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Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Lou Knows What To Do Supermarket
Kimberly Tice & Venita Litvack, authors
Andre Kerry, illustrator
Boys Town Press
14100 Crawford Street, Boys Town, Nebraska 68010
9781944882143 $10.95 www.BoysTownPress.org
Lou Knows What To Do: Supermarket is an invaluable "life skills" title for young readers. Lou
learns many different skills to use when shopping at a supermarket, including making a list,
waiting in line, asking for help to find things, not running up and down the aisles, counting
change from the cashier, and remembering to say "Thank you" to the cashier. At the end a list of
tips for teachers and parents on how to use the book is provided. Lou Knows What To Do
Supermarket is an excellent addition to personal and public library children's collections. Also
highly recommended are other titles in the series, "Lou Knows What To Do: Special Diet"
(9781944882150, $10.95) and "Lou Knows What To Do: Birthday Party" (9781944882167,
$10.95).
School of Awake
Kidada Jones, author
Koa Jones, illustrator
Foreword by Rashida Jones
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
www.newworldlibrary.com
9781608684588, $18.95, www.amazon.com
School of Awake: A Girl's Guide to the Universe gives girls inspiration and encouragement,
pairing color art by Koa Jones with recipes, arts and crafts, inspirational quotes, discussions of
mindfulness, and all kinds of keys to developing a powerful persona. Modern girls who want to
be happy and strong will find this filled with discussions of mind, body, and spirit which offers
such a basic primer that many an adult new to some of these concepts will find it equally
compelling and easy to use.
Jacqueline and the Beanstalk
Susan D. Sweet, author
Brenda S. Miles, author
Valeria Docampo, illustrator
Magination Press
c/o American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242
www.maginationpress.com
9781433826825, $15.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
A princess named Jacqueline is surrounded by overprotective knights at all times. They want to
protect her from danger, but they're not even sure if there is any! When Jacqueline climbs up a
beanstalk, she meets a giant who is just as afraid of the unknown. "Jacqueline and the Beanstalk:
A Tale of Facing Giant Fears" is deftly written, beautifully illustrated, modern retelling of a
classic fairy tale aims to help kids face and live with their fears their fears -- so they don't miss
out on the fun! Included is a "Note to Parents and Caregivers" providing information about
managing worries and facing fears. The newest edition to the outstanding Magination Press
'Classic Tales for Modern Kids' series, "Jacqueline and the Beanstalk: A Tale of Facing Giant
Fears" is unreservedly recommended for the family, daycare center, preschool, elementary
school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 4 to 8.
The Shape of the World
K.L. Going
Beach Lane Books
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781442478213, $17.99, www.amazon.com
The Shape of the World: A Portrait of Frank Lloyd Wright is illustrated by Lauren Stringer and
provides a lovely, lyrical story of a little boy who loves to find shapes in nature, and who uses his
passion to become an architect as an adult. His mother envisioned him as becoming an architect,
and his early education on shapes gave him visions that would lead to an extraordinary career.
Parental read-aloud is recommended for this lovely story of how childhood vision translates to
adult achievement.
The Social Issues Shelf
Poverty and Hunger
Louise Spilsbury, author
Hanane Kai, illustrator
Barron's
250 Wireless Boulevard, Hauppauge, NY 11788
www.barronseduc.com
9781438050195, $9.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Informatively written by Louise Spilsbury and impressively illustrated by Hanane Kai, "Poverty
and Hunger" is a picture book for children ages 6 to 10 that discusses the questions: "What is
poverty and hunger?; How do they affect people in countries all over the world?". "Poverty and
Hunger" helps young children begin to understand the way others struggle with these issues and
learn about ways they can be of help. Of special note are the powerful illustrations that help
children to visualize the people impacted by poverty, hunger, war, racism, and more. All of the
images are sensitively rendered and perfectly suited for younger children. With our 24/7 news
cycle and constant access to the latest headlines, the world can be a scary place. "Poverty and
Hunger" can help children trying to make sense of it all and understand that children just like
them face such dire issues in the world today. Informative, original, thoughtful and thought-
provoking, "Poverty and Hunger" is thoroughly 'kid friendly' in organization and presentation,
making it an ideal and unreservedly recommended addition to family, elementary school, and
community library collections.
The Jobs/Careers Shelf
Fast Cash: The Young Adult's Guide to Pet Sitting & Walking
Yvonne Bertovich
Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc.
1405 S.W. 6th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471
www.atlantic-pub.com
9781620232347, $34.95, Library Binding, 142pp, www.amazon.com
"Fast Cash: The Young Adult's Guide to Pet Sitting & Walking" was written by Yvonne
Bertovich specifically for young adults with an interest in animals and considering establishing a
pet sitting/walking business of their own. It is a comprehensive instruction manual teaching
everything needed to operate a successful pet sitting/walking business. This complete instruction
guide includes sample business forms; contracts; worksheets and checklists for planning,
opening, and running day-to-day operations; and dozens of other valuable, timesaving tools of
the trade that no business should be without. "Fast Cash" also covers how to draw up a winning
business plan, how to choose a name, what equipment will be needed, how to get customers,
contracts and billing procedures, advertising, the legal side of things, and pricing. "Fast Cash"
presents all this and more in a fun and understandable way that perfect for the young
entrepreneur. While very highly recommended for highschool and community library
Jobs/Careers instructional reference collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that
"Fast Cash: The Young Adult's Guide to Pet Sitting & Walking" is also available in a paperback
edition (978162023168, $19.95).
The Biography Shelf
Muddy: The Story of Blues Legend Muddy Waters
Michael Mahin
Atheneum
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781481443494, $17.99, www.amazon.com
Muddy: The Story of Blues Legend Muddy Waters is illustrated by Evan Turk who captures the
dark and melancholy atmosphere of the blues musician's life and times. Muddy was never
successful at much, whether it be earning a living or conforming to popular music standards of
his times. His ability to ignore naysayers and convention to create his own special brand of blues
music led to his fame, and Muddy captures this process in a fine picture book story that will be
enhanced by parental read-aloud and discussion of Muddy's musical choices and impact.
Danza!
Amalia Hernandez
El Ballet Folklorico de Mexico
Abrams
115 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
www.abramsyoungreaders.com
9781419725326, $18.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Published in time for the 100th anniversary of Hernandez's birth, "Danza!: Amalia Hernandez
and Mexico's Folkloric Ballet" is the first picture book about the famous dancer and
choreographer. "Danza!" is a beautifully illustrated picture book celebration of Hernandez's life
and of the rich history of dance in Mexico. As a child, Amalia always thought she would grow up
to be a teacher, until she saw a performance of dancers in her town square. She was fascinated by
the way the dancers twirled and swayed, and she knew that someday she would be a dancer, too.
She began to study many different types of dance, including ballet and modern, under some of
the best teachers in the world. Hernandez traveled throughout Mexico studying and learning
regional dances. Soon she founded her own dance company, El Ballet Folklorico de Mexico,
where she integrated her knowledge of ballet and modern dance with folkloric dances. The group
began to perform all over the country and soon all over the world, becoming an international
sensation that still tours today. "Danza!" will enthrall and inspire young readers ages 6 to 10 with
the fascinating story of this important dancer and choreographer. While unreservedly
recommended for family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections, it
should be noted that "Danza!" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Librarians should be aware that there is an audio book edition of "Danza!" (Dreamscape Media,
9781520082813, $14.99).
The Shape of the World
K. L. Going, author
Lauren Stringer, illustrator
Beach Lane Books
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781442478213, $17.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
"The Shape of the World: A Portrait of Frank Lloyd Wright" is the picture book biography of a
little boy who loves to find shapes in nature and grew up to be one of America's greatest
architects. When Frank Lloyd Wright was a baby, his mother dreamed that he would become a
great architect. She gave him blocks to play with and he learned that shapes are made up of many
other shapes. As he grew up, he loved finding shapes in nature. Wright went on to study
architecture and create buildings that were one with the natural world around them. He became
known as one of the greatest American architects of all time. Lauren Stringer's equisite artwork
does full justice to author K. L. Going's account and will prove to be as entertaining as it is
informative for children ages 5 to 10. While strongly recommended, especially for elementary
school and community library picture book biographies for children, it should be noted for
families that "The Shape of the World: A Portrait of Frank Lloyd Wright" is also available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).
Lotta Crabtree: Gold Rush Fairy Star
Lois V. Harris
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LA 70053-2246
www.pelicanpub.com
9781455622306, $17.99, HC, 80pp, www.amazon.com
During the height of the California Gold Rush, child performers called Fairy Stars kept the
miners entertained. The children would dance, sing, and act to raise spirits and money. Lotta
Crabtree was the brightest of the Fairy Stars! The precocious girl won hearts across the world
with her extraordinary talent for comedy and grew to be one of the wealthiest and most beloved
American entertainers of the late 19th century. "Lotta Crabtree: Gold Rush Fairy Star" by Lois V.
Harris is unique biography for young readers ages 8 to 12, and follows Lotta's early years, her
struggle to support her family, her spectacular journey to fame, and her generous contributions
that are still changing lives today. Informative, entertaining, inspiring, "Lotta Crabtree: Gold
Rush Fairy Star" is exceptionally well written, illustrated, organized and presented, making it an
ideal and highly recommended addition to family, elementary school, and community library
biography collections for young readers.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Cat Pals: Everything You Need to Know About Your Best Pal!
Pat Jacobs, author
Crabtree Publishing Company
PMB 59051, 350 Fifth Avenue, 59th Floor, New York, NY 10118
9780778735502 $27.60 HC, $8.95 PB, 32pp www.crabtreebooks.com
Leading title of a series called Pet Pals, "Cat Pals" (guided reading level Q) presents
comprehensive feline information for an audience age 6 and up in a compact, attractively
presented format with lots of color cat photos, plus handy sidebars stuffed with fun facts such as
Cat Facts. Two- page chapters include Your cat from head to tail, Cat breeds, Choosing your cat,
Cozy kitty, Settling in, Catering for kitty, Day-to-day care, Health and safety, Cat behavior,
Communication, Training, Fun and games, Cat quiz, plus Quiz answers, Learning more (includes
related web sites and books), and a Glossary and index. "Cat Pals" helps young readers learn
more about the responsibilities and joys of pet ownership early in the process of choosing a pet.
Additional titles in the Pet Pals series (also by Pat Jacobs) that are also highly recommended
include: "Dog Pals" (9780778735519, $27.60 HC, $8.95 PB), "Hamster Pals" (9780778735601,
$27.60 HC, $8.95 PB), "Guinea Pig Pals" (97807787735526, $27.60 HC, $8.95 PB), and "Rabbit
Pals" (9780778735618, $27.60 HC, $8.95 PB).
