. CIP. Peachtree. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-591-1. LC 2009024518.
Gr 2-4–This remarkable homage to New Orleans tells of Louis Daniel, named for Armstrong, who leaves his flooded home with his parents and his cornet. While awaiting rescue in the Superdome, the 10-year-old is the hero of his own story; he blows his beloved horn to locate his father, who is lost in the crowd. Bootman’s powerful oil paintings and Uhlberg’s narrative depict the journey, and readers will follow the family calmly wading through flooded streets, perching atop a porch-cum-raft, uncomfortable at the Superdome, and fearful when the crowd becomes restive. For those who know the story, the book brings back unsettling memories. The oil-on-board paintings of shimmering water and unfocused crowds capture contradictions; both harsh reality and otherworldliness; both the enormity and the intimacy of the event, somehow managing to leave out the horror. Uhlberg’s prose does the same; Louis paddles by a bunch of clothes, and his mama says “Don’t look, Baby.” Louis looks, and so do readers, but there is nothing to see. In the end, when an abandoned pup goes home with Louis and his family, youngsters won’t be able to imagine the danger still present for them, or conceive of the mess left behind. For them, this is a happy ending. Adults reading with them will know that it is only the beginning. Somehow though, we trust that, for this family, things will come out all right. The back matter provides information and a bibliography along with some photographs that inspired this excellent collaboration. –Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

WARGIN, Kathy-jo. S Is for Snowman: God’s Wintertime Alphabet. illus. by Richard Johnson. unpaged. CIP. Zonderkidz. Sept. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-310-71661-7. LC 2009037507.
PreS-Gr 1–This book completes the set. As in P Is for Pumpkin (2008), K Is for Kite (2010), and F Is for Fireflies (2011, all Zonderkidz), Wargin celebrates the blessings of the season. Beginning with “A is for Angels,” the narrative proceeds through the alphabet in simple rhyming couplets, showcasing a variety of wintertime delights, such as cookies and hot chocolate, ice skating, jingle bells, and warm mittens and overcoats. Some rhymes are more successful than others. One particularly meaningful verse is, “When walking outside in the cold icy air,/the silence of winter is perfect for Prayer.” Wargin develops the recurring themes of God’s love and the beauty of nature throughout and concludes with, “From mittens to snowmen and angels with wings–/may your hearts know the wonders that God’s winter brings.” Each letter is emphasized in bold, and the text is illustrated with snowy pastel paintings featuring a loving family engaged in seasonal activities. Although it does not include a religious message, Steven Schnur’s Winter: An Alphabet Acrostic (Clarion, 2002) presents a more sophisticated and engaging alphabetical tribute to winter.–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

WARNER, Penny. The Secret of the Skeleton Key. Bk. 1. 224p. (The Code Busters Club Series). Egmont USA. Sept. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-162-4; ebook $15.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-281-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–This pedestrian mystery involves four kids who form a club based on their mutual enjoyment of riddles, puzzles, and secret codes. When one of their elderly neighbors acts weirdly, the kids realize that he has left a semaphore code on his bedroom window, asking for help. Two cheesy relatives are trying to kill him for his fortune. The children get involved and, by decoding a number of messages, are able to rescue him. Readers may enjoy solving the coded chapter titles as well as those that the children have to figure out. However, there is no character development, and the bad guys are stock figures who are more laughable than sinister. Most readers will find the solution to the mystery ridiculously obvious.–B. Allison Gray, Goleta Public Library, CA

WARNER, Sally. EllRay Jakes Is a Rock Star! Bk. 2. illus. by Jamie Harper. 117p. Viking. Sept. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01158-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–All of the kids in EllRay’s third-grade class have something to brag about–Kevin is really tall, Corey’s on the swim team, and Jared’s dad has an ATV. EllRay doesn’t have anything to boast about, except that his dad, a geologist, collects rocks. And that isn’t very exciting–or is it? EllRay decides to “borrow” six of the crystals in his dad’s office to show his classmates in his attempt to become a “rock star.” Unfortunately show-and-tell turns into giving the prized crystals away, and EllRay finds himself in a tough spot when his dad realizes that they are missing. Will the child get the crystals back by his dad’s deadline? The protagonist’s voice is humorous, and the charming cartoon illustrations make this beginning chapter book approachable for reluctant readers.–Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH

