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October 1, 2011

In this Article

Nonfiction

Fiction

AGEE, Jon. My Rhinoceros. illus. by author. unpaged. Scholastic/Michael di Capua Bks. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-545-29441-6. LC 2010906971.
PreS-Gr 1–After buying a pet rhinoceros, a young boy wonders if he has made a poor choice. His new pet doesn’t chase, fetch, or do any other tricks. A consultation with an expert reveals that rhinos only do two things–“pop balloons and poke holes in kites.” A trip to the park where kites and balloons abound still doesn’t elicit a response from the creature. Just as the boy decides he should have bought a hippo, he sees a bank heist with the robbers fleeing by glider kite and hot-air balloon, and the boy sics his rhino on the airborne thieves. In the satisfying conclusion, the pachyderm punctures the getaway crafts, landing the perps in police custody, and the satisfied boy realizes that he is the proud owner of a flying rhino. The cartoon illustrations feature muted colors, clean strong lines, and a generous use of space to focus the action. The twist at the end of this everyday fantasy will delight kids and may have them asking for a rhino of their own.–Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

ALKO, Selina. Every-Day Dress-Up. illus. by author. unpaged. further reading. CIP. Knopf. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86092-8; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96092-5. LC 2010001604.
PreS-K–A little girl’s mother tells her stories about great women in history, introducing a “daring new dame” each day of the week. On Monday, the child learns about “Amelia, First Lady of Flight” and dresses up in goggles and cardboard wings. On Tuesday, she is “Ella, Queen of Jazz,” followed by Elizabeth, the suffragist; Marie, the scientist; Julia, the chef; Maria, the ballerina; and Frida, the artist. All are introduced in a fun way with minimal text. Humorous, detailed gouache and collage illustrations will hold children’s attention and spark their imagination. In the back matter, thumbnail biographies of these women and a few other “greats” include small portraits. This picture book encourages girls to be creative in their dress-up play.–Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

ARMSTRONG, Matthew S. Jane & Mizmow. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780061177194. LC 2010012628.
PreS-Gr 1–Jane is a petite girl, while Mizmow is a large fluffy monster with chicken feet, rabbit ears, and a ropelike tail. They are best friends despite their differences. She loves to read books, while he takes a bite out of each one. When Jane rakes the fallen leaves, Mizmow eats the tasty red ones. The girl helps the monster at bath time, and he keeps her feet warm by sleeping on her bed. When both want to wear a knitted cap still warm from the dryer, their friendship falters, and saying sorry does not work. A series of full-color panels, some wordless, explores their relationship from their first meeting through the difficulties that almost separate them to the kindnesses that bring them together again. A palette of fall colors mirrors the warmth of their friendship, while the expressive faces of the two characters reinforce both mood and action. Emerging readers will be able to read much of the simple text, but the illustrations really tell the tale. This story has a lot to say about accepting differences, forgiving accidents, and making amends. A solid choice that youngsters will enjoy time and time again.–Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

ATINUKE. Anna Hibiscus’ Song. illus. by Lauren Tobia. unpaged. Kane/Miller. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-61067-040-1. LC 2010941500.
PreS Gr 1–Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa. From her perch in the mango tree, she surveys her extended family and is so happy that she does not know how to express her joy. Each relative tells her what they do when they are happy and she tries all of their methods. Finally, her mother tells her to sit quietly, so Anna climbs back up into her favorite tree and sits still. Soon, the birds come to the tree and sing. Then Anna Hibiscus knows what she can do–sing. And she does. This simple, predictable tale has a warm, loving feeling, and the plot and theme are universal. Children everywhere will think about what they can do when they are so happy that they cannot contain themselves. Large, colorful cartoon illustrations depict the action and help readers anticipate the story’s climax. The end pages show a large urban setting, yet the illustrations reveal the extended family living in close, friendly quarters filled with lush vegetation. The text, illustrations, and format convey a sense of unity that stimulates aesthetic appreciation.–Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

BANSCH, Helga. Odd Bird Out. tr. from German by Monika Smith. illus. by author. unpaged. Gecko Pr. Oct. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-8774-6708-0. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–Robert isn’t your average, somber, all-in-black, know-it-all raven. He’s a chirpy, joking, singing, outrageously dressed bird. Despite repeated criticism, he just continues being himself, much to the dismay of his flock. Finally, the other ravens can take it no more, and they tell him to “Scram! Skedaddle!” Sadly he does just that and flies to a distant tree where he commences to sing himself a lonely song. His song draws birds from all around. Soon a star is born, and Robert takes his act on the road, entertaining birds far and wide. Meanwhile, back at the raven’s tree, a bit of regret has set in as things are sober, staid, and boring without Robert. Luckily, concert night brings a new performer, Bobby Raver, who shakes things up and inspires the ravens to be outlandish and have fun. Now if only they could figure out why he looks so familiar. The conversational text is paired with paintings that perfectly capture the raven’s nature. Who knew birds could have so many facial expressions and disapproving postures? In his wildly colored outfits and high-heeled shoes, Robert shines amid the status quo, whether he is dancing with a squirrel or telling juvenile jokes in a swimsuit, flippers, goggles, and snorkel. Pair this one with Lynn Munsinger’s Tacky the Penguin (1988) and A Porcupine Named Fluffy (1986, both Houghton) for a storytime of odd animals out.–Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

BASE, Graeme. The Jewel Fish of Karnak. illus. by author. unpaged. Abrams. 2011. RTE $19.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0086-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-4–In lieu of punishment for thievery, the Cat Pharaoh orders Jackal and Ibis to bring back a stolen Jewel Fish from Karnak. She warns them to take nothing but the magical fish, and to be sure it does not get wet. Their search is successful, but the weight of the extra treasures they take causes water to flow into their coracle, soaking the Jewel Fish, which becomes alive and dives overboard. Underwater, hundreds of look-alikes befuddle the duo, who are sentenced to keep on fishing, “hoping to catch the one fish they needed from among all the glittering treasures of the Nile.” The tale ends with a picture of their statues, and Base explains that they may fish forever, unless readers can help them. At this point, Cat Pharaoh directs youngsters to the author’s website for help solving the movable puzzle at the back and to learn how to capture the fish. Base’s illustrations, a mixture of fantastic creatures in realistic settings are, as always, superb, and Pharaoh’s classic makeup is lovely. The richly textured spreads are accompanied on the bottom by aged and broken tiles of hieroglyphs, mimicking the tale above. Endpapers are perfect reproductions of grainy stone, and 17 fast-fact blocks about jewels, the felucca and coracle, and other items of the time appear on the back of the jacket.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

BLACKFORD, Andy. Bill’s Bike. illus. by Hannah Wood. ISBN 978-0-7787-0575-8; ISBN 978-0-7787-0586-4. LC 2010052360.
–––– . The Hungry Little Monkey. illus. by Gabriele Antonini. ISBN 978-0-7787-0581-9; ISBN 978-0-7787-0592-5. LC 2010052367.
ea vol: 24p. (Tadpoles Series). CIP. Crabtree. 2011. PLB $21.27; pap. $6.95.
K-Gr 1–Each book contains a preview of the vocabulary used in the story as well as a follow-up activity and suggestions for parents as they help their youngsters with reading comprehension. In the first book, Bill starts off with four wheels on his bike but finds that he only needs two. Next, a little monkey gets advice from the other animals on how to eat his banana (“Bite it!” “Suck it!” “Squeeze it!”), but the right answer eventually comes from his mother. The stories are gently funny with supportive illustrations that offer a solid structure within which kids can begin to read on their own. Where many beginning-reader series rely on stock photos and forgettable clip-artlike illustrations, these books offer characters with personality and scenes full of action.–Sarah Townsend, Norfolk Public Library, VA

BOTTNER, Barbara. An Annoying ABC. illus. by Michael Emberley. unpaged. Knopf. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86708-8. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Miss Mabel’s class roll includes an alphabetical assortment of children’s names. Readers meet each child in consecutive order, unfortunately engaged in a domino effect of unneighborly behavior. “It was a quiet morning until… Adelaide annoyed Bailey. Bailey blamed Clyde. Clyde cried. Dexter drooled on Eloise. Eloise elbowed Flora. Flora fumed,” etc. The great chain of misbehavior culminates in Adelaide’s head-to-toe soaking, having been “zapped” by Zelda with a hose. Everyone is astonished, and, finally, everyone apologizes. Emberley keeps the action rolling along with his horizontal chain of charismatic youngsters, set against long white pages and illustrated in his sketchlike pencil-and-watercolor style. He has a knack for portraying each child’s emotion in all its precocious intensity. Touches of whimsy, such as Adelaide’s tiger costume and Miss Mabel’s floral tank top over cargo shorts over polka-dot leggings ensemble, keep the whole crew endearing despite the chaos. Each letter is highlighted by a colored box, but a swiftly moving narrative that practically demands the insertion of a few sound effects during read-aloud broadens the appeal of this ABC beyond mere concept book. While storytime audiences will appreciate this well-paced tale, individual children may wish to slow down and take a closer look at Emberley’s spunky classmates than a large group reading would allow. Fortunately, the whole effect is much more pleasing than annoying.–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

BROWNE, Eileen. Handa’s Hen. illus. by author. unpaged. Candlewick. 2011. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5361-3. LC 2010051106.
K-Gr 2–A young Kenyan girl cannot find her grandmother’s hen. As Handa and her friend Akeyo go in search of it, they discover two butterflies, three stripy mice, four lizards, etc., until eventually they find Mondi with her 10 newly hatched chicks. This British import covers no new territory as a counting book, although it is certainly serviceable as such. However, the painterly illustrations are luminous, featuring warm, sunny colors that seem to glow. The wonder on the girls’ faces as they discover the wildlife around them will intrigue readers. A pleasing choice to supplement units on the African landscape.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

BUNTING, Eve. Frog and Friends. Bk. 1. illus. by Josée Masse. 37p. (I Am A Reader! Series). CIP. Sleeping Bear. 2011. Tr $9.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-548-7; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-1-58536-689-7. LC 2010053706.
Gr 1-2–This clever beginning reader is divided into three chapters. Frog and his friends tackle an unsolved mystery involving a balloon (or possibly a hippopotamus egg), discover the amazing cycle of regifting, and learn the social graces for managing uninvited houseguests. Repetition, white space, and a large font help prepare children for tackling a smattering of more challenging vocabulary. Bright cartoon illustrations provide some picture clues. Readers will enjoy feeling superior to Frog and his friends, who never manage to identify the orange balloon that lands in the pond. The story comes full circle in the third chapter when a hippopotamus actually does visit the pond and Frog worries that it has come for its egg–which they accidentally killed (popped). A fun addition to early-reader sections.–Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

CARLE, Eric. The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Philomel. Oct. 2011. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25713-1. LC 201000662.
PreS-Gr 2–Carle has constructed full-page images of animals in creative colors, beginning with a blue horse and culminating with a polka-dot donkey. The text begins, “I am an artist and I paint…” with each page displaying a different animal labeled with its name and color. The artist appears very pleased with his cheerful creations. Each page turn reveals one remarkable creature after another, and children will be filled with anticipation and surprise as they follow along. A concluding note explains that the artist in the book was inspired by Franz Marc, whose work, like that of other “degenerate artists,” was banned by the Nazi regime. A reproduction of Marc’s Horse and Yellow Cow is included. Carle’s collages include brightly painted papers, custom cut and assembled to represent imaginative, childlike images. Adults will appreciate the connection between Carle and Marc while children will savor the simplicity and predictability of this book. Another masterpiece from a master artist.–Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT

CARRER, Chiara. Otto Carrotto. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Eerdmans. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8028-5393-6. LC 2010049546.
PreS-Gr 2–Otto’s sister wears only red shoes and his best friend is infatuated with blue roller skates. So Otto decides that he will only eat carrots. Raw, cooked, baked, or fried, carrot soup, pizza, cookies, and cake, he eats nothing else for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. But, is it possible for a rabbit to eat too many carrots? When his ears turn into carrots, his classmates nibble on him and tease him with taunts of “Otto Carrotto,” and he vows never to eat another carrot. However, unlike the little badger in Lillian and Russell Hoban’s Bread and Jam for Frances (HarperCollins, 1964), Otto doesn’t learn to embrace new and different foods. He simply changes his obsession from carrots to spinach, and readers will chuckle knowing exactly where the story is heading. Sophisticated readers will pore over the thumbnail drawings and speech bubbles within the intricate collage illustrations, and the boldface text emphasizing repetitive words adds visual interest. Pair this title with Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann’s Pinkalicious (HarperCollins, 2006) for a discussion on how a single passion can get out of hand.–Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