About Fish: A Guide for Children
Cathryn Sill, author
Illustrated by John Sill
Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
1700 Chattahoochee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30318-2112
9781561459872 $16.95 www.peachtree-online.com
Intended for beginning readers ages 3-7, About Fish: A Guide for Children is a picturebook that
introduces young people to amazing facts about fish. Simple sentences paired with vivid, lifelike,
full-color illustrations make About Fish: A Guide for Children excellent educational read-aloud
book for parents and young ones to share - or for children to read on their own! "Some baby fish
are born alive. Other baby fish hatch from eggs laid by the mother. // Fish keep growing as long
as they live." Highly recommended, especially for public library children's collections.
The Science Shelf
Living Things and Nonliving Things: A Compare and Contrast Book
Kevin Kurtz, author/photography editor
Arbordale Publishing
612 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite A2, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
9781628559859 $17.95 www.arbordalepublishing.com
"Living Things and Nonliving Things" is a creatively photo-illustrated Compare and Contrast
book that challenges young readers to develop criteria for distinguishing living from nonliving
things. For example, living things move, but do some nonliving things also move? How about
growing and changing? Stunning photographs demonstrate that there are indeed nonliving things
that also grow and change, such as volcanoes, icebergs, clouds, and crystals. Gradually, the
criteria that emerge from all the compare and contrasting experiments are as follows: "If
something does all these things, it is probably a living thing: Breathe. Drink water. Take energy
and nutrients from its environment. Reproduce. Grow and change." A concluding section titled
For Creative Minds including a Glossary, and Living or Nonliving Checklist. "Living and
Nonliving Things" is an excellent teaching text using compare and contrast approaches to detect
criteria for living versus things.
The Computer Shelf
Code Your Own Space Adventure: Code with Major Kate and Save Planet Zyskinar
Max Wainewright, author/illustrator
Quarto Library Group, QED Publishing
6 Orchard, Lake Forest, CA 92630
www.quartoknows.com
Lerner Publisher Services, distributor
241 First Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55401
www.lernerbooks.com
9781682971819 $23.99, HC, 31pp, www.amazon.com
"Code Your Own Space Adventure" is the first title of a creative new Little Coders series, written
for children age 6 and up with adult supervision. Young readers are asked to use Scratch, a
computer language to code these games. (See http://scratch.mit.edu on your home computer).
The first chapter, Using Scratch, teaches readers how to start Scratch, use it, and use code blocks
and the drawing area. Subsequent chapters guide the reader through different space adventure
episodes with suggested strategies and responses to help Major Kate save Planet Zyskinar. These
chapters include creating a rocket (The Superlooper), Blast Off!, Fly Away!, Radiation Field,
Asteroid Attack, Space Walk!, Going Bananas, Underground Rescue, and Flight to Bananareeta.
Many valuable computer and literacy skills are used in this fun gaming sequence, while jazzy
cartoon style colored illustrations keep the adventure exciting and clarify the computer gaming
instruction with maximum appeal to kids. "Code Your Own Space Adventure" is completed with
a glossary of programming and instructional game terms. Also highly recommended are the
following titles from the Little Coders Series, also written and illustrated by Max Wainwright:
"Code Your Own Jungle Adventure (9781682971796)," "Code Your Own Knight Adventure
(9781682971802)," and "Code Your Own Pirate Adventure (9781682971826).
The Picturebook Shelf
Last Laughs Prehistoric Epitaphs
J. Patrick Lewis and Jane Yolen, authors
Illustrated by Jeffrey Stewart Timmins
Charlesbridge Publishing
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
www.charlesbridge.com
9781580897068 $16.99 hc / $9.99 Kindle amazon.com
Last Laughs and Prehistoric Epitaphs is a quirky children's books of wacky epitaph poems in
honor of extinct species, from dinosaurs to woolly mammoths and more. Brief facts about these
prehistoric creatures appear under each poem as well, making Last Laughs Prehistoric Epitaphs
educational as well as fun. Highly recommended! "Scat, Old Saber-Toothed Cat": Tiger, tiger,
hunting bright / near the tar pits, late at night. / Neither claws nor saber teeth / saved you from
what lay beneath. / Stuck like that, you starved to death, / growling with your final breath.
Hello Autumn!
Shelley Rotner
Holiday House
425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017
www.holidayhouse.com
9780823438693, $16.95, www.amazon.com
Hello Autumn! celebrates leaves changing, pumpkins, changing seasons and more, and provides
young picture book readers with a fun focus on plants, animals, birds, and how nature responds
to autumn. Color photos of nature and children drive this very simple survey of the signs of
autumn and how kids can make the most of the season.
Roger is Going Fishing
Koen Van Biesen
Eerdmans Books
c/o Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
2140 Oak Industrial Drive, NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
www.eerdmans.com/youngreaders
9780802854919, $16.00, www.amazon.com
Roger is Going Fishing tells of Roger and neighbor Emily, who decide to leave the city and go do
some fishing. The only problem is, Emily catches a few city things that don't involve fish, and a
small mob chases after her too-successful venture. Is everyone going to the lake, after all? A fun
story evolves with some unpredictable moments that will keep young picture book readers
guessing, and delighted in Emily's mishaps.
Sarabella's Thinking Cap
Judy Schachner
Penguin
c/o Penguin Young Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10014
http://us.penguingroup.com
9780525429180, $17.99, www.amazon.com
Sarabella's Thinking Cap tells of an imaginative girl who is always daydreaming and creating
new worlds in her mind. Unfortunately, she shouldn't be doing this all the time - but when a
special school assignment rewards this type of thinking, Sarabella finally gets to do something
she loves. Good reading skills or parental assistance will enhance the story of a daydreamer girl
who "has daydreams in her DNA" and the understanding parents who relate to her experiences all
too well.
Konnichiwa & Hello
Tammy Robertson, author
Brittany Mash, illustrator
Hawaii Way Publishing
www.tammyrobertsonauthor.com
9781945384073, $19.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
Valerie believes this day is going to be like any other school day, until, a new girl named Tomoka
walks into her classroom. Tomoka has moved to America all the way from Japan. It's her first
day of school and she's nervous and a bit scared. When Valerie smiles and offers an outstretched
hand to Tomoka, the girls begin a friendship that soars past their outward differences and they
become forever friends. They each learn to appreciate everything that makes them unique and
special. Valerie and Tomoka also discover that in all the most important ways, they really are the
same. Entertainingly written by Tammy Roberston and charmingly illustrated by Brittany Mash,
young readers ages 5 to 11 will have fun looking for the heart on every page. "Konnichiwa &
Hello" is unique, original, entertaining, and very highly recommended for family, elementary
school, and community library picture book collections.
This Is a Good Story
Adam Lehrhaupt, author
Magali Le Huche, illustrator
Paula Wiseman Books
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781481429351, $17.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
Deftly written by Adam Lehrhaupt and charmingly illustrated by Magali Le Huche, "This Is A
Good Story" is an inspiring new picture book for children ages 4 to 8 that takes apart the pieces
of a story (hero, heroine, setting, conflict) and asks young readers to put the story back together
again. This is a good story -- or is it? As children take their pencil and begins to draw pictures for
a story, the narrator takes the young reader through a rollicking sequence of events in this classic
tale of bad guys and townsfolk and dungeons. With simplicity and flair, Adam tells a story and
then a meta-story of the parts of the story at once! "This Is a Good Story" is a wonderful primer
on the parts of a story and an imaginative way to encourage creative thinking, writing, and
storytelling. While very highly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary
school, and community library picture book collections, it should be noted for personal reading
lists that "This Is a Good Story" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).
Old MacDonald Had A Farm
Gris Grimly
Orchard Books
c/o Scholastic, Inc.
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999
www.scholasticlibrary.com
9781338112436, $17.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
Celebrated author and artist Gris Grimly is widely known for his gothic style illustrations, and in
that classic children's rhyme "Old MacDonald Had A Farm" turns over a new creative leaf in his
glorious interpretation of this beloved preschool anthem. Inspired by his son's love for Old
MacDonald and his own family's farming history, and with stunning, sweeping watercolor
illustrations, and a surprise twist ending that kids will relish, Gris brings this beloved song to
glorious new life for children age 3 to 5. While unreservedly and wholeheartedly recommended
as an enduringly popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and
community library picture book collections, it should be noted for parents that this edition of Gris
Grimly's "Old MacDonald Had A Farm" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$10.99).
I Want Snow!
Tony Ross
Andersen Press
The Lerner Publishing Group (distributor)
241 First Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1607
www.lernerbooks.com
9781512481259, $17.99, HC, www.amazon.com
When the Queen goes on a trip, and sends back a photo of her feeding some penguins, the Little
Princess decides she wants snow too. The whole palace tries all kind of things from sandmen
instead of snowmen to mudballs instead of snowballs. But this little royal won't be satisfied until
she gets what she wants -- and sometimes not even then! "I Want Snow!" is a charming picture
book story written and illustrated by Tony Ross for children ages 4 to 9 -- and will prove to be an
enduringly popular and enjoyable addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary
school, and community library collections.
Rettie and the Ragamuffin Parade
Trinka Hakes Noble, author
David C. Gardner, illustrator
Sleeping Bear Press
315 East Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
www.sleepingbearpress.com
9781585369607, $17.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
In 1918 a deadly influenza epidemic was sweeping across America. The pandemic ravaged
families, leaving thousands of children as orphans. But in the tenement apartments of New York
City's Lower East Side, one young girl is determined to keep her family safe. While her mother is
sick with consumption, nine-year-old Loretta (Rettie) Stanowski does all the cleaning, washing,
shopping, and cooking for her family. To earn money, she washes rags for the rag picker and
cleans the halls and stairways of their apartment building. But Rettie knows the best way to get
even more money is to participate in the Ragamuffin Parade that marches down Broadway
Avenue on Thanksgiving morning. With the influenza outbreak, quarantines are ordered and
large gatherings are banned. Will the parade be cancelled? A deftly written, beautifully
illustrated, unique and compelling picture book story for children ages 6 to 9, "Rettie and the
Ragamuffin Parade: A Thanksgiving Story" is unreservedly recommended, especially for family,
elementary school, and community library collections.
