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Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
A True Princess of Hawaii
Beth Greenway, author
Tammy Yee, illustrator
Arbordale Publishing
612 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite A2, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
9781628559484, $17.95, www.arbordalepublishing.com
"A True Princess of Hawaii" is based upon historical events which occurred during the
1880-1881 eruption of Mauna Loa on the island of Hawaii, involving the actions of Princess
Luka. A Hawaiian girl named Nani is anxious to see princess Luka, who has come to visit her
town of Hilo because it is threatened by the lava flow from Mauna Loa. Nani is just a young girl,
but her actions are like those of a true princess, sharing her food, comforting others, helping even
a fearful horse to move closer to the volcano flow, and being kind to an unknown elderly woman,
again sharing her peppermint sticks. Nani witnesses the princess Luka making an appeasing ritual
to calm the volcano goddess Pele, and petition her to stop the lava flow to save the village of
Hilo. Princess Luka was a very tall, large, statuesque woman at this time, and Nani's friend Keoki
said,"She sure doesn't look like a princess." Because of her experience with the unknown women,
and because she knew that the goddess Pele sometimes walked among her people, Nani
answered, calmly, "A true princess is known by her deeds". "A True Princess of Hawaii" is
completed by beautiful, realistic but imaginative color illustrations plus creative learning activity
pages including For Creative Minds, pacific Rim of Fire, Princess Luka and Mauna Loa,
Volcanic Vocabulary Matching, and Respect Hawaii's Natural Resources. There is also an
informative map showing the five volcanoes on the island of Hawaii. This excellent educational
book has great appeal to young readers of all ages, and is part of an extremely successful
series.
How Do I Feel Today?
Kay D. Allyn, LCSW, author
Jen Williamson, illustrator
Belle Isle Books
c/o Brandylane Publishers, Inc.
5 S. 1st St., Richmond, VA 23219
9781939930774, $14.95, www.belleislebooks.com
Dedicated to the goal of helping children find healthy ways of dealing with their feelings, "How
Do I Feel Today?" is a simple guide for kids to become aware of and attuned to their inner
feelings. Written in appealing rhyme, the text makes simple practical suggestions for defusing
angry or tantrum feelings and impulses. Crayon colored children's illustrations make connections
to feelings that kids can easily identify with. Creative ways of dealing with sad feelings are also
suggested, in nonjudgmental language. Even feelings of embarrassment can be overwhelming to
kids. Here is a lovely quotation to illustrate the inner balance techniques being taught/suggested
in "How Do I Feel Today?": "So how do I make this not a BIG deal? The first thing to do is
acknowledge how I feel. This feeling is scary and big to me. But moving on will help it pass
more quickly. I feel silly and embarrassed, but that is different than angry or sad. Everyone has
felt this way and it will pass soon, which helps me feel glad." Reminders are repeated to take
deep breaths, and to imagine oneself as calm and strong. For a very little book, "How Do I Feel
Today?" offers kids a very solid core of tools to tackle dealing with a whole complex of emotions
and feelings in positive, constructive ways.
I Like, I Don't Like
Anna Baccelliere, author
Ale + Ale, illustrator
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
c/o Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
2140 Oak Industrial Drive, NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
www.eerdmans.com/youngreaders
9780802854803, $16.00, HC, 28pp, www.amazon.com
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that every child in the world has the right to
play. Unfortunately, that universal right is not always respected. Engagingly written by Anna
Baccelliere "I Like, I Don't Like" presents this reality to young ages 4 to 9 readers by showing
how children in varying circumstances can see the same object very differently. With stark
illustrations by Ale + Ale that perfectly capture the tone of the book, "I Like, I Don't Like" will
inspire meaningful discussions about privilege and poverty. Thoughtful and thought-provoking,
as well as thoroughly 'kid friendly' in tone, organization and presentation, "I Like, I Don't Like" is
very highly recommended, especially for preschool, elementary school, and community library
picture book collections for social issues.
The Baby in Mommy's Tummy
Michelle Cole, author
ISz, illustrator
ACTA Publications
4848 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640
www.actapublications.com
9780879465919, $16.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
"The Baby in Mommy's Tummy" is a whimsically illustrated picture book is specifically
designed to help older siblings learn about an unborn baby's growth, bond with their new sibling
before the birth, and see God's creating hand in the process of gestation. During her own
pregnancies, author Michelle Cole enjoyed the many resources for new parents that teach about
the awe-inspiring development that occurs before a baby is born, but she lamented the lack of
similar resources for younger family members. She found that young children's books on prenatal
development were rare, especially ones that presented God as the author of this new life. She
wrote "The Baby in Mommy's Tummy" to help young children, especially new big brothers and
big sisters, to bond with their unborn siblings and see God's creating hand. Thoroughly 'kid
friendly' in tone, commentary, organization and presentation, "The Baby in Mommy's Tummy" is
unreservedly recommended for family, school, church, and community library picture book
collections for children.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Pup The Sea Otter
Jonathan London, author
Sean London, illustrator
Graphic Arts Books
PO Box 56118, Portland, OR 97238-6118
www.graphicartsbooks.com
9781943328871, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
In "Pup The Sea Otter", children ages 4 to 8 will watch Pup grow from his birth to first dive and
from rambunctious play with other pups to a frightening encounter with a predator. Pup's story is
told by author Jonathan London in a sparse, poetic text with vivid vocabulary which is enhanced
with the backdrop of luminous illustrations by Sean London. Together the narrative and the
artwork effectively combine to bring the adorable Pup and his loving mother to life within the
swirling sea around them. Of special notice is the author's note at the end shares fascinating facts
about this popular keystone species. "Pup The Sea Otter" is certain to be an enduringly popular
and beloved addition to family, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture
book collections.
Little Whale in Deep Trouble
Hans Wilhelm
Barron's
250 Wireless Boulevard, Hauppauge, NY 11788
www.barronseduc.com
9780764168512, $9.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Young children ages 3 to 6 will be riveted by the story of Little Whale, a young calf who goes
everywhere with his Mama. Every day as they swim through the waves, Little Whale feels happy
and safe whenever he sees their shadows side by side on the ocean floor. One day, Little Whale
sees a school of stingrays cruising by and he quickly races after them. He doesn't think he's gone
too far when he suddenly looks down and sees only one shadow! Mama Whale is nowhere to be
found and he's stuck in a big fishing net! Now Little Whale is in deep trouble! Children will
race to the end of this story to learn the outcome, discovering the real-life story that inspired this
entertaining book. "Little Whale in Deep Trouble" includes lots of engaging facts about
Humpback Whales that will encourage kids to learn more about these gentle giants. It's an
excellent and fun-to-read resource for children as they strive to meet state standards in English
Language Arts. Informative, entertaining, and thoroughly 'kid friendly' in organization and
presentation, "Little Whale in Deep Trouble" is very highly recommended as a picture book
addition to family, preschool, day care center, elementary school, and community library
Pets/Wildlife collections for children. It should be noted for parents that "Little Whale in Deep
Trouble" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.45).
Hawk Mother
Kara Hagedorn
Web of Life
PO Box 2726, Berkeley, CA 94702
www.weboflifebooks.com
9780988330375, $16.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
"Hawk Mother: The Story of a Red-tailed Hawk Who Hatched Chickens" by Kara Hagedorn
shows young readers ages 5 to 9 just what happens when two baby chickens find themselves in a
nest with a hawk. Don't hawks usually eat chickens? Sunshine, a red-tailed hawk, can no longer
fly free. But her instinct to be a mother is so strong that she builds a nest in her aviary every
spring and lays two infertile eggs. One year, Kara, her caretaker, decides to try something
different. She gives Sunshine two chicken eggs. Children in grades K-9 can join zoologist Kara
Hagedorn and Sunshine to find out what happens in this delightful story of interspecies
cooperation! Thoroughly 'kid friendly' in organization and presentation, profusely illustrated with
full color photography, "Hawk Mother: The Story of a Red-tailed Hawk Who Hatched Chickens"
is very highly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library picture book
Pets/Wildlife collections.
Otis the Owl
Mary Holland, author
Arbordale Publishing
612 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite A2, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
9781628559392, $17.95, www.arbordalepublishing.com
"Otis the Owl" is a beautiful color photo-illustrated story of the fledging of a young barred owl in
a nest in a hole in a tree in the forest. Otis' parents, both father and mother owls, bring him and
his owlet sister live prey to eat every day, tearing it into pieces so they can eat it in little bits. As
Otis and his sister grow, they will gradually be able to eat their rodent meals whole, such as
voles, mice or chipmunks. Stunning photographs show Otis and his fledgling sister gradually
getting bigger, bravely venturing out on a tree limb from their nest. In time, Otis will learn to fly
and to hunt his own live prey by night. This beautifully illustrated owlet story shows Otis and his
sister both fighting and preening each other, interacting like many siblings even young humans.
Additional enrichment sections at the end of the story includes For Creative Minds, Owl Pellets,
comparative animal portraits, and a matching section on owl anatomy. More free learning
activities about "Otis the Owl" are available on line at www.ArbordalePublishing.com
The Science Shelf
Seven Wonders of the Solar System
David A. Aguilar
Viking Penguin
c/o Penguin Young Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10014
http://us.penguingroup.com
9780451476852, $18.99, www.amazon.com
Seven Wonders of the Solar System explores the seven planets of our solar system using a
different approach that considers their various habitats, discusses environmental issues, and
includes especially bright color illustrations that stand out as especially eye-catching against the
pages' black backgrounds. From the moons of Saturn - some 60 of them - and the mysterious new
Planet Nine to Earth's unique ocean history and comparisons between Earth and Europa, one of
Jupiter's moons, this is a revealing and lively survey that will reach grades 4-6 with the latest
science.
Super Women
Laurie Lawlor
Holiday House
425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017
9780823436750, $17.95 www.holidayhouse.com
Super Women: Six Scientists Who Changed the World profiles six prominent female scientists
who faced discriminatory practices in the course of their work, but who went on to become
notable contributors to their fields despite their gender. Kids in grades 4-6 receive black and
white maps, drawings, and photos throughout in a coverage which takes each female scientist's
experience and discusses it in the social, political and scientific context of her times. Young
readers looking for female heroines of science for basic biographical reports will find this offers
an excellent, absorbing introduction to not just these six women's lives and accomplishments, but
the changing face of sexism in the scientific workplace over the years.
This Book Stinks!
Sarah Wassner Flynn
National Geographic Press
101 West 104th Street, Suite 8, New York, NY 10025
www.nationalgeographic.com
9781426327308, $14.99, PB, 128pp, www.amazon.com
Children ages 8 to 12 will get up close and personal with a wonderful world of waste with Sarah
Wassner Flynn's "This Book Stinks!: Gross Garbage, Rotten Rubbish, and the Science of Trash".
From composting and recycling, to landfills and dumps, to how creative people are finding new
ways to reuse rubbish, it's fun and informative to talk trash when it's jam-packed with
infographics, thematic spreads, wow-worthy photos, sidebars, serious stats, and fabulous facts.
Also included are quizzes and activities to inspire kids to take action, be proactive, and rethink
the things we throw away. Profusely illustrated and thoroughly 'kid friendly' in tone,
commentary, organization and presentation, "This Book Stinks!: Gross Garbage, Rotten Rubbish,
and the Science of Trash" is very highly recommended for personal, family, elementary school,
and community library collections. Librarians should noted that "This Book Stinks!: Gross
Garbage, Rotten Rubbish, and the Science of Trash" is also available in a Library Binding edition
(9781426327315, $24.90).
Energy Lab for Kids
Emily Hawbaker
Quarry
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartoknows.com
9781631592508, $22.99, Flexibound, 144pp, www.amazon.com
Written for children ages 10 to 14, "Energy Lab for Kids" by science educator Emily Hawbaker
and the National Energy Education Development Project is comprised of 40 discovery-filled and
thought-provoking energy projects. More than just a random collection of science experiments
that kids can do in the classroom, kitchen, or backyard, each individual chapter contains
scientific explanations, discoveries, and hands-on knowledge that make learning fun, ranging
from steam, electricity, and chemical reactions, to water, solar, and wind power allowing kids to
compare and test the different sources and to discover their strengths and failings. Why is one
source of energy is more efficient for a one situation but not for another? How come two energy
sources combined might work better than a single source? Which sources are renewable?
Additionally, the projects are geared to understanding actual issues in the news today. There is an
emphasis on inventive exploration throughout the books, so that kids may learn the reward of
discovering that creativity leads to breakthroughs. Profusely illustrated and throughly 'kid
friendly' in organization and presentation, "Energy Lab for Kids" is unreservedly recommended
for family, school, and community library collections for young readers. It should be noted for
personal reading lists that "Energy Lab for Kids" is also available in a Kindle format
($9.99).