CHRISTIAN, Cheryl. Witches. illus. by Wish Williams. unpaged. Star Bright. 2011. pap. $5.95. ISBN 978-1-59572-283-6. LC 2010050909.
PreS–Children dressed as witches are gathered around a kitchen table putting all sorts of food from the cupboards and refrigerator in a giant black cauldron. This image sets the scene for a very simple story of children (or witches) getting ready for their Halloween outing. The whimsical and vibrant colors in Williams’s pictures make this story great fun to view and help to move the rhyming text forward. Youngsters with different physical abilities are obvious when the children go trick-or-treating. Readers see a child in a wheelchair and another with leg braces and crutches. It is refreshing to see them depicted without making a point of mentioning them. With one line of text per page, this is a good choice for Halloween-themed storyhours.–Lora Van Marel, Orland Park Public Library, IL

COHN, Diana. Roses for Isabella. illus. by Amy Córdova. unpaged. CIP. Steiner. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-8801-0731-0. LC 2010032329.
PreS-Gr 2–Set in a small village in Ecuador, this story is about Isabella, the first writer in her family. Her teacher asks her students to write stories honoring Pachamama, Mother Earth, explaining that the best one will be read aloud at an assembly. When she suggests that the children visit the places they write about, Isabella decides on the rose farm where her parents currently work. The previous farm used chemicals that made her mother sick, and when her father complained, they were fired. Now they work on a farm that does not use chemicals. When the time comes to honor Pachamama for food and life, everyone celebrates and Isabella reads her poem to the audience. Then one day her parents surprise her with a trip to the farm, where she sees her poem inscribed above its entrance. Isabella is presented with a large bouquet of roses, the color of the sunrise. The message, promoting the Fair Trade Organization, is obvious, although the story does hold interest. The design and layout consist of a bright, colorful, and realistic illustration opposite a page of text. Attractive graphic borders highlight the text pages and convey a sense of unity.–Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

COOK, Julia. The “D” Word. illus. by Phillip W. Rodgers. unpaged. National Center for Youth Issues. 2011. Tr $9.95. ISBN 978-1-931636-76-6. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 4–Otis’s parents are divorcing, and this book shows how he and his siblings are affected. He expresses many of the feelings and emotions children encounter daily when struggling with this situation. Examples pepper the story line and cover many of the questions that youngsters may have. The author offers comforting and helpful suggestions for many of the issues Otis must deal with when he visits his mom or his dad. For example, when he visits them, he feels like he is the family spy or the family messenger. Many of Otis’s feelings are addressed through the dialogue between the boy and his grandmother. The text is based on the three C’s: “I didn’t Cause it,” “I can’t Control it,” and “I’ll just have to learn to Cope with it.” The cartoon drawings are bright and colorful, and the characters have realistic expressions. This picture book would be well used by parents and school personnel. An additional purchase where books on this topic are needed in library parenting or family sections.–Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI

COX, Judy. Haunted House, Haunted Mouse. illus. by Jeffrey Ebbeler. unpaged. Holiday House. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2315-6. LC 2010025312.
K-Gr 2–When the doorbell rings on Halloween night, Mouse’s curiosity is piqued as he sees some costumed kids receiving candy. He jumps into one of the candy-laden trick-or-treat bags and gnaws a small hole so he can see what is happening, but he quickly gets motion sickness and leaves the bag behind. A rainstorm drives him into an abandoned house. At first a little frightened by what he sees, Mouse yells, “Boo!” to show that he’s not afraid. Luckily, the moonlight shines into the room and shows that everything making noise or strange shadows is harmless. Remember that hole Mouse gnawed in the bag? Conveniently, pieces of candy were falling out one by one and he is able to follow the trail back to his own hidey-hole. (Hansel and Gretel would be proud.) Ebbeler’s acrylic paintings do a wonderful job of conveying the little rodent’s emotions throughout the story. The colors help to set the tone, especially in the house, where the illustrations are mostly sepia and black, making it seem just as creepy for children as it is for Mouse until the moonlight shines and the objects are revealed. While a bit predictable, the story does provide an acceptable supplemental Halloween adventure.–Amy Commers, South St. Paul Public Library, MN

CRONIN, Doreen. M.O.M. (Mom Operating Manual). illus. by Laura Cornell. 56p. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-6150-5. LC 2010054145.
K-Gr 3–This humorous guide to the care and feeding of moms includes directives on how to ensure they get enough sleep, nutrition, exercise, and water. Written like a manual for a washing machine or dishwasher, the book touches on topics such as, “Grooming,” “Outdoor Use,” and “Troubleshooting.” It includes a brief history of mothers, ideas on what to do in the case of minor malfunctions, and directions on how to “Reset” your mother. Sketchy, colorful pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations add energy and laughs to the presentation. This title might make an entertaining gift for mothers and mothers-to-be, but children will give up on the overlong narrative, even though it is ostensibly directed toward them.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

DODD, Emma. I Am Small. illus. by author. unpaged. Scholastic. 2011. Tr $8.99. ISBN 978-0-545-35370-0. LC number unavailable.
PreS–A penguin chick ponders the big, fast, long, steep world around him and notes how small he is in comparison. But when he is with his mother, he knows he is safe because “the biggest thing to you…is me!” The simple text and easy-to-read block printing make this a good choice for beginning readers. Dodd uses a palette of black, white, and slate blue with touches of silver to evoke the freezing Antarctic habitat. The adult emperor penguins are elegant with a dab of orange-yellow around their necks. The contrasts between the penguin chick and the sleek adults gliding through bubble-filled water beautifully illustrate a young child’s point of view. This pleasant book is a nice size and format for its target age, but starting and ending the story on the inside covers is a bad idea since the book jacket obscures the illustrations.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

DOMNEY, Alexis. Splish, Splat! produced in partnership with the Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf. illus. by Alice Crawford. 24p. Second Story, dist. by Orca. 2011. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-897187-88-3. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–Colin is having nightmares in his yolk-colored room. As he sleeps, eggs over easy zoom around like alien spaceships. It is time for a new paint job, and his mother opts for professionals to do the work. She gets the message relay number of Deaf painters and, via an interpreter, makes an appointment. Whereas this could simply be a didactic picture book on Deaf and hearing etiquette, the humor imbued makes it a delightful story about the joy of communication. The unique collage illustrations add warmth and render the two women painters in realistic signing stances. The facial expressions and hand shapes of the characters are also accurate. While the painters paint the trim white, they start to chat and, “splish, splat,” their flying, signing hands (while holding brushes) suddenly turn the navy blue walls into a star-studded sky. Colin waltzes in and gestures that he loves his new dreamscape decor. Appended are a finger-spelling alphabet and two pages of words in American Sign Language used in the text. This is a great choice for discussing Deaf culture, emphasizing their love for communication in ASL, and the many ways hearing people can communicate with the Deaf.–Sara Lissa Paulson, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City

DUNKLEE, Annika. My Name Is Elizabeth! illus. by Matthew Forsythe. unpaged. Kids Can. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-560-6. LC C2011-900088-1.
PreS-Gr 1–Confident, precocious Elizabeth is very proud of her nine-letter name that she shares with a queen, but she is fed up with family, friends, and neighbors using nicknames like Lizzy, Liz, Beth, and Betsy. Finally at her breaking point, she stands in the middle of town and shouts: “My NAME is ELIZABETH Alfreda Roxanne Carmelita Bluebell Jones!!” then adding more calmly, “But you may call me Elizabeth.” Everyone respects her wishes except for her baby brother. His attempt comes out as “Wizabef,” which she acknowledges is close enough. The digitally rendered pen-and-ink illustrations in pale blue, bright orange, and black give the book a classic, vintage feel and perfectly complement and expand on the spare text, all contained in speech bubbles. Children who have had similar experiences will certainly relate to Elizabeth and may be inspired by her directness; others might think twice before assigning nicknames to youngsters without asking their preference first. This book will pair nicely with Kevin Henkes’s Chrysanthemum (HarperCollins, 1991).–Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

EMBERLEY, Rebecca & Ed Emberley. Ten Little Beasties. illus. by authors. unpaged. CIP. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-627-5. LC 2010028118.
PreS-Gr 1–Begin with one weird and wacky, black-and-white beastie, then add an additional, but very different-looking one, to each subsequent page, and you have the Emberleys’ newest offering, done with their inimitable twist and style. Looking a little like what one might expect to find under the microscope, each creature is fantastical and geometric, but with a splotch of color to add to the exotic designs each one sports. Each spread is of a different vibrant color, with the appropriate number of beasties placed on it. The text can be sung to the tune of “Ten Little Indians,” though Adrian Emberley has written an original melody to accompany the book, which can be found on the website mentioned on the back cover. Once all 10 are together, it takes a few more pages to figure out that one of them is eating the others, which is why readers have to count back down, where they discover that one of the smallest beasties gets the last word–or bite. Some of the beasties will remind children of familiar creatures, while others are unique; in either case, it’s a feast of beasts and brilliant colors for young readers.– Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID

ERLBRUCH, Wolf. Duck, Death and the Tulip. tr. from German by Catherine Chidgey. illus. by author. unpaged. Gecko Pr. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-877579-02-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-6–When Duck finally notices that she is being followed by Death, she becomes frightened and inquisitive. Death patiently answers her questions, and the two speculate about the great beyond. What follows is the construct of a unique sort of friendship. However, this is not a book about friendship; it is a book about life’s most pitiless inevitability. Eventually Duck feels the chill of a cool wind for the first time and, lying quite still, stops breathing. Death tenderly strokes her feathers, carries her to the great river, and gently sends her on her way. This book tackles a difficult subject with eloquent, yet unapologetic candor. The subject matter may frighten small children, and adults likely will take pause at the bluntness, but the story is heartwarming and incontrovertibly portrays Death with a compassionate personification. The surrealistic yet modest synthesis of collage and drawings is true to the simple elegance and poignancy of the text.–Debbie Lewis, Alachua County Library District, FL

FOGGO, Cheryl. Dear Baobab. illus. by Qin Leng. unpaged. Second Story, dist. by Orca. 2011. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-897187-91-3. LC C2011-902610-4.
K-Gr 3–Maiko used to live in a village in Africa. He misses his home and the 2000-year-old baobab tree beneath which he and other village children sat eating cashew nuts, and where no one teased him about his big ears. Now, since the death of his parents, the lonely child lives in what appears to be a North American city “surrounded by low, rolling hills.” He likes to sit on the stone steps outside his red brick house where a little spruce tree has sprung up beneath the mailbox. It is seven years old, the same age as Maiko. He loves the little tree and imagines that he can hear it calling his name, and he shares his secrets with it. When its roots begin to threaten the foundation of the house, something needs to be done. About the same time, a saw and axe appear and Maiko hides them. Nothing further is mentioned about their disappearance. With time Maiko grows more comfortable with his new home, school, and classmates and, as Christmas draws near, his uncle and aunt say that the spruce will make a good Christmas tree. Maiko is upset. He knows what it means “to be small and planted in the wrong place.” He finally confides how he feels to his uncle, who tells him, “It will get better, Nephew.” A solution is worked out that ties together the beginning and end of the story. The tree is moved and replanted elsewhere, just as Maiko has been. Leng’s colorful, cartoonlike watercolor illustrations impart a sense of warmth and emotion to this story of a child’s bewildering sense of loss and loneliness, as well as new beginnings.–Mary N.
Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

FULLER, Sandy Ferguson. My Cat, Coon Cat. illus. by Jeannie Brett. unpaged. Islandport. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-934031-32-2. LC 2010919363.
PreS-Gr 2–A girl befriends a Maine coon that seems to have set its sights on her. Like the history of the breed itself, this cat’s background is mysterious. Is he a stray or a former occupant of the child’s new house? Will he stay? The progression of the relationship is told in rhyming text that leaves little doubt that the cat is moving in, despite the girl’s continued questions. The illustrations are full of color and character, capturing with equal charm the bucolic background and the winsome feline. An author’s note provides some detail about the breed and its connection to New England, reinforcing what the text and illustrations have already made clear--these are delightful cats that make great companions. The intimate nature of the quiet communication between the girl and the feline lends itself best to sharing one-on-one, although the spreads would show up well in a group setting. Any reader who has ever known the love of a cat will find much to relate to in this cozy book.–Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

