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Reviewer's Choice
Just Breathe
Annette Rivlin-Gutman, author
Melissa Bailey, illustrator
CreateSpace
4900 LaCross Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406
9781511507875, $12.94, www.amazon.com
"Just Breathe" is an illustrated picture book story specifically intended for any young child who
feels anxious or worried when facing everyday life circumstances such as going to a new school,
taking a test, arguing with a friend, or trying out for a team. In this charming story, the child
remembers to breathe deeply in order to find his own inner calm and successfully cope with each
new situation. Thoroughly 'kid friendly' in concept and execution, "Just Breathe" is an ideal 28
page picture book that will prove to be an enduringly popular and highly recommended addition
to day care, pre-school, kindergarten, and community library collections.
When Lyla Got Lost (and found)
Abbie Schiller & Samantha Kurtzman-Counter
Rubys Studio
Godfrey Sanders Public Relations
9780989407120, $12.95, 36pp, www.amazon.com
One day, while shopping at a store with her mom and little brother, Lyla got lost. Thankfully, she
remembers what to do and is soon reunited with her family. "When Lyla Got Lost (and found)" is
a beautifully scripted story that educates and assures young readers ages 2 to 6 about what to do
should they become one of the 7 out of 10 children that get lost in their lifetimes. Authors Abbie
Schiller & Samantha Kurtzman-Counter offers care-giver language and practical tips to help
prepare young children -- just in case they ever find themselves lost. "When Lyla Got Lost (and
found)" is a critically important and highly recommended addition to family, preschool, and
community library collections.
Devon: The Wild Adventures of Devon and Friends
Elena N. Marcus
CreateSpace
4900 LaCross Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406
9780615575452, $18.00, 74pp, www.amazon.com
"Devon, the Wild Adventures of Devon and Friends" by Elena N. Marcus is an illustrated
storybook in verses for young readers ages 4 to10. Little boy Devon visits the Zoo with his
friends Qi, the wise panda bear, and his hungry, not-so-wise mutt, Picco. The Panda and Picco
get in trouble and Devon enlists Hot Trot and his army of strays to save them. Violence doesn't
pay, and the strays are locked up as 'mean' dogs. A new friendship, a smart first grade girl will
help Devon liberate all his furry friends from their scary plight. Devon has several levels of
understanding, and its format is amenable to staging or character reading. "Devon, the Wild
Adventures of Devon and Friends" is one long adventure story written in catchy rhyming verses,
with more than 30 illustrations. It may be used by non-English speakers, children and adults, to
study English, on account of its rhyming recall qualities. Reading "Devon, the Wild Adventures
of Devon and Friends" to children will be a fun adventure for both listeners and readers. Some of
the vocabulary is advanced but their meaning can be understood from the context. "Devon: The
Wild Adventures of Devon and Friends" extols values such friendship, learning, peaceful
solutions, at the expense of violence and vanity. A deftly crafted and original story, "Devon: The
Wild Adventures of Devon and Friends" is very highly recommended for both school and
community library collections. It should be noted that "Devon: The Wild Adventures of Devon
and Friends" is also available in a Kindle edition ($2.99) and in an impressively produced CD
audio book format ($6.08).
Peace, Bugs, and Understanding
Gail Silver, author
Youme Nguyen Ly, illustrator
Plum Blossom Books
c/o Parallax Press
PO Box 7355, Berkeley, CA 94707
9781937006631 $16.95 www.parallax.org
Peace, Bugs, and Understanding: An Adventure in Sibling Harmony is a children's picturebook
with a message about learning to accept and transform negative emotions. Young Lily is
frustrated by her younger sister Ruby, who can be annoying and seems to get all the attention.
Then she reads her great-grandfather's journal, and learns that when he was a boy, he used to feel
the same way about his little sister! His anger against his sister took the form of a big frog,
Anger, that sat on his back and dragged down his every move. "Anger plopped to the ground and
crossed his legs. 'If you want me to go away,' he said, 'you have to find Metta.' 'Who's Metta?' I
asked. 'Meta's not a 'who,'' Anger said, scratching his ear." Indeed, Metta is a word from an
ancient language called Pali, sometimes translated as "loving kindness"; it embodies a wish for
the happiness of others. Lily's great-grandfather learned that he could free himself of Anger by
focusing on a meditative wish for his sister's happiness, and Lily discovers the joy of sharing this
wish. "May you be happy. May you be strong. May you be safe. May you live with peace." Peace,
Bugs, and Understanding is highly recommended for sharing with young people, and for public
library children's collections.
Keeping Fit from A to Z / Mantente en forma de la A a la Z
Moonstone Press LLC
c/o KSB Promotions (publicity)
9780983498353 $15.95 www.moonstonepress.net
Keeping Fit from A to Z / Mantente en forma de la A a la Z is a bilingual English/Spanish
picturebook filled with over 150 full-color photographs showcasing healthy exercise activities
young people can engage in for every letter of the alphabet, from "aerobic exercises" to "outrun
your pals" to "wash the car"! The final pages (also bilingual) offer quick guidelines for outdoor
games children can play, including "capture the flag", "musical chairs", "crack the whip", and
"run, run, la guaraca". A "Parents, Did You Know...?" page filled with facts (such as "exercise
often helps relieve depression and anxiety by releasing endorphins to the brain") rounds out this
jubilant celebration of physical activity!
The Art Shelf
Noah's Ark
Adapted by Linda Falken
Abrams Books for Young Readers
115 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
9781419713613 $17.95 www.abramsyoungreaders.com
Noah's Ark retells the classic Biblical parable of the Great Flood, as recounted in chapters 6-9 of
Genesis. What distinguishes this adaptation is that it is illustrated entirely with full-color
reproductions of classic paintings from The Metropolitan Museum of Art! The last few pages
offer additional credits about each art piece, including its museum caption and a thumbnail of
text about the painting and the artist who created it. A truly captivating picturebook to page
through, Noah's Ark is especially recommended for public library children's collections.
The Multicultural Shelf
Sona and the Wedding Game
Kashmira Sheth, author
Yoshiko Jaeggi, illustrator
Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
1700 Chattahoochee Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30318-2112
9781561457359 $16.95 www.peachtree-online.com
Inspired by author Kashmira Sheth's memories of attending Indian weddings, Sona and the
Wedding Game is a children's picturebook, from the perspective of an Indian-American girl
whose older sister is getting married. Sona learns that she has a special role to play in the
ceremony - tradition dictates that it's her job to steal the groom's shoes, and if she succeeds, she
can bargain for a prize in exchange! An afterword elaborates a little more about Indian wedding
customs, noting that "India is a very large country, and wedding traditions vary from one region
to another. Shoe-stealing, for instance, is only done in some parts of the country". Sona and the
Wedding Game is a charming, beautifully illustrated picturebook, highly recommended for
multicultural picturebook and public library children's collections.
The Bilingual Shelf
Francisco's Kites / Las Cometas de Francisco
Alicia Z. Klepeis, author
Gary Undercuffler, illustrator
Arte Publico Press
University of Houston
4902 Gulf Freeway, Bldg 19, Rm 100
Houston, TX 77204-2004
9781558858046 $17.95 www.artepublicopress.com
Francisco's Kites / Las Cometas de Francisco is a bilingual English/Spanish picturebook about
Francisco, a young immigrant boy who misses his friends at his old home in El Salvador. He
wants to fly a fancy new kite near his new American home, but his mother can't afford one. What
to do? He resolves to craft his own kite! Francisco's talent for making kites proves to be
prodigious; he's able to sell them to local children, and earn enough money to take his
hardworking mother out to eat. Beautiful and heartwarming, Francisco's Kites is a delight to page
through.
Finding the Music
Jennifer Torres, author
Renato Alarcao, illustrator
Lee & Low Books
95 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
9780892392919 $18.95 www.leeandlow.com
A Junior Library Guild selection, Finding the Music / En pos de la musica is a bilingual
English/Spanish picturebook about Reyna, a young girl who accidentally damages the old vihuela
(a small guitar-like instrument) that belonged to her abuelito [grandfather] when he was in a
mariachi band. Reyna resolved to get the vihuela repaired before her mother notices, and combs
the neighborhood in search of someone who knows how to fix it. Her journey leads her to
discover the amazing power of music that her abuelito cherished. Finding the Music is especially
recommended for public library multicultural picturebook collections.
The Self-Help Shelf
Stickley Sticks To It!
Brenda S. Miles, author
Steve Mack, illustrator
Magination Press
PO Box 92984, Washington, DC 20090-2984
9781433819100 $14.95 www.maginationpress.com
Stickley Sticks To It! A Frog's Guide to Getting Things Done is more than a picturebook; it's also
a subtle guide to learning how to focus on getting tasks done, from homework to creative
projects. Not only does Stickley the frog have sticky toes, he's also very good at sticking to
project and seeing it through. He takes short breaks if he needs to, but he always keeps a positive,
can-do attitude and perseveres! An extensive note to parents, caregivers, and teachers in the final
pages of Stickley Sticks To It! has guidelines for helping a child develop their attention span,
work ethic, and study skills. Stickley Sticks To It! is a choice pick for public library children's
picturebook collections.
When the Anger Ogre Visits
Andree Salom, author
Ivette Salom, illustrator
Wisdom Publications
199 Elm Street, Somerville, MA 02144
9781614291664 $18.95 www.wisdompubs.org
When the Anger Ogre Visits is a children's picturebook offering helpful advice for dealing with
unpleasant emotions such as anger. When the "anger ogre" visits, rather than attempting to squish
it or hide it, children are encouraged to observe and understand their anger, breathe, relax, and
pay attention to their emotions without being overwhelmed or controlled by them. "The Anger
Ogre visits everybody's lives! // Just remember to be patient when it arrives." Exaggeratedly
whimsical color illustrations add the perfect touch to this enlightening guide.
Whatever Wanda!