Eddie the Electron Moves Out
Melissa Rooney, Ph.D., author
Harry Pulver Jr., illustrator
Amberjack Publishing
9781944995140, $9.99 paperback, www.AmberjackPublishing.com
"Eddie the Electron Moves Out" is a sequel to the exciting atomic science information book,
"Eddie the Electron." Eddie is a rare helium atom who has popped out of a balloon and shot out
into the world as a personified (cartoon) Helium atom. Outside the balloon, Eddie quickly
learned that there were many Nitrogen and Oxygen atoms, but very few Helium atoms. Eddie is
amazed to discover that he is a rare element. The history of the creation of elements on earth such
as Helium is described and illustrated with colorful cartoons. More important, it is explained,"
Helium is a nonrenewable resource because it takes billions of years to form under the earth's
crust." Even more concerning is the fact that at the present rate that Helium is being used on
earth, the supply of it may be exhausted in about 30 years. When Helium is released into the air,
it will tend to rise up past the clouds and beyond the outer reaches of Earth's atmosphere. Eddie
the Helium atom reacts to his release as he rises high into empty space above the Earth's
atmosphere. Eddie becomes one with both empty space and the other space traveling atoms.
Eddie's farewell greeting to readers is: "Until then, when you look up in the sky, think of me."
Eddie also suggests to readers that they might like to skip the Helium balloons at the next party,
because of the scarcity and nonrenewability of Helium. "Eddie the Electron Moves Out" is a
creative, educational fun book that delivers a lot of facts wrapped up in a fun illustrated story.
The Endnotes are helpful in explaining further background and questions about Helium, atoms,
electrons, and earth geologic and elemental history. "Eddie the Electron Moves Out" is great,
entertaining science education for readers age 8-9 and up.
The Folktale/Fairytale Shelf
Princess Sophie and the Six Swans
Kim Jacobs
Wisdom Tales Press
1501 E. Hillside Drive, Bloomington, IN 47401
9781937786670, $16.95, www.wisdomtalespress.com
Princess Sophie and the Six Swans: A Tale from the Brothers Grimm is retold for ages 4-8 and
requires good reading skills or read-aloud assistance from youngsters who will learn about a
spirited young princess whose new stepmother turns her six brothers into swans. It's up to spunky
Sophie to save them - but can she maintain an oath of silence and the skills to do so? This story
comes live in a new manner with the author's lovely drawings and perspective on Sophie's
greatest challenge and the impact of her actions.
Oy Vey! Life in a Shoe
Bonnie Grubman, author
Dave Mottram, illustrator
Apples and Honey Press
c/o Behrman House and Gefen Publishing House
11 Edison Place, Springfield, NJ 07081
9781681155159, $17.95, www.applesandhoneypress.com
"Oy Vey! Life in a Shoe" is a poetic narrative adaptation of a classic Jewish folk tale about
enlightenment through overcrowding. Hilarious with sly, tongue in cheek humor, the story is told
through lilting, relentless rhyme. Lou is a good Jewish husband with a wife and 12 children who
all live together in a shoe. Lou's is grumpy because of the noise of 12 sons and one daughter, and
the crowded living quarters. One day, Lou's wife urged him to go to the rabbi to ask him to help
him find some peace in his life. Lou does this quite respectfully, according to tradition. The
rabbi, who is a very learned and well read man, gives Lou some strange advice, telling him to add
chickens, goats, and geese to stay in his shoe house. Finally Lou can bear no more crowding and
noise. In tears, he begs the rabbi to help him once again. "We've been chasing goats the whole
night through. My nerves are shot and the shoe is stinking. Rabbi or not, what were you
thinking?" This time the rabbi smiles and says: "Ask me no questions and do as I say. Your
troubles will change for the better today. Take all the animals out of the shoe. They don't belong
inside there with you." The result, while comical, is also profound: The father becomes content
and happy with his many offspring and busy life: "Singing and laughing, kvelling too, and a baby
playing peek-a-boo. Yelling, jumping, a snoring wife; with love in the shoe it's a bustling
life!"
Prince Ribbit
Jonathan Emmett, author
Poly Bernatene, illustrator
Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
1700 Chattahoochee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30318-2112
www.peachtree-online.com
9781561457618, $16.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Sometimes you've got to kiss a lot of frogs before you'll find a prince! Now it this particular
amphibian an enchanted prince or just a plain old frog? Pucker up, princesses! There's only one
way to find out Fairy tales are just wishful thinking stories -- or so Princess Martha believes. But
when her sisters meet a talking frog, they are convinced that giving him the royal treatment will
turn him into Prince Charming. After all, that's what happens in their story books. But Martha
isn't so sure. The more she sees of Prince Ribbit, the more suspicious she becomes. Armed with
the facts, Martha sets out to expose Prince Ribbit and prove to her sisters that just because its in a
book doesn't mean its true. But before The End, Princess Martha might just learn that lesson for
herself! Beautifully illustrated throughout by Poly Bernatene, author Jonathan Emmett's clever
twist on The Frog Prince theme pits a spunky, bespectacled princess against a sly amphibian to
teach a charming lesson on the pitfalls of trusting everything you read. Very highly recommended
for children ages 5 to 8, "Prince Ribbit" is an especially recommended addition to family,
elementary school, and community library picture book collections for young readers.
The Multicultural Shelf
Barefoot Books
2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140
www.barefootbooks.com
Three new releases from Barefoot Books offers a fun set of easy reads that pair bright drawings
with very different, fun approaches. Anna McQuinn adapts If You're Happy and You Know It!
(9781846866197, $9.99), pairing an audio and video cd that animates the story with an
introduction to kids from over thirty cultures in a sing-along presentation based on the song. The
combination of songbook, story line, and multicultural encounter offers an engaging introduction
to other cultures. Hugh Lupton retells the Barefoot Book of Riddles from Around the World
(9781782852803, $14.99), which receives lovely drawings by Sophia Fatus as it pairs long and
short riddle stories from a range of cultures in a presentation that lends to read-aloud or
individual pursuit. Tessa Strickland, Kate DePalma and David Dean's The Barefoot Book of
Children (9781782852964) continues the multicultural emphasis as it follows kids around the
world and contrasts the language, clothing, and customs of other cultures. A slightly oversized
format allows for good-sized color drawings throughout which in turn creates a visually engaging
text young picture book readers will find bright and intriguing. All are excellent additions
especially recommended for collections looking to emphasize other cultures.
The Counting Shelf
Counting Colorful Shapes
Isabel Hill
Bright Sky Press
2365 Rice Blvd., Suite 202, Houston, TX 77005
www.brightskypress.com
9781595727763, $12.99, HC, 24pp, www.amazon.com
There is no better way to help children from ages 2 to 5 to learn numbers, colors, and shapes than
by looking at the world around them! Buildings take on a new flair when looking for circles,
squares, diamonds, and lines. Architectural historian, urban planner, photographer, and
award-winning documentary filmmaker Isabel Hill draws upon her experience and expertise in
"Counting Colorful Shapes" to utilize art deco designs and shapes found in Miami Beach, Florida
to deftly craft this very highly recommended picture book that will prove to be an enduringly
popular addition to family, preschool, day care center, and community library collections.
The Picturebook Shelf
Sam: The Cat Without a Tail
Gloria Lintermans, author
Kristina Tosic, illustrator
Blooming Twig Books, LLC
www.bloomingtwig.com
9781613431207 $19.95 hc / $9.99 Kindle http://glorialintermans.com
Sam: The Cat Without a Tail is a children's picturebook about Sam, a white kitten without a tail -
just a stump of fur. Although Sam is adopted into a loving home, he feels shy and ashamed about
his lack of a tail. Can Sam learn to develop confidence? A few facts about Max cats and a note to
parents and caregivers about supporting children's self-worth round out this charming, purrfectly
delightful story.
Olivia the Spy
Ian Falconer
Atheneum
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781481457958, $17.99, www.amazon.com
Olivia the Spy represents the eighth book in the Olivia series and tells of a pig with a snout for
trouble. Olivia's birthday is close, and she wants to know exactly what's being planned - even if
it's a surprise. Snooping is never a good idea, and when Olivia learns that instead of birthday
surprises, her bad behavior is being discussed, she wonders if she'll be having a surprise
punishment instead of gifts. A fun story evolves as Olivia roots into the heart of matters, with
engaging drawings and a story line that will draw young picture book readers with good reading
skills and their read-aloud parents.
Ollie and the Magic Workshop
Alison Knowles
Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Inc.
400 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
www.jkp.com
9781785922411, $17.95 HC, $15.62 Kindle, www.amazon.com
Ollie and the Magic Workshop receives fun drawings by Sophie Wiltshire which returns to a new
adventure the character of Ollie, who uses his superpowers to stand up to bullies. Here he's trying
to extend his abilities to helping his friend Mollie learn to love herself. Can his own superpowers
and courage transmit to her, so she can be a success - and will his efforts result in another chance
to earn a coveted Captain's stripe? A gentle story of understanding and friendship evolves, highly
recommended for parents who would use the picture book format to teach young children about
self-worth, friendship, and more.
Tinyville Town Gets to Work!
Brian Biggs
Abrams/Amulet
115 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
9781419721335, $16.95, www.abramsappleseed.com
Tinyville Town Gets to Work! posits a place where everything is just right: everything runs on
time and is perfect - until it isn't. When a traffic jam results in a cascade of problems, the perfect
people of Tinnyville Town are faced with a dilemma and must work together to solve a problem
nobody ever faced before. This is the first picture book in a projected series and is delightful in
its easy story of common causes, cooperative efforts, and how a town bands together.
When You Give an Imp a Penny
Henry, Josh, and Harrison Herz
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LA 70053-2246
www.pelicanpub.com
97814455621446, $16.99, www.amazon.com
When You Give an Imp a Penny features fun drawings by Abigail Larson and provides readers
ages 5-9 with a delightful story of an imp who lives up to his troublesome reputation when he's
invited into a girl's home and finds every action results in disaster. From a hissing cat who is no
match for a determined imp to behaviors that keep going awry no matter what the intention, this
is a hilarious and fun read that will keep young readers and their read-aloud parents guessing to
the end, with the lovely color drawings perfectly capturing the playful conundrums of an imp
who just can't do anything right.
Dinosaur Pirates!
Penny Dale, author & illustrator
Nosy Crow
c/o Candlewick Press
99 Dover Street, Somerville, MA 02144
www.candlewick.com
9780763693305, $15.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
In Penny Dale's charmingly engaging picture book for children ages 2 to 5, The intrepid team of
dinosaurs introduced in her early titles "Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs: Missing
Treasure!" and "Dinosaur Rocket!" is back in "Dinosaur Pirates!" -- but this time they are pirates
in search of buried treasure! Having navigated their way to a desert island and dug up their booty,
they are just sailing away when they are ambushed by a fearsome band of marauding
baddy-pirates! Will our goody-pirates save their gold, their ship, and their honor, or will the
baddies win out? Of special note are the book's ten end-paper dinosaur images, each with its
proper scientific names. "Dinosaur Pirates" is very highly recommended, especially for family,
preschool, elementary school, and community library children's picture book collections.
Full Moon Lore
Ellen Wahi, author
Ashley Stewart, illustrator
Sleeping Bear Press
315 East Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
www.sleepingbearpress.com
9781585369652, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Every month has a full moon, and every full moon has a story. Deftly written by Ellen Wahi and
beautifully illustrated throughout by Ashley Stewart, "Full Moon Lore" explores the origins of
each full moon's name, from the Strawberry Moon to the Wolf Moon and beyond. Told in rolling
prose with delightful nighttime illustrations, this picture book for children ages 5 to 8 is a story is
a sweet look at nature, seasons, and the mystery of the full moon. Of special note is the inclusion
of 'Moon Facts' and additional background information. While very highly recommended for
family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections, it should be noted
that "Full Moon Lore" is also available in a Kindle format ($16.99).
Rodzilla
Rob Sanders, author
Dan Santat, illustrator
Margaret K. McElderry Books
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781481457798, $17.99, HC, 48pp, www.amazon.com
This just in! There's a Rodzilla on the loose! Is he a monster or just your typical toddler? Tune
in for the full report in pages of "Rodzilla", a riotously entertaining picture book for children ages
4 to 8 from the team of author Rob Sanders and Caldecott Medalist illustrator Dan Santat.
Rodzilla is the mightiest toddler to ever roam the streets of the city. Marvel at the sight of his
chubby monstrosity. Gaze at his toothless grin. Take a whiff of his no, don't do that. Only a
mother could love such a creature. Rodzilla is taking over the city (that is really his playpen) and
causing all sorts of chaos for its inhabitants (um, his parents). Can he be stopped before he
toddles one step too far? Told as an action-packed news report, kids will love following Rodzilla
on his mighty tear through the city, and ultimately back to his parents' arms. Because sometimes
even monsters need a little help! "Rodzilla" is as entertaining as it is 'kid friendly' from cover to
cover, making it highly recommended for family, preschool, elementary school, and community
library collections. It should be noted that "Rodzilla" is also available in a Kindle format
($10.99).
Through the Gate
Sally Fawcett
EK Books
c/o Exisle Publishing
https://ekbooks.org
9781925335415, $17.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Author and illustrator Sally Fawcett's "Through the Gate" tells the picture book story of a child
who has just moved house and is struggling to cope with all the changes in her life. She relates to
the dilapidated house she has moved to, as she sits sad and forlorn upon its broken front step.