GIBALA-BROXHOLM, Scott. Maddie’s Monster Dad. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5846-3; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6008-4. LC 2010013270.
K-Gr 2–Maddie and her father love to do scary things (no mention of mom). They play Hide-and-Eek, bake Glob cookies, and draw scary monster pictures. However, Dad has been too busy lately to play, so the child decides to create her own Monster Dad, using her new Build-a-Beast kit. After cutting, pasting, taping, and coloring her creation, she claps together two cutouts of lightning bolts and the monster comes alive. And he is HUGE. They can’t play Hide-and-Eek, because he is too big to hide. And his cookies are hard as rocks. He can’t draw; he only scribbles. When they decide to wrap themselves in toilet paper and scare her real dad, Monster Dad dissolves into a toy monster. But, as luck would have it, Dad decides to take a break from his work to play with Maddie. When he says no to her request for a puppy, she hauls out her Build-a-Beast kit again. The green-tinged illustrations on spacious white backgrounds are just right. Everything seems scary but not frightening. Maddie and her father have pinking-sheared bangs, Maddie has sneakers that growl and howl, and the monster drawings they make are really funnier than scary. The text and illustrations work together like Boris and Karloff, and the layouts are inspired (some are done from a ghostly viewpoint, flying above the scene below).–Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

HENRICHS, Wendy. When Anju Loved Being an Elephant. illus. by John Butler. unpaged. Web sites. CIP. Sleeping Bear. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-533-3. LC 2010053708.
K-Gr 3–Taken from her home in Indonesia when she was five years old, Anju has lived in captivity, performing with an American circus for 35 years, followed by 15 years in a small zoo. This story begins when Vincent, her current caretaker, leads her into a semitrailer and takes her to a sanctuary. As they travel, the elephant has flashbacks to her early years in Sumatra with her family and her best friend, Lali. She also remembers the constant traveling with the circus, the “hours chained to one spot,” kind and cruel trainers, and how she was always looking for elephant friends. She wonders where Vincent is taking her as she observes the passing scenery depicted in Butler’s soft watercolor scenes of misty morning vistas, sleepy farmlands, and peaceful, rolling hills. At last, they arrive at their destination where a woman is waiting to welcome her and the smell of elephants is all around. Vincent tells Anju, “I’ll miss you, girl, but now you’re free.” The author states, “Although Anju is a fictional elephant, her story rings true for the majority of elephants in captivity. Anju’s retirement to a wonderful elephant sanctuary is the outcome desired to bring dignity and respect to all captive elephants.” A touching, bittersweet story.–Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

HUMPHREY, Corinne. Shoot for the Moon!: Lessons on Life from a Dog Named Rudy. illus. by author. unpaged. photos. Chronicle. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-7783-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–“It doesn’t matter what kind of dog you are, you can create the life you want. Find a hero, stretch yourself, take the leap, and shoot for the moon.” So begins this inspirational poem illustrated with bold, acrylic graphic-style paintings showing Rudy with his nose in a book, painting a picture, practicing the “downward dog” yoga pose, and dancing. The advice continues: “Don’t be afraid of your shadow, find a balance, and just roll with it. When you follow your guiding star, you will find happiness wherever you are!” An author’s note includes full-color photographs of the author with the real Rudy, whom she rescued from an animal shelter. Children may have been interested in Rudy’s story–how he changed from a misbehaving, aggressive shelter dog to a beloved, inspiring pet–but the Zen-inspired life lessons that make up the book’s text are too vague for them to relate to. Originally self-published as The Tao of Rudy in 2007, this is nothing more than a greeting card disguised as a gift book that adults (especially dog lovers) will enjoy.–Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

JAMES, Simon. George Flies South. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5724-6. LC 2010049468.
PreS-Gr 2–Young George is particularly reluctant to leave the nest even though he should be learning to fly to head south before winter. “I think I like my nest best./Will you get some worms, Mom?/I’ll stay here.” Then a big gust of wind takes the nest and George with it off on a wild adventure. Soft watercolor illustrations show an amazingly calm bird sailing into more and more precarious positions, tracked by his distressed mama. With his nest beneath him, he still feels somewhat safe but ultimately this security falls apart and George must try to fly on his own. Full of detail and heart, the illustrations bring the story to life. This spare book is beautifully designed from its charming endpapers to the climactic and satisfying final spread.–Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

JENKINS, Emily. Toys Come Home: Being the Early Experiences of an Intelligent StingRay, a Brave Buffalo, and a Brand-New Someone Called Plastic. illus. by Paul O. Zelinsky. 144p. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86200-7; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96200-4; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89345-2. LC 2010005896.
Gr 1-3–In this follow-up to Toys Go Out (2006) and Toy Dance Party (2008, both Random), readers discover how the toys came to live with the Girl. StingRay arrives as a birthday gift and soon after meets Bobby Dot, a disagreeable stuffed walrus that makes her feel unwelcome. When the Girl becomes ill and vomits on him, Bobby Dot is thoroughly disgusted while StingRay feels it would be an honor to be “puked on” by the Girl. (The author devotes a whole chapter to this episode titled, “You Can Puke on Me.”) An attempt to channel a common childhood anxiety about the dark through the toys may have adults answering some questions. StingRay loses her way in the dark (basement) and hears a scary rumbling noise (the clothes dryer); she imagines ghosts that “eat marine animals” or take them and make them slaves or an “axe murderer” who jumps around chopping things. The demise of the unpleasant Bobby Dot (he is accidently shredded in the dryer after the vomit incident) is taken in stride by most of the toys in the Girl’s room, but StingRay is thoughtful about how quickly a life can be over. How Sheep came to lose her ear and the arrival of Lumphy and Plastic are also addressed in this story that shines with a message about the value of friendship.–D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

JOYCE, William. The Man in the Moon. illus. by author. unpaged. (The Guardians of Childhood). S & S/Atheneum. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3041-9; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3551-3. LC 2010053985.
Gr 1-3–This debut title of the series spins a fantastical yarn about the origins of The Man in the Moon, aka MiM. As a child, he enjoys a safe and peaceful existence during the Golden Age, sailing among the planets with his parents on the Moon Clipper, a galactic ship. When the dark and evil Pitch, King of Nightmares, attempts to capture him, a blinding flash of light obliterates Pitch as well as MiM’s parents. Now orphaned, the boy is stranded on his ship-turned-moon and is raised under the care of Moonbots, Moonmice, and Lunar Moths. Over time, he becomes aware of other children living on planet Earth and, upon reaching adulthood, assembles a variety of guardians (e.g., Santa Claus, the Sandman, the Tooth Fairy) who vow to “watch over the children of Earth [and] guide them safely from the ways of harm.” The resolution of this intricately plotted story begs for more; not only are additional books forthcoming, but also an animated film based on the series is slated for a 2012 release. Indeed, Joyce’s full-color, multimedia artwork creates an out-of-this-world, cinematic setting and cast of characters, brimming with eerie and hilarious detail and a masterful juxtaposition of light and dark. Finely wrought motifs, inspired by classical architecture and old-fashioned measuring tools, embellish spot drawings, set off text, and underscore the tale’s nostalgic tone. A natural bedtime story to share one-on-one, this book will also captivate independent readers who may have only just outgrown tales about the Sandman and other “Guardians of Childhood.”–Kathleen Finn, St. Francis Xavier School, Winooski, VT

JUDGE, Lita. Red Sled. illus. by author. unpaged. S & S/Atheneum. Nov. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2007-6. LC 2010033264.
PreS-Gr 2–The premise of this book is simple; the execution is anything but. A child (Caucasian, of indeterminate gender) leaves a red sled outside the house one night, and an ever-growing group of animals borrows it for some snowy sliding fun. Having noticed the footprints, the child realizes what happened and waits to join the critters the next night. Pencil and watercolor spreads create a basic wintry mountain environment, but the stars of the show are the expressive animals. Their childlike delight in each dynamic scene brings a sense of excitement to the story. The text consists entirely of sound effects, laid out on the page in varying font sizes to evoke a sense of movement. The book begs to be read aloud and offers wonderful opportunities for audience participation. This delightful flight of fancy conveys the true excitement of sledding with the imagined fun of befriending wildlife. A gem. –Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children’s Library at Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

KLEVEN, Elisa. The Friendship Wish. illus. by author. unpaged. Dutton. Oct. 2011. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42374-4. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Farley hopes to make friends in his new neighborhood, but his neighbors–a pig, a bird, and a bear– seem to be too busy for him. One night he dreams that an angel is hovering over his bed. She feeds the lonely pup pancakes and plays and dances with him. After he wakes up, he tries to lure her back by making pancakes for her, but when she doesn’t show up, he shares them with the other animals. As he tells them what he did with his angel, they all begin to play together and become friends. Farley paints a picture of her so they can see how special she is, and after she reappears in all her splendor, the animals imagine their own angels in their dreams that night. Kleven has created another story revealing the power of imagination. Children will enjoy the fantastical happenings. The mixed-media artwork is elaborate but does not compare to Kleven’s art for The Paper Princess (Dutton, 1994) or Abuela (Dutton, 1991), which are brimming with details for readers to explore. An additional purchase.–Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT

K Ö NNECKE, Ole. Anton Can Do Magic. illus. by author. unpaged. Gecko Pr. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-8774-6737-0. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–With “The Great Sorcar” poster as his inspiration, young Anton dons a magician’s turban and sets off to prove that he can make things disappear. Because his too-large turban keeps slipping down over his eyes, a few things do indeed go missing. His friend Luke is skeptical, but when a girl’s missing bird suddenly reappears, supposedly due to Anton’s clever abracadabra moves, Luke reconsiders his opinion and Anton walks away with his dream fulfilled and his reputation established. Images of the boy, a tree, and a bird appear on ample white space, keeping the focus strictly on Anton and his perceptions of what is happening. This story is told with a spare, easy-to-read text; it’s the illustrations that tell the true story and add much humor.–Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID

KORNGOLD, Jamie S. Sadie’s Sukkah Breakfast. illus. by Julie Fortenberry. unpaged. CIP. Lerner/Kar-Ben. 2011. PLB $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5647-9; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-7970-6. LC 2010026182.
PreS-Gr 1–During the Jewish harvest holiday of Sukkot, families build temporary huts in which to dine and visit with friends. Sadie and her little brother, Ori, are excited about the sukkah in their backyard and decide to have breakfast there on the first morning of the festival. The youngsters struggle a little with arrangements but ultimately create a successful celebration with food and stuffed-animal friends. This is a sweet and low-key story, with gentle, sunny illustrations. It is as much about its young protagonists’ independence and initiative as it is about Sukkot. A brief author’s note describes the holiday, but the book will be most appreciated by those already familiar with it. A solid purchase for Judaica collections and an additional purchase elsewhere. –Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children’s Library at Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

LASKY, Kathryn. Spiders on the Case. Bk. 2. illus. by Stephen Gilpin. 176p. (The Deadlies Series). CIP. Scholastic. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-545-11682-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–The Deadlies, a family of brown recluse spiders, think they have finally found a secure home in the rare book room of the Boston Public Library. For the first time, a human, Tom the librarian, welcomes them. He knows spiders eat silverfish, beetles, and other creatures that damage books. Jo Bell and her family know something is amiss when two regular patrons sneak in their X-Acto knives. They are stealing rare maps, and the spiders want to put a stop to it. A new arachnid friend named Buster knows a thing or two about solving crimes. By using knowledge learned in a pop-up book, the spiders set a trap and find a way to communicate with Tom. Young readers will relate to the family drama and rivalry between Jo Bell and her siblings. There are moments of good humor. The spiders in the illustrations are full of expression, and the drawings help move the story along. Fans of Lasky’s talking animal fantasies will be caught up in this clever family’s web.??Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

LEWIS, Josh. Super Chicken Nugget Boy and the Pizza Planet People. Bk. 3. illus. by Stephen Gilpin. 176p. (Super Chicken Nugget Boy Series). Hyperion/Disney. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-1500-7; pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-1535-9. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–Fern Goldberg, aka Super Chicken Nugget Boy, is back. This time, he and his friend Lester narrowly escape a mysterious pizza box that falls from the sky. It contains what looks like an ordinary pizza but turns out to be an extraterrestrial Pizza Person. Accompanying it is an entire army of Pizza People, on a mission to bring home pizza ingredients in hopes of saving their planet. Of course, individuals’ reactions vary; some folks don’t believe in them, some try to eat them, and the boys’ teacher even builds a missile launcher to destroy Planet Pizza. In the end, it’s up to Super Chicken Nugget Boy and Arnie the Awesome Amphibian to help the aliens and their planet. Large, easy-to-read font; frequent black-and-white illustrations, and a quickly moving plot make this a good choice for readers who are new to chapter books—particularly those whose tastes lean toward the wacky.–Amanda Moss Struckmeyer, Middleton Public Library, WI