Christy Ziglar, author
Paige Billin-Frye, illustrator
Shine Bright Kids
c/o Ideals Children's Books
9780824956684 $14.99 www.idealsbooks.com
Whatever Wanda! is a children's picturebook with a strong message about the power of a positive
attitude. Young Wanda is grumpy about having to attend the local Rubber Duck Days festival,
responding "Whatever" to her friends and family. A kindly grownup teaches Wanda a valuable
life lesson - that sometimes changing one's attitude is crucial. Just as a negative outlook can
make one's day miserable, a positive outlook can make one's day fun. Charming color
illustrations (that perfectly capture the silly celebrations of Rubber Duck Days!) add just the right
touch to this delightful read-aloud story.
The Geology Shelf
This Land Is Your Land
Catherine Ciocchi, author
Cathy Morrison, illustrator
Arbordale Publishing
9781628555578, $17.95, www.arbordalepublishing.com
"This Land Is Your Land" is a versed, realistically illustrated exploration of some of the
magnificent landforms and geological features of Earth. Some of the scenic features presented
include a forest, coasts, continents, mountains, hills, the Colorado Plateau, the Grand Canyon,
valleys, plains, peninsulas, a volcano, an island, an archipelago of islands, and more. Each
different terrain is lavishly displayed in layered colors of both daytime and night time scenes.
Sidebars and miniature maps give additional information about each different landform. At the
end of the book additional educational sections include the For Creative Minds section on Earth
Movers, landform sorting activities and definitions, Map Skills, and more. Other cross curricular
educational activities and quizzes can be found at, www.ArbordalePublishing.com. In summary,
the features of descriptive narrative verse with detailed colorful illustrations and educational
extra features make this a winning choice for young readers age 7 and up. An additional and
outstanding educational title from the same publisher that is also highly recommended is
"Primate School" (9781628555554, $17.95), by Jennifer Keats Curtis.
The American History Shelf
In the New World: A Family in Two Centuries
Gerda Raidt, illustrator
Christa Holtei, author
Charlesbridge
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
9781580896306, $17.95, www.charlesbridge.com
"In the New World: A Family in Two Centuries" follows the true story of a Prussian-German
family named Robert and Margarete Peters and their two children Johannes and Dorothea, who
emigrated from Hanover in Prussia to new Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States in 1869. After
being checked through passport control, the family takes a riverboat up the Mississippi to St.
Louis, Missouri, where they switch to take the train to Omaha, Nebraska. A journey by covered
wagon train takes the family to their land claims, along with many other immigrants from
Scandinavia, Switzerland, Ireland, and England. Finally the family arrives at their 150 acre claim
and settle in to start to work after having traveled 6,000 miles over two months. The Peters
family begins to build their farm with a prairie sod home, planting seeds from Germany for crops
of beans, vegetables, and grain, as well as fruit trees. The family encounter different Native
Americans during their first year on the farm, but the Pawnee are peaceable, and the Lakota do
them no harm. Gradually the family meets new neighbors and makes many good friends. 150
years later, five generation of the Peters family have kept the farm and increased its holdings. A
new descendant of the family, Olivia, decides to explore her family's history for a school project.
Ending with an exciting boat trip back to Germany, the family and Olivia finally discover the
original house that Maggy and Bob Peters came from to make their long journey. Coming full
circle in tracing a family's background is exciting and rewarding in many ways. Detailed
illustrations of the experiences and settings add depth to this true story, and maps on the inner
parts of the covers show the ocean and land pathways traced by both the original Peters family
and the descendants who retrace the journey. "In the New World: A Family in Two Centuries" is
an exciting true story about an important German family experience of immigration from the Old
World to the New. This book is suitable for children age 8 and up.
The Easy Reader Shelf
Sniff! Sniff!
Ryan Sias
Abrams Appleseed
115 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
9781419714900 $14.95 www.abramsyoungreaders.com
Sniff! Sniff! is an easy reader picturebook about a puppy whose follows his nose to adventure!
The text is very simple; every two page spread is "Sniff! Sniff!" followed by single word
embodying what the puppy smells, such as "Garden!", "Park!", or "Garbage!". The bold, cartoony
illustrations of a friendly, mischievous little brown dog add a heartwarming touch of charm to
this wonderful book to share with the very young.
The Monkey and the Bee
C.P. Bloom, author
Peter Raymundo, illustrator
Abrams Books for Young Readers
115 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
9781419708862 $14.95 www.abramsyoungreaders.com
The Monkey and the Bee is a children's picturebook featuring exuberant artwork. Its simple story
is about a monkey and a bee, whose quibble over a banana turns into hostile fight. But then their
bickering accidentally aggravates a dangerous lion! Can a tiny bee save Monkey from a fierce
predator - and can two quarreling rivals become friends? A distinctive feature of The Monkey
and the Bee is that it reads almost entirely like a pictorial graphic novel - the only story words are
"The monkey", "The bee", and "The lion", interspersed among bold, vivid illustrations that speak
for themselves! Highly recommended.
The Picturebook Shelf
My Grandma's a Ninja
Todd Tarpley, author
Danny Chatzikonstantinou, illustrator
NorthSouth Books
600 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10016
9780735841994 $17.95 www.northsouth.com
My Grandma's a Ninja is a silly children's picturebook about a young boy whose grandma is a
black-clad ninja! At first it seems amazing that she can leap through the air and teach his friends
karate moves, but there are drawback. She deflates the soccer ball with one kick, and when she
has him put mud and leaves on himself for camouflage, he gets in trouble with his mom. Can
he
persuade his Grandma to tone down her ninja-ness without hurting her feelings? Or does she
have something completely different in mind? Exuberant color illustrations add just the right
dose of whimsy to this playful story.
Bright Sky, Starry City
Uma Krishnaswami, author
Aimee Sicuro, illustrator
Groundwood Books
c/o House of Anansi Press
110 Spadina Ave., Suite 801
Toronto, ON, Canada, M5V 2K4
9781554984053 $17.95 www.groundwoodbooks.com
Bright Sky, Starry City is a children's picturebook about Phoebe, a young girl eagerly looks
forward to stargazing, but there's a problem. Will Phoebe be able to see celestial bodies when
there's so much interference from bright city lights? The last few pages are a nonfiction
supplement brimming with fascinating information for budding astronomers about the solar
system, telescopes, and light pollution. Highly recommended!
In a Village by the Sea
Muon Van, author
April Chu, illustrator
Creston Books
PO Box 9369, Berkeley, CA 94709
9781939547156 $16.95 www.crestonbooks.co
In a Village by the Sea is a children's picturebook about yearning for the comforts of home. A
wife and child in a Vietnamese fishing village anxiously await the return of the husband and
father, who must work long hours out at sea. Author Muon Van taps into the hardworking
heritage of her family, who immigrated from Vietnam to the United States when she was an
infant, in this gentle and beautifully illustrated story. Highly recommended.
Too Many Tables
Abraham Schroeder, author
Micah Monkey, illustrator
Ripple Grove Press
PO Box 86740, Portland, OR 97286
9780991386611 $16.99 www.RippleGrovePress.com
Too Many Tables is a whimsical children's picturebook about the grand opening of a new
restaurant. Oh, no - where are the tables? Fortunately, local people everywhere are willing to
help, bringing tables by wagon, pushcart, and every which means. But they bring too many
tables! How can so many extra tables be returned to their proper places, and will the restaurant
ever celebrate its first customers? Delightfully cartoony artwork enlivens the surreal situation, in
this wonderfully charming read-aloud story.
Taffy Time
Jennifer Lloyd, author
Jacqui Lee, illustrator
Simply Read Books
74 Pease Avenue, Verona, NJ 07044
c/o Ingram Publisher Services (distribution)
9781927018620 $16.95 www.simplyreadbooks.com
Taffy Time is a children's picturebook set in a winter farm with maple trees. The time has come
to help Dad make maple syrup; big sister Audrey prepares to aid him, and younger sister Kate
wants to join the fun. But Kate is just too little to harvest or process maple syrup - is there any
way she can help out? Simple, expressively stylized color illustrations make this playful story
come to life!
Buster The Little Garbage Truck
Marcia Berneger, author
Kevin Zimmer, illustrator
Sleeping Bear Press
Suite 200, 315 East Eisenhower Parkway
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
9781585368945 $14.99 www.sleepingbearpress.com
Buster The Little Garbage Truck is a children's picturebook about an anthropomorphic little truck
who is best friends with a cat named Kitty, and who wants more than anything to become a
hardworking big truck. But Buster has a big problem - he's terrified of loud noises. Then an
accident that puts Kitty's life in jeopardy forces Buster to confront his fear of horn honking once
and for all! Sprightly color illustrations add a lively splash to this heartwarming story about
friendship, bravery, and growing up.
Mama Bird Papa Bird
Wanda Obermeier, author
Faith Thomas, illustrator
Adnaw Publishing
934 E. Nelson Rd., Mosinee, WI 54455
9780692289020, $15.95, www.adnawpublishing.com
A finalist in the 2015 Benjamin Franklin Awards completion in the category of Children's Picture
Book (0-3 years), "Mama Bird Papa Bird" is destined to be a classic children's book about the
miraculous process of hatching and parenting a baby robin. Gentle, descriptive prose is matched
and graced by delicately retro water color illustrations that portray the expressive features of
Mama Bird and Papa Bird. This exciting new series in a calm, traditional yet fresh format will be
a favorite of parents and children alike.
The Adventures of Pettson and Findus: Findus Disappears!
Sven Nordqvist, author/illustrator
NorthSouth Books Inc.