WELLS, Kitty. Shadow Magic. Bk. 2. illus. by Joanna Harrison. 202p. (Pocket Cats Series). Random/David Fickling Bks. 2011. Tr $13.99. ISBN 978-0-385-75200-8. LC 201002950.
Gr 2-4–Maddy Lloyd isn’t surprised when Nibs begins to speak, after witnessing the magic when Greykin came to life in Paw Power (Random, 2011), and she learned that her ceramic kitties can help her solve problems. Nibs comes to life at the same time that Maddy’s cousin, Chloe, arrives to live temporarily with the Lloyds. Chloe and Nibs are both cool and distant, leaving Maddy dismayed. The feline alerts her to a potential disaster in the offing, as she learns of Chloe’s plans to run away. It is up to Nibs and Maddy to try to stop her before it’s too late. Each ceramic figure comes with magical powers, and Nibs gives Maddy the ability to “shadow” or become temporarily invisible. This allows her to spy on her cousin to discover her secret getaway plans. Small, simple shadowy drawings appear on most pages. Young fantasy readers and those loving kittens will enjoy the fast-paced story. British colloquialisms abound, and fans of the series have the final ceramic kitty, Ollie, to look forward to in the next installment.–Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

WELLS, Rosemary. Love Waves. illus. by author. unpaged. Candlewick. Sept. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4989-0. LC 2010040460.
PreS-Gr 3–A gray-and-white bunny doesn’t cry when his parents go to work or when they put him to bed. He knows that his mom and dad miss him when they can’t be together, and that their separations are only temporary. The story unfolds from the point of view of both parents as they leave for work in the morning and concludes when they are home again to put their child to bed. Feelings of love are expressed in lyrical rhyme and followed by thin, undulating lines–“waves”–of teal-blue foil. Illustrations done in warm pastels show mother waitressing in a café and father working at a desk “on the highest floor” of a skyscraper. The parents imagine their child performing different activities throughout the day: “Swinging high above the trees…/Eating honey with your peas….” Children who have separation anxiety will be reminded that their parents’ love is constant and that good-byes don’t mean that someone is leaving forever.–Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada

WILLEMS, Mo. Should I Share My Ice Cream? 57p. (An Elephant & Piggie Book). Hyperion/Disney. 2011. RTE $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-4343-7. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Children will delight in this perfect drama for hot weather. Gerald is excited about his “awesome, yummy, sweet, super, great, tasty, nice, cool ice cream” cone. But worry sets in with thoughts of his best friend, Piggie–should he share his treat with her? As Gerald wrestles with the pros and cons, observant readers will notice that the ice cream is melting–fast. By the time he decides in favor of sharing, it has melted into a puddle at his feet, and Gerald realizes that he “blew it.” But timing is everything, and Piggie shows up at that moment with a cone of her own–and happily shares it. “Not my plan,” thinks Gerald, but he also realizes that this arrangement is fine. Willems’s simple text allows beginning readers independent success, although the text and illustrations also work well as a read-aloud. Fans of the series will not want to miss this offering, and adults can use the simple story to discuss sharing, friendship, and making decisions in a timely manner. Another winner.–Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL

WOLF, Laurie & Pam Abrams. Candy 1-20. photos by Bruce Wolf. unpaged. Chronicle. Oct. 2011. BD $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4521-0293-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–Each page features a different kind of candy arranged in the shape of a number, from 1 candy stick to 20 candy corns. The clear, bright photos on white backgrounds are fun, and most of the treats are easily counted (the “8” in “18” and “0” in “20” are a little tricky). Labeling the sweets would have made this book even more fun; not all are readily identifiable. With the large selection of counting books available, this one is additional.–Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

WRIGHT, Maureen. Sneeze, Big Bear, Sneeze. illus. by Will Hillenbrand. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5959-0; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6074-9. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–Bumbling Big Bear is back in another misadventure. In this autumn-themed installment, he believes that his sneezes are causing leaves and apples to drop from trees and geese to migrate. The wind tries to convince him otherwise, as she knows she is the real source of these events. Finally, with a “deep breath” and a “whirling, twirling mighty shout,” Autumn Breeze shows Big Bear her powers. The large, mixed-media illustrations are lively and appealing, and readers will find humor in the scene in which Big Bear is trying to tack all of the fallen leaves back onto branches. This title will appeal to young children, especially where Big Bear has a fan base.–Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