LONG, Loren. Otis and the Tornado. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Philomel. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25477-2. LC 2010036770.
PreS-Gr 2–The tractor with the big heart is back in another adventure. Life on the farm is fairly peaceful, except for a menacing bull, which frightens both the tractor and the farm inhabitants. Otis and the animals keep their distance from him–until the day a storm arrives. The tractor knows “deep down in his pipes” that the approaching tempest is no ordinary storm, so working fast he helps his friends find cover in Mud Creek. But from that safe spot the group can hear the dreadful cry of the bull, locked in its pen and smack in the path of the speeding tornado. True to his nature, Otis rushes to the rescue and together they find shelter from the twister. Long offers readers a tender tale with exquisite artwork. The large, gouache-and-pencil illustrations feature unusual perspective and outlined forms with bold dashes of color that contrast with earth-tone backgrounds. The pictures have a retro quality that matches Otis’s vintage perfectly. Children will be delighted with this story about friendship.–Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT

LOOK, Lenore. Polka Dot Penguin Pottery. illus. by Yumi Heo. unpaged. CIP. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86332-5; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96332-2. LC 2009047161.
Gr 1-3–Aspen is a young writer who hasn’t been able to compose for awhile now; though she climbs to her tree house, dons her writing clothes, stuffs her pockets with crackers, and sits quietly awaiting inspiration, ideas just do not come. Her grandparents attempt to allay her stymied imagination by taking her to a pottery-painting studio. The child finds she also has the same aggravating problem getting started with this new form of creativity. Only after another studio participant imparts gentle words of wisdom does Aspen allow herself to be willing to make a mess, which ignites her imagination for both painting and writing. Naïve-style oil, pencil, and collage illustrations are unpredictably laid out in a top-to-bottom format rather than side-to-side. The girl’s frustration and eventual pleasure as she works through her writer’s and painter’s blocks are revealed in single-page and full-spread pictures. Good motivation for children who need to activate their artistic side.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

LORD, Cynthia. Happy Birthday, Hamster. illus. by Derek Anderson. unpaged. CIP. Scholastic. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-25522-6. LC 2010018989.
PreS-Gr 1–The small creature featured in Hot Rod Hamster (Scholastic, 2010) is back, and it’s his birthday. He hopes for a new riding toy but what he really wants is simply for his friends to remember his special day. Tagging along with Dog on his errands, Hamster begins to lose hope. But in the background, readers see all of his friends rallying around the birthday effort as the text chants: “Games, check. Hats, check. Piñata and some bats, check. Plates, check. Spoons, check. Streamers and balloons, check. Which would you choose?” Loud, exaggerated acrylics burst off the pages, and the plump, cuddly characters look like stuffed animals come to life. Children will enjoy the opportunity to participate and make choices throughout the book leading up to Hamster’s surprise party.–Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

LOWRY, Lois. Gooney Bird on the Map. Bk. 5. illus. by Middy Thomas. 128p. (Gooney Bird Greene Series). Houghton Harcourt. Nov. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-547-55622-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–Gooney Bird Greene and her second-grade classmates are back. This time, the class is gearing up for February vacation and exploring the month’s other celebrations–Valentine’s Day and several presidents’ birthdays. Gooney Bird, as always, is brimming with facts and ideas. When some students are upset because others are going to exotic destinations, Gooney Bird cooks up a plan to bring everyone together, culminating in the creation of a large, snowy U. S. map on the playground and a presentation about states for the entire school. Occasional black-and-white illustrations add to the accessibility of this short chapter book. A sure hit for Gooney Bird fans.–Amanda Moss Struckmeyer, Middleton Public Library, WI

MCGHEE, Alison. Making a Friend. illus. by Marc Rosenthal. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-8998-1. LC 2010041661.
K-Gr 2–In minimal but evocative text, McGhee introduces a small boy who builds a snowman and becomes attached to his creation. When it inevitably melts in the spring, the boy wonders, “Where did he go?” He finds his snowman almost everywhere he turns–in the rain on the ocean, the fog in the hollow, the frost on the window, etc., and realizes, “What you love will always be with you.” When winter returns, he builds another snowman and again enjoys the companionship. Similar in tone to Mo Willems’s City Dog, Country Frog (Hyperion, 2010), this gentle story offers the same opportunity to discuss the cycle of love, loss, and emotional renewal. The digitally manipulated pencil illustrations have a retro look and are reminiscent of the work of Louis Slobodkin. There is a lot of white space, particularly on the pages where only the boy and the snowman are depicted, giving the impression that they are in their own special private world. A simple but deeply nuanced story that should resonate with children. –Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

MACLACHLAN, Patricia. Waiting for the Magic. illus. by Amy June Bates. 144p. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-2745-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3125-6. LC 2010019668.
Gr 3-5–Realism blends seamlessly with fantasy as a boy struggles to trust that his fractured family can become whole once more. When Papa walks out yet again, Mama decides they need a dog and takes fifth-grader William and his four-year-old sister, Elinor, to the animal shelter where they choose not one but four dogs: Bryn, Bitty, Neo, and Grace, and one cat, Lula. The animals fill some of the empty space left by Papa’s absence, and first Elinor and then William realize they can hear the dogs talking to one another. But when Mama announces she’s pregnant, Papa returns and tries to fit into the new dynamics of the household, taking over the cooking to hilarious effect and setting up a studio in the attic in hopes of overcoming his writer’s block. Two loving grandparents, an eccentric friend, and four wise and devoted dogs that can now be heard by Papa, and then by Mama, too, help a now-solid family welcome baby Nicholas–and a new dog–at story’s end. The spare prose, in William’s authentic voice, conveys pathos and humor; the boy’s cautious observations and Papa’s earnest explanations are offset by Elinor’s droll one-liners and the dogs’ succinct comments. Deft characterization adds richness and depth to a deceptively simple narrative, and appealing charcoal pencil illustrations throughout reflect the action. The book’s title suggests the wonder of canine speech and becomes the title of the story Papa eventually begins to write. Fans of Joy Cowley’s Chicken Feathers (Philomel, 2008) will love this gem.–Marie Orlando, formerly at Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

MAASS, Robert. A Is for Autumn. photos by author. unpaged. photos. CIP. Holt. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9093-2. LC 2010040333.
PreS-K–This is a straightforward abcedary with an autumn theme. Gorgeous color photographs are accompanied by a single sentence for each letter. The descriptions for the items are so brief that they don’t always provide sufficient context, and many of the choices are related to autumn only by the setting of the photos. “I is for Ice Cream, which is delicious in any season” is something of a stretch, even if the kids are wearing warm garments and standing in front of fall trees. Additional odd choices include “N” for “Neighborhood.” A pretty book, but not a necessary one.–Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children’s Library at Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

MARKLE, Sandra. Butterfly Tree. illus. by Leslie Wu. unpaged. further reading. Web sites. CIP. Peachtree. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-539-3. LC 2009040526.
K-Gr 3–A child recollects spotting and following, with her mother and her dog, an orange cloud down the beach and into the woods. They come upon a tree covered in orange leaves that, when disturbed, becomes a horde of fluttering monarch butterflies. These small creatures land in their hair and on their noses, and then settle onto the branches again to fan their wings and rest before continuing their long migration to Mexico. It’s a moment in time that Jilly instinctively knows she will remember for the rest of her life. (“We’re in no hurry now./When you’re making a memory,/you want it to last as long as possible.”) Wu’s double-page impressionist pastel drawings in smudged tones of vivid orange, yellow green, blue, and deep brown echo the dreamlike quality of the narrative. (“Our footsteps sound too loud./I feel like I should tiptoe./I look so hard I think my eyes will pop.”) The orange cloud of butterflies appears as a large spaceship in a commonplace beach scene, showing the girl and the dog playing a game of “fetch the stick.” An author’s note on the habits of migrating monarchs is appended, along with a short list of books and websites on the topic.–Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

MARSHALL, Linda Elovitz. Talia and the Rude Vegetables. illus. by Francesca Assirelli. unpaged. CIP. Lerner/Kar-Ben. 2011. PLB $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5217-4; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5218-1. LC 2010020301.
K-Gr 2–Talia’s grandmother asks her to pick seven root vegetables from the garden for a Rosh Hashanah recipe. Mishearing her, the child seeks out “rude” vegetables, creatively interpreting the plants’ awkward shapes as misbehavior. In the process, she sets aside the unwanted perfect produce and does a mitzvah by donating it to feed the hungry. This is a book of missed opportunity. It starts out strong, as Talia ponders the meaning of the Jewish New Year: asking forgiveness for misdeeds and promising to do better. This theme is reinforced by her thoughts on the first few veggies; for instance, an ornery onion that is difficult to dig up “won’t do what it’s told,” and a garishly purple garlic bulb “seems like a big show-off.” However, the story is weakened by Talia’s explanations petering out halfway through, and by the lack of explicit redemption for these rude vegetables (being cooked into delicious stew could make up for their supposed bad behavior, but this is never made clear). In an anticlimactic ending, the story stops before the vegetables are even cooked, and readers never find out whether Talia learned anything from her mistake. A recipe for vegetable stew is included. –Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children’s Library at Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

MERLIN, Christophe. Under the Hood. illus. by author. unpaged. Candlewick. Oct. 2011. RTE $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5535-8. LC 2010042743.
PreS-Gr 1–This goofy, interactive picture book has some interesting surprises hidden under its multilayered pages. Mr. Bear’s car has broken down, and he needs readers’ help to find his mechanic friends Mouse, Bird, and Crocodile. Once they have been located, they discover that an errant pair of pink underwear seems to be the reason Bear’s sporty red convertible isn’t working. When the vehicle is finally repaired, the bear goes on a joyride, only to have his roadster break down again while he’s drag racing an elephant on a motorcycle. Luckily, Mr. Bear’s pals come to the rescue with a tow truck. The large, humorous illustrations are done in vivid hues set against cream-colored backgrounds. Children will delight in the mystery of what lies beneath all those flaps.–Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

MONROE, Chris. Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Seaside Shenanigans. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Carolrhoda. Oct. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5616-5; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-7943-0. LC 2011003013.
PreS-Gr 3–Chico Bon Bon is a cheerful monkey who likes to fix things. In this entry, elephant Clark invites him to fix things (and go surfing) at his uncle’s beach resort. The resourceful monkey patches, repairs, and adjusts; solves the mystery of the source of the damage (a klutzy duck); then wraps up the day with some surfing. This quirky, over-the-top tale will amuse children with its random silliness and fun seaside setting. Chico’s repair jobs range from plausible to ridiculous, as do the contents of his tool box (he has glue, but he also has a rubber-duck extractor). Detailed full-color line drawings invite readers to pore over the scenes for humorous touches. There’s not much point to the story, but the style is entertaining.–Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children’s Library at Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

MOORE, Inga. A House in the Woods. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. Nov. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5277-7. LC 2010050827.
PreS-Gr 1–When Moose and Bear accidentally destroy their pig friends’ modest digs, the foursome decide to bring in the local beaver construction crew to build a house they can all share. For the price of peanut-butter sandwiches, the crew agrees to the work. The cozy cottage is quickly built and furnished by the friends, who do indeed pay in sandwiches. After a supper and evening of storytelling, the four settle into their new home. The gentle arc of the story about a warm friendship is perfectly echoed by the large, detailed illustrations. The pencil, pastel, and wash art is full of autumn colors and delicate touches and details that bring the woods and the animals to life. Budding builders and tool fiends will enjoy the house assembly and the humorous elements within the illustrations. A comfortable story of friendship.–Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

NUMEROFF, Laura. If You Give a Dog a Donut. illus. by Felicia Bond. unpaged. (If You Give...Book Series). HarperCollins. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-026683-7; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-26684-4. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–If you give a dog a donut, he’ll want some apple juice to go with it. So begins the now-familiar circular story that will end up in the same place as it started. This one takes a little time out in the middle for a baseball game between the dog and the boy. Then the story line meanders back to a thirsty dog that wants some apple juice and, no doubt, a donut to go with it. The illustrations, all outlined in black, are clean and colorful. There is a lot of white space in this one, as backgrounds are kept to a minimum. The formula is a hit with the preschool crowd, and this installment is sure to be as popular as the others.–Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

NUMEROFF, Laura. What Puppies Do Best. illus. by Lynn Munsinger. unpaged. Chronicle. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-6601-9. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Highlighting one activity per page, this book covers the gamut of puppy life, including chasing a ball, learning to sit, and shaking a paw. On each page an adorable pup performs a common action with its owner, including some unpleasant realities: “Puppies can dig holes in the yard, track mud into the house, and make a big mess.” Sure enough, each picture perfectly displays these situations. In the end, it’s all worth it since “puppies can give you lots and lots of love.” Cheerful watercolor illustrations capture the fun of life with a young dog. With a diverse cast of children and canines, readers will identify with someone or some puppy that they know firsthand. This book will find a wide audience.–Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