600 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10016
9780735841840, $17.95, www.northsouth.com
From the charming children's series about a forgetful old farmer and his amazing kitten friend,
"Findus Disappears!" emerges as a tale comfortably retold by Old Man Pettson for the pleasure
of his talking cat, Findus. Originally a gift to the lonely old man from a kind neighbor, Findus
quickly grew from a curious kitten to an intelligent cat. Pettson told Findus stories, read to him
and cared for him so well that one day Findus began to talk! His first words were "I want pants
like that!" So Pettson carefully made Findus clown pants with green stripes. One day Pettson
awoke to see there was no Findus in the house! An anxious search ensued, with questions for
chickens (who didn't know much) and another frustrating search for Pettson's socks, shoes, and
clothes to dress. Meanwhile Findus was hidden nearby in a woodbox, fearful of a new furry
animal who seemed threatening to him! However, Findus was comforted and helped by two
small mouse-like animals he called mumbles who lived in the cracks, crannies, and hiding place
in the old farmhouse. Using Pettson's shoes and socks to make a plain trail, the mumbles lead
Pettson to the woodbox hiding place of the terrified Findus. As the old badger waddled away,
Findus leaped into the arms of Pettson, who cuddled the cat and invited him to explore all the
nooks in the farmhouse so he could safely hide if a dog or a fox came by. Findus and Pettson
continued to live their comfortable, eccentric life together as best friends and companions. The
delightful, chaotic, jumbled illustrations of Pettson's house and Findus' explorations convey
eccentric original charm and personality, friendship, security, and warmth.
Sleep Tight, Little Bear
Britta Teckentrup, author/illustrator
NorthSouth Books
600 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10016
9780735841802, $17.95, www.northsouth.com
Originally published in Germany, "Sleep Tight, Little Bear" is a seasonal tale of the bear family's
late fall preparation for a long winter's sleep. Set against contemporary -styled fall scenes of
colorful trees and bushes, Mommy Bear and Little Bear hurry to gather leaves and supplies to
make their cave warm and safe for the long winter's hibernation. Little Bear excitedly
accompanies Mommy Bear to say good night to their forest friends, including Badger, Mommy
Fox and her cubs, Deer, Rabbit, Squirrel, Owl, and Wolf. Each animal wishes the Bear family a
good sleep and promises to help watch over the forest if they do not hibernate. After many
reassurances, hugs, kisses, and cuddles, Little Bear fell asleep in their snug cave with Mommy
Bear close cuddled by. Dreams of spring sunlight help to keep their long hibernation warm.
"Sleep Tight, Little Bear" ends with more information about winter sleep habits of bears and
other animals, plus an invitation to contrast these with winter habits of humans and other
animals. With its dark, autumn palette of colors and ritual sleep preparations, "Sleep Tight, Little
Bear" is both an ideal bedtime story and a nature exploration for young children.
See You Next Year
Andrew Larsen, author
Todd Stewart, illustrator
Owlkids Books, Inc.
1700 Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781926973999, $16.95, www.owlkidsbooks.com
"See You Next Year" is a sensitively illustrated children's book about treasured memories of a
summer vacation ritual experience. Describing an annual family trip to a favorite motel on a
beach of the ocean, "See You Next Year" captures the combined joy and sadness felt in a week
long beach retreat at the same place each year. The delicate, shaded silkscreen artwork and
restrained palette convey perfectly a sense of time present in time past, or transcending time.
Making a new friend is part of the week long vacation experience to be treasured. "See You Next
Year" is presented through a shimmery summer haze, through veils of wonder. It has comfort,
invitation, and timeless appeal for children of ages 3-7, paving the way to experiencing moments
and plateaus of joy in later life.
The Candy Conspiracy: A Tale of Sweet Victory
Carrie Snyder, author
Claudia Da Vila, illustrator
Owlkids Books
1700 Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781771470506, $17.95, www.owlkidsbooks.com
"The Candy Conspiracy" is a tempting, tongue-in-cheek tome about tough tactics in a world
called Candyville. Ruled by a greedy King Juicy Jelly Worm, the entire kingdom seems made of
sweet candy of all kinds. The King, Juicy Jelly Worm, consumes all the candy he can every day,
proclaiming it is "Mine, all mine!" Weary, hardworking children serve him as candy and cupcake
making slaves, with never a crumb of their own. One day a clever child "(Was that you?)"
decided to try a different tactic. Organizing with all the other kids, she secretly planted,
cultivated, and tended a hidden garden of disguised vegetables. One day King Juicy Jelly Worm
discovered the secret vegetable garden, and proclaimed it was "Mine, all mine!" The vegetables
looked so tempting, he believed they were sweets and candy! The clever child "(Was that you?)"
struck a bargain with the king, his kingdom for their garden. "(Worms are easily fooled.)" And
what happened next? "Sweet feast! cried the children. "Sugar fiesta! Popsicle party!" "Carrot
carnival!!" cried the Juicy Jelly Worm. "Lettuce leaf lollapalooza!" "Candied apples on a stick!"
they all cried together. And everyone lived juicily jellily everly afterly." Hilarious, luminous
colorful illustrations tempt young readers ages 3-7 almost to lick the pages, and the witty sidebar
comments are seeds of true wisdom, laced with fun, like the last one: "Warning: This story has
no moral. Let's pretend it's about sharing. Parents like stories about sharing." With its intimate
tone, delicious descriptive poetic narrative and reversed sense of justice, "The Candy
Conspiracy" exudes undying appeal for kids and the adults who care for them.
Market Maze
Roxie Munro
Holiday House
425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017
9780823430925 $16.95 www.holidayhouse.com
Market Maze will appeal to ages 4-8 with the fun story of eight vehicles which move through
eleven intricate mazes in search of destinations. There are several things going on here: a fun
story line about where food comes from and how it gets onto consumer tables accompanies an
easy counting guide filled with intricate pictures in a kind of 'where's Waldo?' format kids will
appreciate.
Thank You, Jackson
Niki and Jude Daly
Frances Lincoln Children's Books
74-77 White Lion Street, London N1 9PF, UK
9781847804846 $17.99 www.franceslincoln.com
Thank You, Jackson: How One Little Boy Makes a BIG Difference tells of a donkey who refuses
to take his load of vegetables uphill to market. The farmer is frustrated: how can he make the
stubborn donkey budge? It takes a little boy with a secret message to make things work. Good
reading skills will lend to appreciation of this fun story.
Candlewick Press
99 Dover Street, Somerville, MA 02144
www.candlewick.com
Michael Rosen's The Bus is for Us! (9780763669836, $16.99) offers a delightful survey of bus
riding and pairs lovely art from Gillian Tyler with a fun rhyming narrative that invites kids to go
out and ride cars, trains, buses, and even horses. A whimsical celebration of the concept of going
out for a ride or drive makes this a lively and unusual story kids will love. Mara Rockliff's
Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery That Baffled All of France reads with the
action and excitement of fiction but recounts a nonfiction event: Franklin's involvement in Paris
with the enigmatic Dr. Mesmer, who convinces Parisians that he can control strange forces.
While Parisians succumbed to his mesmerizing force, Franklin held out with more than a degree
of skepticism - this tells of their encounter and will intrigue adults as well as children. Jonathan
London's Hippos Are Huge! (9780763665920, $16.99) considers the hippo, the deadliest animal
in Africa, but here also blends the lively approach of a fictional account with plenty of facts.
Good-size print and large-size drawings by Matthew Trueman accompany an approach designed
to impart natural history facts with the compelling language of fiction. Claire Saxby's Emu
(9780763474793, $16.99) is illustrated by Graham Byrne and even though it provides nonfiction
facts about the Emu's natural history, it offers a dialogue that reads like fiction with its fun
insights on emus and their lives. The lively focus makes for an inviting story indeed. Ross
Collins' The Elephantom (9780763675912, $16.99) tells of a little girl's dilemma when a pesky,
mischievous elephantom turns up uninvited. Her parents are unable to help and don't even seem
to notice the phantom or the fact that her room 'always smells like dung'. What's a girl to do? A
hilarious dilemma evolves. Linda Urban's Little Red Henry (9780763661762, $16.99) is
illustrated by Madeline Valentine and tells of a boy whose family insists on treating him like a
baby. They do everything for him, even though he's no longer a baby but a little boy who wants
to learn to do things himself. In a rework of Little Red Hen, a fun saga evolves. All are strong
picture book sagas.
Viking/Penguin
c/o Penguin Young Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10014
www.penguin.com
Deborah Freeman's By Mouse & Frog (9780670784906, $16.99) tells of a mouse who wakes up
easy, ready to write a new story with his friend Frog. There's only one problem - Frog doesn't
make a good collaborator, and the story's always moving off track. In fact, Mouse declares it a
mess. Can it be saved? Quick thinking between friends might help! Jonathan London's Froggy's
Birthday Wish (9780670015726, $16.99) tells of a Froggy birthday that everyone seems to have
forgotten. Even his parents don't realize it's his special day only, there's a (somewhat
predictable) surprise in store. A fun tale evolves. Mallory Kasdan's Ella (9780670016754,
$17.99) provides a fun parody about a little girl who lives at The Local Hotel, and tells of a
six-year-old who has a nanny called Manny, who has tattoos for sleeves, a dog named Stacie, and
a fish named Rasta. Ella is never bored, although in fact she's quite scheduled. A fun story
evolves. Rosemary Wells' Use Your Words, Sophie! (9780670016631, $16.99) tells of Sophie,
who knows lots of words, but doesn't always use them. She can speak Hyena, or Space Language
- but she doesn't use the words her parents think she should until her new baby sister arrives and
she discovers her true powers. A fine story evolves. Vern Kousky's Otto the Owl Who Loved
Poetry (9780399164408, $16.99) is a celebration of verse and tells of an owl who prefers reading
poetry to roosting. He's not a hunter, he's a literary soul - but when the other owls begin to tease
him, he must find a new way of celebrating what he loves. Kids will find delightful the vivid
story of the owl's celebrations. Jon Agee's It's Only Stanley (9780903739079, $17.99) presents a
nighttime scene at the Wimbledon house, where everyone hears odd noises. It's the family dog,
hard at work fixing the place. But he isn't just a repair dog; he's building something - something
big - and his efforts not only create noise, but lead to an unexpected journey. The fun lies in its
noisy, surprise ending. All are fun reads youngsters will appreciate.
Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhousekids.com
LeUyen Pham's There's No Such Thing As Little (9780385391504, $17.99) has die-cut holes to
peek through and is a tribute to little kids everywhere. Imagination is celebrated here, with ideas
covering how something 'little' can turn into something 'big'. The idea of 'little' turns into a
celebration of big ideas in this compelling story, highly recommended for any little reader.
Courtney Dicmas' Home Tweet Home (9780385385350, $16.99) represents the debut effort of an
author and illustrator who provides a fun new picture book in Home Tweet Home. Pippi and Burt
are tired of sharing a crowded next with siblings, so they fly off to find a new home - only to
discover their noisy, crowded nest is better than most. Kids who struggle with large, noisy
families will find this an appealing read. Rebecca Van Slyke's Mom School (9780385388924,
$16.99) receives fun, simple drawings by Priscilla Burris as it questions where mothers go to
learn how to be good moms. How does she know how to build a fort out of couch cushions, bake
tasty foods, or multitask, for example? At Mom School all Moms have the potential of getting an
'A' and the fun is outlined in a gentle celebration. These are good stories for young readers.
Wisdom Tales Press
PO Box 2682, Bloomington, IN 47402
www.wisdomtalespress.com
Durga Yael Bernhard's Just Like Me, Climbing a Tree (9781937786342, $16.95) tells how it
would feel to be up a gingko tree in china, a baobab in Africa, or a cypress tree in Mexico among
others. In the course of exploring the different features of these trees and why it would be
different to climb them, readers enjoy a lively account that blends tree lore into fun play
experiences. Ages 5 and older will appreciate the blend of climbing trees and natural history that
creates a fun survey. Demi illustrates Alexis York Lumbard's retelling of When the Animals
Saved Earth (9781937786373, $16.95) also a pick for ages 5 and older. On an isolated island the
animals leave in peace, until humans come to their shore and enslave them. Only a young boy
named Adam can hear the animals' cries, though, so the humans don't know what they're doing.
Adam escapes into the jungle to join the few free animals remaining and embarks on a bid for
peace in this gentle fable of course and survival. The result is a top pick for any collection strong
in multicultural story books.
Simon and Schuster
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
http://www.kids.simonandschuster.com
Daniel Hashimoto and Mandy Richardville's Action Movie Kid (9781476799896 $14.99) is
illustrated by Valerio Fabbretti and offers up an unusual 'interactive book' that includes a
downloadable app that can be activated as it tells of 'Action Movie Kid', whose adventures began
on You Tube and continue here, in a saga of his daring exploits. James is a regular boy in one
world, but his alter ego is Action Movie Kid, protector of family and friends. He'll successfully
face down monsters, aliens and robots but his superpowers can get him into trouble in the 'real
world'. A fun saga of adventure and courage evolves. Sean Ferrell's I Don't Like Koala
(9781481400688, $17.99) tells of Adam, who doesn't like Koala. Koala has terrible eyes, terrible
features, and Adam plain doesn't like him - but his parents don't understand, and Koala keeps
turning up no matter where Adam tries to hide him. A fun story keeps readers guessing about
what will happen to Adam and Koala. Both are wonderful stories.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
www.hmhco.com
Jessica Young's Spy Guy: The Not-So-Secret Agent (9780544208599, $16.99) is illustrated by
Charles Santoso and tells of a young spy who, frankly, is not very good at his craft. If only he
knew the secret to being a better spy - but, where can he found out? From too-squeaky shoes to
sneeze attacks when sneaking, the Chief has answers for many of Spy Guy's dilemmas in this fun
story of being an effective spy. Nancy Shaw's Sheep Go to Sleep (9780544309890, $16.99)
receives fine drawings by Margot Apple and provides the fun story of sheep who just can't settle
down to go to bed. A helpful sheepdog wants to help, but blankets, drinks, and more don't seem
to do the job. How can he get his sheep to sleep? A compelling story evolves. Both are fine picks
for young picture book readers.
The Board Book Shelf
Flippy Floppy Ocean Animals
Created by Anton Poitier
Illustrated by Sophia Touliatou
Kane/Miller Book Publishers
4901 Morena Blvd, Suite 213, San Diego, CA 92117
9781610673464 $12.99 www.kanemiller.com
Intended for children ages 3-6, Flippy Floppy Ocean Animals is a lift-the-flap board book. Each
two-page spread shows a sea creature and the words "Can you find me? I'm hiding somewhere!"
on the left, and four thin paper flaps a child can lift and look under on the right. The final
two-page spread encourages children to look for sea creatures pictured under the flaps. Flippy
Floppy Ocean Animals is a delightful activity for the very young.
A Sailor Went to Sea, Sea, Sea
Lucy Bell, author
Asha Pearse, illustrator
Flowerpot Press
2160 South Service Road, Oakville, ON, Canada, L6L 5N1
http://www.flowerpotpress.com
9781486703609, $8.99, www.amazon.com
From Flowerpot Press comes a delightful original Record Spins series of brightly illustrated fresh
song lyrics for familiar nursery song tunes. Comfortably presented on brilliantly buffed board
books, with jaunty rainbow colored silly verses and repetitive nonsense rhymes, "A Sailor Went
to Sea, Sea, Sea" begs to be held, read, and sung together. Designed for hard use by a preschool
readership, "A Sailor Went to Sea, Sea, Sea" is a perfect example of a perfectly balanced
partnership between author and illustrator. A colorful collage of paste-on nautical images are
contrasted against a background of dark marine colors, with white-highlighted rainbow texts of
the song lyrics. The zany lyrics and the progression of sea/sailing scenes is fun, entertaining, and
intriguing. Another title by the same author/artist pair that is highly recommended is "Miss Mary
Mack," (9781486703579).
Rock 'N Learn
PO Box 3595, Conroe, TX 77305-3595
www.rocknlearn.com
Educational publisher Rock 'N Learn presents two durable board books that are excellent for
helping toddlers and preschool children get a head start on learning words and numbers.
"Alphabet Al's ABC: Book of Words and Rhymes" (9781941722114, $8.99) is a
vocabulary-boosting book; colorful illustrations help teach little ones basic words for every letter
of the alphabet. For example, the page devoted to "I" has the word and a picture for "inchworm",
"igloo", "icicles", "island", and "iceberg". A simple rhyme at the bottom of each page enhances
the fun! "Colors, Shapes & Counting: A Point & Name Book of Rhymes" (9781941722121,
$8.99) uses rhymes and colorful pictures to introduce young people to the words for colors, the
concepts of shapes, and simple counting. "Hold up both hands, and count your fingers now. // We
can count to ten. I will show you how." Both books are great read-aloud resources that parents
can share with their children, the better to improve their readiness for school!
The Graphic Novel Shelf
Dragon and Captain
P.R. Allabach, author
Lucas Turnbloom, illustrator
Flash Light Press
527 Empire Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11225
9781936261338 $17.95 www.flashlightpress.com
Dragon and Captain appears to be a children's picturebook at first glance, but the story inside is
told entirely in graphic novel format. Two young boys engage in imaginative play; one thinks of
himself as a blue dragon, the other as an intrepid ship's captain. Together, they embark on an
adventure to win back the captain's seaworthy vessel from thieving pirates! The colorful,
cartoony art almost jumps off the page, in this high-spirited adventure sure to spark a smile.
Wild Cats: Around the Globe with Suki & Finch
Rebecca Merry Murdock, et al.
Bark & Howl Press
www.barkandhowlpress.com
9780992041342, $17.99, 114pp, www.amazon.com
"Wild Cats: Around the Globe with Suki & Finch" is a graphic novel featuring the adventures
and observations of Suki and Finch as they travel the globe investigating the welfare of all 36
species of wild cats. In this first volume of a planned series, Suki and Finch start in Canada.
"Wild Cats" is a profusely illustrated adventure-drama exposing the threats to the wild cat
population through the loss of their habitat, poaching, disease -- problems encountered by wild
cats all over the world. As informative as it is entertaining, "Wild Cats: Around the Globe with
Suki & Finch" will leave young readers looking eagerly toward future adventures of Suki and
Finch as they showcase the plight of various animal species threatened with extinction through
pollution and other forms of human encroachment. It should be noted that "Wild Cats: Around
the Globe with Suki & Finch" is also available in a Kindle edition ($2.99).
The Lunch Witch
Deb Lucke
Papercutz
160 Broadway, Suite 700E, New York, NY 10038
c/o NBM Publishing (dist.)
160 Broadway, Ste. 700, East Wing, New York, NY 10038
www.nbmpub.com
9781629911625 $14.99 www.papercutz.com
The Lunch Witch is a tongue-in-cheek graphic novel for young adults - though adults may also
get a chortle from seeing Grunhilda, a wicked witch descended from a long line of wicked
witches, turn her former boss into a turd. "Darn. I got a bit of the boss on my shoe!" Where can
an eye-of-newt brewing witch find a new job? At the local school, as a cafeteria lunch lady! But
when a young girl on the verge of being held back a grade blackmails Grunhilda into brewing an
intelligence potion, the results turn scary wacky. Can Grunhilda undo the malign effects of her
potion before its unfortunate subject becomes something else's lunch? Will Grunhilda's ghostly
ancestors bully her into being every bit as wicked as they once were? Will anybody ever be able
to eat the school's food again? Minimalist use of color and exaggeratedly cartoony line art add
the just the right touch of black comedy to this modern-day toil and trouble!