YEE, Wong Herbert. Mouse and Mole, a Perfect Halloween. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Houghton Harcourt. Sept. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-547-55152-4. LC 2010033432.
K-Gr 2–Mouse and Mole are together again, setting an example for firm friendship. Together they prepare for a pumpkin-carving contest, decorate their corner of the forest, and gather the courage to trick-or-treat. Typical for this genre, Yee’s characters represent opposites to support inferences about the complementary nature of friendship. But the author goes well beyond this with Mouse and Mole; his stories consistently celebrate the creative spirit and promote purposeful problem solving as well. The brilliance in A Perfect Halloween is Yee’s use of rhetorical devices in the narrative. Mouse’s story-within-a-story reveals the characters’ ambivalence toward a spooky holiday and introduces readers to the idea that literature can reveal unarticulated truths. Idioms throughout the narrative encourage youngsters to think metaphorically. The author’s use of onomatopoeia is inventive; TAP-TAP-TAP can be both a knock at the door or a thump to test the ripeness of a pumpkin. Mole’s dream of being chased by a skeleton, “Clickety-clack-clack…YIKES!” foreshadows his bumping into the skeleton later: “Clickety-clack…SMACK…YIKES!” And Mole’s concern that other contestants may steal his jack-o-lantern idea offers a parallel to Mouse’s bad dream that they will all be alike. Yee’s charming watercolor illustrations create a cohesive whole. A perfect selection any time of year.–Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

ZIEFERT, Harriet. My Dog Thinks I’m a Genius. illus. by Barroux. unpaged. Blue Apple. Sept. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-60905-059-7. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–A simple boy-and-his-dog story gets an artistic twist when both enjoy painting. The boy shows how his pup helps him complete his latest picture before he heads to school. While he’s away, Louie, mad at being left alone, spends some time making what first seems to be a mess, but in the end turns out to be a brilliant painting (inspired by Cézanne’s Still Life with Fruit Basket). Both the text and illustrations are true to the voice of an eight-year-old boy. The pictures on the wall, including a dragon and a clown, certainly look like the work of a child. The colors in the illustrations are perfectly suited to the story. The muted grays in some spreads serve to highlight the bright colors of the youngster’s artwork. In one scene, as the boy is looking for his pet, the scene is in mostly gray and black with one bright multicolored rectangle showing a peek in at the studio. As the boy yells, “Louie, if you messed with my paints, you’re going to the yard for a time-out!” readers see a contrite canine peering out of the studio door. By the end of the story, the boy realizes that his dog is a genius, too. Share this book as an introduction to art, or simply as a sweet dog story.–Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

Nonfiction

AESOP’S FABLES: A POP-UP BOOK OF CLASSIC TALES. Paper engineering by Kees Moerbeek. illus. by Chris Beatrice & Bruce Whatley. unpaged. S & S/Little Simon. Oct. 2011. Tr $27.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-7146-7. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 4–This book makes good use of the format to showcase 10 traditional tales. Five of the fables are presented on handsomely illustrated spreads, each including a dramatic 3-D sculpture that takes center stage and two smaller foldouts embellished with movable parts that contain the bulk of the text. Whether it’s a smug-looking goose spreading her wings and lording it over a golden egg, a crow perched atop a tree clasping a piece of cheese in her beak while a hungry fox looks greedily on from below, or a rope-tangled lion that seems to bound right off the page, each centerpiece pop-up does an excellent job of grabbing readers’ attention and drawing them into the story. In each case, a foldout or pull-tab animal cleverly incorporated into the scene can be manipulated to reveal the tale’s moral. Five more fables, including “The Wind and the Sun,” “The Dog and His Bone,” and “Two Travelers and a Bear,” are presented in a single spread via mini booklets. Throughout, rich earthy hues, lush forest landscapes, and vivid detail make the illustrations appealing. The straightforward text aptly conveys the gist of each tale, and a brief section offers background about Aesop. Share this book aloud to introduce these well-known fables but be prepared to hand it over to children eager to explore the delightfully detailed and fairly sturdy pop-up pages on their own.–Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

BROCKET, Jane. Ruby, Violet, Lime: Looking for Color. photos by author. 32p. (Jane Brocket’s Clever Concepts Series). photos. CIP. Millbrook. Sept. 2011. PLB $25.26. ISBN 978-0-7613-4612-8; ebook $18.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8044-3. LC 2010051757.
PreS-Gr 2–Brocket’s vivid photos use a variety of foods, flowers, textiles, and architectural details to introduce the concept of color in the world. Strawberries, lemons, and a blue door illustrate the primary colors, as does a single outdoor scene with a red boat and yellow bulldozer against a blue sky. Each color has its own spread with three to four photos and simple text that uses synonyms for the more familiar terms. “Green is crisp and lively. Lime frosting, mint-green striped socks, emerald lettuces, and jade gardens are fresh and zingy.” Attributing adjectives to each color helps enlarge the concept for young listeners. Fiery orange features “copper berries, a tangerine sunset, amber peppers, and flame-colored flowers.” “Strong and serious” black is illustrated by “jet-black staircases, coal-colored bricks, and ebony iron gates.” Metallics and colors in many shades expand the concept still further. Reminiscent of Tana Hoban’s photo essays, this eye-catching, language-rich book offers youngsters a sensory, mind-stretching treat.–Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