PARISH, Herman. Go West, Amelia Bedelia! illus. by Lynn Sweat. 64p. CIP. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780060843618. LC 2010012429.
Gr 1-3–Amelia Bedelia visits her uncle’s dude ranch in this installment in the popular beginning-reader series. In typical fashion, she takes everything literally. She wonders who “broke” a horse named Cream Puff, “shoos” other horses, imagines an outlaw enjoying the “cooler” on a hot day, etc. The humor isn’t over-the-top; often, it isn’t even groan-worthy. The pictures don’t add significant value to the text, but do help to illustrate some of Amelia’s blunders. While this book would probably circulate with the child’s fans, it is a forgettable tale.–Amy Commers, South St. Paul Public Library, MN

PAROT, Annelore. Kimonos. illus. by author. unpaged. Chronicle. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4521-0493-5. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Traditional Japanese wooden Kokeshi dolls and their fashions are the stars of this adorable look-and-find book. Drawn in a Hello Kitty-esque style, the dolls’ cylindrical figures are swathed in patterned kimonos, and their large, round heads are adorned by all manner of hair bows and hats. Amid cheerful text about clothing, hairstyles, and accessories, young readers are invited to look for small details in the illustrations and play visual games like matching patterns and shapes. Sharp-eyed children will enjoy poring over the pages again and again. Scenes that evoke everyday life in Japan, such as high-density apartment balconies and a shared bath, add delightfully authentic cultural texture, while lift-the-flap and die-cut panels enhance the book’s interactivity. Japanese words in both the Roman alphabet and Japanese characters are smoothly integrated into the text and images, introducing children to the look and sound of the language. Although charming, this book is not ideal for language study, as the text adds plural forms that do not exist in Japanese. Also, the Japanese word for a light summer robe, yukata, appears twice as yukuta. Although these issues detract from the book’s validity as an educational resource, its enchanting visual appeal is not diminished in the least. Sure to elicit a squeal of delight from devotees of all things cute.–Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Library, CA

PATTEN, Brian. The Big Snuggle-Up. illus. by Nicola Bayley. unpaged. Kane/Miller. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-61067-036-4. LC 2010941083.
PreS-Gr 2–A child invites a scarecrow to come in from the snow, and the scarecrow asks if he can bring a mouse with him. A butterfly, a robin, and other woodland creatures soon join the group until the house is full of friends all snuggled and warm around the fireplace. Patten tells this simple story of generosity and kindness with delightful rhyme, meter, and alliteration. The poem begs to be read aloud, lilting and dancing on the tongue: “A squirrel scampered down from a sycamore tree,/‘I’ll bring you some nuts, if you’ll shelter me.’” Children will enjoy joining in at the end of each stanza when the growing list of visitors is repeated. The text is printed in a large, easy-to-read font on a cream-colored background and surrounded by Bayley’s colored pencil and crayon illustrations. The art is meticulously crafted, with attention given to every hair and whisker. The style of the pictures is similar to Bayley’s illustrations for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book (Candlewick, 2005), but they are done on a larger scale and in slightly softer hues. The scarecrow is a little cartoonish, but the animals look realistic and soft enough to pet. A lovely book about sharing and compassion.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

PERRIN, Martine. Look Who ’ s There! tr. from French by Marianne Martens. illus. by author. unpaged. Albert Whitman. 2011. BD $8.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-7676-2. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Like What Do You See? (Albert Whitman, 2011), this book uses die-cut pages on spreads to enhance the illustrations and help tell the story. It opens with a question about a type of animal living in a certain environment. The page depicts part of that environment, such as seaweed, waves, a web, etc., camouflaging the animal behind it. The graphic-style art is crisp and clean and stands out well on the contrasting backgrounds. While the idea of the book is clever and even a great tool for learning, it is a bit more sophisticated than typical board books. Perrin has written a fun offering that will keep preschoolers entertained in a one-on-one setting, especially when the last pages provide a guessing game for the animals and their environments. A great purchase for libraries for those toddlers looking for interactive picture books.–Lora Van Marel, Orland Park Public Library, IL

POLACCO, Patricia. Bun Bun Button. illus. by author. unpaged. Philomel. Oct. 2011. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25472-7. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–Paige’s bunny has a pocket in her ear and flowers on her body. She keeps the girl company when she’s under the willow tree or blowing bubbles for the Siamese cats. Gramma reminds her to hold on tight to Bun Bun Button when she attaches a balloon to her arm, but when the string accidentally unravels, the helium balloon lifts the much-loved toy out of her arms and into the sky. The Darling family has always been lucky, though, so after several tears, Paige waits patiently for her Bun Bun to return. Polacco’s exuberant pencil and marker illustrations take readers from the grandmother’s cozy home up to the clouds where the stuffed rabbit travels with the Canada geese and a seagull. When she falls to the ground, she is delivered to Gramma by one of the woman’s many pets, in this case, a squirrel. Paige comes home from preschool feeling a little sad, but after she sees Bun Bun Button everyone celebrates the reunion in Gramma’s Old Blue Chair. A comforting story about the strong bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter and the loss and recovery of a beloved toy.–Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada

PORTIS, Antoinette. Princess Super Kitty. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. Oct. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-06-182725-9. LC 2010032230.
PreS-K–Princess Super Kitty, who imagines herself as a cat, wears ears and a tail to enhance her look. Her mother indulges her by letting her speak in “meows,” lap milk from a bowl, and eat her peanut butter and banana sandwich under the table. At nap time, she becomes Super Kitty, rescuing her baby brother from a tumble down the stairs and using her X-ray vision to view her older brother’s underwear. Next she adds princess gear and becomes Princess Super Kitty. Again, both of her brothers and her mother play along with the moment. When bath time is announced, she becomes Water Lily Hula Porpoise Princess Super Kitty of the Sea, complete with a grass skirt, a seashell bikini top, and a big crown. The last scene shows a bathtub with the top part of the crown and flippers visible and the text says, “Meow.” The colors in the illustrations are flat and contained within thick black lines. There is minimal background, but certainly enough to tell the story. This book is a gem. All small children would love to use their imaginations in such a fun way.–Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

RAMOS, Mario. I Am So Strong. tr. from French by Jean Anderson. illus. by author. unpaged. Gecko Pr. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-9582-7877-5. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–A modern fable about bullying and the folly of pride. The Big Bad Wolf knows that he is the strongest animal in the forest, and he wants all of the other creatures to acknowledge his superiority. He asks each one who is the strongest, and all, terrified, answer, “Oh, you are, Mister Wolf.” He finally meets his match when he encounters a small green “toad of some sort.” When he sees the baby dragon’s towering mother, he realizes that he is not really the strongest and sneaks away. Although the text is short and the plot is simple, Anderson includes some fairly advanced vocabulary and expressions that will probably be unfamiliar to the target audience, such as “Heigh-ho” and “Gumboil.” The text is printed in large, legible font, sometimes on top of full-page illustrations, and sometimes on white space between. The pictures are done with Ramos’s characteristically bold strokes, and the bright colors are applied thickly. Ramos’s amazingly expressive characters show at first glance how each creature is feeling. The well-crafted illustrations make the book worth purchasing.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

RAMSEY, Calvin Alexander & Bettye Stroud. Belle, the Last Mule at Gee’s Bend: A Civil Rights Story. illus. by John Holyfield. unpaged. Candlewick. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4058-3. LC 2010048132.
Gr 2-3–In this true story from the 1960s, a poor African-American community in Alabama becomes a microcosm for the Civil Rights Movement itself. While waiting for his mother to finish shopping, Alex occupies himself by watching a mule snack on a field of collard greens. He is surprised when an old woman walks by and tells him it is fine for Belle to eat as much as she wants. Miz Pettway explains by telling him a story. The people of Gee’s Bend (or “Benders”) were thrilled when the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., came to speak to them. No black person from their county had ever dared to vote, but after Dr. King suggested that they register in nearby Camden, they were empowered to do it. When local authorities closed the ferry, the Benders arranged their own transportation. The same was true when the time came to vote. When several people lost their jobs as a result, they banded together and began making beautiful quilts as a means of support. In the sad days following Dr. King’s assassination, the Benders were called upon again. Dr. King had wanted mules to pull a farm cart bearing his burial casket through the streets of Atlanta. The Benders sent Belle and another mule and once again succeed in spite of the barriers put in their way. Expressive acrylic illustrations in rich colors help make the story child-friendly and accessible. Belle is depicted with an appealing personality, but she is not anthropomorphized. This low-key, unsentimental story is a great vehicle for showing children how ordinary people can make a great difference.–Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA

RAY, Mary Lyn. Stars. illus. by Marla Frazee. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Beach Lane Bks. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2249-1; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2249-0. LC 2010033253.
PreS-K–Ray’s simple ode to stars is an engaging concept book. The invitation to appreciate stars begins and ends with looking for them in the night sky. In between are stars drawn on paper to wear as a sheriff’s badge, mounted on a stick to make a wand, and kept in one’s pocket. The distinctive shape is found in moss on a tree, blossoms on pumpkin vines and strawberry plants, and in winter’s snowflakes. Frazee’s deft sketches of a diverse array of young children, scattered on white or mottled blue pages, are both playful and evocative. Viewers of all ages can empathize with the lone child in a row of empty swings on one of those days “when you don’t feel so shiny.” “Blow a ball of dandelion and you blow a thousand stars into the sky.” The closing view of children donning pajamas for a last look at the night sky suggests that this will be a pleasant bedtime reading choice, but the book offers many other sharing uses for parents, preschool teachers, and librarians. It celebrates everyday experiences of children, prompting observation of the world around us, and it’s beautifully structured for eliciting children’s conversation and response. There are bits of humor and poetry, an engaging cast of players/star watchers, and many possibilities for pairing the book with crafts, activities, and other books, too.–Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

REGAN, Dian Curtis. The Snow Blew Inn. illus. by Doug Cushman. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2351-4. LC 2010029444.
K-Gr 2–Emma’s cousin, Abby, is supposed to come for a sleepover, but a blizzard is brewing. The orange tabby and her mother prepare for the storm with extra blankets and firewood as The Snow Blew Inn quickly fills up for the night–but still no sign of Abby. As more guests pile in, Emma’s mother graciously offers her room to the Squirrel family and, even though the inn is full, Emma invites the Fox family in out of the cold. Abby and her mother finally arrive, and the youngsters enjoy playing with their dolls while snuggling under a blanket. Cushman’s charming ink and watercolor pictures give a lot of warmth to the characters. This fun read-aloud could be used to illustrate hospitality and compassion. It is a welcome addition to most collections–especially where seasonal books are in high demand.–Amy Commers, South St. Paul Public Library, MN

REYNOLDS, Peter. I’m Here. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9649-4. LC 2010038962.
K-Gr 2–Created as a companion to a film of the same name, this quiet wisp of a story poignantly portrays the loneliness and social challenges experienced by a boy on the autistic spectrum. The pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoon illustrations, combined with ample white space and varied font sizes, render a warm, light touch to what could be a heavy subject. Pictured sitting alone on a busy, noisy playground, the boy describes how the cacophony created by the other children drives him to sit apart: “They are there. I am here.” When a gentle breeze wafts a rectangle of paper into his lap, he painstakingly folds it into a paper airplane. In his imagination, the plane flies him off blissfully into the sky, then swoops down nearly to the ground only to be launched into space again by the playground kids. In reality, a girl finds the paper airplane when it floats to the ground and returns it to the boy, her smile and selfless action bridging the gap between them. The utility of this book for young children, whether or not they are on the autistic spectrum, will be greatly enhanced with adult facilitation. Best for collections needing very simple materials to start conversations about human differences.–Kathleen Finn, St. Francis Xavier School, Winooski, VT

RIM, Sujean. Birdie’s Big-Girl Dress. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Little, Brown. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-13287-9. LC 2010049435.
PreS-Gr 1–When Birdie discovers she has outgrown her favorite dress, her mother takes her shopping for something new to wear to her birthday party. She tries on many beautiful frocks, but nothing feels right to her. Back home, Birdie explores the attic and finds a treasure trove of stylish outfits that had belonged to her grandparents. She and her dog piece together the perfect retro outfits–just in time to greet her friends. Birdie, whose eye for glamorous fashion was introduced in Birdie’s Big-Girl Shoes (Little, Brown, 2009), is a cheerful child with a sleekly sophisticated mother who supports her daughter’s exuberant spirit. The bright watercolor and collage illustrations of flamboyant clothing and colorful props are set against uncluttered white pages, evoking a tactile quality. This is an imaginative read that may encourage children to experiment with their own sense of fashion.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