But, as the story unfolds, the house is gradually repaired paralleling how the child's perception of
her new situation improves. Each time the child passes through the gate', into the world beyond,
she notices more of her surroundings and discovers that her new life has some wonderful things
in it. The messages delivered through this story can be understood at different levels - literal and
metaphorical. Nothing stays the same and difficult times will pass. A little effort in maintenance
can improve our physical surroundings, yet our perceptions also color our world. These messages
are relevant to both children and adults, as we all experience many changes throughout our lives
and draw on our resilience as we adapt to them. Within the illustrations is a spot the difference'
game that encourages interaction with the story and develops observation skills. Younger
children can be involved in spotting the more obvious changes and older children will be
challenged with the more subtle transformations. Especially recommended for children ages 4 to
8, "Through the Gate" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition for family, preschool,
elementary school, and community library picture book collections.
Chicken Britches!
Donald W. Kruse, author
Billy Barron, illustrator
Zaccheus Entertainment
PO Box 23, Minong, WI 54859
9780996996464, $12.95, PB, 60pp, www.amazon.com
How do you fail show-and-tell? Featuring the black-and-white illustrations of Billy Barron,
author Donald W. Kruse's newest written in verse picture book for children ages 3 to 12,
"Chicken Britches!" is the story of a little boy who fails miserably at show-and-tell, time after
time. Each time he tries too hard to impress his classmates, which only leads to chaos and the
boy being sent home from school. But one day, he hits on a new idea that changes show-and-tell
for the rest of his school days and makes him the school hero thereafter. Thoroughly entertaining
from beginning to end, "Chicken Britches!" is an extraordinary and highly recommended
addition to family, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections
for kids.
Bear and Chicken
Jannie Ho
Running Press
c/o Perseus Book Group
250 W. 57th St., Suite 1500, New York, NY 10107
www.runningpress.com
9780762462667, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
When Bear finds a chicken frozen in the winter snow, he brings it home to try to defrost it. As
Chicken thaws-um, awakens-he fears that Bear is actually prepping to eat him. Oh no! All signs
are pointing to a fateful end for Chicken-being wrapped like a burrito, chopped basil and veggies
sitting on the counter, the huge pot on the stove that's just the right size for a chicken to fit inside.
It's almost time for lunch, so Chicken makes a run for it! But in the end, Chicken learns that
perhaps he too quickly jumped to conclusions. This funny and clever friendship tale teaches kids
that things are not always as they seem, while learning a thing or two about making soup with a
friend! Combining a throughly charming story with colorfully entertaining illustrations, "Bear
and Chicken" by Jannie Ho is an especially recommended for children ages 3 to 6 and would be
an enduringly popular addition to family, preschool, elementary school, and community library
picture book collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Bear and Chicken" is
also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
Where Was the Big Yellow School Bus?
Guyla Ann Conway, author
Gary Sanchez, illustrator
Heart to Heart Publishing
http://www.hearttoheartpublishinginc.com
9781937008512, $18.99, PB, 40pp, www.amazon.com
In a very colorful story, twin brothers must be patient as they await the arrival of their older
brother from his very last day of kindergarten. What time is it? Is that yellow? Will the bus ever
come? Did you hear that noise? Even very young children will enjoy the hint of suspense within
the pages of this picture book for children ages 4 to 6. Thoroughly 'kid friendly in organization
and presentation, "Where Was the Big Yellow School Bus?" focuses on searching for numbers,
time, colors, things that make noise, and more. Unreservedly recommended for family,
preschool, elementary school, and community library children's picture book collections, "Where
Was the Big Yellow School Bus?" will prove to be an enduringly popular favorite.
Chester Raccoon and the Almost Perfect Sleepover
Audrey Penn, author
Barbara Leonard Gibson
Tanglewood Publishing
www.tanglewoodbooks.com
9781939100115, $16.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Chester the Raccoon is excited about going to his very first sleepover. After his mother drops him off at Pepper Opossum’s house with a Kissing Hand in his palm, Chester and his animal friends have a long day of playing games and eating snacks. But when the animals decide to bed down, Chester can’t go to sleep. While his Kissing Hand has kept him from getting scared, he isn’t in his own bedroom, and he misses his family. When Chester returns home, Mrs. Raccoon welcomes her little cub and reassures him that his home is always there when he needs it. Another delightful picture book story for children ages 3 to 7, "Chester Raccoon and the Almost Perfect Sleepover" is the tenth title in author Audrey Penn's and illustrator Barbara Leonard Gibson's outstanding 'The Kissing Hand' series. While enthusiastically recommended for family, preschool, elementary school, and community library children's picture book collections, it should be noted that "Chester Raccoon and the Almost Perfect Sleepover" is also available in a Kindle format ($11.27).
Bedtime for Buzzy
T. J. Hackworth, author
Sean Baptist, illustrator
Downtown Brown Ventures
www.downtownandbrown.com
9780997739107, $14.95, HC, 28pp, www.amazon.com
A young boy is playing with his toys and doesn't want to go to bed. He imagines his toys coming
to life one by one, and they convince him that going to sleep is the best way to continue his
adventures. As parents of young children know all too well, convincing a child that it is time to
go to bed can sometimes be difficult. Engagingly written by T. J. Hackworth and colorfully
illustrated by Sean Baptist, "Bedtime for Buzzy" encourages bedtime by helping to lead children
ages 3 to 6 to their own conclusion that it s time to go to bed. An ideal and enduringly popular
addition to any child's nightly storybook bedtime ritual, "Bedtime for Buzzy" is especially
recommended for family, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book
collections. It should be noted for parents that "Bedtime for Buzzy" is also available in a Kindle
format ($2.99).
Bella Gets Rescued
Ellie Wakeman, author
Melody Knighton, illustrator
Ambassador International
411 University Ridge, Suite B14, Greenville, SC 29601
www.ambassador-international.com
9781620205495, $17.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Bella is one pampered kitty! She has a warm bed, tasty food, and owners who love her but she
was not always that way. In "Bella Gets Rescued", children ages 4 to 7 can follow the humorous
story of Bella, a sassy cat who started off as a lonely kitten without a home or a family to love
her. From dodging raindrops to running from lawn-mowers, being a stray cat isn't all it's cracked
up to be! Bella ventures on a crazy journey as she moves from place to place, never knowing that
what she really needed all along was a family to love her. But change is scary! In order to accept
her new home, Bella must learn a valuable lesson: God's love and assurance can conquer all fear!
Original, engaging, entertaining, and ultimately inspiring, "Bella Gets Rescued" is very highly
recommended for family, preschool, elementary school, Sunday School, and community library
picture book collections.
The Crystal Fountain
David Morgan Williams, author
Laura Jenkins, illustrator
Y Lolfa
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7, 124 Byers Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
www.dufoureditions.com
9781784613488, $11.00, HC, 48pp, www.amazon.com
Deftly written by David Morgan Williams and colorfully illustrated with the artwork of Laura
Jenkins, "The Crystal Fountain" is a picture book story that is set in Ethiopia and is the story of
two children, Omo and Asha, who rescue an ibex from a landslide on Mount Ras Dashen. The
children bring it back to health with the help of Henry the hippo, and Crocus the crocodile, and
some magical bubbles from the crystal fountain. Original, entertaining, a modern classic in the
making, "The Crystal Fountain" is very highly recommended for children ages 6 to 12 and will
prove to be an enduringly popular addition to family, elementary school, and community library
picture book collections.
The Giant Jumperee
Julia Donaldson, author
Helen Oxenbury, illustrator
Dial Books
c/o Penguin Young Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10014
9780735227972, $17.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Rabbit arrives home one day to hear a loud voice coming from inside his burrow saying "I'm the
Giant Jumperee and I'm scary as can be!" shouts a stranger. Rabbit's friends Cat, Bear, and
Elephant come to help, but they're no match for the mysterious, booming voice. But who is the
Giant Jumperee? Young children ages 3 to 5 will find out who this mysterious stranger is "The
Giant Jumperee". Engagingly written suitable for parent/child read-aloud moments together by
author Julia Donaldson, and beautifully enhanced with the full color artwork of Helen Oxenbury,
"The Giant Jumperee" will prove to be an enduringly popular and appreciated addition to family,
preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.
The Fix-It Man
Dimity Powell, author
Nicky Johnston, illustrator
EK Books
c/o Exisle Publishing
9781925335347, $17.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
It's handy having a dad who can fix just about anything. "The Fix-It Man" is the story of a young
girl who believes her father is the king of fixing things. But following the death of her mother,
she discovers that broken hearts are not as easy to repair as damaged toys and cracked teapots.
Together, she and her father find a way to glue back the pieces of her lives. "The Fix-It Man" is a
poignantly written and beautifully illustrated picture book for young readers ages 5 to 8 that
deftly explores how a child can cope with the loss of a parent (in this case, the young girl's
mother). Repairing damaged emotions is not as straightforward as gluing a broken kite back
together or sewing up a torn toy. And grief affects all members of a family, with each responding
in their own way to the loss. By sticking with her father, the young girl is able to strengthen her
resilience and ability to cope with one of life's harshest experiences. It is interesting to note that
the author, Dimity Powell, was encouraged to seek publication for this original and compelling
story after receiving the endorsement of several grief counselors who work with children and
who recognized the need for a picture book approach to loss-based grief such as this. An ideal
and enduringly valued addition to any family, elementary school, and community library picture
book collection, "The Fix-It Man" is highly and unreservedly recommended.
My Tail's Not Tired
Jana Novotny Hunter, author
Paula Bowles, illustrator
Child's Play
250 Minot Avenue, Auburn, ME 04210
www.childs-play.com
9781846439858, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
How can any little monster possibly go to bed when their tail isn't even tired? And when their
knees still have plenty of bounce in them? And when their arms still want to fly like a jet plane?
Bedtime is surely a long way off! Luckily, Big Monster has a strategy to outwit Little Monster,
with the inevitable result! The collaborative work of author Jana Novotny Hunter and illustrator
Paula Bowles, "My Tail's Not Tired" is a humorous and charmingly bedtime story that adults and
children ages 3 to 6 will love to read (and play out) again and again. Unique, thoroughly 'kid
friendly', and consistently entertaining from cover to cover, "My Tail's Not Tired" is especially
recommended for family, preschool, day care center, elementary school, and community library
collections. It should be noted for parents that "My Tail's Not Tired" is also available in a
paperback edition (9781846439865, $7.99).
Bits & Pieces
A. L. Snyder, author
Leah Snyder Leitch, illustrator
Little James
c/o Farcountry Press
PO Box 5630, Helena, MT 59604
www.farcountrypress.com
9780997720907, $16.96, HC, 24pp, www.amazon.com
Engagingly written by A. L. Synder and elegantly illustrated by his sister Leah Snyder, "Bits &
Pieces" is a sweet treat for children of all ages and for those who want to show someone special
that they are loved. Highlights include bright flowers, darling squirrels and fawns, a moose
peaking out from behind a spruce, and elephants, lions, and their young. With these and other
colorful illustrations enhancing and backgrounding a rhyming prose, "Bits & Pieces" is sure to be
a bedtime favorite for boys and girls ages 5 to 8. "Bits & Pieces" will prove to be a popular
addition to any family, elementary school, or community library picture book collection.
Hey, Boy
Benjamin Strouse, author
Jennifer Phelan, illustrator
Margaret K. McElderry Books
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781481471015, $15.99, HC, 48pp, www.amazon.com
One day a boy finds a dog. He takes him home, already dreaming of the adventures they will
have and the games they will play. But when the boy gets hurt, he and his new best friend are
separated. Will the boy be able to grow up quickly enough to get his furry companion back, or
will life keep getting in the way? With dreamily spare text and sweeping yet simple illustrations,
"Hey, Boy" is a reminder that true friends always find their way home to each other. Author
Benjamin Strouse and illustrator Jennifer Phelan have successfully collaborated to produce a
touching debut picture book for children ages 4 to 8 about the unfaltering love between a boy and
his pet with "Hey, Boy". While very highly recommended for family, preschool, day care center,
elementary school, and community library picture book collections, it should be noted for parents
that "Hey, Boy" is also available in a Kindle format ($10.99).
Zach Hangs In There
William Mulcahy, author
Darren McKee, illustrator
Free Spirit Publishing
6325 Sandburg Road, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55427-3674
www.freespirit.com
9781631981623, $12.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Zach is a young boy who has set a goal for himself of getting across the tricky trapeze rings on
the playground. Every time he tries, he falls off before making it to the end. But with
encouragement from his best friend Sonya and positive self-talk, Zach makes a plan to achieve
his goal, adapts his plan along the way, and perseveres to the end. Zach feels so great about his
success that he writes down the steps he used so he can repeat them next time he faces a tough
challenge. The third volume in licensed professional counselor and psychotherapist William
Mulcahy's 'Zach Rules Series' and is colorfully illustrated by Darren McKee, "Zach Hangs In
There" is a picture book specifically created for children ages 5 to 8 -- and very highly
recommended for family, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.
Kings of the Castle
Victoria Turnbull
Templar Books
c/o Candlewick Press
99 Dover Street, Somerville, MA 02144
www.candlewick.com
9780763692957, $16.99, HC, 44pp, www.amazon.com
George didn't want to waste the night moon bathing. He wanted to build a sand castle that would
turn any monster green with envy! But when George meets the strangest creature he has ever
seen, the night takes an unexpected turn. Engagingly written and charmingly illustrated by
Victoria turnbull, "Kings of the Castle" is a unique, entertaining, and memorably starlit story of
adventure, imagination, and friendship. Especially recommended for children age 4 to 7, "Kings
of the Castle" is certain to be an enduringly popular addition to family, preschool, daycare center,
elementary school, and community library picture book collections. It should be noted for parents
that "Kings of the Castle" is also available in a paperback edition (9781783702596, $2.50).