The Audiobook Shelf
From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess
Meg Cabot
Macmillan Audio
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315
New York, NY 10010
9781427261311 $24.99 www.macmillanaudio.com
From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of one
of the tremendously popular "Princess Diaries" books by Meg Cabot (which have been made into
Disney movies of the same name). In From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess, Olivia
Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison is an average twelve-year-old girl with an overly-long,
princess themed name, and a talent for drawing animals. She's never met her father, and lives
more-or-less happily with her aunt and uncle until one day everything goes wrong at once! The
most popular girl at school threatens to beat Olivia up, the principal gives her a demerit, she's
knocked down at the bus stop, and she receives a most unexpected invitation to live with the
father she has never met - delivered by none other than the Princess of Genovia, who claims to be
Olivia's sister. Could this invitation be a dream come true, or a source of endless new problems?
A bonus interview with the author rounds out this tongue-in-cheek tale, highly recommended
especially for public library children's audiobook collections.
Nancy Drew Diaries series
Carolyn Keene, author
Read by Jorjeana Marie
Oasis Audio
289 Main Place, Carol Stream, IL 60188
9781613757222 $9.99 each www.oasisaudio.com
Nancy Drew Diaries a new series of novels for young adults, offering a modern-day setting and a
fresh new take on the classic literary heroine Nancy Drew. Now this mystery series has been
adapted to unabridged audiobook format, brought to life with the skilled performance of Jorjeana
Marie. Book 1, "Curse of the Arctic Star" (9781613757222) follows Bess, George, and Nancy on
the maiden voyage of the Arctic Star luxury cruise ship. The assistant cruise director has received
multiple threatening emails, and a bloody body turned up in the swimming pool. Could the Arctic
Star be cursed? For the sake of all the passengers on board, Nancy has to work quickly! In Book
2, "Strangers on a Train" (9781613757239) the danger follows Nancy and her friends from the
Arctic Star to a train bound for Denali McKinley Park. Could Nancy's cover as a detective been
blown? Book 3, "Mystery of the Midnight Rider" (97816137575253) is an adventure among the
top horse riders training to compete in the annual River Heights Horse Show. Payton Evans, a
close friend of Ned's family, has strived for years to improve her skills, with hope of becoming
worthy of joining an Olympic team. But then her horse, Midnight, tests postive for drugs - who
could have drugged the animal, and why? Nancy Drew Diaries is an excellent, ongoing series
that will appeal to inquisitive young adults and nostalgic older readers alike, and is highly
recommended especially for public library YA audiobook collections. 3 CDs each.
The Music CD Shelf
Sundrops
The Harmonica Pocket
harmonicapocket.com
c/o Beth Blenz-Clucas (publicity)
$11.99 CD / $8.99 MP3 www.amazon.com
Parents' Choice Gold Award-winning family music stars The Harmonica Pocket presents
Sundrops, an album of twelve acoustic songs that delight in the simple joys of life - splashing in
rainwater puddles, digging in dirt, and unleashing the power of one's imagination. Upbeat vocals
and good-natured cheer color this wonderfully fun-filled collection, sure to bring a smile to all
ages. The tracks are "Sing In The Sun", "Raindrops", "It's Gotta Rain (If You Want A Rainbow)",
"Sun Song", "Are You A Monster Too?", "Digga Dog Kid", "Surprise", "I Love Ukeleles",
"Sundrops", "You Are My Sunshine", "Butterfly Away", and "Getting Night Now".
Merry Pranks of Master Till
Story adapted by Stephen Simon
Music composed by Richard Strauss
Performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra
Maestro Classics
MaestroClassics.com
c/o Waldmania! (publicity)
$16.98 CD / $9.98 digital download
Part of the delightful "Maestro Classics" CD series, Merry Pranks of Master Till is intended for
listeners ages 7 to adult, and features a superb performance from the London Philharmonic
Orchestra. Merry Pranks of Master Till is a tone poem - a creative blend of music and narrative,
telling the story of a trickster and the pranks he plays on unsuspecting people. Adapted from an
1895 classic, which is in turn based on German folklore, the saga of Till's unabashedly cheerful
mischief is upbeat, laugh-out-loud fun. A treat from beginning to end, Merry Pranks of Master
Till is enthusiastically recommended for personal and public library collections alike! 48
min.
The DVD Shelf
The Magic Mirror in American Sign Language
Featuring CJ Jones, et. al.
DawnSign Press
6130 Nancy Ridge Dr., San Diego, CA 92121
c/o Andrea Blain Public Relations
9781581212587 $15.95 www.dawnsign.com
Part of the "Once Upon a Sign" series of DVDs featuring timeless fables performed entirely in
American Sign Language (in addition to voice-over narration and English subtitles), The Magic
Mirror in American Sign Language is a delightful show that encourages young people to sign
along with the story. Young Alice Cogswell wants to enter the talent show, but she is unsure of
her own abilities. After a lackluster audition, she gets some magical help - but is magic really
what she needs to perform her ASL poetry? The Magic Mirror in American Sign Language is not
only entertaining, but also an excellent tool for helping young people learn ASL! Also highly
recommended are the other DVDs in the "Once Upon a Sign" series, "The New Little Red Riding
Hood" and "The New Goldilocks and the Three Bears". 24 min., region-free DVD.
Pokemon Adventures in the Orange Islands: The Complete Collection
Viz Media LLC
1355 Market Street, Suite 200
San Francisco CA 94103
$26.95 www.viz.com
Pokemon Adventures in the Orange Islands: The Complete Collection offers an entire season of
the popular anime (Japanese animated) television show on three DVDs. Although Pokemon is
based on a wildly successful series of monster-catching video games, no familiarity with any of
the games is required to understand and enjoy the lighthearted, episodic stories. An overall
narrative arc follows the protagonist Ash, who after a brief stop in Pallet Town, teams up with
his old friends Misty and Brock to search for a rare Poke Ball on behalf of Professor Oak. Their
journey takes them to the Orange Isles, where Ash pursues his destiny as a Pokemon Master by
participating the in the Orange League Tournament. Upbeat, adventurous, and packed with
Pokemon-battling action, Pokemon Adventures in the Orange Islands: The Complete Collection
is pure family-friendly fun. 3 DVDs, 12+ hours.
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs
As retold by Mo Willems
Weston Woods
c/o Scholastic, Inc.
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999
9780545842679 $59.95 www.scholastic.com/westonwoods
Intended for young viewers ages 4-8, Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs is the DVD adaptation
of a children's picturebook loosely based on the classic "Goldilocks and the Three Bears", with
the laughter turned up to eleven! Once upon a time, there were three hungry dinosaurs, who
decided (for no particular reason) to tidy up their house and go someplace else. They most
definitely were not setting a trap for a succulent, unsupervised little girl, oh no! Simple animation
and a read-along option enrich this playful DVD, narrated by author Mo Willems, who also gives
an interview as a bonus feature. Highly recommended, especially for public library children's
DVD collections! 11 min.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
War of Rain
H. W. Vivian
Lulu Publishing
3101 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27607-5436
www.lulu.com
9781483423623, $19.99, 296pp, www.amazon.com
In "War of Rain" by H. W. Vivian, fifteen year-old Miri lives in a desert village called Boreala,
which competes with the city of Stratos for Rain - the equivalent of Holy Water. During a
confrontation while gathering Rain, Miri accidentally kills a citizen of Stratos, and
unintentionally starts a heinous war. Now it is up to her to find the God of Rain, Kalono, and ask
Him for an invention that can bring both peace and war before Boreala is destroyed. A non-stop
and riveting YA science fiction action/adventure novel that documents author H. W. Vivian as an
impressively gifted and original storyteller, "War of Rain" is a solid entertainment from
beginning to end. "War of Rain" is very highly recommended and would make an enduringly
popular addition to high school and community library YA Fiction collections. It should be noted
for personal reading lists that "War of Rain" is also available in a Kindle edition ($4.99).
Night Buddies Go Sky High
Sands Hetherington, author
Jessica Love, illustrator
Dune Buggy Press
http://www.nightbuddiesadventures.com
To Press and Beyond
9780984741731, $7.99, www.amazon.com
Third exciting fantasy adventure volume in a multiple- award- winning series, "Night Buddies
Go Sky High" promises to provide unstoppable, zany, exciting entertainment to an audience of
kids age 8 and up. Filled with quirky characters, magical midnight escapades, and cool protective
devices like crocodile Crosley's "I-ain't-here-doodad" (which makes John and Crosley invisible to
John's parents, enabling midnight escape adventures undetected). Crosley is John's fantasy
adventure companion, a red crocodile with techno-gizmos galore . This extremely idiosyncratic
book is both improbable and hilarious, making it an addictive, nonstop reading adventure,
appealing even to adults as well as kids. "Night Buddies Go Sky High" begins with a spelling
disclaimer and Night Buddies Uncommon Words list from Crosley, explaining that unusual,
phonetic spellings are used throughout the fantasy adventure, as well as intended meanings for
eccentric, made-up words. Following the earlier Night Buddies chapter book fantasy series
("Night Buddies, Impostors, and One Far-Out Flying Machine," and "Night Buddies and the
Pineapple Cheesecake Scare"), "Night Buddies Go Sky High" follows the original formula for
fun, fantasy, and fast moving action in a juvenile chapter adventure series. This time the Night
Buddies travel into the stratosphere in a personally modified racing blimp (alias a school bus), in
pursuit of a mysterious wandering UFO. Fast-moving, action packed chapters are studded with
capitalized expressions and quirky black and white shaded illustrations. John is accompanied not
only by Crosley, the red crocodile, but also the imaginary iguana family in his midnight quest to
find the mysterious roving red wandering ship or planet. All this excitement happens in the night,
when John is really not quite ready to go to sleep. Night Buddies is an award winning,
ground-breaking juvenile chapter fantasy adventure series. "Night Buddies Go Sky High" is the
perfect hook to command full attention from a juvenile mid-grade reading audience.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
A Children's Guide to Arctic Birds
Mia Pelletier, author
Danny Christopher, illustrator
Inhabit Media, Inc.