ROSS, Tony. I Want a Party! illus. by author. unpaged. (A Little Princess Story Series). Andersen, dist. by Lerner. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8089-4; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8091-7. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Little Princess is back, and she wants a party even though it is not her birthday or Christmas. So, she spends the week writing her invitations, making a delicious cake and Jell-O mold with Cook, practicing Pin the Tail on the Donkey, and decorating. She gets all dressed up…but nobody comes. Alas, she forgot to actually mail the invitations. Not to worry, however. A knock at the door reveals that her best friend has arrived to invite Princess to her party the following week. No need to waste all those decorations and cake, however. Little Princess and her best friend have a fabulous party while looking forward to the one next week. Ross’s illustrations are produced in colorful ink and watercolors. The whimsy and simple story line will appeal to young children.–Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA

RUSSO, Marisabina. I Will Come Back for You: A Family in Hiding During World War II. illus. by author. unpaged. photos. glossary. CIP. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86695-1. LC 2010044523.
Gr 2-4–Russo tells a simplified version of her Jewish family’s World War II experiences in Italy. A modern framing story provides comforting distance, and the tale of family separation, hiding, and a father’s (offstage) death is told with great sensitivity. The warm gouache paintings make the family’s affection clear and emphasize the positive moments they are able to snatch during this terrible time. Period photographs of Russo’s family decorate the endpapers. This is a fictionalized memoir from the point of view of an individual child; it bears witness to but does not teach history or expound on major themes or lessons of the Holocaust. While it is well written and beautifully illustrated, it joins a crowded field of Holocaust testimony and stands out only for the extreme gentleness of its style. Its picture-book format and sweet illustrations may make it a difficult sell for older readers who are ready to learn about this harsh history, while its content may raise troubling questions among younger readers for whom its format is most appropriate. A title such as this should be used judiciously, with adult guidance.–Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children’s Library at Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

SHREVE, Steve. Stan and the Toilet Monster. illus. by author. 160p. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. Oct. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5977-4; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6086-2. LC 2011001233.
Gr 3-5–Stan is a normal kid with a dog; a pet chameleon; and a best friend, Larry. But one day things start to go wrong. His dog flushes Fluffy down the toilet, his last baseball rolls down the sewer grate, and the neighborhood game stops while Stan and Larry climb down to get it. They return with a round, slimy object that’s definitely not a baseball, so they take it to the neighborhood mad scientist, who knows what it is and tries to steal it. Everyone has heard there’s a monster in the sewer, and Dr. Rrhea reveals that he’s poured some failed Brussels-sprout growth formula into it. Put together a flushed chameleon and growth formula and what happens next isn’t hard to guess. Readers do see Fluffy again, but she’s on the attack, 20 times bigger and looking for her egg. Shreve’s plot and cartoon line drawings, which appear on every page, hold the ingredients for a funny, lively story, but the characters, young and old, seem to dawdle, and the writing lacks the liveliness it needs.–Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX

SIKORSKI, Joy & Nick Sunday. How to Draw a Happy Witch and 99 Things That Go Bump in the Night. illus. by authors. 97p. (How to Draw Series). index. Sterling. 2011. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-5708-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–In his second adventure, Little Man, a cat, goes on an all-night Halloween prowl that takes him through the forest to a costume ball. As in How to Draw a Sailing Cat (Sterling, 2009), there are only one or two sentences per page, but the authors manage to give the feline a charmingly jaunty personality. The book is illustrated with simple line drawings created with pencil, pastels, and a Mac in rich autumn hues. Embedded in the pictures are instructions that show readers how to draw Little Man and many of the things he encounters. The result is a hybrid picture book and step-by-step drawing manual. A few of the featured items, like the witch and the jack-o’-lantern, have a strong connection to Halloween, but most of the subjects come from nature, like a field mouse and an oak tree. The book is inviting, unintimidating, and accessible to young or reluctant artists. Advanced artists may be more interested in Curt and Kelley Visca’s How to Draw Holiday Symbols (Powerkids, 2004), which does not have an endearing story, but does have slightly more challenging drawing projects.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

STEIN, David Ezra. Love, Mouserella. illus. by author. unpaged. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. 2011. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25410-9. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 1–Mouserella’s grandmouse left three days ago, so the young mouse writes her a letter telling her about what has happened since she went home. She has completed her beaded belt, and while at the zoo with her family, she picked up a cat whisker. Her caterpillar is in the chrysalis stage. Her letter, written on yellow, blue, green, and pink paper, contains crayon drawings, color photographs, and a package of ketchup (she ate fries in the cafeteria). She reminisces about the ladybug they found and the time they spend together improving their posture. Opening the cover of this book, which resembles an addressed envelope, will prompt children to think about their own letter writing. Those who have never written a letter will be encouraged to do so when they see how quickly Mouserella overcomes writer’s block and how easy it is to express one’s thoughts on paper. Stein uses watercolor, stencils, crayon, and pencil to illustrate the little mouse’s artistic accomplishment. Children and adults can talk about the importance and benefits of written communication after sharing this book.–Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada

STEWART, Amber. Puddle’s New School. illus. by Layn Marlow. unpaged. Barron’s. 2011. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-7641-4683-1. LC 2010937035.
PreS-K–Puddle and his two friends watch the older ducklings make their way to Willow Brook Duckling School, and he wants to be just like them. One day his mother tells him that he’s big enough to start school. Initially, he can hardly wait, but the night before the big day, “his little heart went pitter-patter,” and he changes his mind. With the gentle urging of his mother, Puddle bravely goes off to school with Pip and Fern. He participates in activities such as matching ladybugs, counting caterpillars, lily-pad leaping, lunch, naptime, and art projects. Whenever he feels anxious, he caresses one of his mother’s feathers that she tucked into his school bag. At day’s end, she welcomes him home with a warm, soft hug. When he falls asleep that night, the pitter-patter of his heart is no longer due to anxiety, but rather to anticipation. “He couldn’t wait to see what he would do tomorrow at duckling school.” This is a reassuring tale for first time school-goers. Its universal theme, coupled with large naturalistic illustrations and large font size, makes it an excellent read-aloud for young children and for use in preschool/daycare and kindergarten settings.–Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

STURGIS, Brenda Reeves. 10 Turkeys in the Road. illus. by David Slonim. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5847-0; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6009-1. LC 2010001232.
K-Gr 2–A farmer in a pickup truck finds his progress down a country road thwarted by 10 turkeys performing circus acts. As he beeps his horn, flashes his lights, clangs his tools, etc., the turkeys fly away one by one. When he exits his truck, the turkeys sneak in, inviting the farmer to come and see the show as they drive off, leaving him stranded. Some pigs pick him up, and he eventually ends up at the Turkey Circus eating popcorn. Watching the farmer become increasingly frustrated and angry as the cavorting turkeys block his path is not particularly amusing, and it strikes an off note to think that children should be encouraged to find his unhappiness as he pounds the hood of his truck something laughable. The cartoon illustrations, rendered in acrylic, are frenetic, with a constant sense of motion and nowhere for the eye to rest.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

SUEN, Anastasia. Road Work Ahead. illus. by Jannie Ho. unpaged. Viking. 2011. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01288-6. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–This delightful story follows a little boy and his mom as they head out for Grandma’s house. The journey takes a bit of a detour when they are delayed because of construction work around the city. Vibrant spreads depict crews working on roads, streetlights, and water mains; drilling holes; and putting up poles. Even the family dog, along for the ride, takes in the sights. The cheerful illustrations enhance the smooth, rhyming text. They are full of detail and hum with activity (a family of ducks and a whimsical rooster appear throughout). The simple phrases and rhymes provide the perfect read-aloud for lap-sits or storyhours with children who love construction or transportation themes.–Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI

THURLBY, Paul. Paul Thurlby’s Alphabet. illus. by author. unpaged. Candlewick/Templar. Oct. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5565-5. LC 2010045400.
PreS Up–Slick, retro-modern design and some cheeky vocabulary choices are the main appeal of this straightforward alphabet book. Each letter is showcased in upper- and lowercase font on the left-hand pages with backgrounds derived from recycled paper materials. Facing each one is an image in the shape of the letter along with the word it represents. The illustrations are complete with dog-eared edges that give the impression of having been salvaged from yard sales. Thurlby starts off with “A for Awesome!” and a snappy A-shaped boy with a perfect ’50s part in his hair. Under “F for Fierce,” F appears as a snarling lion. Some of the other notable entries include a G in graffiti style, a J-shaped saxophone played by a jazz cat in vintage duds, an S-shaped space station with a very ’50s astronaut ray gun in hand, and a subway traveling underground through a U-shaped tunnel. Each letter is large and clearly distinguishable. Colors are vivid and the overall design is attractive. As a child’s introduction to the alphabet and corresponding vocabulary, this is a serviceable addition. However, Thurlby’s primary fans will be adults intent on applying an eye for haute design to the acquisition of their children’s books and playthings. Order for large collections and for units on Pop Art history aimed at older students.–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

VAN FLEET, Matthew. Moo. photos by Brian Stanton. unpaged. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks. 2011. BD $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3503-2; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3609-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS–This interactive board book dazzles the senses by portraying farm animals’ sounds and textures. Nimble fingers can manipulate pages that include lifting flaps to reveal surprises, pulling and pushing tabs that create animal actions, and touching textures that represent animal fur and feathers. Touch and sound combine when listeners discover a rubber duck among the real ones and push a pad that makes the toy squeak. Children will learn the names for male and female, adult and young of each variety (“Mommy ewe, Daddy ram, Lambs just born”). The minimal text includes rhythm and rhyme. Stanton’s full-color photographs contribute to the authenticity of the animals and the sensations stimulated in this book. Children are in store for an enriching, tactile-rich experience.–Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT

VERBURG, Bonnie. The Kiss Box. illus. by Henry Cole. unpaged. CIP. Orchard. Dec. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-11284-0. LC 2009012102.
PreS–Mama Bear must go away for awhile and she attempts to console her child with such sentiments as, “I will always come back,” as well as, “And even when I’m not with you, Little Bear, I’ll send you love and kisses every minute of every day.” Little Bear creates a “Kiss Box,” in which he places a hundred kisses for his mother. He then requests that she make one for him, and he’s calmed knowing that their love will be conveyed through the boxes while they are apart. Very similar to Audrey Penn’s The Kissing Hand (Child Welfare League of America, 1993), this book is intended to assure children that they are remembered and cared about even when separated from their loved ones. Cole’s charming and cheery watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations of Mama Bear and Little Bear enjoying the day before she leaves do much to make this title appealing. The audience for this sweet, tender tale is very young children who may be reassured by the tangible reminder of love.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

WAECHTER, Philip. Bravo! tr. from German by Sally-Ann Spencer. illus. by Moni Port. unpaged. Gecko. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-8774-6771-4. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Helena, a trumpet-playing kitten who lives with her mother, father, and little brother, has almost a perfect life, except for one thing. Her father is a shouter who comes from a long line of shouters. She dislikes his yelling so much that she leaves home to find another person with whom to live. In the midst of her parents’ search for her, Helena’s father promises never to shout again. Finally, they see a poster for a concert featuring their daughter. She triumphantly performs and is happy to hear her father’s shout of “Bravo!” A reunion is glimpsed at story’s end. The muted, full-color art is delicate and sketchy. The illustrations feature plenty of white space and large vistas that focus the action on the family. Children will respond to Helena, a self-contained child who finds her own quiet way to respond to the noise around her.–Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

WALLACE, Nancy Elizabeth. Ready, Set, 100th Day! illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2011. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5956-9; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6070-1. LC 2011001128.
K-Gr 1–Young Minna enlists her family’s help in coming up with a unique way to display the number 100 to her class. She makes 20 piles of 5 sticks, 10 rows of 10 stickers, 5 rows of 20 pom poms, and other combinations using pasta, paper clips, and punched shapes. But nothing is original enough for Minna. Her final masterpiece is a collage with a little bit of everything. This is definitely a book that will appeal to children. All of the characters are anthropomorphic brown rabbits done in large, colorful collages. The concepts are shown in a straightforward way that will be useful for introducing and reinforcing the number sets. The text is simple, with a sweet interaction between Minna and her preschooler brother. The final page includes a picture of the finished project, asking readers to find 10 of each item. This is an excellent choice for school libraries in particular. Teachers can use the book to pre-teach the concept and motivate children to find an original way to depict 100.–Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