Stella and the Bubble Man
Colleen Clancy Hansen, author
Anait Semirdzhyan, illustrator
Privately Published
c/o Farcountry Press (distribution)
PO Box 5630, Helena, MT 59604
www.farcountrypress.com
9781591521921, $19.95, HC, 32pp, www.colleenclancyhansen.com
When young Stella has expectation of the "perfect vacation" is spoiled, she stomps down the
boardwalk because of gray skies. When she is surprised to see new and unexpected marvels,
however, nothing piques her interest like the man in the red-and-white-striped T-shirt. Before she
knows it, Stella is mesmerized and surrounded by a magical moment. The collaborative work of
author Colleen Clancy Hansen and illustrator Anait Semirdzhyan, "Stella and the Bubble Man" is
beautifully illustrated picture book story with a very special message for children 4 to 7.
Thoroughly 'kid friendly' in tone, organization and presentation, "Stella and the Bubble Man" is
an extraordinary and highly recommended addition to family, preschool, daycare center,
elementary school, and community library picture book collections.
5 Cherries
Vittoria Facchini
Enchanted Lion Books
351 Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
www.enchantedlionbooks.com
9781592702220, $18.95, HC, 56pp, www.amazon.com
In Vittoria Facchini's utterly charming picture book story, "5 Cherries", a mother gives her two
children five cherries each. One is excited; the other a little disappointed. Only five cherries? But
wait, says the first. Let's pretend I eat them all at once. Let's pretend I don't, says the other. Let's
pretend I cure my patients with special medicine. Let's pretend I'm a jester and make people
laugh. One is a girl, one a boy, but they become hard to identify as the game goes on and their
game becomes deeper and more revealing. "5 Cherries" is an ideal and enthusiastically
recommended addition to family, preschool, day care center, elementary school, and community
library picture book collections for children ages 4 to 8.
Grandmother Thorn
Katey Howes, author
Rebecca Hahn, illustrator
Ripple Grove Press
PO Box 86740, Portland, OR, 97286
www.ripplegrovepres.com
9780991386697, $17.99, HC, 44pp, www.amazon.com
Grandmother Thorn treasures her garden, where not a leaf, twig or pebble is allowed out of place.
But when a persistent plant sprouts without her permission, Grandmother begins to unravel. "Her
hair became as tangled as the vines on her fence. Her garden fell into disrepair. One morning, she
did not rake the path." A dear friend, the passage of seasons, and a gift only nature can offer help
Grandmother Thorn discover that some things are beyond our control, and that sweetness can
blossom in unexpected places. Beautifully illustrated with the distinctive artwork of Rebecca
Hahan, "Grandmother Thorn" is an impressively original picture book story by Katey Howes that
is especially commended for children ages 5 to 7 -- and will prove to be an enduringly popular
addition to family, elementary school, and community library collections.
Bulldozer Dreams
Sharon Chriscoe, author
John Joven, illustrator
Running Press
c/o Perseus Book Group
250 W. 57th St., Suite 1500, New York, NY 10107
www.runningpress.com
9780762459667, $16.99 HC, $9.99 Kindle, 32pp, https://kateyhowes.com
After a long day of clearing dirt, rocks, and trees, a bulldozer is tired and ready for bed. He lifts
up his blade, his spotlights flash on, he rolls through the gate, and lets out a yawn. He heads to
the Wiggle and Shake for a bath, then to the Sip and Slurp for some supper, then chooses a
bedtime story -- and soon the bulldozer will be dreaming sweet dreams of finishing his important
work! Of special note is author Sharon Chriscoe's engaging and gentle rhyming verse that is
superbly supported by John Joven's colorful and cartoon-style artwork, making "Bulldozer
Dreams" an ideal and highly recommended addition to family, preschool, daycare center,
elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 3 to 6.
At The Cabin
Cheryl Wilke, author
Rebecca Stouffer, illustrator
Raven Productions
PO Box 188, Ely, MN 55731
9780983518983, $17.95, HC, 32pp, www.ravenwords.com
9780983518976, $9.95, PB, 32pp, www.amazon.com
"At The Cabin" is the picture book story of a child who is reluctant to leave the electronic
entertainment of a city home for the family's rustic cabin up north. But once there, the simple
pleasures of campfires, hikes, and dips in the lake win the child over. When the time comes to
return home, reluctance returns; the child doesn't want to leave! Featuring spare, finely-crafted
writing by Cheryl Wilke that is complimented by Rebecca Stouffer's richly detailed illustrations
of a simple cabin and the natural world. Original, entertaining, and thoroughly 'kid friendly' in
tone and story, "At The Cabin" is especially recommended for family, elementary school, and
community library picture book collections for children ages 5 to 8.
Skip and Deanie's Flying Bike Trip
Deanie Sebring
Mascot Publishing
560 Herndon Parkway, #120, Herndon, VA 20170
9781631777035, $14.95, HC, 38pp, www.amazon.com
While Skip and Deanie were out on a bike ride, They were caught in a twister and began
spinning round. The bike was flying way above the town. They landed on an island and looked
all around. They meet lots of stars and had a picnic on the ground. But how they got home, none
of us could have known. In "Skip and Deanie's Flying Bike Trip", author Deanie Sebring's
original and rhyming storytelling is nicely enhanced her colorful artwork in this picture book that
is ideal for children ages 5 to 8 and would prove to be an enduringly popular addition to family,
elementary school, and community library collections for young readers.
Kid Amazing vs. The Blob
Josh Schneider
Clarion Books
c/o Houghton Mifflin
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com
9780544801257, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Kid Amazing's secret base is equipped with every gadget a superhero needs to defeat evil, but
there is one villain who remains elusive -- the Blob (a.k.a. his baby sister). Will the Kid discover
the superpower needed to defeat her before the entire city succumbs to her stink and slime? From
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner Josh Schneider, "Kid Amazing vs. The Blob" is reassuring
take on a common childhood issue proves that laughter can defuse even the most epic sibling
rivalries. Thoroughly original and consistently entertaining, "Kid Amazing vs. The Blob" is
especially recommended for children ages 4 to 7 and highly recommended for family, preschool,
daycare center, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.
It's Just So... Little!
Brenda Fastz, author
Peter Trimarco, author & illustrator
Notable Kids Publishing
PO Box 2047, Parker, CO 80134
www.NotableKidsPublishing.com
9780997085129, $16.95, HC, 45pp, www.amazon.com
A little girl named Lizzy faces challenges of growth and change. She and her faithful puppy
adopt a frail little sapling tree, taking on the job of protecting and nurturing their new,
well-rooted friend' throughout the seasons. In the meantime, Lizzy is outgrowing all of her
favorite clothes and watching as Mom seems to be outgrowing her clothes as well. Lizzy's
biggest change comes in welcoming the new baby as her family tree seems to be growing too.
Charming, original, entertaining, colorful, and a thoroughly 'kid friendly' picture book for
children ages 3 to 8 by the team of Brenda Fastz and Peter Trimarco, "It's Just So...Little!" will
prove to be an ideal and enduringly popular addition to family, preschool, daycare center,
elementary school, and community library collections.
Owlie Learns to Fly
Meaghan Fisher, author
Tim Rowe, illustrator
Gypsy Publications
9781938768538, $6.99 paperback, www.gypsypublications.com
"Owlie Learns to Fly" is a precious story about growth, or learning to fly. Six adorable, plush
pastel baby owls have to learn to fly from their nest. Mother Owl is patient and encouraging. all
her nestlings take their turn and find their way into the night sky. Owlie does not want to try to
fly. Mother Owl suggests practicing, but Owlie does not want to do that either. Finally Mother
owl says, "Well then, Owlie,....you will be alone after your brother leaves our home, for I will
have to fly to meet your brothers and sisters." Finally Owlie said, "I sure would like to see the
moon,....... Flying doesn't look to hard, I suppose." The upshot is, Owlie finally takes the leap out
from his hole in the tree and soars through the night air, under the bright shining moon. He
happily joins his sibling owlets on the branch and feels the warm hug of his Mother Owl. "See
Owlie! I knew you could fly!" "Owlie Learns to Fly" is a wonderful story for young children,
encouraging them to take small risks to achieve growth and dreams.
The Brave Bamboo
Ben Wilder, author
Teresa Ramos, illustrator
Driftwood Tree Press
9780997150728, $19.95, HC, www.BenjaminWilder.com
"The Brave Bamboo" is the exciting story of a delightful puppy with long ears who is not quite as
brave and daring as his brother and sister, who have shorter ears. Brody and Bella go outside with
their mother, Ella, when she calls them, but Bamboo is afraid of frightening noises he hears from
outside, so he always stays inside. Bamboo peeks through the window and sees his mother's long
ears sprinkled with water, flakes of snow, bright stickers and grass in the cycle of seasons. But
one day, Bamboo heard through the doorflap, his mother Ella whimpering and crying. He was
not OK with that, so he trotted out the door to check on her, only to find Ella trapped in a thicket
of thorns. Brody and Bella were trying unsuccessfully to help free her by digging, but Bamboo
had a better idea. The only puppy with long ears like his mom, Bamboo invited Brody and Bella
to pull on one of his long ears while Ella hung on to his other ear with her teeth. It took
cooperation, unflinching bravery, and disregard of pain and discomfort, but Bamboo was
successful in rescuing Ella from the thorn thicket with the help of Brody and Bella. Thus, he
began to become the legendary "Brave Bamboo," celebrated instead of teased for his long ears,
just like his mom's. Jolly, happy looking pictures of Bamboo and his family adorn every other
page, and brightly colored and highlighted narrative text help make the story of "The Brave
Bamboo" even more arresting and exciting.
Scanner
Una Belle Townsend, author
David Barrow, illustrator
Doodle and Peck Publishing
P. O. Box 852105, Yukon, OK 73085
9780997235128, $ 18.99 HC, $8.99 PB, www.doodleandpeck.com
"Scanner" is the completely absorbing story of an abandoned little Scottish Terrier who is
rescued by a school librarian named Miss Copywright. Although he likes his new owner, the dog
is lonely when left home alone all day, so he gets into mischief like tipping over plants, pulling
curtains, and chewing table legs. Oh no, will he have to leave his new home? But Miss
Copywright, who is crafty and determine, has an idea. She takes the Scottish Terrier to school
with her the next day and asks the principal for permission to have the dog listen to children read
out loud to him. This is a practice that helps young readers gain confidence in building their
reading skills. After a tangle with the scanner, disguised as a toy to the terrier, Miss Copywright
lights upon the perfect name for her new pet: Scanner! At his first day on the job, Scanner
discovers that he loves being cuddled by kids while they read to him about tractors, princesses,
homes, and wonderful things. Scanner decides his new home and his new job are a perfect fit
after all, and even school rules aren't so bad when you are so happy. Bright, humorous, action
portraits delight the eye with Scanner's comical adventures, while an inspiring narrative catches
interest and holds appeal for readers of all ages.
Mighty Melvin the Magnificent Mouse!
Trevor Newland, author/illustrator
Mosaic Press
9781771611800, $14.95, www.mosaic-press.com
"Mighty Melvin the Magnificent Mouse!" is another exciting title by the author of "The
Scallywag Solution." Written in heroic, dramatic almost-verse narrative, with exaggerated,
humongous comic style illustrations, "Mighty Melvin the Magnificent Mouse!" is the unlikely
story of a Smally mouse who is under the persuasion that he is a Biggy hero with mousey
muscles. Mighty Melvin is afraid of nothing! Aware that he does not fit in with his companion
mice who are fearful Smallies, Melvin determines to take off for the circus, to find a super
gigantic scary opponent! But Melvin's challenge to take on the Biggest Biggy in all the circus is
met with silence! (Did he scare them with his declaration of size and intent?) So Melvin set off to
size up potential Biggy opponents. He meets and rejects Gabriel the Gorilla, Krizymandias, King
of the Lions, and finally the Big Top itself. Under the Big Top, Melvin meets Elias the elephant,
the biggest Biggy of all, and unwittingly sets off a domino series of circus catastrophes, ending in
the ringleader, Erasmus, demanding who was responsible for their debacle. Incidentally, the
crowd loved every moment of Melvin's inspired cavorting with circus chaos. All that ensued
happened because of Melvin, a Smally but Biggy mouse who frightened an elephant, the biggest
of the Biggies. When Erasmus discovers it is Melvin who is the cause of all chaos, he is forced to
revise his pronounced opinion of mice from Smallies to Biggies! Of course the crowd loved
Melvin the Mighty, and roared approval. The ending sums up the action: "Maybe he was small.
And maybe not so clever. But Melvin had a mighty heart. And that was enough to make the
greatest ..... show ..... EVER. The decorative, fantastic, evolving illustrations take readers on a
transporting voyage of magnifying magnificence, perfectly complementing the heroic almost
verse of "Mighty Melvin the Magnificent Mouse!"
Moving Time for Nosy
Lucille Newman, author/illustrator
Page Publishing, Inc.