Henry and the Hidden Treasure
B. C. R. Fegan, author
Lenny Wen, illustrator
TaleBlade Press
www.taleblade.com
9780995359253 $8.99 pbk / $15.99 hc / $4.99 Kindle amazon.com
"Henry and the Hidden Treasure" is a dramatic children's book about the ups and downs of
sibling relationships, from an older brother's point of view. Filled with fantastic, exaggerated
scary, grim, comic illustrations of monsters, caves, superheroes, soldiers, dragons, gigantic
robots, and one secret ninja baby sister, "Henry and the Hidden Treasure" tells a determined tale
of a boy guarding his treasure (money) from his baby sister, named Lucy, despite his parents'
wishes that he would try to be nicer to her. The minimal, rhyming text is very understated,
perfectly contrasting to the over exaggerated illustration style. Gradually it becomes clear to the
reader that Henry's plan to guard his treasure is doomed, and that the real issue is learning to let
go and love an adorable little sister, which Henry eventually does. "Henry and the Hidden
Treasure" is a great panorama of frequently experienced feelings of fear or threat when a
charming younger sibling steps into the family picture. Especially brothers will enjoy reading and
experiencing "Henry and the Hidden Treasure," along with their little sisters.
Museum Trip
Barbara Lehman, author/illustrator
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
3 Park Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10016
9781328740519 $7.99 pbk www.hmhco.com
An award winning, nonnarrative children's book, "Museum Trip" tells a fascinating story through
pictures alone of a boy's exploration of a secret room of fabulous drawings of mazes in a large,
dusty museum. The boy accompanies his class on a museum field trip in a bus, but he has his
own singular adventure in the museum, finding a hidden door to an amazing room filled with
mazes on display and a hidden bull-like minotaur statue in a corner. The boy imagines himself
entering into each different maze displayed in a series of drawings, solving each complex puzzle
in turn, until the final maze. Here he finds a tower at the center and enters and climbs the tower
to be awarded a special medal for his maze solving skills. then he re-enters the rest of the
museum, rejoins his class and leaves with them, noticing that the Museum director who says fare
well to the group also wears a maze solver's medal like the boy's. This journey into the
imagination is thus a bridge to and from another world which invites young readers to explore
museums, books, and mazes further. Children will love exploring the series of mysterious mazes
and tracking the boy to his amazing finish at the museum. "Museum Trip" is a solid contribution
to the world of art, imagination, literature, and culture, which will be understood perfectly by
young readers.
Teensy the Littlest Fairy
Claressa Swensen, author
Yogesh Mahajan, illustrator
Privately Published
www.facebook.com/ClaressaSwensenOfficial
9780997222630, $11.95, PB, $2.99 Kindle
9780997222616, $19.99, HC, 48pp, www.amazon.com
"Teensy the Littlest Fairy" is a story about a tiny fairy who wants to grow enough to be noticed
and big and strong like the other fairies in Shimmery Forest. A caterpillar named Cary becomes
her friend and confidant. Cary advises Teensy to eat vegetables to grow big and strong, adding
that vegetables can taste salty, crunchy, and even sweet. After being persuaded, Teensy tried
eating some sweet, crunchy cabbage, then more and more vegetables. "The more vegetables she
ate the more she grew. Fairies and butterflies didn't bump into her anymore! And that made
Teensy the happiest fairy in the forest!" Kids will love the cheery, animated color illustrations
and the feisty spirit of Teensy, the vegetable loving fairy that grew. A positive message is built
into this cheery modern fable that is clear to all young readers.
Sippi Sue and the Cool Cat Blues
Beth Greenway, author
Jamie Meckel Tablason, illustrator
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LA 70053-2246
www.pelicanpub.com
9781455622672, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Sippi Sue loves the sounds of dripping rain, rattling milk bottles, clanging trash can lids, and
especially the instruments played in juke joints of her Mississippi Delta home. Includes historical
note about blues music. A unique and deftly crafted picture book for children ages 2 to 5, "Sippi
Sue and the Cool Cat Blues" is an impressively entertaining blending of author Beth Greenway's
charming story and illustrator Jamie Meckel Tablason's original artwork, making it unreservedly
recommended for family, daycare center, preschool school, elementary school, and community
library picture book collections.
Superheroes Club
Madeleine Sherak, author
Esther Yee Sol Choi, illustrator
My Bench Productions
www.superheroesclubbooks.com
Greenleaf Book Group (distributor)
PO Box 91869, Austin, TX 78709
www.greenleafbookgroup.com
9780997785807, $17.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Lily is just a regular kid with a huge heart who rallies her friends to form a Superheroes Club to
help other kids in school and in their communities. She explains that it's not how you look, but
what you do that makes you a superhero. It doesn't have to be hard to help others; opportunities
are everywhere you look. So Lily inspires and empowers her friends to find the heroic potential
that each of them possesses. Children ages 4 to 8 will discover their superpower with Lily and the
Superheroes Club! A values-based picture book that is as fun and entertaining as it is effective in
helping young readers to be inspired with respect to building 'sharing and caring' relationships
with others, "Superheroes Club" is unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended for family,
daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book
collections.
Tall Tall Tree
Anthony D. Fredericks, author
Chad Wallace, illustrator
Dawn Publications
12402 Bitney Way, Nevada City, CA 95959
www.dawnpub.com
9781584696018, $16.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Complemented by STEM-based activity suggestions, "Tall Tall Tree" is a picture book by
Anthony D. Fredericks that provides an informative and entertaining introduction for young
children ages 2 to 5 to the amazing natural world of the giant redwood combines rhymes. The
gentle artwork of Chad Wallace and the diverse counting prompts that reveal the teeming life that
can be found in and around the world's tallest trees makes "Tall Tall Tree" as fun as it is
informative. While very highly recommended, especially for family, daycare center,
Kindergarten, and community library picture book collections, it should be noted that "Tall Tall
Tree" is also available in a paperback format (9781584696025, $8.95) and in a digital book
format (Kindle, $6.99).
The One Day House
Julia Durango, author
Bianca Diaz, illustrator
Charlesbridge Publishing
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
www.charlesbridge.com
9781580897099, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
A young boy named Wilson dreams of all the ways he can help improve his friend Gigi's house
so that she'll be warm, comfortable, and happy. One day, friends and neighbors from all over
come to help make Wilson's plans come true. Everyone volunteers to pitch in to make Gigi's
house safe, clean, and pretty. "The One Day House" was inspired by a friend's volunteerism that
motivated author Julia Durango to tell a story of community and togetherness, showing that by
helping others we help ourselves. Of special note is the information about Labor of Love, United
Way, and Habitat for Humanity that are included at the end of this thoroughly entertaining
picture book for children ages 3 to 7. While wholeheartedly recommended, especially for family,
daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections, it
should be noted that "The One Day House" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$9.99).
Big Hid
Roisin Swales, author/illustrator
Flying Eye Books
www.flyingeyebooks.com
c/o Nowbrow Ltd.
http://nobrow.net
9781911171300, $16.95, HC, 36pp, www.amazon.com
Big and Little are the very best of friends. They do everything together! That is until one day,
when Big suddenly hides away inside his shell! Little tries every method to get Big to come out
and play again -- he bakes him his favorite cake, he even asks all of his friends for help, but
nothing seems to be working! What could possibly be wrong? And how can it be put right?
Written and illustrated by Roisin Swales, "Big Hid" is a unique and charmingly entertaining
picture book that is especially recommended for children ages 3 to 5, and would be an enduringly
popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool, Kindergarten, and community library
collections.
Alycat and the Monday Blues
Alysson Foti Bourque, author
Chiara Civati, illustrator
Mascot Publishing
560 Herndon Parkway, #120, Herndon, VA 20170
http://mascotbooks.com
www.alycatseries.com
9781684012459, $14.95, HC, 38pp, www.amazon.com
Alycat wakes up on Monday with the dreaded Monday Blues, certain that nothing will go right.
But when a mishap sends her astray, she discovers that helping a friend will help her discover her
own hidden talent and cure her Monday Blues! Charmingly illustrated throughout by Chiara
Civati, author Alysson Foti Bourque's deftly written picture book for children ages 4 to 7, "Alycat
and the Monday Blues" will prove to be a unique and extraordinarily entertaining addition to
family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book
collections. It should be noted that "Alycat and the Monday Blues" is also available in a digital
book format (Kindle, $6.99).
Thanksgiving in the Woods
Phyllis Alsdurf, author
Jenny Lovlie, illustrator
Sparkhouse Family
510 Marquette Ave. 7th Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402
www.sparkhouse.org
9781506425085, $16.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
Every year a family and their friends gather in the woods to celebrate They call it Thanksgiving
among the trees. Everyone brings something to share and the day becomes a long celebration of
family, faith, and friendship. Engagingly written by Phyllis Alsdurf and charmingly illustrated by
Jenny Lovlie, "Thanksgiving in the Woods" is an impressively entertaining picture book for
children ages 4 to 8 and includes warm illustrations of people gathered around bonfires and long
tables adorned with candles and food, singing songs and sharing laughter. "Thanksgiving in the
Woods" is based on the true story of a family in Upstate New York who has hosted an outdoor
Thanksgiving feast in the woods on their farm for over twenty years and will prove to be an
enduringly popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and
community library Thanksgiving Holiday picture book collections.
Reena's Rainbow
Dee White, author
Tracie Grimwood, illustrator
EK Books
c/o Exisle Publishing
www.exislepublishing.com.au
9781925335491, $17.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Reena is deaf, and Dog is homeless, but they are also so much more than that. At first Reena and
Dog feel like they don't belong, but when they form a unique bond of friendship with the children
in the park, they discover that everyone is different in their own special ways. Deftly written by
Dee White and charmingly illustrated throughout by Tracie Grimwood, "Reena's Rainbow" is
unique and memorable picture book story for children ages 4 to 7 about friendship, diversity, and
acceptance. Very highly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school,
and community library picture book collections, "Reena's Rainbow" sends the message that true
friends will always accept your differences and love you just the way you are. It should be noted
that "Reena's Rainbow" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Les & Ronnie Step Out
Andrew Kolb
Nancy Paulsen Books
c/o Penguin Young Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10014
http://us.penguingroup.com
9780399546198, $16.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
Feet come in twos, so they need to step out together. But Les and Ronnie often find it hard to
cooperate. Les (the right foot) likes having a clean sock and being responsible. Ronnie (the left
foot) is fine with a dirty sock and loves letting loose. Les is straight-laced while Ronnie doesn't
even care about laces. What's a duo to do? In "Les & Ronnie Step Out", young readers ages 5 to 8
will meet a left and right foot who are a pair of complete opposites! Full of clever,
giggle-inducing details, this lively odd-couple tale celebrates what makes us all unique, as well as
the power of friendship to bring us together despite our differences. A original and engagingly
entertaining picture book written and illustrated by Andrew Kolb, "Les & Ronnie Step Out" is
especially recommended for family, elementary school, and community library collections. It
should be noted that "Les & Ronnie Step Out" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$10.99).
Best Pirate
Dean Griffiths, author
Kari-Lynn Winters, illustrator
Pajama Press
http://pajamapress.ca
9781772780192, $17.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Augusta Garrick has proven that her helpful and gentle-hearted ways don't make her a bad pirate.