WHELAN, Gloria. The Boy Who Wanted to Cook. illus. by Steve Adams. unpaged. (Tales of the World Series). glossary. CIP. Sleeping Bear. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-534-0. LC 2010053801.
Gr 3-4–Pierre’s parents own a small restaurant in the south of France. Although the boy longs to be a chef, his father says he is too young to cook. While he is out riding his bike, a stranger stops him and asks directions to his family’s restaurant. Pierre notices that the man has an “inspection form” with him and that he is going to rate the restaurant, but he simply tells his parents that a new guest is coming to dine. As they prepare for the visitor, Pierre must go to the village for special ingredients. He spots some fresh wild mushrooms in the field and gathers them. Although his father’s recipe for boeuf à la mode does not include morilles, Pierre slips them into the pot when his parents aren’t looking. The reviewer loves the dish and awards the restaurant a star. The illustrations are beautiful and have a charming, folksy flair. In France, chefs are held in high regard and meal preparation is done painstakingly, with the finest ingredients. This book is a reflection of those values and provides a glimpse into rural life. French words are sprinkled throughout, many of them defined within the text, and a glossary and pronunciation guide are appended. This book does many things well; however, the slight story may not hold much interest for American children.–Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

Nonfiction

ASTON, Dianna Hutts. Dream Something Big: The Story of the Watts Towers. illus. by Susan L. Roth. unpaged. Penguin/Dial. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3245-2. LC 2010028797.
Gr 2-5–This stunningly illustrated picture book succeeds on every level. Chronicling the story of Italian immigrant Simon Rodia, the creative genius who built the famed Watts Towers in Los Angeles, the simple yet elegant text brings the man’s process to light through the narration of a fictional girl who measures her own life against the construction of the towers. Uncle Sam, as he was known in the neighborhood, worked in a tile factory by day and scavenged for treasure in trash heaps and along the nearby railroad tracks in his spare time. Using scrap tile, broken pottery, bits of glass, seashells, rebar, wire mesh, and cement, Rodia realized his dream through slow but steady work, raising his towers nearly 100 feet high without nails, bolts, or even a ladder. Adding dimension and richness to the story, Roth’s splendid multimedia collages both honor and illuminate his work. Combining paper, ceramics, fabric, and photography, the artwork not only reinforces the look of the towers but also the technique of bringing together disparate bits to create a cohesive and beautiful whole. One particularly moving page uses black-and-white photographs of similarly shaped Italian towers as a backdrop, exploring the idea that immigrants bring their culture with them. This is a book that is filled with possibilities; it is an artistic work that could easily serve as a springboard for a multitude of discussions/projects about creativity, artistry, imagination, conservation, repurposing, perseverance, and the influence and importance of immigrants. A worthwhile author’s note and instructions to craft a small Watts Tower are appended.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

ATTABOY. You Might Be a Monster & Other Stories I Made Up! illus. by author. 36p. Immedium. 2011. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-59702-025-1. LC 2010041393.
Gr 2-5–This mix of comedy and horror is also a mix of hits and misses. Purportedly written by a “Worm Named Attaboy,” it includes 11 stories in verse form, accompanied by lots of bright digital cartoons set on glossy black pages. “Hug a Cactus” has the type of humor many kids enjoy: “I’m stuck on you forever/and no one can tear us apart.” Unfortunately, though, too much of the writing lacks a sure sense of rhythm. Here’s an example from “Clown Graveyard”: “They’ll bake you a fresh skull cake/and pile into a tiny hearse,/repeating the same lame jokes/forever is their eternal curse.” Some of the pictures will engage kids who enjoy mildly gross humor, and it is fun seeing the worm/author popping up here and there. But the busy pages sometimes look cluttered and lack focus. For a more coherent and clever book like this, try Adam Rex’s Frankenstein Takes the Cake (Harcourt, 2008).–Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

CAPALDI, Gina & Q. L. Pearce, adapts. Red Bird Sings: The Story of Zitkala-Ša, Native American Author, Musician and Activist. illus. by Gina Capaldi. 32p. photos. bibliog. further reading. CIP. Carolrhoda. Oct. 2011. PLB $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5257-0; ebook $13.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-7159-5. LC 2011003014.
Gr 3-6–This picture-book biography of Zitkala-Ša, a young Sioux girl born in 1876 in South Dakota, adapts and paraphrases some of her own autobiographical writings to trace her life from youth to adulthood. Born Gertrude Simmons, she was sent to an Indian boarding school in Indiana when she was eight, and it was through this education that she discovered a love and talent for music, writing, and public speaking, among other things. Her journey took her ever farther east, from college in Indiana to teaching in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, to finally fighting for Native American civil rights in Washington, DC, in the early 1920s. Each spread shares moments from her life as she struggled to survive in two very different worlds: the familiar Sioux reservation and the Anglo world that was opened up to her. While the text is modified for clarity for young audiences, it is still lyrical and compelling, drawing readers into the woman’s life and work. The accompanying paintings are textured and sometimes layered with maps, pictures, and magazine pages that provide a rich complement to the story, conveying both emotion and depth. This unique format brings Zitkala-Ša’s intriguing story to life, and engenders further exploration. Extensive back matter includes suggested readings, useful websites, and a bit more detail about Zitkala-Ša.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

CHILD, L. Maria. Over the River and Through the Wood: The New England Boy’s Song About Thanksgiving Day. illus. by Matt Tavares. unpaged. Candlewick. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-2790-4. LC 2010038878.
PreS-Gr 3–A charming and dynamic rendition of the song about Thanksgiving Day, originally published in 1844. All 12 original verses are included, each old-fashioned scene appropriately matching the text. Tavares’s watercolor, ink, and pencil illustrations are crisp and bright, expertly capturing the wind-whipped outdoor scenes of the sleigh moving from page to page and ultimately to grandfather’s house for a feast. This version is similar in feel to the one illustrated by Brinton Turkle (Coward-McCann, 1974), but it does not include the music notation. A note about the author’s life is appended. Overall, a worthy addition.–Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

CHIN, Jason. Coral Reefs. illus. by author. unpaged. diag. bibliog. CIP. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-563-6. LC 2010045189.
K-Gr 3–Using a fantasy framework similar to that in Redwoods (Roaring Brook, 2009), Chin offers a colorful and inventive introduction to coral reefs. A young girl pulls a replica of this very book off the shelves in the magnificent reading room of the New York Public Library. As she becomes absorbed in it, coral starts to sprout around her and the photo realistic illustrations begin to transform into the watery world of the reef. With book still in hand, the girl observer floats through this fantastic world, which is skillfully illustrated with vivid, arresting views of the fragile habitat. Through the use of panels and changing perspectives, Chin maximizes the drama of reef life while the straightforward text packs in basic information including the structure of a reef and the concept of a food chain. Some points need further clarification and two pages of informative back matter help, offering technical diagrams describing the relationship between the algae and the corals, as well as concerns about the future of coral reefs. While not drawn to scale, the charming sketchbook- style endpapers depict an array of sea animals and corals. As her imaginative adventure ends and the smiling and slightly soggy girl slowly returns to the real world, in a satisfying final scene, she is seen sharing the book with other children on the library steps.–Caroline Ward, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

CONNOLLY, Sean & Kay Barnham. The Monster Fun Joke Book. ISBN 978-1-61533-360-8; ISBN 978-1-61533-398-1; ISBN 978-1-61533-426-1. LC 2010052139.
–––– . The Outer Space Joke Book. CIP. ISBN 978-1-61533-364-6; ISBN 978-1-61533-402-5; ISBN 978-1-61533-430-8. LC 2010052140.
–––– . The School’s Cool Joke Book. CIP. ISBN 978-1-61533-363-9; ISBN 978-1-61533-401-8; ISBN 978-1-61533-429-2. LC 2010052142.
ea vol: illus. by Adam Clay. 32p. (Laugh Out Loud! Series). further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. Windmill. Oct. 2011. PLB $25.25; pap. $11.75; ebook $25.25.
Gr 1-5–These collections will delight children. Monster has jokes such as: “Did you hear about the hip-hop mummy?/He was a wrap artist!” In School , one selection reads, “Teacher: Why are you taking that sponge into class? Pupil: Because I find your class so absorbing.” In Outer Space: “How did the alien tie his shoe? With an astro-knot.” Each book is well organized with multiple jokes and a colorful, cartoon illustration on each page. Additional purchases for school and public libraries. –Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

DEMI. Joan of Arc. illus. by author. unpaged. map. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2011. RTE $19.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5953-8; ebook $19.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5999-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-6–This elegant, thoughtful book is an excellent introduction to the life and times of Joan of Arc. Her childhood was filled with religious devotion that led her to help care for the sick and poor in her small French village. When a vision of the Archangel Michael appeared and told her that her destiny was to lead an army and put the dauphin Charles on the throne, she was initially overwhelmed, but eventually determined to follow the word of God. Demi’s brilliant telling of this familiar tale turns a complex story into an accessible and, more importantly, engaging one for young readers. The running theme of Joan’s innocence, purity of heart, and devout faith butting up against violent enemies and political intrigue time and time again is part of what makes this story so compelling. Medieval France is brought to life via touches of heraldry and illumination that permeate the mixed-media artwork. Gilded, colorful paintings are rich with both religious symbols and the pastoral surroundings that influenced Joan throughout her short life. This is a lovely addition to any biography collection.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

EMBERLEY, Rebecca & Ed Emberley. The Lion and the Mice. illus. by authors. unpaged. (I Like to Read Series). CIP. Holiday House. 2011. RTE $14.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2357-6. LC 2010044205.
PreS-Gr 1–In this uneven easy reader, the traditional fable is presented in an urban setting, with the lion stuck in a cage instead of a net. The mouse is lost, and the lion not only spares her life but also lifts her up so she can find her home. The mouse returns with an entire community of mice who work together to unlock the cage (though how/where they get the key is a mystery). The Emberleys’ characteristic eye-popping abstract art is as delightful as ever, but suffers in the smaller format. While earlier collaborations such as The Red Hen (Roaring Brook, 2010) showcased the bold figures with lots of white space, Lion is set against an abstract night/cityscape and is composed with varying perspectives that may be confusing for emergent readers who are looking for context. The short sentences and simplified storytelling that make it appropriate for early readers prevent it from being an enjoyable read aloud: “The mouse comes back./More mice come./The lion roars.” The quirky little rodents in their fancy boots are utterly charming, but the overall effect of the book is disjointed and will be confusing to its intended audience.–Anna Haase Krueger, Antigo Public Library, WI

FIELDING, Beth. Animal Tails. 36p. photos. glossary. index. CIP. EarlyLight Bks. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-0-9797455-8-4; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-390-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–Fielding describes how tails work for elephants, kangaroos, primates, cats, squirrels, chameleons, lizards, snakes, birds, whales, stingrays, and caterpillars. More than 13 styles of tails, such as scaly, stinging, and spraying, are paired with various functions performed by these animals. For example, both the male and female kangaroos use their tails for balancing while they jump, but the female uses it to offset the weight of her joey nestled in her pouch and the male uses his to stabilize himself while fighting other males. The full-color photography is quite bright, clear, and eye-catching, but doesn’t always align with the text. For example, the text states that “Many chameleons use their tails like an extra hand or foot to help them hang on to branches while they climb or hunt” yet the photos do not reflect that usage. An appended “Tail Talk” section adds snippets about many more creatures such as fish, opossums, seahorses, and rats. A visually appeal and interesting introduction.–Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

GERSTEIN, Mordicai. Dear Hot Dog: Poems About Everyday Stuff. illus. by author. unpaged. Abrams. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-9732-5. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–These poems look at everyday things like socks and leaves through the eyes of three youngsters. Both evocative and childlike, “Hot Dog” has a wonderful image of a frankfurter “snug as a puppy in your bready bun. I love you.” “Ice-Cream Cone” explores the senses of touch and taste as a girl savors every last bit of the melting confection. In a final twist, she gives the cone to her little brother: “He likes them./I don’t,” making the verse seem to be the authentic voice of a child. The full-color and black-line illustrations on mostly white backgrounds are energetic and show children in poses that belong only to the young. They support the verses beautifully, although one slightly misses the mark. “Summer Sun” takes place at a pool, but the children appear to be seaside. As with many collections, not all of the poems are equally strong. Nevertheless, this book is lovely overall. Because the topics are concrete, it is a great tool for teaching poetry.–Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