101 Tyrellan Ave., Ste. 100, Staten Island, NY 10309
9781682892985, $21.95 hard cover, $12.95 soft cover 32 pages, www.amazon.com
"Moving Time for Nosy" is the story of a long-eared rabbit named Nosy who had his home
cabbage patch destroyed by land development machines. After Nosy lost his home, he tried living
with relative rabbits, the family of his brother, Bobbie Rabbit, whose wife was Dora Rabbit, with
rabbit children Flora and Mora. Nosy was invited to be a member of this rabbit family, so he
stayed. But Mora was mean to him because he didn't like Nosy. Finally, after enduring mean
treatment from Mora, Nosy had the opportunity to rescue Mora from drowning. After that, Mora
decided to be nicer to Nosy and to treat him like a real family member. However, change was
coming to the rabbit family, along with the newly built mall which covered Nosy's former home.
One day a man from a cement truck came and scooped Nosy up with a net and took him away to
a pet shop. In the pet shop, Nosy was lonely and scared, without friends. But his rabbit family
went to look for him and they finally found him at the pet store. When they all hopped in to cheer
Nosy up, the pet store owner put all the rabbit family in the cage with Nosy. This did cheer him
up some, but he was much happier when a boy and his family came to visit and decided to adopt
Nosy and all his family and give them a real home. The boy and his mother took Nosy and his
family home and gave them good food, shelter, and companionship. All lived happily together as
a family, which made Nosy happiest of all. "Moving Time for Nosy" is written in simple
language for readers ages 6 to 9. Full page color pictures show Nosy's former home changed by
the development and the shopping mall. "Moving Time for Nosy" is a moving pet story that
teaches children that while change is scary and challenging, it can also be good.
Choose Your Own Journey
Susie Brooks, author
Tracy Cottingham, illustrator
Kane Miller/ EDC Publishing
4901 Morena Blvd., Suite 213, San Diego, CA 92117
9781610675376, $11.99, HC, 32pp, www.kanemiller.com
"Choose You Own Journey" is a fabulous, enticing interactive book that offers four different
means of travel to young readers, bicycle, car, train, and boat. By encouraging young readers to
track one of the four lines which are vehicle pathways across the pages, sequencing, tracking, and
other pre-reading skills are established and encouraged. Because not all paths are level and
straight , the four different colored and patterned lines are sometimes wavy and hilly, suggesting
early map reading skill establishment. Which vehicle will get to its destination first? Like a
colorful layer cake the four patterned pathways unroll page by page, with even an airplane
overhead and pedestrians walking on a trail to symbolize other modes of travel. Tons of fun
variations occur in each of the four travel modes' pathways, and interest is kept high with the
excitement of discovering who will arrive first at the destination! Each traveler needs to stop for
food and refreshment and fuel along the way. Traffic jams in the city slow down the automobile
travelers, while bike and train travelers continue unhindered. The boat passengers are the first to
dock at their destination, then later, the train travelers get off at a train station in a city. The car
and the bike travel one, meeting obstacles like a flat bike tire and mud, which washes off in the
car wash. At the end of the road a theater, a carnival, and a welcoming apartment are all awaiting
different travelers who have reached the exciting end of their journey. "Choose Your Own
Journey" is a creative, educational transportation story told in illustrations and narrative for
young readers, leaving some of the conclusions and details to each imaginative adventurer.
If You Tell Me, I Can Fly!
Sharon Thayer, author
Linda Nagy, illustrator
Carousel Publishing Inc.
www.Carousel-Publishing.com
9780976623946, $14.99 HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Winner of seven different book awards, "If You Tell Me, I Can Fly!" tells a tale of inspiration
and empowerment through examples of creatures who really do learn to fly. Beautiful
page-filling paintings filled with vivid colors and sights show a hummingbird, a butterfly, a
bumblebee, a ladybug beetle, and an eaglet learning to fly. The final portrait is of a young girl,
looking out her window at a beautiful scene. "A young woman emerges from childhood's cocoon,
with dreams inside as big as the sky. Alone at future's edge, she glances back to her teachers,
family and friends. "If you tell me I can fly....." The next page show a spectacular scene of
glorious clouds of white, violet and apricot, with sunlight streaming on a set of majestic
mountains. In the center, the young woman stands with arms upraised. "And she flew!" The
message is empowering, thrilling, and unmistakable. "If You Tell Me, I Can Fly!" delivers its
message using layers of meaning. Even the text in the narrative begins with ordinary print, and
then changes to graceful text cursive with the words, "I Can Fly!" The underlying message of
dreaming about flying, and nurturing dreams of flying are beautifully portrayed in paintings of a
ladybug larva, and a caterpillar before it turned into a butterfly. The poetic message of "If You
Tell Me, I Can Fly!" is based on scientific animal facts that are further explained in the final
pages, with extra information about the humming bird, butterfly, bumblebee, ladybug beetle, and
eagle shown in the earlier pages. "If You Tell Me, I Can Fly!" is a beautiful, powerful,
inspirational book for young readers. It definitely deserves all seven of its illustrious awards and
perhaps a few more for the power of creativity embodied in it.
Penguin/Knopf/Random House Young Readers
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
www.penguin.com/youngreaders
Three new books are top, recommended picks for young readers and their parents, offering solid
stories and high-quality presentations that promise lasting value. Floyd Cooper's The Ring Bearer
(9780399167409, $16.99) tells of a young boy whose mother is getting married, so he will be the
ring bearer. But what if he can't do the job - and what if his new stepsister Sophie, who is slated
to be the flower girl, doesn't perform her task? A new family's formation and the special
assignments to two young children make for an inviting read recommended for read-aloud and
those with good reading skills. R.J. Palacio's We're All Wonders (9781524766498, $18.99) tells
of Auggie, who is an ordinary kid with an extraordinary face. Because of his looks, Auggie
stands out - but his good friends know what Auggie isn't the only one who is different. Lovely
drawings and simple language celebrate what makes people unique in the world, and why they
are all important. Marilyn Singer's Feel the Beat: Dance Poems That Zing from Salsa to Swing
(978080374011, $17.99) is illustrated by Kristi Valiant and includes an audio cd of the author
reading each poem along to music as it features poems centered upon dance. Different cultures,
costumes, and beats are brightly presented in text and music, while dancers move through the
tango, two-step, salsa, and more. Parents will find this an especially inviting read-aloud
experience and will relish the opportunity to involve kids in other cultures, poetry, and
dance.
Tundra Books
350 Front Street West, Suite 1400, Toronto, ON, Canada M5V 3B6
www.amazon.com
Two excellent, different surveys are good additions to any picture book collection and are
recommended picks. Marthe Jocelyn's Sam Sorts (9781101918050, $16.99) is all about counting
and making categories as it focuses on young Sam, who begins to organize things but quickly
comes to realize that real organization by type of item is a challenge. As colors, shapes, and
purposes conflict, how can Sam create a system that works for some one hundred things? Young
readers help Sam sort as he faces up to the challenge. Linda Bailey and Kass Reich's Carson
Crosses Canada (9781101918838, $16.99) tells of Carson the dog and his best friend, who set
out from Canada's west coast to visit Annie's sister on the east coast, traveling through each
province of Canada. While young Canadian picture book readers will gain the most from this
geographic exploration, American kids will also find it an inviting survey that teaches much
about Canada's countryside in the course of presenting a fine adventure survey.
Orchard/Scholastic Inc.
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999
www.scholastic.com
These new books are highly recommended reads, representing some of the best Scholastic books
of the new season. Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampson's Spunky Little Monkey
(9780545776431, $17.99) is illustrated by Brian Won and tells of a sleepy little monkey who
needs exercise, but won't move. What can a mother do? How can a sleepy monkey learn to
move? A popular clapping game's rhyme invites young readers to move along with the reluctant
little monkey in this winning tale of physical exercise and fun, which ideally should be narrated
using a maximum of loud voices and foot-stomping activities. Alyssa Satin Capucilli's I Will
Love You (9780545803106, $17.99) is illustrated by Lisa Anchin who provides gentle and fun
drawings to accompany the story of a mother telling her daughter how their love came to be from
the first day they met. From a moon that winks to just how much a mother loves her daughter,
this warm story is certain to bring a smile to many readers. Douglas Wood's Old Turtle:
Questions of the Heart (9780439321112, $19.99) receives illustrations by Greg Ruth as it tells of
a wise old turtle who considers the purpose of life and how happiness is achieved. The
best-selling companions Old Turtle and Old Turtle and the Broken Truth receive another
supportive and winning story that pairs Ruth's gorgeous drawings with a bigger picture
discussion all ages can readily understand and consider. Parental assistance with text will help
open dialogues between these ages.
The Fiction Shelf
Orphan Train Girl
Christina Baker Kline
Harper
c/o HarperCollins Children's Books
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022
www.harpercollinschildrens.com
9780062445940, $17.99, www.amazon.com
Orphan Train Girl appears in an edition tailored for young adult readers from middle school on
up as it follows the story of an orphan train girl, Molly, who has been shipped between foster
homes for her entire life due to bad behavior. When she's forced to help an elderly widow clean
her attic, she gains an unexpected advocate in Vivian who also was an orphan, put on a train to
the Midwest with other orphan children bound for new homes. Through Vivian and Molly's
relationship evolves a newfound hope for both in this evocative, compelling saga of two orphans
who share more in common than the years separating them portends.
Soda Pop
Barbro Lindgren, author
Lisen Adbage, illustrator
Gecko Press
www.geckopress.com
9781776570102, $16.99, HC, 112pp, www.amazon.com
Soda Pop likes bright orange clothes and wears a tea cosy on his head. He has brought up his son
Mazarin on sweet buns and love. Grandfather Dartanyong emerges from his woodshed every
morning with a new identity, and great-grandfather thins he is a cuckoo. Add an invasion of
tigers and you have the makings of "Soda Pop" by Barbro Lindgren. Featuring occasional
illustrations by Lisen Adbage, this is a classic Swedish novel for children that is an absurd tale
full of playful nonsense in a world where anything can happen. An inherently fascinating and
unfailingly entertaining read from cover to cover, "Soda Pop" is very highly recommended for
personal reading lists, as well as school and community library Children's Fiction
collections.
Waiting for Sophie
Sarah Ellis, author
Carmen Mok, illustrator
Pajama Press
http://pajamapress.ca
9781772780208, $10.95, HC, 48pp, www.amazon.com
Waiting is hard. Liam waited through half of kindergarten for his baby sister to be born. Then,
when little Sophie finally comes home, he discovers she won't be ready to play with him for a
long, long time. As the months pass, everyone says that Liam is Sophie's favorite. He is the best
at making her laugh and burp, but laughing and burping are not enough for Liam. With the help
of Nana-Downstairs, he designs and builds a Get Older Faster Machine. It doesn't seem to work
on Sophie, but maybe Sophie is not the only one doing some growing up. "Waiting for Sophie" is
an original and heartwarming story for children ages 5 to 8. Nicely enhanced with the colorful
artwork of Carmen Mok, and especially appropriate for young readers making the transition from
picture books to chapter books, "Waiting for Sophie" is very highly recommended for family,
elementary school and community library Children's Fiction collections.
Esme Dooley and the Kirkkomaki Circus
Holly Trechter, author
Jane Donovan, author & illustrator
Sky Candle Press
www.skycandlepress.com
9781939360052, $27.99, PB, 404pp, www.amazon.com
When eleven-year-old Esme first learns that she is going on a journey in search of a dead person
she didn't know if she was going to a cemetery or maybe a funeral. By train, by gypsy wagon, and
even by ostrich, Esme takes a summer journey. She and her grandmother and her cousin Tommy
meet up with a circus that is going through harrowing times, for someone is pulling wicked
shenanigans! Caught in the conundrum, Esme and Tommy eagerly don their sleuth's hats to try to
solve the mystery. When tragedy strikes, they learn the importance of friendship, and they begin
to understand the value of forgiveness. This historical adventure portrays another humorous
season in the life of Esme Dooley, a girl that young readers ages 8 to 12 were first introduced to
in "Esme Dooley" (9781939360038, $14.99 PB, $5.98 Kindle). "Esme Dooley and the
Kirkkomaki Circus" is set in rural Minnesota in 1904, where love is definitely in the air. The
illustrations by Jane Donovan are colored in shades of red and gray. Exceptional, original, and
inherently entertaining from cover to cover, "Esme Dooley and the Kirkkomaki Circus" is very
highly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library General Fiction
collections for young readers. It should be noted that there is also an accompanying "Esme
Dooley and the Kirkkomaki Circus: Coloring Book" (9781939360069, $3.99, PB) available and
appropriate for children ages 3 to 12.
Ahgottahandleonit
Donovan Mixon
Cinco Puntos Press
701 Texas, El Paso, Texas 79901
www.cincopuntos.com
9781941026465, $16.95, HC, 288pp, www.amazon.com
"Ahgottahandleonit " by Donovan Mixon is the story of Tim, a struggling black kid on the mean
streets of Newark, who doesn't read as well as his classmates in his inner-city high school. He's
got good street creds with his peers from riffing strange rap-rhymes and running like the wind.
He's packed into a three-flat with his mother, sister and Uncle Gentrale. His father, a drunk,
recently walked out on the family, wanting some "freedom". He says, "Ahgottahandleonit, son."