BROWN, Don. America Is Under Attack: September 11, 2001: The Day the Towers Fell. unpaged. bibliog. notes. CIP. Roaring Brook. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-694-7. LC 2010045417.
Gr 3-6–Specifically addressing young readers with no memory of that tragic day, America combines news reports with published eyewitness accounts. Brown’s compelling narrative chronologically recounts the morning’s events in a tone both straightforward and compassionate, without resorting to sensationalism. Brown’s watercolor illustrations, covering most of each spread, mirror this voice, conveying the day’s chaos and despair without unnecessarily frightening readers. The lack of a table of contents, chapter breaks, and an index suggests that this is a one-sitting read, but the book certainly contains enough information for research. An author’s note, source notes, and a brief bibliography are included.–Rebecca Dash Donsky, New York Public Library

CABRERA, Jane. The Wheels on the Bus. illus. by author. unpaged. score. CIP. Holiday House. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2350-7. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–This version of a favorite children’s song/action rhyme is a delightful romp through the African landscape. Wild animals of all kinds wait for the bus on the endpapers. Subsequently, each one has a verse as it roars, chomps, and chatters in turn while the bus drives on through the jungle. The text offers good possibilities for participation: the chameleon plays hide-and-seek, the hyena says “ha, ho, hee,” and the bush babies go “snore, snore, snore,” etc. The penultimate verse has all the animals saying, “Are we there yet?” as the giraffe driver delivers them to their water-hole destination where they all happily “Splish! Splash! Splosh!” The exuberant oil illustrations are beautifully bright and lush, done in tropical colors that provide a vivid backdrop for the bus and its passengers. Although several books are based on the song, this one should be a surefire winner, and it will certainly enliven storytimes. Not to be missed. –Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

CRANE, Nick. World Atlas. illus. by David Dean. unpaged. maps. bibliog. glossary. index. Barefoot. Sept. 2011. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-84686-333-2. LC number unavailable. Gr 3-5–This colorful volume provides solid content on Antarctica; Oceania; Southeast Asia; East Asia; North and Central Asia; South Asia; Southwest Asia (aka the Middle East); Europe; North Africa; Southern Africa; North America; Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean; South America; and the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Oceans. Topics discussed include physical features, climate and weather, land use and natural resources, environment, marine life, wildlife, people and places, and transport. “Did You Know?” sections include four to eight fun facts about each region. Acrylic illustrations are plentiful, and students will enjoy looking at the details, although there are only country delineations, e.g., North America shows Canada and the United States but not the provinces or states. An index of countries and capitals is appended. Children who like geography will find this to be an interesting read, but will need to look elsewhere for more geographic details about each region.–Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL

FLYNN, Sarah Wassner. Baby Animal Pop!: With 5 Incredible Life-Size Foldouts. unpaged. diags. illus. photos. CIP. National Geographic. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0765-2. LC 2010037807.
PreS-Gr 2–This well-written book has exquisite life-size photos. Between the appealing pictures, an educational text for older children details the environment, anatomy, food, and homes of bunnies, ducklings, piglets, lambs, and ponies. The diagrams and photos give youngsters insight into the first year of the animals’ lives. There are also fun asides like the fact that President Woodrow Wilson grazed sheep on the White House lawn. The repeated use of the foldouts (which fold up and out larger than the book itself) could lead to quick wear and tear. This lovely book deserves consideration as long as the foldouts do not present a problem.–Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

GRIFFITH, Victoria. The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont. illus. by Eva Montanari. unpaged. photos. bibliog. index. CIP. Abrams. Sept. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0011-8. LC 2010048781. Gr 1-4–Santos-Dumont is credited as being the first one to get an airplane off the ground under its own power, in 1906. In this fictionalized account, readers learn of the man’s idiosyncratic and highly inventive nature. Although he was born in Brazil, he later made Paris his home where he became a larger-than-life personality, partly because of his reputation for–and the spectacle of–his chosen mode of transportation to run everyday errands: a dirigible. His quest to move through the air at a faster pace and for greater distances led to his invention of a biplane. Along the way, children learn that it was Santos-Dumont’s need to keep track of time while being airborne that led his friend Louis Cartier to invent the wristwatch. Montanari captures the look, dress, and formality of the era in her splendid, impressionistic pastel, chalk, and oil paintings. The endnotes add details and facts about the life of this charismatic, adventurous man and mark his place in aviation history. –Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID

GRIMM BROTHERS. Hansel & Gretel. rev. ed. Amy Ehrlich, retel. illus. by Susan Jeffers. unpaged. Dutton. Sept. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-525-4221-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–This story of two poor children, abandoned in the woods and using their wits to outsmart a nasty witch, is so well-known that it needs no further elaboration. Those familiar with Jeffers’s 1980 version (Dial) will notice that this edition includes a few changes in the illustrations and a simplified text. Gone is the haunting, detailed portrait on the cover that hints of the dangers in the woods. This version has the smiling siblings poised at the front door of the gingerbread house, ready to step inside. The artwork, done once again in pen, ink, and dyes, is for the most part from the earlier edition. Observant readers will notice a few changes, however. Different foliage and animals surround the children when they are in the woods. The witch’s house has had some remodeling work, including new doors and windows. The picket fence made of gingerbread men has received some new colorful icing. The pictures are slightly more muted overall, but are still presented in Jeffers’s very recognizable style. This version is a nice effort, but it’s difficult to top the near-perfection of the earlier book.–Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA

HUGHES, Susan. Off to Class: Incredible and Unusual Schools Around the World. 64p. maps. photos. bibliog. index. Web sites. CIP. Owl Kids. Sept. 2011. Tr $22.95. ISBN 978-1-926818-85-6; pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-1-926818-86-3; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-1-926818-87-0. LC 2010943326.
Gr 2-5–While many children take their school routine for granted, others struggle to receive an education. This book examines innovative schools around the world, the educators who brought them about, and the students who attend them. The book has three chapters. “Working with the Environment” features boat schools, rainforest schools, and tent schools; “No School? No Way!,” focuses on educational opportunities for disenfranchised populations; and “One Size Doesn’t Fit All” is about unconventional programs in nontraditional settings. Each spread is devoted to one school, with five to seven paragraphs of text, vivid full-color photographs, and a map indicating its general area of the world. The strong emphasis on humanitarianism will move, excite, and inspire those reading about Hurricane Katrina survivors planting gardens, homeless children in India hearing stories on a train platform, and Maasai girls going to school instead of being sold into marriage. End materials include a world map with the locations of all 24 schools and resources to help readers get involved. As our children watch disaster footage and hear about human-rights violations, books like Off to Class will encourage them to help to “be the change they wish to see in the world.”–Rebecca Dash Donsky, New York Public Library

HULBERT, Laura. Who Has These Feet? illus. by Erik Brooks. unpaged. CIP. Holt. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8907-3. LC 2010033429.
K-Gr 1–Nine animals present their tootsies for detailed examination in this attractive, informational picture book. After repeating the title question, Hulbert provides one succinct explanatory sentence for each animal on the reason why its foot is shaped as it is: “A squirrel has claws on its toes so it can run up and down trees.” Children who are just beginning to read will find the bold font a decent size and easy to manage. The final gatefold opens out from both right and left to create a four-page spread showing all of the animals in a review lineup rendered in watercolors. While older collections may have Peter Parnall’s Feet! (Macmillan, 1988), with descriptions of animal feet by size, speed, and other attributes, or various new titles on shoes for every occasion and occupation such as Stephen R.Swinburne’s Whose Shoes?: A Shoe for Every Job (Boyds Mills, 2010), this title earns its own place on current picture-book shelves.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

HUSAIN, Shahrukh. The Wise Fool: Fables from the Islamic World. illus. by Micha Archer. 64p. bibliog. glossary. Barefoot. Sept. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-846-86226-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-6–The excellent introduction to this collection of fables featuring the 13 th -century Sufi Mulla Nasruddin explains that his exploits are popular throughout the Islamic world. Often depicted with his faithful donkey and an oversize turban, Nasruddin inspires respect along with smiles. These 22 stories find Nasruddin matching wits with wise men and the demanding ruler Tamerlaine, and passing out justice in stories such as “The Price of Steam.” Though revered for his wisdom, Nasruddin was also an Everyman with nosy neighbors and the delightful ability to laugh at himself. When his neighbors notice his turban is missing, Nasruddin explains: “Oh, I passed some boys playing in the field–and guess what? My turban remembered what it is like to be young and decided to stay and join in.” Vibrantly colored collage illustrations, most of them full page, add appeal, and there’s a helpful glossary. This well-crafted title should engage a wide audience. –Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