In fact, she is even a good pirate. But when her clumsiness destroys a treasure map and injures
First Mate Scully, she knows she must learn to be even better. Eager to make things right,
Augusta sets out alone for Crossbones Island. She may not have a map, but she is nimble and
fearless! At least, she is trying to be fearless. But there are strange shadows on Crossbones
Island, and the Tuna Lubbers' crew of fierce pirate cats is after the treasure, too. When she finds
herself in a dangerous situation with one of the Tuna Lubbers, will Augusta manage to be the
better pirate? A whimsically entertaining picture book for children ages 5 to 8, "Best Pirate" by
the talented storytelling team of author Dean Griffiths and illustrator Kari-Lyn Winters is
unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library picture book
collections for young readers.
Who Will Be My Friend?
Jeanne Styczinski, author/illustrator
JeanneKay Publishing
http://jeannekaypublishing.com
9780991094677, $14.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Little Owl races though the forest looking for a friend. The sun is going to sleep and she knows it
will be dark soon. Little Owl flies to see Cardinal, then Chickadee, then Robin, and then -- but
now all the woodland birds are going to bed! Who will be Little Owl's friend? As darkness falls,
she discovers a friendly Firefly wants to be her friend. Little Owl has never played with a Firefly
before; this is her chance to make a new friend! Little Owl and Firefly fly off together and a
glowing friendship begins, despite their differences. Charmingly written and illustrated with
acrylic paint on newspaper/collage, "Who Will Be My Friend?" is a wonderfully entertaining and
'kid friendly' picture book for children ages 3 to 7, making it a truly exceptional and highly
recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community
library collections.
Ivy and the Lonely Raincloud
Katie Harnett
Flying Eye Books
c/o Nowbrow Ltd.
http://nobrow.net
www.flyingeyebooks.com
9781911171157, $16.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Everyone loves the warm sunshine - except the lonely raincloud. No one wants to be his friend!
But one day, he stumbles across a grumpy little florist -- could she be looking for a friend too?
"Ivy and the Lonely Raincloud" by Katie Harnet is truly charming tale of a solitary raincloud who
finds a way to make a sad little girl happy again -- and by using the very thing that most people
dislike about him -- rain! A thoroughly original and thoroughly 'kid friendly' picture book
entertainment for children ages 3 to 7, "Ivy and the Lonely Raincloud" is especially
recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library
collections.
The Antlered Ship
Dashka Slater, author
Terry & Eric Fan, illustrators
Beach Lane Books
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781481451604, $17.99, HC, 48pp, www.amazon.com
Marco is an inquisitive fox sets off on a seafaring voyage with a crew of deer and pigeons in this
enchanting tale of friendship and adventure. Marco has a lot of questions including: how deep
does the sun go when it sinks into the sea? And why do birds have such lizardy feet? But none of
the other foxes share his curiosity. So when a magnificent ship adorned with antlers and with a
deer for a captain arrives at the dock looking for a crew, Marco volunteers, hoping to find foxes
who are as inquisitive as he is that can answer his questions. The crew finds adventure and
intrigue on their journey. And, at last, Marco finds the answer to his most important question of
all: What's the best way to find a friend you can talk to? Charmingly original, beautifully
illustrated, engagingly entertaining from first page to last, "The Antlered Ship" is a simply
outstanding picture book for children ages 4 to 8 and especially recommended for family, daycare
center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections. It should be noted that
"The Antlered Ship" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).
Benjamin Birdie's First Flight
Michael Dotsikas, author
Morgan Spicer, illustrator
Brown Books Publishing Group
www.TheAgencyAtBB.com
9781612549606, $17.99, HC, 52pp, www.amazon.com
Benjamin Birdie wants to fly like all the other birds, like he was meant to! But his mama tells
him he isn't quite ready yet. Benjamin doesn't listen, and tries to give flying a go but falls all the
way down from the top of the tree to the forest floor. Now Benjamin Birdie must ask for help
from all of the other tree-dwellers to get back to the top of the tree. Charming rhymes by author
Michael Dotsikas and colorful illustrations by Morgan Spicer bring this picture book story about
friendship to life and teach the importance of coming together to help someone in need. Children
ages 4 to 8 will learn about different exotic animals, what makes each of them special and how
each of their unique qualities help get Benjamin back home to his nest! "Benjamin Birdie's First
Flight" is unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school,
and community library picture book collections as original and thoroughly entertaining from first
page to last.
Albert
Beth W. Roberts
Belle Isle Books
c/o Brandylane Publishers
5 South First Street, Richmond, VA 23219
www.brandylanepublishers.com
9781939930880, $19.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Engagingly written and charmingly illustrated by Beth W. Roberts, "Albert" is the story a
mischievous, fun-loving, and very special mouse. This is a picture book story of a mouse who
bakes delicious treats with love and sunshine and delivers them to your doorstep all wrapped in
red bows. This is a also the story about how Albert came to live with Bob and Franny, and how
he learned to share love, kindness, and sweet surprises with everyone, just to make them merry.
"Albert" is about loving, baking, and giving. And inside are recipes, labels, and inspiration
especially appropriate for children ages 4 to 8. While very highly recommended for family,
daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections, it should be
noted that "Albert" is also available in a digital book format ($4.99).
Run Fast Milo!
Julie Sola
Spring House Press
www.springhousepress.com
9781940611747, $17.99, HC, 64pp, www.amazon.com
"Run Fast Milo!" a true-life picture book tale by artist and author Julie sola of a puppy who loves
nothing more than running fast. It's a playful narrative that will quickly fuel an imagination and
find a home in the heart. With its simple yet quirky sentences, a relatable tale of gleeful
exuberance, and its bright, original illustrations, "Run Fast, Milo!" is that unique children's book
for kids 3 to 5 that can be enjoyed by a child while catching the creative eye of a parent. Tapping
into an artistic-style honed at Hatch Print, Sola typeset "Run Fast, Milo!" by hand using antique
Cheltenham type and hand-carved each of the images out of linoleum before hand-printing it on a
1964 Vandercook proofing press. It's this uncommon artistic approach that lends an appealing
Southern and country-music flair to Milo's cheerful tale and one that will surely have it standing
out on the bookshelf at home. Run Fast Milo! is a unique and original children's picture book
with an adventurous personality and an artistic hand-printed style that is unreservedly
recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library
collections.
The Little House
Virginia Lee Burton
Houghton Mifflin Company
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com
9781328741943, $17.99, 44pp, www.amazon.com
Some seventy-five years ago, author and illustrator Virginia Lee Burton created the Little House,
and since then generations of young readers have been enchanted by the story of this happy home
and her journey from the pleasures of nature to the bustling city, and back again. In celebration of
this beloved classic's seventy-fifth anniversary, this special edition of "The Little House" includes
a beautiful set of window cling stickers (perfect for decorating young readers ages 4 to 7 own
"Little House"), as well as a free downloadable audio (the access code printed inside the book). A
true childhood classic, "This anniversary issue of "The Little House" is unreservedly
recommended for both elementary school and community library collections. It should be noted
that "The Little House" is also available in a paperback edition (9780395259382, $7.99) and in a
digital book format (Kindle, $5.99).
But I Don't Eat Ants
Dan Marvin, author
Kelly Fry, illustrator
POW!
c/o Powerhouse Packaging & Supply Inc.
www.powkidsbooks.com
9781576878378, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
"Koala Bears aren't called Eucalyptus-eaters. Panda Bears aren't called Bamboo-eaters. Jaguars
eat Anteaters, but they aren't called Anteater-eaters!" insists a voracious young Anteater who will
gobble up just about every food except for one: ants! This clever take on the picky-eater is full of
wry humor and silly puns as the anteater takes us through the food he LOVES to eat, all while
repeating the refrain, "but I don't eat ants." That is until dinnertime when his mom presents him
with a "fiery" surprise. The final punchline playfully depicts the often illogical
rationalizations of young picky eaters in a way that will have kids and their parents laughing. An
original and delightfully entertaining picture book for children ages 3 to 7, "But I Don't Eat Ants"
is the collaborative work of author Dan Marvin and illustrator Kelly Fry that is unreservedly and
enthusiastically recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and
community library collections.
That Is My Dream!
Langston Hughes, author
Daniel Miyares, illustrator
Schwartz & Wade
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
9780399550171, $17.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
James Mercer Langston Hughes (February 1, 1902 - May 22, 1967) was an American poet, social
activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist from Joplin, Missouri. Langston Hughes's inspiring
and timeless message of pride, joy, and the dream of a better life is brilliantly and beautifully
interpreted in Daniel Miyares's gorgeous artwork. in the pages of That Is My Dream!: A Picture
Book of Langston Hughes's "Dream Variation", children ages 4 to 8 can follow one
African-American boy through the course of his day as the harsh reality of segregation and racial
prejudice comes into vivid focus. But the boy dreams of a different life -- one full of freedom,
hope, and wild possibility, where he can fling his arms wide in the face of the sun. Hughes's
powerful vision, brought joyously to life by Daniel Miyares, is as relevant (and necessary) today
as when it was first written. Inspired and inspiring, "That Is My Dream!" is unreservedly
recommended for family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections. It
should be noted that "That Is My Dream!" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$10.99).
Pug & Pig Trick-or-Treat
Written by Sue Lowell Gallion
Illustrated by Joyce Wan
Beach Lane Books
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781481449779 $17.99 hc / $10.99 Kindle amazon.com
Pug & Pig Trick-or-Treat is a charming, Halloween-themed children's picturebook about two
friends, Pig and Pug, who want to celebrate Halloween together. But even though Pig loves her
Halloween costume, Pug hates his and shreds it! Now how can the two of them enjoy trick-or-
treating or Halloween parties? Then Pug has a creative idea! A delightfully charming storybook,
Pig & Pug is also easy for young people to read aloud.
Holiday House
425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017
www.holidayhouse.com
Three fine picture books provide young readers with vivid stories and fun moments. Ethan
Long's Snickerdoodle Takes the Cake (9780823437849, $16.95) tells of a rabbit, his dog, and a
mother's famous cake. Despite a mother's admonition not to touch the cake, Snickerdoodle
decides the rule can't pertain to a small crumb - and one tiny crumb leads to something
unexpected in this simple reader with its zany drawings. Amy Krouse Rosenthal's Uni the
Unicorn and the Dream Come True (9781101936597, $17.99) is illustratede by Brigette Barrager
and provides a special, fun story for unicorn lovers ages 3-7, providing a fine sequel to the 2104
Ui the Unicorn. Here the Land of Unicorns is in trouble - there's too much rain, and unicorns who
get their magic from the sun are suffering. It takes a special unicorn to be convinced that girls are
real, and that his magical home can be saved. Aram Kim's No Kimchi For Me! (9780823437627,
$16.95) tells of Yoomi, who hates stinky, hot kimchi even though the dish is an intrinsic part of
her Korean family. Only big kids eat kimchi, and Yoomi wants to be big - so therefore, she must
come up with a way of eating the hated product in this engrossing tale.