He doesn't. Nor does Tim. He's a sophomore, already two years behind in school. He'll be a
sophomore again if he doesn't pass his proficiency exam. He wants to do what is right, but anger
boils deep inside him. The last day of school before summer, Tim slaps Mr. Jones, the one
teacher who has wanted to help. He doesn't know why. It was just there, a rage born of some dark
history. Uncle Gentrale tries to explain, some crazy shit about living back down south. Marie
reaches out to him for love, but that doesn't work either. In a fight with some gangbangers, the
rage boils over and Tim slams Chucky in the head with a rock. Chucky dies. Tim steals his
phone. He carries it, like an albatross, throughout the summer -- wanting to run, to hide, to speak
truth, to be free. Maybe Mr. Jones will understand. Tim wants his life to matter. Written with an
impressive realism, "Ahgottahandleonit" is a unique and extraordinary novel that will have a very
special appeal for young readers ages 12 to 18. While very highly recommended for school and
community YA Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that
"Ahgottahandleonit" is also available in a paperback edition (9781941026472, $11.95) and in a
Kindle format ($9.51).
Finders Keepers
Andrea Spalding
The Dundurn Group
3 Church Street, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5E 1M2
www.dundurn.com
9781459737525, $11.99, PB, 128pp, www.amazon.com
While walking through a field, young Danny finds an 8,000-year-old arrowhead. After he shows
his friend Joshua, who lives on the Peigan reserve at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, the two go
on buffalo hunts, powwows, archaeological digs, and break in to the local museum. Grappling
with dyslexia and unsure of his place in the world, Danny follows the arrowhead into a distant
past and back again as he learns about himself and the people who came before him. In "Finders
Keepers", author Andrea Spalding has once again penned an inherently compelling novel that
will thoroughly engaging the attention of young readers ages 9 to 12 from cover to cover. While
very highly recommended for elementary school and community library fiction collections for
children in grades 4 to 7, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Finders Keepers" is
also available in a Kindle format ($4.58).
Talent
B. Lynn Goodwin
Eternal Press
c/o Caliburn Press
PO Box 8747, Madison, WI 53714
https://sites.google.com/site/caliburnpressllc
9781629293356, $12.50, PB, 284pp, www.amazon.com
Fifteen-and-half-year-old Sandee Mason wants to find her talent, get her driver's license, and stop
living in the shadow of her big brother, Bri, who disappeared while serving in Afghanistan. A
deftly crafted novel by an experienced author with a genuine flair for creating memorable
characters and a consistently entertaining story line, young readers will follow Sandee's journey
as she experiences drama onstage and off. While B. Lynn Goodwin's "Talent" is especially
recommended for high school and community library YA Fiction collections, it should be noted
for personal reading lists that "Talent" is also available in a Kindle format ($2.99).
Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh
Uma Krishnaswami
Tu Books
c/o Lee & Low Books
95 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
www.leeandlow.com
9781600602610, $16.95, HC, 288pp, www.amazon.com
Nine-year-old Maria Singh longs to play softball in the first-ever girls' team forming in Yuba
City, California. It's the spring of 1945, and World War II is dragging on. Miss Newman, Maria's
teacher, is inspired by Babe Ruth and the All-American Girls' League to start a girls' softball
team at their school. Meanwhile, Maria's parents (Papi from India and Mama from Mexico) can
no longer protect their children from prejudice and from the discriminatory laws of the land.
When the family is on the brink of losing their farm, Maria must decide if she has what it takes to
step up and find her voice in an unfair world. In this fascinating middle grade novel,
award-winning author Uma Krishnaswami (who teaches in the low-residency MFA program in
Writing for Children and Young Adults, Vermont College of Fine Arts) sheds light on a
little-known chapter of American history set in a community whose families made multicultural
choices before the word had been invented. Especially recommended for children ages 8 to 12,
"Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to school and
community library General Fiction collections.
Scholastic Inc.
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999
www.scholastic.com
Five new titles are recommended picks from Scholastic, each offering different, engrossing
stories that will attract young adult leisure readers seeking solid writing, believable protagonists,
and engrossing plots. Celeste Lim's The Crystal Ribbon (9780545767033, $17.99) tells of Jing,
whose father is a poor village Hunan farmer who can barely support their family. Now eleven,
Jing is slated to be a bride to a wealthy family member, which will help matters - or, will they?
Now she's the wife and caretaker of a three-year-old, and her situation has only gone from bad to
worse. An engrossing story of survival and magic emerges. Dan Smith's Boy X (9781338065640,
$16.99) presents the kidnapping of young Ash, who takes up on a remote tropical island in a
medical facility. In order to find out the truth about his heritage and his future, he must escape
impossible conditions and learn the realities of his condition. Boy X is engrossing, surprising,
and filled with tension throughout. Fans of scientific dilemmas intrigue and thrillers will relish it.
Maria D. Laso's Otherwise Known as Possum (9780545927956, $16.99) tells of a young girl
whose life is turned upside down when she loses her mother and her father sends her to school
for the first time - a school where you have to wear certain clothes and behave in certain ways.
Possum has been home-taught all her life and has enjoyed much freedom. If she proves to her
father she already knows everything, can she quit school? An engaging story evolves that
presents a feisty young girl's conundrum. Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle and Emily Jenkins'
Upside-Down magic: Showing off (9780545800532, $14.99) is especially recommended for
middle school readers as it explores the dilemma of an 'upside-down magic' class where the kids
are charged with keeping their magic under wraps, and what happens when a school-wide show
causes that magic to go awry. Warped spells, strange animal combinations, and an 'upside down'
sense of the world meld in a story that is unexpected and fun. Kate Messner's Ranger in Time:
Journey Through Ash and Smoke (9780545909792, $17.99) tells of a time-traveling golden
retriever whose training to search and rescue leads him on an unexpected mission to Viking Age
Iceland, where he meets a girl who rescues him, for a change. A volcano threatens to erupt and
destroy her world: can even a talented retriever change anything for her? Middle school readers
who love animals and time travel stories will relish this adventure.
The Judaic Shelf
Shavuos Guess Who?
Ariella Stern, author
Patti Argoff, illustrator
Hachai Publishing
527 Empire Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11225
9781945560002 $9.95 www.hachai.com
Shavuos Guess Who? is a "lift-the-flap" picturebook designed especially for Jewish children.
Shavuos (also written as "Shavuot", or called the "Feast of Weeks") is a Jewish holiday that
commemorates the day God gave the Torah (the Jewish holy book) to the entire nation of Israel
at Mount Sinai. In Shavuos Guess Who?, children are encouraged to guess the answers to
Shavuos riddles, hidden behind the simple flaps. Bright, colorful illustrations and a glossary of
Hebrew terms round out this delightful picturebook.
K'tonton's Sukkot Adventure
Sadie Rose Weilerstein, author
Joe Boddy, illustrator
Jewish Publication Society
2100 Arch Street, 2nd floor, Philadelphia PA 19103-1399
www.jewishpub.org
9780827612686, $11.95, www.amazon.com
"K'tontotn's Sukkot Adventure" is a nostalgic retelling of a beloved traditional Sukkot tale about
K'tonton, the tiny boy who has been called the Jewish Tom Thumb. Illuminated with witty,
detailed black and white drawings laced with humor, "K'tonton's Sukkot Adventure" presents the
tale framed in traditional story -telling style. There are actually two tales presented; the first is a
story of how a blessed husband and wife came to wish for a child "even if he were no bigger than
my thumb," and how that wish came to be granted to them. The couple named their tiny son Isaac
Samuel, but they called him K'tonton because he was very, very little. He was so small that his
cradle was the curved, carved lid of an etrog (citron, a fruit from Israel). When Tom grew bigger,
as big as his father's middle finger, he was full of joy and mischief. He wanted very badly to go to
the synagogue for Sukkot with his father. His father, however, told him he must wait until he was
older and bigger. Thus began the brave little K'tonton's Sukkot adventure, for he found a special
way to be carried to the synagogue and to be a part of the great Sukkot festival. In the process,
K'tonton discovered a way to climb high above the crowds of people to see all the beauties of the
synagogue, by climbing up the lulav, or palm branch, which his father carried, on its braided
willow and myrtle branch sheaf. Many are the wondrous sights that greet little K'tonton's eyes as
he swayed precariously on the lulav waved by his father to the east, west, north , and south, in a
traditional blessing prayer . When K'tonton joined in the crowd's singing "Hodu l'Adonai ki tov
(Praise the Lord for He is good)," his shrill tiny voice was heard by all. Thankfully, his father
scolded him but did not spank him. The last word of the tale is uttered by the mysterious
wrinkled old woman who helped his mother fulfill her wish for a child no bigger than her thumb.
"A wonder child," she murmured. "Even when he runs away, where does he run to? The
synagogue!" "K'tonton's Sukkot Adventure" is a delightful traditional tale for children ages 4-9,
completed with a glossary of special terms and phrases in Hebrew.
The Christian Shelf
For The Beauty Of The Earth
Folliot S. Pierpoint, author
Lucy Fleming, illustrator
Sparkhouse Family
510 Marquette Ave. 7th Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402
www.sparkhouse.org
9781506421834, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
The poetry of this classic hymn combine with beautiful illustrations to create a picture book that
children and adults alike will cherish. The lyrics of "For the Beauty of the Earth", originally
written in 1864 by English hymnist, poet, and teacher, Folliot S. Pierpoint, celebrate creation,
family, music, and community. Impressively beautiful, full color illustrations by Lucy Fleming
bring the words to life, capturing the rich imagery of the song. "For The Beauty Of The Earth"
includes the written music and lyrics so families can sing the song together. An ideal picture
book, especially for children ages four to eight, "For The Beauty Of The Earth" is unreservedly
and enthusiastically recommended for family, preschool, elementary school, and community
library picture book collections.
Reformation ABCs
Stephen J. Nichols and Ned Bustard
Crossway Books
1300 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
9781433552823 $16.99 www.crossway.org
Although Reformation ABCs is a children's picturebook with an alphabet format, its text is
modestly advanced, featuring a whole page of religious information and history of each letter-
themed topic. For example, the entry for T is Tyndale, that is, William Tyndale, the martyr who
was determined to translate the Bible into English for the people to read, even though translating
it from Latin was against the law at the time. Reformation ABCs works especially well as a
starting point for Sunday school or home schooling about the dramatic religious transformation
that was the Reformation.
The Story of Noah's Ark
Hellen Dardik, illustrator
Running Press
c/o Perseus Book Group
250 W. 57th St., Suite 1500, New York, NY 10107
www.runningpress.com
9780762461844, $9.95, Board Book, 24pp, www.amazon.com
A long time ago, the people of the world were not treating each other kindly. God was very sad,
and so he decided to send a flood to cover the entire world. However, one man, Noah, and his
family were very good people, so God told Noah to build a big boat and to gather two of every
kind of animal to be kept safe in the boat when the floor arrived. Noah did as God commanded
and soon he, his family, and all the animals were drifting in the flood waters. After many weeks
of waiting, the flood went away and Noah, his family, and the animals were able to again return
to land. God set a rainbow in the sky, promising Noah that he would never again flood the earth.
This charmingly illustrated retelling of a classic story of the Bible is especially recommended to
the attention of children ages 4 to 6. While very highly recommended for family, preschool, day
care center, elementary school, Sunday School, and community library Board Book collections, it
should be noted for parents that "The Story of Noah's Ark" is also available in a Kindle format
($8.99).
The Biography Shelf
Karl, Get Out of the Garden!
Anita Sanchez, author
Catherine Stock, illustrator
Charlesbridge Publishing
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
www.charlesbridge.com
9781580896061, $17.99, HC, 48pp, www.amazon.com
Carolus (Karl) Linnaeus (23 May 1707 10 January 1778) started off as a curious child who
loved exploring the garden. Despite his intelligence (and his mother's scoldings) he was a poor
student, preferring to be outdoors with his beloved plants and bugs. As he grew up, Karl's love of
nature led him to take on a seemingly impossible task: to give a scientific name to every living
thing on earth. The result was the Linnaean system which is now the basis for the scientific
classification system used by biologists around the world today. Backyard sciences are
engagingly brought to life in the beautiful color artwork of Catherine Stock. Deftly written by
Anita Sanchez, "Karl, Get Out of the Garden!" also includes back matter with more information
about Linnaeus and scientific classification, a classification chart, a time line, source notes,
resources for young readers, and a bibliography. Especially recommended for children ages 7 to
10, "Karl, Get Out of the Garden!" is very highly recommended and certain to be an enduringly
popular addition to elementary school and community library picture book formatted biography
collections.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Wings of Fire: Escaping Peril
Tui T. Sutherland
Scholastic, Inc.
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999
www.scholastic.com
9780545685450 $6.99 pbk / $10.99 Kindle amazon.com
The eight novel in the Wings of Fire fantasy series focused on dragons and their varied societies,
Wings of Fire: Escaping Peril features Pril, a dragon whose firescales are notoriously powerful
and fatal. Peril was once loyal to Queen Scarlet, even though the Queen used Peril's firescales to
slaughter dragons in the SkyWing arena. Now, Peril is loyal to Clay, her only friend. Now, Queen
Scarlet poses a deadly threat to Clay and his beloved Jade Mountain Academy. Peril is
determined to stop her former queen, but in the process she must decide where her loyalties truly
lie, and whether there is value in preserving the firescales that have brought her so much pain.
Although Wings of Fire: Escaping Peril is intended for a young adult audience, its story will
appeal to dragon fans of all ages. Highly recommended, especially for junior high, high school,
and public library fantasy collections.