KERVEN, Rosalind. Ramadan and Id-Ul-Fitr. 32p. (Festivals and Faiths Series). reprods. glossary. index. Evans Brothers, dist. by Trafalgar Square. 2011. Tr $10.99. ISBN 978-0-237-54123-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–This British import is divided into two-page chapters with colorful photos on every spread. The pictures are the book’s greatest strength; they capture different aspects of the festival in many countries (the United States is not represented). However, the writing has a tendency to generalize and confuse cultural practices with the religion proper. For example, Kerven states that “...women often wear a scarf over their hair. Islam teaches that women and girls should cover their whole bodies….” Many Muslims would dispute this interpretation of the Qur’an, and the book itself has a photo of a woman with her head uncovered. Islamic studies scholars discourage the use of phrases like “Islam teaches...” when discussing matters subjected to diverse interpretations because the inevitable question is, Whose Islam? Kerven also mentions that special perfume is worn by women and that Muslims celebrate Id with music and dancing. Some popular religious authorities would discourage celebrating this way. While the book presents a positive, humanized picture of the global Muslim community, readers will have a hard time distinguishing between cultural practices specific to certain regions and common religious practices rooted in primary texts.–Justin Parrott, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

KYI, Tanya Lloyd. 50 Poisonous Questions: A Book with Bite. illus. by Ross Kinnaird. 110p. bibliog. further reading. index. CIP. Annick, dist. by Firefly. 2011. Tr $21.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-281-2; pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-280-5. LC C2010-906868-8.
Gr 4-7–Sensational facts and lurid illustrations characterize this book of brief facts related to poisonings: intentional, accidental, and historical. Sickly green pages (which may be intended to reflect the nausea these substances cause) and red headlines might be just the thing to entice readers seeking intriguing facts. Kinnaird’s illustrations add to the mix with the classic motifs of mad scientists, evil reptiles, scary mushrooms, and the proverbial skull and crossbones. “Foul Facts” appear on sludge-colored, slime-shaped insets within a layout that is generally busy with illustrations and the 50 questions highlighted on signboards. Although the facts are brief, the book includes a respectable bibliography, a list for further reading, and a detailed index. This isn’t a go-to book for significant information, but it will entice readers and leave them remembering that there is a remedy for jellyfish stings, that industrial waste can be lethal, and that poisons can also serve as remedies.–Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

LAROCHE, Giles. If You Lived Here: Houses of the World. illus. by author. unpaged. bibliog. Houghton Harcourt. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-23892-0. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 5–This intriguing exploration of homes around the world has something to offer a wide range of readers. Laroche’s stunningly intricate bas-relief cut-paper collages take center stage, though the text is cleverly designed to appeal to multiple audiences. Large-font text suitable for sharing with a group appears on each spread, building on the title by inviting readers to contemplate the everyday experiences of living in 16 types of dwellings, from having to “step outside to get from your bedroom to the kitchen” in a dogtrot log house, to being able to “catch fish from your bedroom window” in a Chilean palafitos (house on stilts). Smaller-font text on each page offers additional background on the house’s location, construction, and history. The diverse abodes include Spanish cave dwellings, Fujian tulous, Mediterranean whitewashed villages, Mongolian yurts, and even an entirely “green” Dutch floating house. This exemplary title can inspire readers as well as educate them.–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

LEWIS, Anne Margaret. What Am I? Halloween. illus. by Tom Mills. unpaged. (My Look and See Holiday Book Series). CIP. Albert Whitman. Sept. 2011. Tr $9.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-8959-5. LC 2010049643.
PreS-Gr 2–This book is a series of 11 easy riddles with the answers, each an iconic symbol of the holiday, partially hidden behind a sturdy flap: “I can float through the air/and I like to shout, BOO!/What am I? What could I be?” Readers are likely to guess the answer before the flap is lifted as a portion of the illustration is shown on the riddle page. Once the flap is opened, the complete picture is revealed. “I am a spooky ghost/on Halloween./That’s me!” The large, vivid cartoons lend themselves to group sharing. No new ground is covered here, but the book design is pleasing and attractive. Pages are of heavy stock so they should be able to tolerate plenty of handling. This book will be useful with youngsters who are not familiar with American Halloween traditions as well as very young children. A fun, not-too-scary addition.–Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