Tundra Books
350 Front Street West, Suite 1400, Toronto, ON, Canada M5V 3B6
http://penguinrandomhouse.ca/imprints/tundra-books
www.penguinrandomhouse.ca
Davide Cali's Cindrella and the Furry Slippers (9781101918982, $17.99) is illustrated by
Raphaelle Barbanegre and tells of a downtrodden girl who longs to go to the ball. She decides to
take matters into her own hands, finding a wonderful dress, an ad for a Fairy Godmother, and
lovely shoes - but nothing turns out right. Everything is different: can she make imminent failure
a success? A fun, unusual take on the Cinderella legend shows a young girl determined to take
matters into her own hands, even if her efforts at first produce dubious results. Julie Kraulis' A
Pattern for Pepper (9781101917561, $16.99) tells of a different kind of dress snafu as a girl gets
a dress made for a special occasion, and is faced with the confusing job of choosing a pattern for
it. Pepper is demanding, and all the patterns she considers seem to have problems. Will there be
any fabric or pattern suitable for her interests? Kids receive an easy primer on fabric and style in
a fun story of a girl's search for the ideal pattern
The Fiction Shelf
The Painting
Charis Cotter
Tundra Books
350 Front Street West, Suite 1400, Toronto, ON, Canada M5V 3B6
http://penguinrandomhouse.ca/imprints/tundra-books
9781101918876, $16.99, www.amazon.com
The Painting begins with the story of a mother and daughter who are very different, but evolves
into a ghost story when Annie finds a lighthouse painting in their attic, and is especially drawn to
it given that she, herself, is a budding artist. A car accident leads Annie to discover there's
something more going on with the mysterious painting her mother so loathes, and when her
mother is threatened, she discovers the painting may hold the only key to recovery. Why can
Annie travel through a painting - and what does it have to do with her mother? An engrossing
story evolves which will attract middle school students and beyond.
Mosquitoes Don't Bite Me
Pendred Noyce
Tumblehome Learning Inc.
c/o Independent Publishers Group
814 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60610
www.tumblehomelearning.com
9781943431304, $16.95, www.amazon.com
Mosquitoes Don't Bite Me presents an unusual protagonist in the form of half-Kenyan
seventh-grader Nala, whose mother is in a wheelchair. Nala has an unusual condition:
mosquitoes don't bite her - ever. This, in and of itself, wouldn't seem to be a big deal; but her
friend's father is head of a large drug company, and when he discovers the truth about her during
a school project, she becomes involved in a mosquito research effort that brings her to her family
homeland, Kenya, to consider mosquito reactions in her father's family. A kidnapping, the plight
of peoples affected by deadly mosquitoes that carry malaria, and the quest for a new insect
repellant that holds the power to change lives contributes to a book that reaches far beyond the
story of one girl's strange condition and into the social and political struggles of an African
nation. Mosquitoes Don't Bite Me may sound complicated for a middle-grade read, but its
insights are perfectly tailored for ages 9-12; from its discussions of sickle cell anemia and other
health challenges to circumstances of poverty, health, and a personal hunt for truth and
identity.
Clutch
Heather Camlot
Red Deer Press
c/o Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited
195 Allstate Parkway, Markham, Ontario, Canada, L3R 4T8
www.reddeerpress.com
9780889955486, $12.95, PB, 240pp, www.amazon.com
It is 1946 in a poor Jewish neighborhood in Montreal where a few dollars equals a fortune, and
no matter where you go you will find the best home cooking anywhere on Earth. It is also a
million miles away from the posh mansions on the other side of town. But 12-year-old Joey
Grosser can still hope. On the other side of town something incredible is happening. Jackie
Robinson is playing for the Montreal Royals. And he's going to change the world. If Jackie can
do that, then there is hope that a poor Jewish kid from The Plateau can succeed as well. An
original, superbly crafted, and impressively entertaining novel for young readers ages 10 to 18,
"Clutch" by Heather Camlot is unreservedly and wholeheartedly recommended for personal
reading lists, as well as school and community library collections.
Mask of Shadows
Linsey Miller
Sourcebooks Inc.
1935 Brookdale Road, #139, Naperville, IL 60563
www.sourcebooks.com
9781492647492, $17.99, HC, 352pp, www.amazon.com
Sallot Leon is a thief, and a good one at that. But gender fluid Sal wants nothing more than to
escape the drudgery of life as a highway robber and get closer to the upper-class -- and the nobles
who destroyed their home. When Sal steals a flyer for an audition to become a member of The
Left Hand (the Queen's personal assassins, named after the rings she wears) Sal jumps at the
chance to infiltrate the court and get revenge. But the audition is a fight to the death filled with
clever circus acrobats, lethal apothecaries, and vicious ex-soldiers. A childhood as a common
criminal hardly prepared Sal for the trials. And as Sal succeeds in the competition, and wins the
heart of Elise, an intriguing scribe at court, they start to dream of a new life and a different future,
but one that Sal can have only if they survive. A consistently riveting and entertaining novel from
cover to cover, "Mask of Shadows" reveals author Linsey Miller has having a impressively flair
for originality, as well as a gift for deftly crafted, truly memorable characters. While unreservedly
recommended and certain to be an enduringly popular addition to high school and community
library young adult fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Mask of
Shadows" is also available in a paperback edition (9781492660897, $10.99) and in a digital book
format (Kindle, $9.99).
Keys to Freedom
K. D. Gennaro
Saddleback Educational Publishing Inc.
3120-A Pullman Street, Cosa Mesa, CA 92626-4564
www.sdlback.com
9781680210569, $9.95, PB, 168pp, www.amazon.com
"Make just one bad decision and you can ruin your life. That's what I did. I caught my mom using
heroin. My boyfriend dumped me. Burning with desperation, I agreed to Genie's plan to steal a
car. Ended up at Buckeye Village the Ohio correctional facility for girls." So begins "Keys to
Freedom", a riveting, character-driven YA novel by K. D. Gennaro. "Keys to Freedom" remains
just as compelling to the final page, and is certain to be an enduringly popular addition to both
highschool and community library YA Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal
reading lists that "Keys to Freedom" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$9.95).
The World's Greatest Adventure Machine
Frank L. Cole
Delacorte Books
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
9780399552823, $16.99, HC, 320pp, www.amazon.com
CastleCorp and the famous Castleton brothers are unveiling the World's Greatest Adventure
Machine! The roller coaster is an experience like no other, and four lucky kids have won the
chance to be the first to ride it. There's Trevor, whose latest stunt got him in trouble at school
again. There's Devin, whose father is pushing him to be the next Internet sensation. Nika's
wealthy grandfather isn't too pleased about her participation. And Cameron, he'll be the first to
tell you, is a certified genius. The whole world is watching. But as the kids set off on their
journey, they begin to realize that there is perhaps more to their fellow contest winners than
meets the eye. And the Adventure Machine? It might just have a mind of its own! A deftly
written action/adventure novel for young readers ages 9 to 12, "The World's Greatest Adventure
Machine" by Frank L. Cole will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to both elementary
school and community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "The
World's Greatest Adventure Machine" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$10.99).
The Girl with the Red Balloon
Katherine Locke
Albert Whitman & Company
250 South Northwest Highway, Suite 320, Park Ridge, IL 60068
www.albertwhitman.com
9780807529331, $16.99, HC, 288pp, www.amazon.com
When sixteen-year-old Ellie Baum accidentally time-travels via red balloon to 1988 East Berlin,
she's caught up in a conspiracy of history and magic. She meets members of an underground
guild in East Berlin who use balloons and magic to help people escape over the Wall -- but even
to the balloon makers, Ellie's time travel is a mystery. When it becomes clear that someone is
using dark magic to change history, Ellie must risk everything (including her only way home) o
stop the process. "The Girl with the Red Balloon" is a simply riveting read from cover to cover
and showcases author Katherine Locke's genuine flair for originality, deftly created characters,
and consistently gripping storytelling. While very highly recommended, especially for highschool
and community library YA Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that
"The Girl with the Red Balloon" is also available in a paperback edition (9780807529379, $9.99)
and a digital book format (Kindle, $7.99).
Random House/Knopf
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
Erika L. Sanchez's I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter (9781524700485, $17.99) tells of
Julia, a daughter who does not fit the cultural ideal of a perfect daughter, unlike her sister Olga,
who stayed home to care for their parents. Everything changes when an accident forces Julia to
assume some of Olga's duties - and to face a family secret that could change everything she's
thought about immigration, Mexican-American heritage, and the legacy of being a dutiful
daughter. There is no better time than now for the acquisition and reading of this
thought-provoking book. D.J. MacHale's Black Moon Rising (9781101932575, $16.99) is an
unusual blend of humor and adventure as it tells of Marcus, an agent of the Library which is
filled with mysteries and stories that go on and on until Marcus and his friends can finish them.
Accidents, a school facing a rash of bad luck, and a possible confrontation with witchcraft keep
this chronicle eerie, engrossing, and fun.
The Board Book Shelf
Loblolly, Loblolly, You're So Tall
Mommy Moo Moo, a.k.a. Debbie Barbuto, author
Dave Hill, illustrator
Damara Publishing, LLC
www.mommymoomoo.com
9780983158400 $9.99 www.damarapublishing.com
"Loblolly, Loblolly, You're So Tall" is a lyrical paean to beautiful loblolly pines. As a board
book, "Loblolly..." is written in brief, poetic descriptive phrases on detailed illustrations that
combine the real and the natural with tiny touches of fantasy, inspired by the subject. Very young
children will appreciate the comparisons of the loblolly to candles on a birthday cake, or giant
bottle brushes, or even giant cotton candy. Tiny fairies decorate the long trunks and higher
branches, while cheery clouds with faces sweep by the grove of loblolly pines. "Gently rocking. Swaying individually or all in unison. Independent and connected. Needles reaching out to catch
sunshine, the wind, and nature's music. Pinecones. Little works of art. Prickly. Reminders of fall.
Similar to pineapples. A sign of welcome." "Loblolly, Loblolly, You're So Tall" is an exquisite
poetic nature board book that has deep appeal for all ages. As promised, this lovely board book
and series connects people with people, people with nature, and people with the earth.
The Autism Shelf
We're Amazing 1,2,3!