Dream Magic
Joshua Khan
Disney Hyperion
125 West End Avenue, New York, NY 10023
www.disneyhyperionbooks.com
9781484737620, $16.99, www.amazon.com
Dream Magic provides a Shadow Magic fantasy young adults will relish and will reach middle
grade readers with a fine account of a heroine and a boy who becomes attached to a giant bat
instead of the dragon he's supposed to be slated for. One doesn't expect the humor that permeates
this fantasy - such devices are rare in adult circles; let alone young reader fantasy stories - but
Dream Magic is a standout in more ways than one, and as readers follow the saga, they'll find
much appeal in its unexpected twists.
Revenge of the Star Survivors
Michael Merschel
Holiday House
425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017
www.holidayhouse.com
9780823436675, $17.95, www.amazon.com
Revenge of the Star Survivors follows the adventures of Clark, who has crash-landed on an
inhospitable planet (Festus Middle School) where everyone is unfriendly. Such is eighth grade -
and Clark is resigned to his role as an alien outsider in this new realm until he makes some
discoveries that change his world. From toughing out hard times and handling school thugs to
facing isolation and disaster, Clark has his hands full in this satisfying meld of science fiction and
friendship challenges.
The Fantastic Adventures of Sticky
Rene Cournoyer
Sticky's Adventures
9780997468106, $21.00, PB, 120pp, www.amazon.com
Sticky the elf has a special gift, he can shoot bubblegum from his hands. Sticky and his two best
friends, Dumbley the dwarf and Robyn the elf, are headed on a Fantastic Adventure. They will
journey from their sheltered, fantasy village of Shendale, hidden from human eyes in the forest to
the real world of humans, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 1776. Along the way, this special elf
will help everyone he meets, spreading his special brand of cheer and humor. He also learns a
few special lessons of friendship, loyalty, and a touch of human history with bubblegum
goodness along the way! Highly recommended for children ages 4 to 12 in general, and 4th
graders in particular, "The Fantastic Adventures of Sticky" by Rene Cournoyer is the first volume
of a four-book series. Double-spaced for easy reading, the chapters are short to build a young
child's confidence in reading. This design is especially great for kids with ADD or ADHD.
The Art Shelf
13 Art Materials Children Should Know
Narcisa Marchioro
Prestel Publishing
900 Broadway, Suite 603, New York, NY 10003
www.prestel.com
9783791372600, $14.95, HC, 48pp, www.amazon.com
Living in northeastern Italy, Narcisa Marchioro teaches art to young people. In "13 Art Materials
Children Should Know" she draws upon her expertise and experience to provide children ages 9
to 12 a fun and educational journey through art history revealing and explaining how the
materials artists use in their work have evolved over the centuries, around the world. The earliest
artists wielded bones, pieces of ivory, and wooden sticks to create works that tell us much about
how ancient civilizations lived and thought. Today artists are using found objects to make
elaborate pieces that are equally revealing. "13 Art Materials Children Should Know" offers
fascinating perspective that focuses on 13 kinds of artistic materials to trace the development of
artistic expression throughout history. Profusely illustrated spreads explore how precious metals
and gems were used by ancient Egyptian artisans and how Greek sculptors created beautiful
vessels out of clay. It reveals the importance of cast metals to the Romans, and glass to the
builders of Gothic cathedrals and Byzantine mosaics. "13 Art Materials Children Should Know"
also shows how the same materials were used by artists centuries apart: paper as parchment for
illuminated manuscripts but also for artist books. Individual chapters explore the intriguing
histories of paint and drawing, ranging from ground pigment to acrylic and from charcoal sticks
to pen and ink. Along the way young readers will become familiar with celebrated and
lesser-known works of art and the people who created them. Informative and entertaining, this
latest addition to the outstanding Prestel Publishing's '13 Children Should Know' series reveals
how resourcefulness and ingenuity are the artist's most precious tools. Informed and informative,
"13 Art Materials Children Should Know" is thoroughly 'kid friendly' in organization and
presentation, making it very highly recommended for family, elementary school, and community
library Art History collections for young readers.
The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf
The Movie Making Book
Dan Farrell & Donna Bamford
Chicago Review Press
814 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60610
www.chicagoreviewpress.com
9781613739150, $18.99, PB, 144pp, www.amazon.com
Dan Farrell and Donna Bamford are the codirectors of Sparks, a film school for young people
based in London. Together they have more than ten years' experience in leading children's film
workshops and oversee Sparks' courses and education projects. Since 2010, they have helped
over 3,000 young filmmakers to produce their own movies. In "The Movie Making Book: Skills
and Projects to Learn and Share", they draw upon their experience and expertise to provide
children ages 7 to 12 with a comprehensive and thoroughly 'kid friendly' instruction manual and
guide on how to make their own videos using smartphone technology. Kids can also learn how to
make "artsy-looking" films on their tablets or take a stab at more in-depth movie making with the
family video recorder. This clear, easy-to-follow guide includes fun games and mini-projects that
teach kids all the techniques they will need in order to get started in movies. Kids can learn and
practice basic shots such as establishing shots and close-ups; creative shots such as high and low
angles; panning and tracking; special effects tricks; storytelling skills; the basic techniques of
editing; and much more. Then move on to 14 more advanced projects (including making talk
shows, superhero movies, video greeting cards, and spy movies) by applying the skills and
information provided in the illustrated pages of "The Movie Making Book". Kids won't need
fancy equipment or training to become a filmmaker. With "The Moving Making Book" they can
simply grab a phone, tablet, or video recorder and a friend of two and get started making and
safely sharing their movies and videos with their friends, their families, and anyone else.
Doctor Who: The Dangerous Book of Monsters
BBC Children's Books
c/o Puffin Books
puffinbooks.com
c/o Penguin Random House
global.penguinrandomhouse.com
1405920033 $16.99 amazon.com
Packed with color photographs and illustrations on almost every page, Doctor Who: The
Dangerous Book of Monsters is the official guide to the weird, fantastic, and all-too-often deadly
creatures of the popular science fiction television series! Although The Dangerous Book of
Monsters is written especially to be accessible to young adults, series connoisseurs of all ages
will enjoy browsing through the myriad entries complete with survival tips. (For Daleks, the
survival tips are "I don't have any. RUN - they'd exterminate you. HIDE - they'd find and
exterminate you. They eye stalk's the only weak point a Dalek has. But you'll probably be dead
before you remember I told you that.") The Dangerous Book of Monsters is just plain fun to page
through, and highly recommended to Doctor Who fans everywhere.
The Bilingual Shelf
The Little Doctor / el doctorecito
Juan J. Guerra, author
Victoria Castillo, illustrator
Arte Publico Press
University of Houston
4902 Gulf Freeway, Bldg 19, Rm 100, Houston, TX 77204-2004
www.artepublicopress.com
9781561457618, $16.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Salvador raced home from school to share exciting news with his abuela: he made an A+ on his
science test! But at home, he learns that his grandmother needs his help. She is going to the
doctor and wants her grandson to interpret for her. Abuela is nervous because she has never been
to a doctor in the United States. In El Salvador, she either saw a curandera or drank te de
manzanilla when she felt sick. When he learns that none of the physicians speak Spanish, the boy
realizes that he is completely responsible for making sure the doctor understands his grandmother
and that she understands his instructions! But in spite of his help, the visit does not go well. The
doctor rushes in and out. He doesn't listen to Abuela. And he tells Salvador that she should not
eat so much Mexican food! Abuela is so upset that she threatens not to take the medication the
doctor prescribes! What can Salvador do to help her? In this engaging bilingual
(English/Spanish) picture book for children ages 4-8, a young Salvadoran boy dreams of
becoming a doctor who speaks both English and Spanish so that patients like his beloved
grandmother aren't afraid to visit the doctor. Paired with lively, colorful illustrations by Victoria
Castillo, this entertaining and thoroughly 'kid friendly' picture book by Juan J. Guerra (a doctor
specializing in obstetrics and gynecology) will encourage children to think about their own
futures as well as the role their culture can play in helping the community. "The Little Doctor / el
doctorecito" is very highly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library
bilingual picture book collections for children.
The American History Shelf
Strange Fruit
Gary Golio, author
Charlotte Riley-Webb, illustrator
Millbrook Press
c/o The Lerner Publishing Group
241 First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1607
www.lernerbooks.com
9781467751230, $19.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
Eleanora Fagan (April 7, 1915 July 17, 1959), professionally known as Billie Holiday, was an
American jazz musician and singer-songwriter with a career spanning nearly thirty years.
"Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday and the Power of a Protest Song" takes its title from the occasion
that her audience was completely silent the first time Billie Holiday performed a song called
"Strange Fruit." In the 1930s, Billie was known as a performer of jazz and blues music, but this
song wasn't either of those things. It was a song about injustice, and it would change her life
forever. Young readers ages 8 to 12 will discover how two outsiders Billie Holiday, a young
black woman raised in poverty, and Abel Meeropol, the son of Jewish immigrants combined
their talents to create a song that challenged racism and paved the way for the Civil Rights
movement. Powerfully illustrated by Charlotte Riley-Webb, Gary Golio's telling of this
impressive story is very highly recommended for family, elementary school, and community
library picture book collections. It should be noted that "Strange Fruit" is also available in a
Kindle format ($7.99).
Scholastic, Inc.
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999
www.scholastic.com, www.amazon.com
Samantha Seiple's Death on the River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Amazon Adventure
(9780545709163, $17.99) offers young adults a powerful, dramatic and true story of a former
American president who toured South America in search of adventure. His change to lead an
expedition into the Amazon jungle in an exploration with his son and a Brazilian explorer
resulted in the adventure of a lifetime, revealed here. Black and white photos pepper a story that
is immediate, revealing, and completely engrossing, recommended for students studying
Roosevelt's life and leisure adventure nonfiction readers alike. Tod Olson's Lost in Outer Space:
The Incredible Journey of Apollo 13 (9780545928151, $12.99) follows the third mission to the
moon, when an explosion leaves three astronauts in jeopardy, and provides a dramatic account of
events that includes a teen daughter's frightening moments facing her father's danger, and a
NASA team charged with bringing astronauts safely home after disaster strikes. Black and white
photos accompany a drama-filled story that reads like fiction but is packed with facts. The focus
on family and other individuals concerned about the events adds an extra dimension to keep
grades 4-8 interested in the story.
The World History Shelf
The Big Book of Canada
Christopher Moore
Tundra Books
350 Front Street West, Suite 1400, Toronto, ON, Canada M5V 3B6
9781101918944, $34.99, www.amazon.com
This updated edition of The Big Book of Canada enjoys illustrations by Bill Slavin and arrives in
time for Canada's 150th birthday as it packs in photos and art to supplement a discussion of the
country's provinces and territories. Why should it be considered for an elementary-level
American library? Because relatively few books about Canada delve into details about the
country, and because the lively format of Canada's politics, peoples, cultures and laws should be
required reading for any child in this country who would better know our neighbors.
The Literary Shelf
Moby Dick
Herman Melville, author
Phillip Edwards, author
Adam Horsepool, illustrator
Flowerpot Press
142 2nd Ave. North, Franklin, TN 37064
www.FlowerpotPress.com
9781486712007, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
This picture book adaptation of Herman Melville's classic American novel, "Moby Dick" is
retold by Phillip Edards and engaging illustrated for children ages 7 to 10 by Adam Horsepool.
Part of the Flowerpot Press '10 Minute Classics' series, this timeless tale of a man called Ishmael
who joins the crew of an ultimately doomed whaling ship called the Pequod. But little did
Ishmael know that he was about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. With Captain Ahab at
the helm, Ishmael and his crewmates quickly learned that they weren't simply hunting whales,
they were on a quest for the biggest catch there ever was, the great white whale of legend, Moby
Dick. This picture book will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to family, elementary
school, and community library collections.
The Psychology Shelf
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
400 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
www.jkp.com
This publisher's books about emotions and difficult situations is geared to young picture book
readers in grades 2-4 and the parents who read aloud to them, and offer four new titles that
should be in the elementary-level collections of any library seeking to include books about
interpersonal relationships and better understanding. Tracey Ross's My Book of Feelings
(9781785921926, $16.95) comes from a parent and an artist who join forces to explore the nature
of feelings for kids ages 5 and older, and offers some thirty pages of insights about emotions.
Language blends with visual embellishments that explore different emotions and how they are
present in everyday life. Arlen Grad Gaines and Meredith Englander Polsky's I Have a Question
About Death: A Book for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other Special Needs
(9781785927508, $14.95) is designed specifically for children with special needs to help them
understand death, and is directed to kids ages 5-11 with such needs. From understanding the
nature of death and what one can do when someone dies to ceremonies surrounding death and
handling ongoing feelings of loss, this is a simply written, simply drawn discussion that opens
the doors for adult/child interactions about the subject. Abi Rawlins works with Catherine
Frizzell on Is it OK to Ask Questions About Autism? (9781785921704, $17.95), based on actual
discussions from autism awareness workshops in schools. It takes the most common question
kids ask about autism and designs answers using a blend of simple illustrations and text for ages
5-11, but its best use is as an introductory discussion tool with adult assistance. Friendship and
understanding is encouraged. Kathy Hoopmann's All Birds Have Anxiety (9781785921827,
$15.95) blends natural history and humor with discussions of bird behaviors and symptoms to
help kids understand not just bird facts, but human experiences of anxiety. From dry mouth and
an aching stomach to sleepless nights and uncontrollable worries, this is a fine book that
introduces the basic concept of anxiety and its symptoms.