LOTZ, Anne Graham. Heaven, God’s Promise for Me. illus. by Laura J. Bryant. unpaged. CIP. Zonderkidz. Sept. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-310-71601-3. LC 2009014235.
PreS-Gr 2–An unnamed little girl and her brother are sad because their grandmother has died. They wonder where she has gone and reach for the Holy Bible to find the answer. As the girl narrates in rhyming verse, the children find comfort in the images of Heaven included within the scripture. They learn that God’s home is “a great big house…filled with gifts and laughter and love.” No one is sad or in pain there and “the Light is always on.” The best part of Heaven is that Jesus is there waiting for them. The children recite a special prayer inviting Jesus to live in their hearts. The delicate watercolor and pencil paintings portray Heaven as a joyous place teeming with children engaged in happy play. A tiny angel hides somewhere within each picture. In the back matter Lotz asks, “Did you know that everything you just read about Heaven is the truth?” She goes on to state, “What you have read is an application of God’s Word as it is found primarily in John 14:1-6 and Revelation 21:1-27.” She also provides a list of questions to spark discussion about the ideas in the book. Lisa T. Bergen’s God Gave Us Heaven (Waterbrook, 2009) and Maria Shriver’s What’s Heaven? (Golden Books, 1999) are more uplifting, child-friendly alternatives.–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

MARZOLLO, Jean. Help Me Learn Numbers 0-20. photos by Chad Phillips. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. Sept. 2011. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2334-7. LC 2010029892.
PreS-Gr 2–Using the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics, Marzollo has created a fun way for children to learn these numbers. Youngsters listen to the rhyme and then supply the correct number for the verse. They will need to count the objects depicted in order to get the correct answer, which is displayed in the upper corner of each page. Rhymes for the lower numbers are easier to solve than those in the teens. The poem for the number two reads, “Oink! Oink!/Who are you?/How many piggies?/I count ____(two).” The illustrations feature two porcelain pigs. For the number 18, the objects are small peg people embedded in wooden blocks. Not only are they harder to discern in the picture, but the rhyme is also more difficult. “Yellow, red,/blue, and green./How many people in boats? _____ (eighteen).” Most of the clear and bright illustrations are photographs of antique and vintage figurines of animals, people, and monsters. This book will be useful in different learning situations for both parents and educators.–Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

ROTNER, Shelley & Sheila M. Kelly. I’m Adopted! photos by Shelley Rotner. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2294-4. LC 2010029561.
PreS-Gr 2–Rotner’s experience as a photojournalist is evident in her excellent compositions and vibrant images of children playing, laughing, and smiling with their new adoptive families. The simple text explains why adoptions take place and addresses the questions that adoptees often ask, such as why their birth mothers could not keep them. The language is nonjudgmental and empathetic. The book’s opening statement, “Children can bring joy to a family,” sets an upbeat tone that continues throughout. The authors acknowledge that every adoption is unique, and that they chose “to depict the most common adoption stories” in this book. It tries to help adopted children understand what adoption is and see that “lots of children are adopted.” It also offers an excellent introduction to this topic for all young children. Todd Parr’s We Belong Together: A Book About Adoption and Families (Little, Brown, 2007) is aimed at toddlers, while Motherbridge of Love (Barefoot, 2007) and Steven L. Layne’s Over Land and Sea: A Story of International Adoption (Pelican, 2005) are lovely and lyrical, but not informational. I’m Adopted! is a good purchase for most libraries, and especially for those where there is strong demand for books on the subject. –Deborah Vose, East Middle School and South Middle School, Braintree, MA

SEBE, Masayuki. Let’s Count to 100! tr. from Japanese. illus. by author. 24p. CIP. Kids Can. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-661-0. LC C2011-900084-9.
PreS-Gr 2–Counting, especially to a preschooler, can sometimes be challenging. And getting to 100 can be frustrating and overwhelming. This book makes counting fun and accessible. Each spread features 100 animals, people, or objects. Each grouping is organized into groups of 10. There are 11 opportunities to count to 100. On the first page, readers are told that, “There are 100 mice! Count them all, starting with the brown ones.” The spread features 10 brown mice, 10 pink mice, etc., and each one is unique. Sometimes it’s the color difference that make the sets of 10, sometimes it is the placement on the page, and, sometimes, as in fish grouping, it’s 10 different types of fish. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and energetic. This is an excellent introduction to counting to higher values with enough playfulness to make learning entertaining and exciting.–Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

SIDMAN, Joyce. Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature. illus. by Beth Krommes. unpaged. Houghton Harcourt. Oct. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-31583-6. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 3–Concentrating on a single shape, this title is aimed at a slightly younger audience than Sidman’s previous explorations of nature. The text considers various aspects of the shape, from snuggling animals curled in underground burrows to expanding rings of stars in a spiral galaxy. The shapes uncoil to reveal leafy fern fronds or clasp tightly like a spider monkey’s tail around a branch. The observations, from a few words to a couple sentences, are tucked neatly into Krommes’s gorgeous scratchboard spreads. Rich, deep colors enhance panoramas of marine creatures moving through curling ocean waves or a close-up view of dew glinting on the web of an orb spider. Plants and animals are labeled in small type, and more information about many of them is provided in the endnotes. However, even without the added details, the book will encourage youngsters to look for spirals in their own surroundings. Another first-rate volume from the author and illustrator of Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow (Houghton Harcourt, 2006).–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