9781927095676 $16.95 www.inhabitmedia.com
A Children's Guide to Arctic Birds is a beautiful and educational picturebook filled with amazing
facts about different species of birds found in the Arctic region (and often other places as well,
since many of these birds migrate). Striking color paintings of each bird are opposite a page of
information about what the bird eats, the songs or sounds it makes, its nesting habits, and much
more. A delight for young birdwatchers!
The Blue Whale
Jenni Desmond
Enchanted Lion Books
351 Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
9781592701650 $17.95 www.enchantedlionbooks.com
The Blue Whale is a nonfiction picturebook about these gigantic, enigmatic ocean mammals. As
a young boy picks up a book and reads about blue whales, the readers will discover amazing
things along with him - that blue whales weigh around 160 tons (that's as much as 55
hippopotami), that they feed on tiny shrimp-like creatures known as krill, and that they have a
lifespan similar to that of humans. The striking, somewhat abstractly stylized illustrations nicely
balance the fact-filled text in this enlightening and educational storybook.
Sweet Dreams, Wild Animals! A Story of Sleep
Eileen R. Meyer, author
Laurie Caple, illustrator
Mountain Press Publishing Company
PO Box 2399, Missoula, MT 59806
9780878426379 $12.00 www.mountain-press.com
Sweet Dreams, Wild Animals! A Story of Sleep is a children's picturebook featuring striking
watercolor artwork and amazing true facts about how various wild animals sleep. From graceful
frigatebird that can nap while soaring in the air, to the hibernating grizzly bear, horses that sleep
while standing up, and the dolphin whose brain is half asleep and half awake, these amazing
animal facts may astound adults as well as little ones. Sweet Dreams, Wild Animals! A Story of
Sleep makes an extraordinarily educational bedtime storybook!
Humphrey the Lost Whale, A True Story
Wendy Tokuda and Richard Hall, authors
Hanako Wakiyama, illustrator
Stone Bridge Press
P.O. Box 8208, Berkeley, CA 94707
9781611720174, $9.95, www.stonebridge.com
"Humphrey the Lost Whale: A True Story" tells the true story of a beached humpback whale,
found trapped in the Sacramento river outreach of the San Francisco Bay area. Humphrey got lost
when he turned away from his whale pod to the outlet under the Golden Gate Bridge, in the San
Francisco Bay. Humphrey became further lost when he swam up the Sacramento river, away
from the Bay area and the Pacific Ocean. Because Humphrey was swimming deeper and deeper
into a freshwater river, his life was in danger, since he could die from lack of food and not
enough salt water. People decided to work together to rescue the lost whale. Underwater, they
banged pipes to scare Humphrey and played tapes of whales eating to encourage him to swim
back down river towards the Bay. One obstacle course that Humphrey had to get through was the
little bridge, with a forest of underwater poles and pilings to close together for Humphrey to
swim through. People brought cranes to clear out some of the pilings so Humphrey could swim
through. At first, Humphrey got himself stuck between pilings, but noisemakers crashed and
finally Humphrey pushed down some pilings and made his way through , to a cascade of cheers
from bystanders. Finally Humphrey made it back to the Bay and hung around doing impressive
whale tricks for all his human fans and supporters. The story of Humphrey the Lost Whale is
stunningly illustrated with colors of red, blue, yellow, green, and gray to gray black. Many
interesting facts about humpback whales are included, and a pattern of positive interactions
between whale and humans is the exciting focus of this true story.
Decorated Horses
Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, author
Jeannie Brett, illustrator
Charlesbridge Publishing
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
9781580893626 $17.95 www.charlesbridge.com
Decorated Horses is a nonfiction children's picturebook about how humans have armored,
decorated, shown, raced, paraded, or otherwise displayed horses throughout world history. Each
two-page spread has a page of text describing these decorated horses (from circus performer
horses to mounts for Japanese samurai) on the left, and a colorful, historically accurate
illustration on the right. A brief bibliography, a list of website links ideal for learning more, and a
simple index round out this fascinating picturebook that can be just as edifying for adults to page
through as little ones! Highly recommended, especially for young horse lovers everywhere.
1,000 Animals
Edited by Jessica Greenwell
Illustrated by Nikki Dyson
Usborne Books
c/o EDC Publishing
PO Box 470663, Tulsa, OK 74146-6515
www.usbornebooksandmore.com
9780794529383 $14.99 www.edcpub.com
1,000 Animals is book filled entirely with color illustrations of animals (not to scale, since in real
life some of the animals would be gigantic compared to one another). There is a touch of
anthropomorphic representation in the animals' eyes, but aside from this, the color artwork
emphasizes anatomical realism. Each animal has its name listed, and the animal pictures are
grouped by common elements such as "in the pond" or "under the sea"; an index will help little
ones locate their favorite animal. The pages are very stiff, almost like thin cardboard, the better to
stand up to the wear and tear of little hands. Young animal lovers will find 1,000 Animals
delightful from cover to cover!
The Fiction Shelf
Fault Lines
Brenda Ortega
CreateSpace
4900 LaCross Rd, North Charleston, SC 29406
www.brendaortega.com
9781508881483, $9.99, 184pp, www.amazon.com
When her revenge plan goes awry, fourteen-year-old Dani Burkhart finds herself in unexpected
places: the back seat of a cop car, the police station holding room, Juvenile Court. She wants her
old life, the one with a family that's not falling apart. She wants to stay in her home with the
woods in back, and keep her carefree dog with the windshield wiper tail, and hear her big brother
laugh and shout "Sweet, D-Dawg!" when her curveball dips like a sparrow. Dani has always
believed her grandmother's philosophy: Right will win. But if everything is going wrong, why not
punish the neighbor who's to blame, who pulled the string that unraveled everything? Makes
sense - unless there's more to the story than Dani wants to admit. "Fault Lines" is an original and
deftly crafted entertainment that is very highly recommended for school and community library
YA fiction collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "Fault Lines" is also
available in a Kindle edition ($2.99).
The Seedless Trees
Christina Waymreen
Seaway Press
Word Slinger Publicity
9780996013208, $12.95, 48pp, www.amazon.com
Prince Lester is beside himself with grief. His beautiful wife, Anna, has fallen prey to the
beguiling fruit of the forbidden trees. Taking clues from the elders in the village, he enters the
forest and meets the fairies trapped into submission by the Mistress of Trees. As Prince lester
continues his search to break the spell, he is met with further challenges before he comes face to
face with the Mistress of the Trees herself. "The Seedless Trees" is a deftly crafted story that
fully entertains from beginning to end. The debut novella of author Christina Waymreen, "The
Seedless Trees" is highly recommended for YA Fiction collections. For personal reading lists it
should be noted that "The Seedless Trees" is also available in a Kindle edition ($1.99).
Thick As Thieves
Susan K. Marlow
Kregel Publications
2450 Oak Industrial Drive, NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
www.kregelpublications.com
9780825443671, $9.99, 176pp, www.amazon.com
Fourteen-year-old Andrea Carter would rather ride her beloved palomino, Taffy, than do
anything else. But life on the Circle C ranch in 1882 is busy. Between school and chores, Andi is
left with little time to prepare for Taffy's first foaling. Then when the event finally arrives, it
nearly ends in disaster. Returning to school keeps Andi hard-pressed to find time for foal
training. And she now has a new problem on her hands--Macy Walker, who has been assigned as
Andi's seatmate. The new girl's crude manners and cruel behavior bring storm clouds into Andi's
life, as does the news that cattle rustlers have moved into the valley. When the cattle rustlers turn
to stealing horses and strike the Carter ranch, Andi's only hope for recovering her precious colts
lies with Macy. Can Andi trust this wild girl? Does she have a choice? "Thick As Thieves" is
deftly written, thoroughly entertaining, and highly recommended for school and community
library YA fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Thick As
Thieves" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.49).
Wild Dolphin Rider
Nancy Donovan
Peter E. Randall Publisher
5 Greenleaf Woods Drive, Suite 102, Portsmouth, NH 03802-4720
www.perpublisher.com
9781942155041, $14.95, 80pp, www.amazon.com
Through the magic of desire, Sean discovers he can speak with Mari, a young dolphin mother,
who takes him aboard her back for a day on the ocean. But just beyond the harbor jetty, Mari's
pod is scattered by a tuna fleet, and Sean soon wonders if either he or the pod will survive to tell
the tale. Searching for Mari's missing son, they confront the dangers of the sea (from lost drift
nets to lightning storms) and readers learn how different life is for wild dolphins from those in
captivity. "Wild Dolphin Rider" by Nancy Donovan 's an extraordinary and deftly written story
that will absorb and entertain young readers from first page to last. Enhanced with
black-and-white graphite illustrations by Susan Spellman, "Wild Dolphin Rider" is thoroughly
'kid friendly' and recommended for both school and community collections for young
readers
Undertow
Michael Buckley
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
9780544348257 $18.99 www.hmhco.com
Undertow tells of Lyric Walker, who has witnessed the arrival of the Alpha, or First Men, into
her world. Fear has transformed her Coney Island home into a military zone, but when Alpha
teens are forced into her high school and she becomes involved with them, more trouble brews,
as neither side wants to integrate. Drawn to a troubled, violent boy and a world of danger, Lyric
finds herself at the center of a struggle between human, Alpha, and what comes next in a
gripping saga recommended for any mature young adult interested in dystopian futures.
Deception's Pawn
Esther Friesner
Random House
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
9780449818671 $17.99 www.randomhouseteens.com
Deception's Pawn tells of Maeve, princess of Connacht, who has won her freedom from her role
and duty as her father allows her into the world outside his castle. The only problem is: her status
won't protect her from the slings and arrows of the world - or from unwelcome suitors. From
struggles with her father's rival to her rejection of being a pawn in anyone's game, Maeve finds
herself in all kinds of trouble in this compelling story of a princess finding her way. Teens will
find this an involving story of romance and self-realization.
Scholastic, Inc.