The Math Shelf
Let's Estimate
David A. Alder, author
Edward Miller, illustrator
Holiday House
425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017
9780823436682, $17.95 www.holidayhouse.com
Let's Estimate: A Book About Estimating and Rounding Numbers is illustrated by Edward Miller
and features cartoon dinosaurs as it encourages kids to learn the concepts involved in math
estimation. How much pizza is needed for a dinosaur party, and how do people use rounded
numbers in the estimation process? A fun story evolves, perfect for reaching elementary-level
kids who view math with reluctance and dinosaur stories with excitement.
The Graphic Novel Shelf
Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt
Ben Clanton
Tundra Books
350 Front Street West, Suite 1400, Toronto, ON, Canada M5V 3B6
www.penguinrandomhouse.ca
9781101918296, $12.99, www.amazon.com
Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt represents Book 2 in the series that tells of a happy Narwhal and a
jellyfish who have a series of adventures in this graphic novel chapter presentation. Three
underwater encounters are presented as Narwhal reveals his super-powers to his friend and uses
his newfound abilities to help others. A story of friendship and good intentions evolves, perfect
for elementary-level readers looking for graphic novels to help them into the next step of chapter
book reading.
Dog Man Unleashed
Dav Pilkey
Scholastic Inc.
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999
www.scholastic.com
9780545935203, $9.99, www.amazon.com
Dog Man Unleashed provides good-sized, simple full-color graphic novel cartoons to embellish
the story of pets, treasure chests, dinosaurs, and a feisty Dog Man, and is a fun read for young
fans of the Captain Underpants series who will enjoy a different take on adventure here. Some of
the panels are wordless while others fill in plot and action, but the character of Dog Man and his
escapades invites all graphic novel readers to enjoy.
The Music CD Shelf
Dessert Island
Froggins and Bug
Privately Published
dogonfleas.com
$12.99 CD / $9.99 download cdbaby.com
Dessert Island is a children's music album; its "Froggins and Bug" band is the (fictional)
invention of Grammy Award winning producer Dean Jones, his associate Shane Kirch, and other
friends. The songs feature wacky humor, jazzy comedy, and pure, lighthearted spontaneity.
Parents as well as children will enjoy the tongue-in-cheek clever puns and wacky lyrics! The
tracks are "Literal Red Riding Hood", "Get a Job", "Puppets are Controlled by People", "I'd Like
to Live in Your Hat", "Red Red Red Red Red", "Birthday Suit", "Sports", "Ecoute", "Dessert
Island", "Horace the Horse", "Pseudonym", and "I Wish I Could Eat Pinecones".
The DVD Shelf
Back to School Stories and More
Weston Woods
90 Old Sherman Turnpike, Danbury, CT 06816
9781338091083 $59.95 www.scholastic.com/westonwoods
Back to School Stories and More gathers three video adaptations of children's picturebooks on a
single DVD. The stories are "Miss Nelson Has a Field Day" (13 min.) by Harry Allard, about the
willful Viola Swamp's efforts to get a football team in shape for the big game; "Crazy Hair Day"
(12 min.) by Barney Saltzberg, about a young boy who unfortunately confuses Crazy Hair Day
and School Picture Day; and "Will I Have a Friend?" (8 min.) by Miriam Cohen, about a young
person's fears concerning his first day of school. Back to School Stories and More is an excellent
choice for homeroom viewing, and highly recommended for kindergarten and elementary school
library DVD collections.
Friendshape
Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
Weston Woods
90 Old Sherman Turnpike, Danbury, CT 06816
$59.95 www.scholastic.com/westonwoods
Enhanced with a "read-along" option, Friendshape is the DVD adaptation of a delightful
children's picturebook about a triangle, circle, square, and rectangle who celebrate the joys of
friendship together. Narrated by a talented quintet of actors and enriched with music and simple
animations, Friendshape is a choice pick for kindergarten and elementary school homeroom
viewing. Highly recommended! 7 min.
The Environmental Shelf
Forest Communities: Living In Harmony with Fire
The Whizpops, composers/performers /authors
Glory Lawson, illustrator
Mountain Press Publishing Company
1301 South Third Street West, P.O. Box 2399, Missoula, MT 59806
9780878426744, $14.00, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
"Forest Communities: Living in Harmony with Fire" is a popular song by the Whizpops that
describes three distinctive forest communities in the West, typified by three different types of
pine trees: ponderosa, lodgepole, and whitebark pines. The song lyrics go on to explain who each
type of forest community lives and thrives and benefits form a cycle of life which includes fire.
Accurate colored illustrations depict flora and fauna at each level of the three forest communities,
and after each section description, the song refrain is repeated: "Every living thing growing in the
woods agrees that forests need fire to live in harmony! There will always be another seed to grow
underneath. It's the never-ending cycle of forest communities." At the end a section titled Living
with Wildfires explains how "fire is a natural part of the ecosystem in the West." Things that
people can do to help keep the forests healthy include thinning backyard forests, raking up pine
needles and cones, an making their houses out of fireproof materials. "Forest Communities" is
completed by a glossary of terms., and list of resources. "Forest Communities; Living in
Harmony with Fire" is an educational, entertaining, exciting approach to fire awareness and
preparedness for students age 5 and up.
Plants in Disguise
Debi Schmid and Lise Hedegaard
Mountain Press Publishing Company
PO Box 2399, Missoula, MT 59806
www.mountain-press.com
9780878426737 $15.00 amazon.com
Plants in Disguise: Features of Creatures in Flowers and Foliage is a colorful nonfiction
children's book about plants that appear at first glance to resemble animals, or parts of animals.
From the Cattail, a marsh plant with a brown, furry spike holding its seeds, to the hawksbeard, a
flower with pale yellow petals that resemble the tufted feathers of a hawk, these amazing flora
are drawn in a simple, colorful, and realistic style, and paired with fascinating botanical facts.
Plants in Disguise is entertaining, educational, and highly recommended.
The Jobs/Careers Shelf
The Young Adult's Guide to Being a Great Waiter or Waitress
Atlantic Publishing Editorial Staff
Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc.
1405 S.W. 6th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471
www.atlantic-pub.com
9781601389916 $19.95 pbk / $18.55 Kindle amazon.com
The Young Adult's Guide to Being a Great Waiter or Waitress is designed to teach teenagers and
young adults how to excel in food service and hospitality, thereby earning better tips on the job.
Its practical advice and instructions are also invaluable to anyone new to waiting tables, whether
as a part-time gig or a full-time career. Chapters cover how to deliver quality service (especially
when customers' young children complicate matters), how to skillfully take orders, the art of
"suggestive selling", serving alcohol, restaurant safety, and much more. A brief bibliography, an
index, and a wealth of black-and-white as well as color photographs round out this excellent
resource.
Books in Series
Ellie Camps Under the Stars
Marci and Elle Fair, authors
Chloe Fair, coeditor
Nelly Murariu, cover & layout designer
Pacochel Press LLC
www.EllieAdventures.com
9780996363549, $8.99 PB, $4.99 Kindle, www.amazon.com
Last title of a popular series written by a mother daughter team, "Ellie Camps Under the Stars"
takes the stuffed animal friends on a camping expedition with lots of outdoor fun. Ellie the
elephant and Pudgy the penguin packed all they would need and hiked out to their dream
campsite in the woods. Setting up their tent proved to be a daunting adventure in itself! Sleeping
bags and flashlights, and other comforts and necessities made their campsite just like home. A
hike was a fun adventure! Pudgy and Ellie found a secret path and a bridge over a rushing creek,
near the mountain rocks. They even saw a butterfly! then it was time to return to the campsite for
lunch. After a lunch of grilled sandwiches, the friends decided to play games like cards, dice, and
word games. As it cooled off and grew darker, the friends built a campfire and made s'mores with
marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate. As stars began to twinkle in the sky, two forest
friends joined Pudgy and Ellie at the campfire, an owl and a chipmunk! Ellie and Pudgy wished
on the stars and named some of their favorite constellations in the night sky. Then they read in
their tent with flashlights until they went to sleep, listening to the night sounds of the forest. The
next morning, after a good camp breakfast and campsite cleanup, the friends hiked farther and
saw their first waterfall. They hiked farther up the mountain to see a spectacular view of the
valley below. The friends found that their camping and hiking adventures taught them that they
were strong and courageous, embracing exciting adventures and spectacular new sights and
experiences that would be a part of their memories all their lives. At the end of "Ellie Camps
Under the Stars" are some games that friends like Ellie and Pudgy can play when they are
camping too. Color photos of the favorite stuffed animal characters decorate every page of "Ellie
Camps Under the Stars" in beautiful natural settings that invite further camping adventures.
The Escapades of Clint McCool series
Jane Kelley
Grosset & Dunlap/Penguin
c/o Penguin Young Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10014
http://us.penguingroup.com, www.amazon.com
Two fine chapter book series adventures receive fun illustrations by Jessika von Innerebner as
they follow Clint McCool's story of a young superhero whose passions lead to trouble. Octo-Man
and the Headless Monster (9780448487533, $5.99) tells of eight-year-old Walter and his super
identity as Clint McCool - and of an imagination gone wild. Walter is impulsive and quick to get
into trouble, but his intends on doing good things - and so a combination of imagination and
good intentions lead to adventures such as this, in which his penchant for action and invention
lands him into trouble on a film set. Sol-Ray Man and the Freaky Flood (9780451533395, $5.99)
tells of a broken water pipe, a day off from school, and Sol-Ray Man, who can't enter the school
if nobody is there. Clint faces the dual challenges of being a superhero while facing a babysitter's
attention and a call to go to bed: can he win despite his obligations? A fun story evolves.
Destination: Middle Ages: Your Guide to the Arts in the Middle Ages
Cynthia O'Brien, author
Tim Cooke, managing editor
Crabtree Publishing Company
PMB 59051, 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10118
www.crabtreebooks.com
9780778729952, $27.60 HC, $8.95 PB, 32pp, www.amazon.com
"Your Guide to the Arts in the Middle Ages" is a part of the "Destination: Middle Ages"
educational series for elementary and middle school students. Lavishly studded with artwork,
photos, and prints from studies of the era (which extended from 500-1500 A.D.), "Your Guide to
the Arts in the Middle Ages" covers examples of the arts in literature, music, theater, paintings,
wood carvings, sculpture, architecture, and inventions, as well as other areas. Many famous
visual arts were created in the Middle Ages, such as stained glass windows, frescos, and stone
carvings in churches. They usually portrayed an important Biblical or religious event or narrative.
A system of apprentices evolved to help teach the arts and crafts of painting, carving, and
sculpting. Young apprentice artists started by the age of 12 to learn their life's craft. Books were
written by hand by monks in monasteries, and pages were beautifully illuminated on vellum
pages, sometimes using gold and sliver paints. Literacy was taught in monasteries and later in
schools and universities. Libraries of books had chains fixed to manuscripts to keep them on the
shelves, because they were so valuable. Poems, ballads, and songs were also written and shared
by many famous authors, including Geoffrey Chaucer ( of England), Dante Aligheiri (of Italy),
and Hafiz (of Iran). Islamic, Italian, and French art flourished with certain leaders of creativity
including, Leonardo Da Vinci, Jean Pucelle, Giotto di Bondone and Filippo Brunelleschi, artist
and engineer. Examples of studies of philosophy and ground breaking inventions such as the
printing press, medical studies through corpse dissection, and gunpowder affected the growth of
Medieval civilization and culture. A glossary, list of internet resources and books plus a timeline
of famous medieval arts achievements completes "Your Guide to the Arts in the Middle Ages."
In addition, the following titles from the series, "Destination: Middle Ages" are also highly
recommended: "Your Guide to Medieval Society" (9780778729914, $27.60 HC, $8.95 PB), by
Rachel Stuckey, "Your Guide to Trade in the Middle Ages" (9780778729969, $27.60 HC, $8.95
PB), by James Bow, "Your Guide to Knights and the Age of Chivalry" (9780778729921, $27.60
HC, $8.95 PB), by Cynthia O'Brien, "Your Guide to Castles and Medieval Warfare"
(9780778729945, $27.60 HC, $8.95 PB), by James Bow, and "Your Guide to the Islamic Golden
Age" (9780778729938, $27.60 HC, $8.95 PB), by Tim Cooke.
Crabtree Publishing Company
350 Fifth Avenue, 59th Floor, New York, NY 10118
www.crabtreebooks.com
Four new titles in the 'Leaving My Homeland' series ($20.70 each) are top recommendations.
Each holds 32 pages of detail that supports the C3 Framework for Social Studies for grade 4, and
each couches individual experience with explorations of different countries' political challenges
and why its refugees came to this country. Ellen Rodger's A Refugee's Journey from Iraq
(9780778731276) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (9780778731269) and Helen Mason's
Syria (9780778731283) and Afghanistan (9780778731252) pair before, during, and after stories
of a refugee child with a survey of each country's conflict and struggles. The result is a top,
recommended series for any elementary library strong on contemporary immigrant history and
experiences.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
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