HARRIS, Robie H. Who Has What?: All About Girls’ Bodies and Boys’ Bodies. illus. by Nadine Bernard Westcott. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. 2011. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-2931-1. LC 2010040464.
PreS-Gr 2–This is a straightforward presentation, as told through simple exposition and the dialogue of a young girl and boy who are going to the beach for the day. As the youngsters chat with one another about their similarities and differences, readers are greeted with visually appealing cartoonlike drawings that depict an array of people in various family groupings. As the two children change in their separate cabanas, arrows point to and name the parts of their bodies that distinguish them as male or female. A dog (of the same sex as the child) has crept into each child’s cabana so its parts are labeled, too. Correct terminology is used, e.g., vagina, scrotum, penis, ovary, uterus, but Harris does not delve into how these body parts function, and she doesn’t address the reproductive process. The book serves as a great way to introduce male and female body parts for anyone not used to discussing or naming them. For a more comprehensive look at body parts, reproduction, and birth, check out Harris’s It’s Not the Stork! (Candlewick, 2006).–Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID

HARVEY, Jeanne Walker. My Hands Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden’s Childhood Journey. illus. by Elizabeth Zunon. unpaged. bibliog. further reading. Web sites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2011. RTE $0. ISBN 978-0-7614-5810-4; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6063-3. LC 2010016849.
Gr 2-5–Bearden was one of the great artists who came out of the remarkably fertile Harlem Renaissance. His collages invoked many images that represented the struggle of African Americans as they sought to live productive lives after generations of repression and bondage. Inspired by his painting Watching the Good Trains Go By, this homage to the artist incorporates his love of the blues and jazz and takes the shape of a standard blues song with its repetition and varying rhythms. It tells the story of Bearden’s childhood and how his experiences ultimately shaped his art. Practicing it as a read-aloud is a must to ensure conveying the flow of the “song” to the audience. The accompanying artwork is beautifully done in oil paint and mixed-media collage and will introduce the medium to those children not already acquainted with it. Seeing how a story can be told through bits and pieces of paper or fabric that are cut and glued together is a wonderful message sure to inspire budding artists. Pair this book with Claire Hartfield’s Me and Uncle Romie: A Story Inspired by the Life and Art of Romare Bearden (Dial, 2002) to fill out the artist’s life story. A great addition to an existing collection of art books and certainly to the books for children on Bearden.–Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

HEOS, Bridget. What to Expect When You’re Expecting Joeys: A Guide for Marsupial Parents (and Curious Kids). illus. by Stéphane Jorisch. 32p. bibliog. further reading. glossary. Web sites. CIP. Millbrook. Oct. 2011. PLB $25.26. ISBN 978-0-7613-5859-6. LC 2010051506.
Gr 1-3–If marsupial mamas-to-be were literate, they’d appreciate this guide to the birth and care of their joeys, called “pinkies” when they’re first born. Though the author has written the book as if she were talking to them, the real intended audience is children, who will delight in the humor contained in the text as well as in the colorful illustrations of animals with animated facial expressions. Presented in a question-and-answer format, the book addresses such questions as, “What if I don’t have a pouch? Help! I’ve looked everywhere!” or, “Should I make the pouch with paper or cloth?” Each question is answered with a blend of humor and factual information, and children will be able to discern, then empathize with, the mother’s concern about her offspring. Heos explains vocabulary terms specific to marsupials, such as “cloaca,” “joey,” and “mob,” and includes a glossary that defines these and other terms associated with marsupials. Teachers using this book have the opportunity to explain what anthropomorphism means and show how it applies to the critters in this book, then distinguish between which aspects of it are true to a marsupial’s nature and which ones are human attributes.–Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID

KELLY, Irene. Even an Octopus Needs a Home. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2235-7. LC 2010029441.
K-Gr 3–Using illustrations done in watercolor, gouache, and pen and ink, Kelly introduces various animal homes. She divides the residences into categories: tree houses, towers, lodges, caves, burrows, floating and mobile homes, and bubbles. Some are familiar; others are more unusual, like the monk parakeet’s treetop apartment buildings. The artist’s palette skillfully broadens to accommodate each habitat, from the Great Barrier Reef to the brown bear’s winter den. The well-labeled paintings are realistic and range from close-ups to a span of ocean floor. The baby bat peeping out from its mother’s wing embrace is charming. The informational bits are ideal in length; they’re great for fast-fact lovers but will tease out further study in many cases. The important message of environmental stewardship–“all animals…need homes for the same reason: to have a safe and snug place to live and raise a family”–should resonate with children.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

KRULL, Kathleen. Jim Henson: The Guy Who Played with Puppets. illus. by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher. 40p. CIP. Random. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85721-8; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95721-5; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98914-8. LC 2010043837.
Gr 1-3–This easy-to-read biography of the master muppeteer hits the highlights of Henson’s life and shows how he pursued his personal goal “to be one of the people who made a difference in this world.” Years before the world knew about Kermit and friends, young Henson was already filling notebooks with drawings of imaginative creatures and trading stories with his grandmother. Later came local plays and shows, and, at age 16, a job on a TV show working with marionettes. His love of puppets continued, leading to Sam and Friends , a five-minute comedy in the Washington, D.C., area. His biggest break, of course, came in 1968 with the launching of Children’s Television Workshop and Sesame Street . Johnson and Fancher have filled this picture book with warm and loving watercolor illustrations on each page. A fine introduction to one of the most creative artists of the last century. –Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA

NAMM, Diane, retel. Greek Myths. illus. by Eric Freeberg. 152p. (Classic Starts Series). CIP. Sterling. 2011. Tr $5.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-7312-9. LC 2010039803.
Gr 2-5–Namm retells 15 familiar myths in the simple, straightforward style that makes this series so accessible for emerging readers. While only one story actually deals with the gods themselves, further information about them in the introduction should satisfy interested readers. The book also includes a family tree that helps tremendously in keeping all of the names and relationships straight. The other 14 selections focus on heroes, kings, and other notable mortals or lesser supernatural creatures, and how the gods tend to interfere in their lives for better or worse. Examples include the stories of Pygmalion and Galatea, Daedalus and Icarus, and Pandora. Most of the selections are accompanied by a single illustration that illuminates a major plot point or characters. Motivations and feelings are described directly, allowing children to easily grasp the deeper meaning of the stories. The book ends with discussion questions and a note for parents and educators. Give this title to Percy Jackson’s younger fans, reluctant readers, or those who want to read Greek myths but don’t know where to start. It will likely become a fixture in most libraries.–Heather Talty, formerly at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, New York City

RODRIGUEZ, Sonia & Kurt Browning. T Is for Tutu: A Ballet Alphabet. illus. by Wilson Ong. unpaged. CIP. Sleeping Bear. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-312-4. LC 2010030385.
K-Gr 3–For each letter of the alphabet, a brief rhyme introduces a word and explains how it relates to ballet. Also included is a sidebar that elaborates on the chosen term and its relationship to dancing. Children are introduced to some specific terms, such Agrippina Vaganova, pointe shoes, Giselle , and The Nutcracker, as well as general words such as stretching, warm up, universal language, and king. It is curious that despite the title of the book, the letter T is “for the theater.” Y is for “the yellow tutu you adore” but in the illustration all of the dancers are in bluish above-the-knee costumes. The rhyme for “B for ballet” sends a stereotypical message emphasizing that for girls it is about “pretty pink tutus and flowers in their hair” and for boys it is about growing strong and jumping high. The illustrations are realistic with a subtle palette that aptly captures the many dimensions and perspectives of the ballet world from intimate moments as a young dancer nurses an injury to the grand drama on the stage. Although the book has some nice moments and good information, it might have limited appeal. –Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

SPIELMAN, Gloria. Marcel Marceau: Master of Mime. illus. by Manon Gauthier. unpaged. photos. CIP. Lerner/Kar-Ben. 2011. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-3961-8; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-3962-5. LC 2010027787.
Gr 2-5–Readers are introduced to the world-famous reviver of the lost art of mime in this attractive and accessible picture-book biography. Melding Marceau’s childhood and evolution as an artist with world events, Spielman reveals how the young son of a kosher butcher in Strasbourg, France, pursued his dream, despite the Nazi invasion in 1939. After his father took him to see a silent Charlie Chaplin film when he was five, “The boy was fascinated that the actor could make his audience laugh and cry without ever speaking a word. Marcel decided he would grow up to be like Charlie.” After his city was evacuated, he and his older brother were sent to study art in Limoges, the center of the French Resistance. There, he used his artistic talent to doctor children’s identification cards. He also led groups of Jewish children to the safety of the Swiss border; one illustration shows him with a group of young charges on a train singing heartily as a clueless Nazi soldier claps enthusiastically. After his father was sent to Auschwitz, he went to a children’s home outside of Paris, where he taught art and drama. At age 20, a famous actor and director saw him perform and encouraged him to study drama. After the war, he perfected his trademark character, a role he played for the next 60 years. The final spread includes color and black-and-white photographs of the performer as Bip. Gauthier’s childlike mixed-media illustrations feature myriad rosy-cheeked characters and capture both the whimsy of Marceau’s performances and the more somber conditions of war-torn France.–Barbara Auerbach, PS 217, Brooklyn, NY

URBIGKIT, Cat. The Guardian Team: On the Job with Rena and Roo. photos by author. 32p. bibliog. Boyds Mills. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-770-0. LC 2011920697.
Gr 1-3–Caution: This book may cause the warm-fuzzies. Orphaned wild burro Roo and litter-runt puppy Rena become livestock guardians and, eventually, friends on the author’s ranch. They are initially paired to protect lamb orphans from predators. Youthful, mutual wariness eventually unfolds into friendship between the two. In the meantime, their work is displayed in words and pictures. Roo is shown in a stare-down with a distrusted ram, keeping him from her flock. Rena sniffs inquisitively and lovingly at her charges. Lambs go about their adorable lamby business. Heartwarming photos and clear, accessible text combine to make this story a winner. Display this book with Jon Katz’s Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm (Holt, 2011), another fine, nonfiction photo-fest of working farm animals. The Guardian Team is perfect for classroom–and family–reading time. Lovely.–Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

WATKINS, Angela Farris. My Uncle Martin’s Words for America. illus. by Eric Velasquez. 40p. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Abrams. 2011. RTE $19.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0022-4. LC 2011003888.
K-Gr 4–This book is a worthy successor to My Uncle Martin’s Big Heart (Abrams, 2010). Told from the perspective of Martin Luther King’s niece as a young girl, the moving text powerfully describes the tremendous societal and legal changes that resulted from Dr. King’s leadership of the Civil Rights Movement. Terms such as “justice” and “brotherhood” receive clear and succinct definitions, and repetitive phrases encourage children’s understanding of them. (“When Uncle Martin used the word NONVIOLENCE, people listened, and things began to change!” “When Uncle Martin used the word FREEDOM, people listened, and things changed!”) The book depicts the oppression and persecution the Kings endured, including the bombing of their home and Dr. King’s arrest, with no mention of his assassination. The narrative captures the complexity of the era while maintaining a fully realized child-centered voice. A comprehensive index features topics barely mentioned in the text, and the author’s note seems unnecessary. Paintings in a vibrant palette show recognizable portraits of famous African Americans. A personable and powerful account of the human voice that emboldened a nation.–Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

WHITE, Becky. Betsy Ross. illus. by Megan Lloyd. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-1908-1. LC 2009054296.
PreS-Gr 3–Fourteen spreads with four to six rhythmic words on each one tell the story of the first American flag. The title page shows George Washington on his horse conversing with the seamstress in front of her shop. Then, “Betsy ripped./Rip, rip.” The next spread reads, “Seven rich,/Crimson strips,” and, finally, “Betsy grinned./Grin, grin.” “Old Glory whipped/In the wind.” The large, simple text, paired with the irresistible appliqué art, makes this a perfect introduction to the Stars and Stripes. Using cotton fabric, embroidery thread, dye, paint, and linoleum-block prints, Lloyd captures the period, hard work, and ingenuity of this favorite colonial figure. Close-ups of each step of the process, coupled with images of the smiling woman in her white cap, long pink dress with white collar and apron, and black lace shoes, scissors snipping by candlelight, re-create the experience for the youngest readers. When youngsters read the final pages, they will feel the same pride in our flag as its creator must have felt. An author’s note explains that Washington’s original sketch called for six-point stars as he assumed that five-points would be too difficult to cut. Apparently, Ross showed him how, with a series of five folds, the latter could be cut with a single clip of the scissors. A final page shows children how to make their own “Betsy Ross Stars” using paper or fabric.–Barbara Auerbach, PS 217, Brooklyn, NY

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