SILL, Cathryn. About Hummingbirds: A Guide for Children. illus. by John Sill. unpaged. (About...Series). bibliog. further reading. glossary. Web sites. CIP. Peachtree. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-588-1. LC 2010051999.
K-Gr 3–The Sills cover the creatures’ diet, size, migratory habits, anatomical features, reproduction, predators, and habitats. Of special interest are their hovering skills and aerobatic displays. Each spread consists of one large-type sentence and a large watercolor depiction with just enough information for youngsters to gain an introduction to hummingbirds. The text and art combine to make this title a useful and engaging read. An afterword elucidates and expands on the details of each painting, offering more information for interested readers.–Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

SKEVINGTON, Andrea, retel. The Lion Classic Bible. illus. by Sophy Williams. 256p. index. Lion. Sept. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7459-6106-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-5–In 12 chronological chapters, Skevington retells classic stories from the Old and New Testaments. Beginning with Genesis and creation, she proceeds through the books of the Bible, concluding with Christ’s death and resurrection, the early days of Christianity, and finally John’s visions of heaven described in Revelation. To enliven the narrative, she attributes thoughts and emotions to her characters and employs dialogue. All of the key figures appear–from Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, and Moses to the prophets and kings, Mary and Joseph, and, finally, Jesus and his disciples. Each story reflects the overarching themes of family, home, and finding a place to belong. Generations of Israelites face enemies, travel endless miles, and overcome hardships in their efforts to remain true to their God. Jesus and his followers spread God’s light and hope, teaching the masses about His kingdom through the lessons contained in the parables. The ornamental illustrations painted in jewel tones are imbued with the mystery and atmosphere of biblical times. Although this Bible provides a fine overview of the events in the Old and New Testaments, it lacks the elegance and grace of Saviour Pirotta’s Children’s Stories from the Bible (Candlewick, 2009) and does not contain the supplemental reference materials found in Trevor Barnes’s The Kingfisher Children’s Illustrated Bible (Kingfisher, 2011). An additional purchase.–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

SWEET, Melissa. Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade. illus. by author. unpaged. bibliog. CIP. Houghton Harcourt. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-19945-0. LC 2010044181.
K-Gr 3–Sweet tells the story of the puppeteer responsible for the creation of those now-famous gigantic balloons that are emblematic of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Even as a child, Tony Sarg was fascinated with movement, rigging ingenious contraptions that allowed him to feed the chickens early in the morning while remaining snug in his bed. He moved on to create fabulous marionettes that came to the attention of Macy’s, and he was invited to design their holiday window displays. In 1924, when the store decided to put on a parade to please their immigrant employees who missed their holiday traditions of music and dancing in the streets, Sarg designed costumes and floats. As the parade became increasingly popular and the streets more and more crowded, he realized he needed to design something that would be large enough and high enough to be seen by all, and the idea of the balloons was born. Sweet tells this slice of American history well, conveying both Sarg’s enthusiasm and joy in his work as well as the drama and excitement of the parade. Rich in detail, the gouache, collage, and mixed-media illustrations are a stand-out, capturing the charm of the period and the awe-inspiring balloons. This one should float off the shelves.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

WALLNER, Alexandra. J. R. R. Tolkien. illus. by John Wallner. 32p. chron. CIP. Holiday House. 2011. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-1951-7. LC 2009006044.
Gr 1-3–Joining the slim ranks of juvenile biographies about Tolkien, this picture book traces the writer’s life from his childhood to old age, highlighting moments that inspired his books. The author presents him as a man with an extraordinary imagination who led a fairly ordinary life. His love of languages and codes is noted, with small coded messages embedded in the illustrations. Tolkien’s early life was filled with loss, including the deaths of both parents and fighting in the trenches of World War I. These difficult times are acknowledged at a level appropriate for the audience. The dramatic events of his childhood allow for a fairly lively text; a time line provides dates and makes the book suitable for simple reports and pleasure reading. Soft illustrations in watercolor and colored pencil organize Tolkien’s life as a path along a game board, with spaces like “To England. Move Forward 1 Space.” While this format allows the artist to work in additional details, the concept does not relate to the text or Tolkien’s work, and feels arbitrary. Occasionally the illustrations show events out of sequence or do not reflect the narrative, but for the most part they add visual interest and enrich the story with references to the writer’s books, such as golden rings, elves, and Bilbo Baggins’s home. Libraries with high demand for juvenile biographies will want to add this to their collections.–Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR

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