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999
www.scholastic.com
Paige Britt's The Lost Track of Time (9780545538121, $17.99) tells of Penelope, who dreams of
being a writer, but can't get past her mother's preset plans for her life. Her mother believes she's
unproductive, but Penelope believes she's being micro-managed - until she discovers a whole in
her schedule that leaves an entire day complete unplanned. She falls into the hole in time - and
encounters some amazing things. Purple/white drawings pepper a fine story of fantasy and
freedom, perfect for grades 7 and polder. Michael Jensen and David Powers King's Woven
(9780545685726, $18.99) tells of Nels, who has wanted to be a knight all of his life, and who has
a knack for and interest in helping those in need in his little village. But he was murdered before
he could achieve his goals - and now his ghost has arisen to face an impossible task. Part
mystery, part supernatural fantasy, and part romance, Woven is about ties that bind and untimely
actions - and will delight middle school to high school fantasy readers. Ann M. Martin's Home is
the Place (9780545359450, $16.99) presents Book 4 in the 'Family Tree' series, and tells of
Georgia, who faces a puzzling family, half of whom don't talk to each other. There are many
secrets that could be answered in a great-great-grandmother's hidden diary in Maine - but
primarily the writing makes her reflect on her own life and struggles. This concludes the Family
Tree series, so prior familiarity with the other books in the series will lend a well-rounded feel to
this final story. Daria Wilke's Playing a Part (9780545726078, $18.99) tells of Grisha, who has
long loved the Moscow puppet theater and its trappings. For him, the stage is both magic and a
refuge from his life outside the theater, where bullies plague him and his own grandfather says
nasty things about him. When Grisha's world begins to change, he has nobody to turn to;
especially since his best friend Sashok is facing a dangerous heart condition. This book is the
first young adult novel from Russia to be translated into English and provides a riveting saga of
heartbreak, growth, and change. Andrew Harwell's The Spider Ring (9780545682909, $16.99)
tells of Maria, who inherits a strange, spider-shaped ring from her grandmother and the powers it
brings - the power to control spiders and direct them. It's not something she ever wished for, but
it's handy - until she discovers that the power comes with a high price. The web is woven tighter
as Maria comes to find that the ring is a potential trap in this fine story of courage and magic.
Sarah Darer Littman's Backlash (9780545651264, $17.99) tells of Lara, who is humiliated on
Facebook by Christian, who says horrible things about her on her wall. But, are they true? Lara is
depressed and has struggled with insecurity in the past, but this is above and beyond the norm -
can a Facebook post send her over the edge? Online bullying and struggle are the center of an
engrossing saga of courage and strife.
The Cookbook Shelf
Ella's Kitchen: The First Foods Book
Hamlyn
c/o Octopus Publishing
236 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
www.octopusbooksusa.com
9780600630500 $19.99 www.amazon.com
Ella's Kitchen: The First Foods Book covers many steps of a child's discovery of new foods from
six months to a year, pairing some 130 recipes from purees to flavor combinations to explore
how parents can become more involved in their baby's food sensory development. It's third in a
series of Ella's Kitchen Cook Books and it has been developed with young taste buds and
nutrition in mind, presenting an excellent introduction to baby food that parents will find inviting
and educational.
The Gardening Shelf
Charlie's Dirt Day
Andrew Larsen, author
Jacqueline Hudon-Verrelli, illustrator
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
195 Allstate Parkway
Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R 4T8
9781554553341 $18.95 www.fitzhenry.ca
Part of the "Tell-Me-More!" storybook series, Charlie's Dirt Day is a children's picturebook about
a young boy who learns how much fun gardening can be. Young Charlie and his dad see their
neighbors approach a big pile of dirt, but it isn't just ordinary dirt - it's compost! Mr. Martino is
growing tomatoes, Mrs. Lee is raising onions, and Mr. Singh has an herb garden. Charlie wants
to raise something as well - something that will add a special zest to spaghetti sauce! Charming
color illustrations enrich this excellent story for getting little ones interested in gardening!
The Agriculture Shelf
The Fruits We Eat
Gail Gibbons
Holiday House
425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017
9780823432042 $17.95 www.holidayhouse.com
The Fruits We Eat presents a lively survey of fruits and how they are grown, transported, and
wind up on the table. Kids in grades 4-8 will find the pages packed with fun gardening specifics
that also cover the basics of cultivation, from how certain plants may go dormant over the winter
to how fruits are harvested and brought to market. Both large and small-scale farming ventures
are explored in the course of consider plants and fruit management processes.
The Christian Shelf
H is for Holy
Nika Boyd, author
Heather Hayward, illustrator
Ancient Faith Publishing
PO Box 748, Chesterton, IN 46304-0748
9781936270194 $18.95 http://store.ancientfaith.com
H is for Holy is an alphabet book created especially for Orthodox Christian children. Ever letter
of the alphabet is given a corresponding word, which is elaborated upon with a brief sentence and
simple color artwork. "E is for Epistle - 'Epistle' means 'letter'. The Bible contains many letters
written by Christ's apostles. Do you write letters to your friends? Listen for the epistle next time
you're in church." H is for Holy is an excellent tool for educating little ones about the basics of
the Orthodox faith as well as their ABCs.
Pig and Sheep
Mike Breen, author
Blake Berg, illustrator
3DM Publishing
PO Box 719, Pawleys Island, SC
www.3dmpublishing.com
c/o Karen Campbell Media (publicity)
9780990777557 $19.99 www.karencampbellmedia.com
Intended for young readers ages 3-6, Pig and Sheep is a picturebook that uses allegory to explore
the Christian concepts of grace, forgiveness, and redemption. Author and church pastor Mike
Breen tells the story of a Little Pig, who was once happy with his ordinary life of rolling in mud
and eating slop, but eventually longs to join the sheep on the beautiful green pastures. The
shepherd (a kindly sheepdog) helps Little Pig join the sheep flock; Little Pig gains the heart of a
sheep, and slowly begins to transform into a sheep. But then Little Pig is tempted to rejoin his old
pig friends for a party, and falls back into the ways of being a pig! He thinks he can never be a
sheep again, until the kindly shepherd tells him, "...you can always make a good decision after a
bad one, right? Come home with me!" Pig and Sheep is a gentle, heartwarming story that subtly
conveys the timeless message of Jesus.
Books in Series
Straight Talk About Dealing with Loss
James Bow, author
Shutterstock, photography
Crabtree Publishing Company
PMB 59051, 350 Fifth Avenue, 59th Floor, New York, NY 10118
9780778722014, $30.60, www.crabtreebooks.com
A very relevant teen mental health series titled "Straight Talk About..." helps grieving teens learn
to face and begin to cope with serious loss, dealing with mourning, sadness, the role of family
and friends, and the experience of grief. Exploring different grief reactions and situations, this
mental health resource offers straight talk about some things to expect, when to ask for help from
adults, peers, or professionals, and other resources. Many constructive suggestions for taking
some meaningful actions or being patient with your own process for grieving are given. One of
the ending chapters is Hot Topics Q & A, offering typical questions of teens experiencing loss
and grief, asking what is "normal," or to be expected, and how to deal with survivor guilt. Also
helpful is a list of other resources in the United States and Canada including phone numbers and
web sites. A Glossary of terms adds technical definitions, and generally user friendly language
makes "Straight Talk About..." a helpful, accessible series for teens and young adults. This is an
excellent resource in an up-to-date juvenile mental health series, with no use of short cut psycho
babble for filler. Other titles in this series that are also highly recommended include: "Straight
Talk About... Binge Drinking", by James Bow, (9780778722007, $30.60), "Straight Talk
About... Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity", by Rachel Stuckey, (9780778722038, $30.60),
and "Straight Talk About... Digital Dangers", by Rachel Stuckey, (9780778722021, $30.60).
From Farm to Restaurant
Colleen Hord
Rourke Educational Media
PO Box 643328, Vero Beach, FL 32964
9781634300575 $25.64 http://rourkeeducationalmedia.com
Part of the "Little World Communities and Commerce" series, From Farm to Restaurant is an
easy reader educational picturebook filled with colorful photography, describing in simple terms
how the food grown or raised, processed, packaged, and shipped so that it can be served at
restaurants that may be located hundreds or thousands of miles away. "Some crops, like potatoes,
are hauled to warehouses. // Crops that must be sold fresh are quickly taken to grocery stores or
farmer's markets so they won't spoil." From Farm to Restaurant is a simple yet accessible and
inviting book for beginning readers, ideal for public library children's collections. Also highly
recommended are the other books in the "Little World Communities and Commerce" series,
"From Accident to Hospital", "From Empty Lot to Building", "From Factory to Store", "From
Power Plant to House", and "From Tow Truck to Auto Body Shop".
The Wolf Who Wanted to Change His Color
Le loup qui voulait changer de couleur, original title
Orianne Lallemand, author
Eleonore Thuillier, illustrator
Susan Allen Maurin, translator from French
Auzou Publishing
24-32 rue des Amandiers, 75020 Paris, France
http://www.auzou.biz
9782733832363, $14.95, www.amazon.com
Part of an innovative juvenile series in French from Square Picture Books, "The Wolf Who
Wanted to Change His Color" explores the idea of learning to accept oneself (through trial and
error). Lavishly illustrated with contemporary wolf portraits in seven different colors, this
charming animal fable presents a memorable example of a path to self acceptance. Young
children will enjoy reading this book with an adult, responding to the humor and colorful self
portraits of the Wolf, who is indeed a very lovable character. The Wolf is unhappy with his dull
gray color, so he decides to try to change it. Every day of the week he tries out a new color
disguise, using green paint, brown mud, orange peels, pink rose petals, a red sweater and scarlet
stockings, an icy water bath that turned him blue with cold, and finally a cape of plucked peacock
feathers in rainbow hues. The Wolf is dissatisfied with every alternate color/costume he tries, for
various funny reasons. Finally, the Wolf del cares: "I don't want to be green, red, pink blue,
orange, brown, or even multicolored! I am happy being just the way I am... a gray wolf!". Other
fun titles in this series by the same author and artist include "The Wolf Who Didn't Want to Walk
Anymore" (9782733821497, $6.95), "The Wolf Who Wanted to Travel the World"
(978-2733823149, $6.95), "The Wolf Who Wanted to Be an Artist" (9782733827031, $6.95),
and "The Wolf Who Traveled Back in Time" (978-2733829851, $6.95).