Leslie Kimmelman
Golden Books
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
9781524766214, $10.99, www.amazon.com
We're Amazing 1,2,3! A Story About Friendship and Autism introduces the newest Sesame
Street character, Julia, who is Elmo's special friend. They share a lot of the same interests, but
Julia has autism, and so she interacts with others differently. Elmo explains these differences to
Abby, who at first finds Julia hard to understand - and young readers receive a fine introduction
in a fun story that will benefit from parental read-aloud or good reading skills. Parents can use it
to introduce kids to the idea of autism and how autistic kids interact differently with peers.
The Bilingual Shelf
Agua, Aguita / Water, Little Water
Jorge Tetl Argueta, author
Felipe Ugalde Alcantara, illustrator
Pinata Books
c/o Arte Publico Press
University of Houston
4902 Gulf Freeway, Bldg 19, Rm 100, Houston, TX 77204-2004
www.artepublicopress.com
9781558858541, $17.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
"Agua, Aguita/ Water, Little Water" is a beautiful, poetic, trilingual ode to the life-giving force of
water, in which author Jorge Argueta presents in English, Spanish and Nahuat as he describes the
life cycle of water from the perspective of one drop. From its birth deep in Mother Earth, Little
Water climbs to the surface, passing through roots and rocks, light and darkness. Finally, the tiny
bead of water makes it to the top and rests, "a sigh of morning dew, hanging on the tips of leaves
/ on spider webs / or on the petals / of flowers." The droplet becomes a river, a lake, an ocean,
ultimately climbing to the sky and turning into a cloud. Then, "drop by drop / I return singing / to
our Mother Earth. I am Little Water. / I am life." With stunningly beautiful illustrations by Felipe
Ugalde Alcantara that depict the mountains, rocks, vegetation and animals of the natural world,
this extended poem about the importance of water reflects Argueta's indigenous roots and his
appreciation for nature. Containing the English and Spanish text on each page, the entire poem
appears at the end in Nahuat, the language of Argueta's Pipil-Nahua ancestors. Two added
benefits of "Agua, Aguita / Water, Little Water" is firstly as an encouragement to young children
ages 4 to 7 to create their own poems about the natural world, and secondly to begin
conversations about the interconnected web of life. "Agua, Aguita / Water, Little Water" is
unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and
community collections.
Arturo and the Bienvenido Feast
Anne Broyles, author
K. E. Lewis, illustrator
Maru Cortes, translator
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LA 70053-2246
www.pelicanpub.com
9781455622832, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Arturo and his grandmother return in this charming bilingual sequel. Abue Rosa and Arturo are
making a welcome dinner for Tia Ines' new fiance using plantains, pollo, and pastel. With a bit of
creativity, Arturo takes charge and creates a welcome feast like no other. Charming illustrations
infused with the colors of the Southwest bring this touching story to life. A glossary at the end
provides explanations and pronunciation for key words. A simply delightful bilingual
(English/Spanish) picture book story by Anne Broyles, children ages 3 to 8 will thoroughly enjoy
the charming full color illustrations by K. E. Lewis. Impressively entertaining from beginning to
end, "Arturo and the Bienvenido Feast" is enthusiastically recommended for family, preschool,
daycare center, and community library Bilingual Picture Book collections.
The Christian Shelf
The World Jesus Knew
Mark Olson, author
Jemima Maybank, illustrator
Sparkhouse Family
510 Marquette Ave. 7th Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402
www.sparkhouse.org
9781506425009, $19.99, HC, 64pp, www.amazon.com
Jesus often told stories using everyday objects to help his listeners understand life with God. But
for most of us, the deep imagery and meaning behind those objects has been lost to history. "The
World Jesus Knew: A Curious Kid's Guide to Life in the First Century" helps children ages 8 to
11 to discover the world Jesus lived in through maps, charts, graphs, and other infographic
elements. They'll learn about the culture Jesus lived in -- including his Jewish religion, the power
of the ruling Roman Empire, the role of fishermen and carpenters and shepherds. "The World
Jesus Knew" is an invitation to explore the stories of Jesus in their cultural context, bringing new
life to familiar biblical events. While "The World Jesus Knew" is beautifully illustrated book that
will be a family favorite that kids and adults will come back to over and over again, it is also
highly recommended for both Sunday School and community library picture book
collections
Twitch and the Invisible Wind
Thomas Boto & Julie Boto, authors
Andrea Werntz, illustrator
Sparkhouse Family
510 Marquette Avenue, 7th Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402
www.sparkhouse.org
9781506433059, $12.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
"Twitch and the Invisible Wind" is the picture book story of a little owl named Twitch who is
trying to learn how to fly. His friends have lots of advice, but they can t seem to help Twitch get
off the ground. Finally, they realize he's afraid. How can he trust the air to hold him up when he
can t even see it? With help from his friends, Twitch begins to notice that the air is always there,
showing up in the soft breeze, the wild wind, even the little gusts that help him get off the
ground. The wind reminds Twitch and his friends that God is like the wind always with us and
showing up in surprising ways. A thoroughly charming story with a positive underlying value
message, "Twitch and the Invisible Wind" is an impressively entertaining and original tale for
children ages 2 to 5 that is unreservedly and wholeheartedly recommended for family, daycare
center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections. Also very highly
recommended by the team of authors Thomas and Julie Boto, in collaboration with illustrator
Andrea Werntz is "Joey and the Shining Star" (9781506433042, $12.99, HC, 32pp), another
wonderfully entertaining title in their simply outstanding 'Owlegories' picture book series for
young children.
The Religion/Spirituality Shelf
Talking to God
Demi
Wisdom Tales Press
1501 E. Hillside Dr., Bloomington, IN 47401
www.wisdomtalespress.com
97819377896694, $17.95, www.amazon.com
Talking to God: Prayers for Children from the World's Religions considers how different faiths
pray, and goes far beyond most Western considerations to include Shintaoists, Africans,
American Indians, and Buddhists. Lovely drawings with the Demi trademark of color and detail
supplement a collection of several short prayers from major world religions and illustrations that
lend particularly well to parental read-aloud and discussion.
The Psychology Shelf
Mindset Matters
Bryan Smith, author
Lisa Griffin, illustrator
Boys Town Press
14100 Crawford Street, Boys Town, Nebraska 68010
9781944882129 $10.95 www.BoysTownPress.org
From Without Limits, Boys Town Press series of kid friendly books that teach social skills,
"Mindset Matters" is all about overcoming internal obstacles to work for success. Amelia became
discouraged while trying to put together a swing set because it was difficult and unfamiliar, a kid
resistant task. She said "I quit!" Her Dad encouraged her to exchange her Down-in-the-Dumps
attitude, characterized by a negative attitude, excuses, and the statement "I'll never be good at
that," for a Gonna-get-it-Done attitude, characterized by a positive attitude, determination, and
the statement "I'm not good at that...YET." After consideration, Amelia took her father's advice
and worked hard at task streamlining, dividing a big project into small steps, and keeping at the
tasks until they were completed. She built the swing set, with her father's good advice and help!
Later Amelia discovered the Gonna-get-it-Done attitude could work on difficult math problems,
learning new skills like skateboarding, and even fishing! Amelia became an example of
inspiration to her brother and even to her Dad. The final page of "Mindset Matters" offers a list
of Tips for Parents and Educators that are extremely valuable, plus reference for more parenting
information at boystown.org/parenting. Bright, cheery illustrations and bold story type keep the
action positive and moving for young readers in need of positive attitude adjustment.
The Folktale/Fairytale Shelf
Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales
Hans Christian Andersen, author
Kay Nielsen, illustrator
Racehorse Publishing
c/o Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.
307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018
www.skyhorsepublishing.com
9781631581335, $19.99, HC, 288pp, www.amazon.com
This lovely edition of fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen features color and black and white
illustrations by Danish artist Kay Nielsen as well as all new foreword by Joan D. Vinge. There is
an otherworldly quality in Nielsen's art-deco styled pieces that provide adventurous and vibrant
versions of these sixteen classic fairy tale stories. The art still feels completely fresh and unique
in this collection of masterworks featuring including "The Nightingale," "The Red Shoes," "The
Snow Queen," and others. These enchanting stories are wonderful for children, and will have
great appeal to collectors of fine art. A new generation of children, as well as their parents
experiencing these classic stories again, will deeply enjoy this beautiful new edition of Hans
Christian Andersen's wonderfully entertaining and enduringly popular fairy tales. Simply stated,
"Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales" is unreservedly recommended for family, community
and academic library collections.
Lilliput
Sam Gayton
Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
1700 Chattahoochee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30318-2112
www.peachtree-online.com
9781561458066, $16.95, HC, 264pp, www.amazon.com
There's an island in the world where everything is small! One of its inhabitants is Lily. She is a
girl who is three inches tall with eyes like drops of dew. Her clothes are cut from handkerchiefs
and stitched with spider silk. But for half her life, Lily has been trapped in a birdcage while her
giant kidnapper sits beside her, writing in a leather-bound book the size of a house. But tonight
Lily is escaping. She is going home. to her native land of Lilliput. Inspired by Gulliver's Travels,
"Lilliput" by Sam Gayton is an exhilarating and original adventure filled with cunning escape
plans, evil clock makers, and talkative parrots. Young readers ages 8 to 12 can join Lily as she
travels through 18th century London over rooftops, down chimneys, and into chocolate shops on
a journey to find the one place in the world where she belongs -- the fabled land of Lilliput from
which she had been so careless abducted. While very highly recommended, especially for
elementary school and community library Middle Reader Fiction collections, it should be noted
for personal reading lists that "Lilliput" is also available in a paperback edition (9781682630068,
$8.95).
Walk, Shepherdess, Walk
Barrett Cobb, illustrator/performer/arranger
Dog Ear Publishing
4011 Vincennes Road, New Augusta, IN 46268-3005
www.dogearpublishing.net
9781457548949 $8.98 www.walkshepherdesswalk.com
Based upon an American folk song titled "A Lamb's Tale," "Walk, Shepherdess, Walk" is a
beautiful book of lovely watercolor paintings of scenes from the song lyrics, which tell of a
gentle journey of two close friends and a companion lamb in search of four special sheep, the
ram with the ebony horn, the gold -footed ewe, the silver fleeced lamb, and the wether with the
crystal ball who takes the sheep home at night. The paintings help explore a sub -story, in which
the girl's little lamb becomes tired and unhappy and envious of her mistress' attention, which is
being given to the shepherdess and all four of the special sheep. Lovely pastel water colors
paintings help embellish the story, which is told in song lyrics and in the recorded arrangement of
the song, available at www.walkshepherdesswalk.com. The multi talented Barrett Cobb is
illustrator, composer, arranger, and music performer on flute, piano, and voice. "Walk,
Shepherdess, Walk" is an excursion into beauty which invites children of all ages to follow. The
lyrical, sunny, island scenes painted are taken from the artist's experience visiting the Greek
island of Paros.