AC Writings
322 Punta Baja Drive, Solana Beach, CA 92075
www.allanwchapman.com
www.amazon.com
Allan Westcott Chapman is the author of a five volume series of stories that begins with
"Adventures with Mr. Wugidgem" (9780979678028, $7.99, 29pp) and introduces two ten year
old fraternal twins, Debby and Michael Clark. Mr. Wugidgem is a long-time family friend who is
blessed with magical powers which he uses to propel Debby and Michael through Time and
Space on their first magical journey. "Mr. Wugidgem and the Dark Journey" (9780979678035,
$7.99, 26pp) continues the twins' adventures when Mr. Wugidgem teletransports them to an oasis
in the African Desert which is all that is left of the Garden of Eden. One local tribe has
kidnapped children from another tribe, and the twins, along with their mentor, strive to free them.
In the third title, "Mr. Wugidgem and the Phoenix Journey" (9780979678042, $7.99, 66pp), the
twins discover a mano bird that was long thought to be extinct. Mr. Wugidgem, along Debbie
and Michael again journey through Time and Space to aid a Phoenix Tribe girl who is in trouble.
In the fourth title, "Mr. Wugidgem and the Snow Queen" (9780979678073, $7.99, 94pp) Debby
and Michael art struck gravely ill at the hands of Malefic. Mr. Wugidgem uses his medical skills
to health them and realizes how serious a threat the dark forces have become to the twins. He
must teach the children far more than they know to defend themselves against the new perils.
Concluding the series thus far, "Mr. Wugidgem and the Faces of Freedom (9780979678080,
$7.99, 117pp), Debby and Michael learn about a confrontation between the Venezuelan Army
and Farmers from their classmate Hugo's phone video. Mr. Wugidgem also receives a call for
help from Carib, a long time friend from Venezuela. Soon the trio find themselves in the thick of
massive demonstrations for freedom. Through this series of five adventures, Debbie and Michael
learn to overcome failure and self-doubt, thereby enabling themselves to unleash their own magic
powers. Author Allan Chapman is a talented and original children's writer whose skills as
crafting interesting stories will entertain young readers and are recommended for both school and
community library Fantasy Fiction collections.
Donovan's Bookshelf
The Alien Logs of Super Jewels
BK Bradshaw
Goldminds Publishing, LLC
ISBN (print): 9781942905097
ISBN (eBook): 9781942905394
$14.99 (print), $6.99 (eBook) 150 pages
http://www.goldmindspub.com/#!alien-logs-of-super-jewels/c1xyd
The Alien Logs of Super Jewels presents a solid middle-grade novel centering upon Jewels, who
has always felt different from her classmates. Something is obviously going on: but is she an
alien, a super-heroine, or something more? Her exploration of psyche and self against the
backdrop of ordinary peer interactions may surprise readers who expect a fantasy about aliens,
but young hearts will quickly warm to the story of a girl who is in fourth grade "and almost
teenager", who perceives the world quite differently than most - and is labeled as being strange,
because of it.
Jewels is special - and so she identifies with the lost alien E.T. in many ways: "I felt sorry for that
little guy. He didn't fit in. He didn't look like earthlings. He didn't eat the same things as
earthlings. He didn't walk the same or talk the same. He had trouble living on Earth, and if he
didn't get back to his home planet, he would die. E.T. was like me."
But unlike E.T., she presumably is with her people in a place where she doesn't fit in, and having
Asperger's Syndrome means that likely she never will feel completely at home in her world. Her
quest involves exploring her own unique abilities - and The Alien Logs of Super Jewels is all
about finding these strengths in a world of hurt and puzzling social interactions.
There are books on the market about Aspergers, featuring protagonists who have Aspergers - but
few with the intimate first-person approach that reels in readers to make the perceptions,
thoughts, and emotions of the Aspergers individual feel realistic and personal.
In the search for evidence of her alien-ness or super-abilities, Jewels moves beyond logging
evidence of her life on Earth and begins to understand a little more about herself and the nature
of her peers, through accepting new experiences - such as camp - and incorporating them into her
worldview.
It's not fantasy and it doesn't feature extraterrestrial life - but The Alien Logs of Super Jewels
does do an outstanding job of introducing kids to the mindset of Asperger's child Jewels and how
she navigates her puzzling world. As she comes to discover her 'surprise weapons', Jewels arrives
at a different kind of approach to life that truly makes the most of her superpowers.
The story lies in the 'how', and that piece is beautifully done in this compelling story,
recommended for advanced elementary to middle grade readers and many an adult who will
come to understand Asperger's from a more sympathetic viewpoint than most stories
provide.
A Time To Be Brave
Holly Moulder
White Pelican Press
132 Marcella Ave., Sharpsburg, GA 30277
9780979040580, $8.99 185 pages, www.whitepelicanpress.com
A Time To Be Brave is historical middle grade and young adult fiction at its best, and opens with
a compelling scene that captures reader interest immediately: "This behavior is unacceptable!"
roared the Colonel. "No daughter of mine will participate in such disgraceful activities with those
appalling women! Is that clear?" The sound of his voice stopped me dead in my tracks.
Grandfather and my mother were at each other's throats. Again."
But the subject isn't history alone (which is woven into the plot) so much as a murder mystery, as
best friends probe the murder of twelve-year-old Theo's father in 1910. And within this context
are plenty of social issues of the times that bring the whole concept of 'American history' to life
with family and friend interactions: "My mother replied in her calm, reasonable manner. "Father,
this is 1910, not the Dark Ages, and women should have the right to vote just as men do. I
understand your concerns, but--"
First-person perspectives alternate between best friends Theo and Macie, which creates a
satisfying juxtaposition of impressions and attitudes of social changes and events. One of the
issues - women's suffrage - is brought to life against a backdrop which involves young readers in
the atmosphere and sentiments of the times by placing Macie and her mother square in the
middle of struggles to vote: "Petitions like these are being circulated throughout our country by
women just like you, women who believe as we do that females should be able to exercise their
right to vote." Miss Paul passed a stack of petitions to her assistant, who walked among the
crowd, handing them out. I was both shocked and delighted when one of the papers ended up in
my hands."
Burning changes, burning buildings, and burning questions: all these lend drama and action to a
story that succeeds in capturing the major issues of early America and how they affect two
friends' lives.
Elizabeth's Constellation Quilt
Olivia Fu
Tumblehome Learning
P.O. Box 171386, Boston MA 02117
9780990782919, $16.99 32 pages, www.tumblehomelearning.com
Elizabeth's Constellation Quilt offers an engaging picture book about a little mouse who worries
that she can never be a sailor because she can't remember the stars - and thus, can't navigate.
Her mother's solution is to make Elizabeth a 'constellation quilt' so she can live her dreams - and
so an engaging story of a little mouse who " wanted to be a sailor, just like her father" emerges
to offer something different to parents who read aloud and kids who like warm, different
stories.
Elizabeth's Constellation Quilt excels in both illustration and story line: a special feature because
the author is both writer and illustrator, here. The engaging little mouse drawings are perfect
accents to this story of a mouse who perceives the stars as "all the same, "and who steps up to the
plate when her father is seemingly lost at sea.
It turns out that Elizabeth's greatest liability will become her only asset in finding her father,
holding a gentle conclusion that, while not entirely unexpected, is still warm and involving.
Parents looking for a special read-aloud bedtime story won't want to pass by this tale: it
chronicles the courage of a young mouse who isn't afraid to dream or tackle life's challenges.
Mickey and the Plow Horse
Edward A. Dreyfus
Edward A. Dreyfus, Publisher
1421 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90404
$9.95 Paperback, $1.99 Kindle 172 Pages
9780692290590, www.docdreyfus.com
http://amzn.to/10wWYIs
On the face of it, Mickey and the Plow Horse is another story about a boy and his horse - but in
actuality it holds a deeper message and is about fitting in, isolation and loneliness, and two lost
souls (a horse and a boy) finding each other and, during the course of their relationship,
becoming greater because of it.
Twelve-year-old Mickey is a nerd and a loner, immersed in technology and outside of the usual
circles of friendship (aside from the Internet, the only realm where he feels connected to the
world - albeit, from a safe distance). His health struggles don't help matters, and when his parents
decide to send him to camp, Mickey wonders what could be of interest there.
Plenty, it turns out: a beaten-down plow horse offers him a friendship others cannot, and as
Mickey comes to empathize with something outside of his self, he also comes to form the kinds
of emotional connections (even with an animal) that will lend to his entry into the world at
large.
Mickey and the Plow Horse offers up a horse that has uncommon intelligence at times ("Mickey
shook his head to clear it and placed the brush back on the shelf. "I'll never be a horseman,
Jackson. But...I'll always be your friend." Jackson flipped the brush off the shelf with his muzzle.
"Why'd you do that?" Mickey picked up the brush. "You want me to brush you again?" Jackson
vigorously nodded his head up and down."). The point isn't to present an animal with human
intelligence; it's to outline a scenario by which two creatures come to make important
connections leading them to believe more in themselves - and to communicate better.
As marvelous things begin to happen ("Well, I'll be danged! That's amazing! Incredible! I
wouldn't believe it unless I saw it with my own eyes. I knew that you and Jackson had a special
bond, but I never expected this!"), advanced elementary to early middle grade readers with an
affection for horses and nerds will see the transformation happening - and will come to realize
the power of acceptance, love, and what it means to be exceptional in a book that masquerades as
another horse story but offers so much more.
Diane C. Donovan, Senior Reviewer
Donovan's Literary Services
www.donovansliteraryservices.com
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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