The Needlecraft Shelf
Stitch Camp
Nicole Blum & Catherine Newman
Storey Kids
c/o Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
www.storey.com
9781612127507, $19.95, PB, 208pp, www.amazon.com
Kids ages 9 to 14 with an interest in handicrafts are hungry for hands-on guidance in creating
stylish wearables and practical objects, or hacking and customizing existing ones. In "Stitch
Camp: 18 Crafty Projects for Kids & Tweens - Learn 6 All-Time Favorite Skills: Sew, Knit,
Crochet, Felt, Embroider & Weave", needlecraft experts Nicole Blum and Catherine Newman get
them started with complete instructions for mastering six favorite fiber crafts. Step-by-step
photos teach the kids the basics of how to sew, knit, crochet, felt, embroider, and weave, plus
how to make three projects for each craft. From woven patches and a knitted backpack to
embroidered merit badges and a crocheted bracelet, the fresh, kid-approved projects encourage
creative variations and build confidence along with valuable life skills. Profusely illustrated and
thoroughly 'kid friendly' in organization and presentation, "Stitch Camp" is unreservedly
recommended for family, elementary school, and community library Children's Handicraft
instructional reference collections. It should be noted that "Stitch Camp" is also available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Invasion of the Scorp-Lions!
Bruce Hale
Disney Hyperion
125 West End Avenue, New York, NY 10023
www.disneyhyperionbooks.com
9781484713235, $14.99, www.amazon.com
Invasion of the Scorp-Lions! will reach elementary to early middle grade readers with its story of
young monster hunters who suspect something is awry at the local elementary school - again.
This third installment to Bruce Hale's Monstertown Mystery series stands as nicely on its own as
it does as part of the series, offering a spooky story not about ghosts, but about monsters. Black
and white drawings pepper a story that evolves to be about life changes in additional to monster
threats - changes that may mean Carlos and Benny will discover their friendship and connections
challenged in the course of solving both a monster issue and the dual challenges of being a hero
and a student at the same time.
Monsterland
Michael Okon
Wordfire Press LLC
PO Box 1840, Monument, CO 80132
www.wordfirepress.com
9781614756316, $27.47, HC, 226pp, www.amazon.com
Wyatt Baldwin's senior year is not going well. His parents divorce, then his dad mysteriously
dies. He's not exactly comfortable with his new stepfather, Carter White, either. An ongoing
debate with his best friends Melvin and Howard Drucker over which monster is superior has
gotten stale. He'd much rather spend his days with beautiful and popular Jade. However, she's
dating the brash high-school quarterback Nolan, and Wyatt thinks he doesn't stand a chance. But
everything changes when Wyatt and his friends are invited to attend the grand opening of
Monsterland, a groundbreaking theme park where guests can interact with vampires in Vampire
Village, be chased by werewolves on the River Run, and walk among the dead in Zombieville.
With real werewolves, vampires and zombies as the main attractions, what could possibly go
wrong? Very highly recommended for high school and community library YA Fiction
collections, "Monsterland" showcases author Michael Okon's genuine flair for originality and
deftly crafted fantasy fiction for young readers ages 14 to 18. It should be noted for personal
reading lists that "Monsterland" is also available in a paperback edition (9781614755944,
$14.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99).
Last Chance
Gregg Hurwitz
Tor Teens
c/o Tor/Forge Books
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
www.tor-forge.com
9780765382696, $17.99, HC, 384pp, www.amazon.com
The Rain brothers fight for the survival of humanity in "Last Chance", the thrilling sequel to
author Gregg Hurwitz's YA novel "The Rains". In "Last Chance" we return to Creek's Cause to
follow the Rains brothers as they fight an alien threat that has transformed everyone over the age
of 18 into ferocious, zombie-like beings. Battling an enemy not of this earth, Chance and Patrick
become humanity's only hope for salvation. While very highly recommended for highschool and
community library YA Fiction collections, "Last Chance" once again showcases novelist Gregg
Hurwitz's genuine flair for the action/adventure fantasy genre. It should be noted for personal
reading lists that "Last Chance" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Librarians should be aware that "Last Chance" is also available as a complete and unabridged
audio book (Brilliance Audio, 9781501238574, $17.99).
A Throne for Sisters
Morgan Rice
Privately Published
www.morganricebooks.com
9781640291720, $11.99 pbk / $2.99 Kindle amazon.com
A Throne for Sisters is Book One in a new young adult fantasy series that opens with two teens
stuck in a terrible orphanage. Sophia and Kate long to escape, and though they have a mutual
goal and the shared experience of being unwanted in the world, each harbors different dreams of
how they will find love once they leave the confines of their prison. The story line is reminiscent
of Joan Aiken's Wolves of Willoughby Chase, with its brooding world of pain and change and
the plight faced by two orphans who challenge both the outer world and themselves; but A
Throne for Sisters is less black and white in its presentations of who is the villain and who the
victim under such circumstances. Some other stories may sound similar; but in the end it's the
evolutionary process of the characters and how they define and direct their positions in the world
which makes the tale - and if A Throne for Sisters is any indication, this powerful opener to the
series will produce a combination of feisty protagonists and challenging circumstances to
thoroughly involve not just young adults, but adult fantasy fans who seek epic stories fueled by
powerful friendships and adversaries.
The American History Shelf
Fault Lines in the Constitution
Cynthia Levinson & Sanford Levinson
Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
1700 Chattahoochee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30318-2112
www.peachtree-online.com
9781561459452, $19.95, HC, 192pp, www.amazon.com
Many of the political issues we struggle with today have their roots in the US Constitution. In
"Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights, and the Flaws that Affect Us Today",
the husband-and-wife team of children's book author Cynthia Levinson and constitutional law
scholar Sanford Levinson take young readers ages 11 to 15 back to the creation of this historic
document and discuss how contemporary problems were first introduced -- then they offer
possible solutions. Such currently controversial issues as the Electoral College, gerrymandering,
even the voting rules of the U. S. Senate came about through haggling in an overheated room in
1787 -- and we are still experiencing the ramifications. Each individual chapter in this timely and
thoughtful exploration of the Constitution's creation begins with a story (all but one of them true)
that connects directly back to a section of the document that forms the basis of our society and
government. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Fault Lines in the
Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights, and the Flaws that Affect Us Today" is unreservedly
recommended for family, school, and community library American History collections in
general, and U. S. Constitution supplemental studies reading lists in particular.
The World History Shelf
Innovation Nation
David Johnston and Tom Jenkins
Tundra Books
350 Front Street West, Suite 1400, Toronto, ON, Canada M5V 3B6
http://penguinrandomhouse.ca/imprints/tundra-books
9780735263017, $19.99, www.amazon.com
Innovation Nation: How Canadian Innovators Made the World...Smarter, Smaller, Kinder, Safer,
Healthier, Wealthier, Happier is recommended for U.S. audiences for both its discussion of
innovative processes and how they can do good in the wider world, and for Canada's
contributions to this world. Relatively few books about the innovators and masterminds of other
countries are offered to U.S. audiences. Pair illustrations by John Holinaty with a lovely in-depth
discussion for ages 8-12 for an exceptional survey.
The Self-Help Shelf
Tessie Tames Her Tongue
Melissa Martin, author
Charles Lehman, illustrator
Free Spirit Publishing
6325 Sandburg Road, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55427-3674
www.freespirit.com
9781631981333, $14.99, HC, 36pp, www.amazon.com
Tessie is bright and eager to share all the stories about her life. She talks to her parents, her little
brother, the bus driver, her teacher, and her classmates. But when she gets chatty, she's loud, she
talks with her mouth full of food, and she doesn't give anyone else a chance to say what's on their
minds. After her little brother complains and her classmates ignore her, Tessie knows it's time to
tame her talkative tongue. With help from her school counselor, Tessie learns to talk less and
listen more. Deftly written by Melissa Martin and charmingly illustrated by Charles Lehman, and
very highly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library picture book
collections, "Tessie Tames Her Tongue: A Book About Learning When to Talk and When to
Listen" will have a very special appeal for children ages 5 to 9.
Meditate With Me
Mariam Gates
Penguin
c/o Penguin Young Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10014
http://us.penguingroup.com
03899186615, $17.99, www.amazon.com
Meditate With Me: A Step-by-Step Mindfulness Journey is illustrated by Margarita Surnaite,
who provides a practical step-by-step guide designed with youngsters ages 4-8 in mind. Kids
learn how to pay attention to their breathing, their bodies, and what makes for relaxation as the
discussion uses five animal friends to support an easy refrain suitable for meditation. Few titles
directed to this age group include such basic, easy information, opening new doors for the
young.
The Graphic Novel Shelf
Science Comics: Dogs - From Predator to Protector
Andy Hirsch
First Second
175 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10010
www.firstsecondbooks.com
9781626727687 $12.99 pbk / $9.22 Kindle amazon.com
Although the excellent "Science Comics" graphic novel series is written to be accessible to
young adults ages 9-13, readers of all ages and backgrounds will enjoy learning about natural
history, scientific discoveries, and much more. Science Comics: Dogs - From Predator to
Protector reveals the true story about how dogs were domesticated (to the best of modern
scientific knowledge), how genetics and evolution have shaped the species, and why dogs behave
the way the do. The guide for this educational journey is an enthusiastic mutt eager to share all he
knows about canines - when he's not distracted by a bouncing yellow ball! "We [dogs] don't run
the quickest quarter mile... but we've got stamina! Once the miles start racking up... we can't be
beat! In fact, for anything over ten miles on land, dogs are maybe the fastest animal in the
world!" In addition to being educational, Dogs - from Predator to Protector is just plain fun to
browse, and enthusiastically recommended for public and school library collections.
My Little Pony The Movie
Screenplay by Meghan McCarthy, Rita Hsiao, and Michael Vogel
Adaptation by Justin Eisinger
IDW Publishing
2765 Truxton Road, San Diego, CA 92106
www.idwpublishing.com
9781684051168 $7.99 pbk / $2.99 Kindle amazon.com
My Little Pony The Movie is a pocket-sized, full-color graphic novel adaptation of the theatrical
movie featuring beloved anthropomorphic characters from the "My Little Pony: Friendship is
Magic" television series. Although the series is intended for children, its quality writing, catchy
music, and beautiful animation give it an all-ages appeal! In My Little Pony The Movie, princess
Twilight Sparkle and her friends must work together to free Equestria from a surprise attack by
the Storm King, and his ferocious new lieutenant... an Equestrian unicorn? The beautiful art
superbly captures the silver screen adventure! My Little Pony The Movie is enthusiastically
recommended as a gift to encourage young girls to read, and sure to prove a popular pick for
public library children's graphic novel collections.
The Multimedia Shelf
My Mozart Music Book
Natacha Godeau, author
Anne- Kathrin Behl, illustrator
Auzou Books
9782733850671 $14.95 www.amazon.com
Written and recorded for the enjoyment of children ages 3-7 years, "My Mozart Music Book"
contains pastel, whimsical illustrations, descriptions, and recorded 20 second music excerpts for
five famous themes from the music of W. A. Mozart. A music box is incorporated into the back
cover to be played with each accompanying two board page illustrations. Familiar themes include
Bastien and Bastienne, Turkish March, A Little Night Music, Symphony No. 40, and the Magic
Flute. Published first in French and then in English, "My Mozart Music Book" is a lovely
addition to a juvenile music appreciation board book series for young children. A color cued
audio symbol helps differentiate each page's highlighted theme for future replays. "My Mozart
Music Book" is an inviting, interactive introduction to enjoying compositions of a famous
composer for young children.
Moana: The Beat of Your Heart
Hal Leonard
c/o Hal Leonard Performing Arts Publishing
PO Box 13819, Milwaukee, WI 53213
www.halleonardbooks.com
9781495064791, $14.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Young children will feel the beat inside them when they play along with the Drums of Motunui
in "Moana: The Beat of Your Heart", a beautifully illustrated book with online music, video, and
drumming allows children to discover beat, rhythm, and the sounds of Motunui's drums through
activities and creative play with characters and artwork they'll recognize from the Disney movie
Moana. "Moana: The Beat of Your Heart" includes online activities such as: video read-along,
audio sing-along, and activities to explore sounds and sound makers. Singing and making music
provide important benefits to children as they grown and learn. Very highly recommended for
family, school, and community library collections, "Moana: The Beat of Your Heart" will
encourage children to be free to explore, play, and develop musical ability at their own pace
which can establish a life-long love of music.
Proud Penguin
Story and music by Jamie Purnell
Scruffie Munster Media
9781532328770 $17.99
Proud Penguin is a children's picturebook that comes with a free song download with digital
sheet music. Parents and children can sing the rhyming verses together as they read the story of a
penguin who wishes he could fly... until he befriends a seagull with an injured wing, and learns
the seagull always dreamed of being able to swim like a penguin! A positive story with a
message about celebrating one's own strengths and talents, Proud Penguin is highly
recommended.
The Audiobook Shelf
Charlie Bumpers vs. His Big Blabby Mouth
Bill Harley, author and narrator
www.billharley.com
Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
1700 Chattahoochee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30318-2112
www.peachtree-online.com
9781561459421 $16.95 www.charliebumpers.com
Unabridged and read by award-winning author Bill Harley, Charlie Bumpers vs. His Big Blabby
Mouth is the unabridged audiobook rendition of the sixth book in the Charlie Bumpers series.
Young Charlie gets a little too caught up when his classmates brag about their parents' cool jobs,
and he claims that his accountant dad is a company bigwig who be the best Career Week speaker
ever (possibly by bringing presents for everyone!) Can Charlie persuade his dad to live up to the
hype? A rollicking, lively story, Charlie Bumpers vs. His Big Blabby Mouth is especially
recommended for school and public library children's audiobook collections. 2 CDs, 2 hours 25
min.
The Music CD Shelf
It's the Holidays!
Lucy Kalantari and The Jazz Cats
www.LucyKalantari.com
Privately Published
$7.50 CD / $5.00 download www.cdbaby.com
It's the Holidays! is a family-friendly EP album of five original and delightful songs celebrating
the end-of-year holidays from Halloween to Thanksgiving and Christmas. The energetic, upbeat
music will appeal to kids and parents alike, and is perfect for getting into the season's spirit.
Highly recommended! The tracks are "My Mommy Is a Mummy", "Grateful", "It's Snowing",
"It's the Holidays!" and "That's a Wrap".
One Little Song Can Change the World
Kid Pan Alley
www.KidPanAlley.org
Privately Published
$14.98 amazon.com cdbaby.com
One Little Song Can Change the World is a joyous children's music album, featuring original
songs co-written by students in ten different schools and Kid Pan Alley founder/artistic director
Paul Reisler. A range of vocal and music styles add variety to this delightful and inspiring album,
brimming with positive messages and hope for the future. Highly recommended, both for family
and public library children's music collections. The tracks are "We Need No Excuse for
Dreaming" (4:29), "Skin" (3:26), "I Don't Think So, You're a Bully" (4:09), "Best Friends"
(3:31), "One Little Song Can Change the World" (2:22), "Wake Up!" (3:04), "Don't Put Me
Down, Or My Dog" (3:00), "No Doubt" (4:00), "I'll Never Change The Way I Feel" (2:46), and
"True To Me" (3:41).
The Holocaust Studies Shelf
Music of the Butterfly: A Story of Hope
Ann M. Leis, author
Gail Danziger Klein, author
Patricia Hardwick, illustrator
Bright Sky Press
2365 Rice Blvd., Suite 202, Houston, TX 77005
www.brightskypress.com
9781942945567, $19.95, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
Little Renee is a vibrant eight-year-old Jewish girl living in Hungary when the Nazi army seizes
control during World War II. Based on authors Gail Danziger Klein's mother's experience during
the Holocaust, "Music of the Butterfly: A Story of Hope" takes young readers ages 9 and older on
how one little girl used her imagination and love of music while confined to the ghetto, and
eventually, imprisonment in the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp with all its daily
atrocities. The colorful illustrations of Patricia Hardwick guide young readers through the
metamorphosis of a butterfly as they are simultaneously led through Renee's challenging yet
ultimately triumphant journey through otherwise harrowing experiences. Unreservedly
recommended, "Music of the Butterfly: A Story of Hope" should be a part of very elementary
school and community library picture book collections for children.
Books in Series
Exploring the World of Hummingbirds
Tracy C. Read
Firefly Books Ltd.
www.fireflybooks.com
9781770859463 $16.95 hc
9781770859432 $6.95 pbk amazon.com
Exploring the World of Hummingbirds is an educational book written especially for young
people ages 8-12. Eye-catching, full-color photographs of these beautiful, tiny, and energetic
birds in flight, feeding, or raising their young fill this captivating browse. "The hummingbird
uses its tiny feet only for scratching and perching, not for walking or launching into flight." An
index rounds out this choice pick for school and public library middle grade collections. Also
highly recommended are the other titles in the "Exploring the World" series: "Exploring the
World of Alligators and Crocodiles" (9781770859425, $16.95); "Exploring the World of
Elephants" (9781770859449, $16.95); and "Exploring the World of Whales" (9781770859487,
$16.95).
Be a Document Detective series
Crabtree Publishing Company
350 Fifth Avenue, 59th Floor, New York, NY 10118
www.crabtreebooks.com
Four new books in this new 'Be a Document Detective' series by Kelly Spence were created to
support the C3 Framework for Social Studies state Standards, and introduce young picture book
readers in grade 2 to the idea of primary sources and historical research. Kids are encouraged to
ask questions and understand the contents, scope, and benefits of primary sources in Be a Speech
Detective (9780778730798, $23.60), Be a Photograph Detective (9780778730668, $23.60), Be a
Diary Detective (9780778730538, $23.60) and Be an Artifact Detective (9780778730392,
$23.60). All the books in this outstanding series feature fun projects, bright, good-size
illustrations, and an attention to detail that educate kids on how to assess resources and apply
their contents appropriately.
The Time Frame Game
David John, author
Mitee Mite
www.miteemite.com
9780986091902, HC; $9.99
9780986091964 SC; $2.99 / $0.99 Kindle amazon.com
Available on Google Play and iTunes, "The Time Frame Game" is a fun illustrated book of a
game that teaches units of time to young children, ages 3-11. Part of a wonderful educational
series titled The Adventures of Mitee Mite, "The Time Frame Game" offers brightly illustrated
classic time questions like "How many seconds in a minute?" and "How many days in a year?"
with second page illustrated answers. Reading skills may be helpful, but can be minimal.
Complimentary apps for each book of the series are available on Google Play and iTunes.
Additional titles of the series by the same author and illustrator that are also highly recommended
include; "The Shape Game" (9789780986091933, $9.99 HC, $2.99, SC), "The Money Game
(9780986091940, $9.99 HC, $2.99, SC)," "The Measuring Game" (9780986091926, $9.99 HC,
$2.99, SC), and "The Time Frame Game Advanced" (9780986091957, $9.99 HC, $2.99,
SC).
Using Math in Fashion
Christy Mihaly, author
Rosen Publishing Group
29 East 21st Street, New York, NY 10010
www.rosenlinks.com/MYWAU/fashion
9781499438628 $31.75 HC, $15.59 PB, 48pp, www.amazon.com
"Using Math in Fashion" is an appealing title from the juvenile series, Math You Will Actually
Use. There are many examples of practical applications of math in all aspects of fashion. The
introduction shows a girl taking measurements with a measuring tape to get an accurate fitting
for a garment. Of course, another math application is the cost of fashion, or how to make your
fashion dollars go further, covered in chapter 1, Fashion Cents (And Dollars). Getting a perfect
fit is covered more thoroughly in chapter 2, The Perfect Fit. Sizing, alterations, and economy
measures, such as measure twice and cut once are discussed. Chapter 3 deals with the use of
geometry to give shape to fashion ideas. A handy sidebar section highlighted in deep purple is
called Try It Yourself. This feature offers practical problems or specific applications of math in
fashion, such as how to make a book bag. Make Your Own is the title of chapter 4, which is
about fashion conversions, and using commercial sewing patterns to create your own fashion
designs at home. This contains a handy illuminated list of steps to follow in making a piece of
clothing: "Select your style. Find your size. Gather supplies and materials. Measure and purchase
fabric. Follow directions." Chapter 5 describes professional fashion creation in Going Pro With a
Prototype. The use of technology, including a computer generated virtual fitting room is
explored. chapter 6 deals with the aspect of Making Money in the Fashion Business: Costs,
prices, and Profit. Learning to calculate the cost of doing fashion business is essential to success
in this aspect of "Using Math in Fashion." In the end pages, explicated answers or keys are found
to all the Try it Yourself problems offered, plus a glossary, list of resources for more information,
suggestions for further reading, websites, and bibliography. "Using Math in Fashion" will appeal
to students of fashion and math age 11-12 and up. Also highly recommended are the following
titles from the series Math You Will Actually Use: "Using Math in Cooking" (9781499438666,
$31.75 HC, $15.59 PB,) by Richard Barrington, "Using Math in Construction" (9781499438543,
$31.75 HC, $15.59 PB), by Colin Wilkinson, and "Using Math in Science" (9781499438703,
$31.75 HC, $15.59 PB), by Jeff Mapua.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
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