J Jeunesse, Gallimard and Sylvaine Peyrols. Illustrated by Sylvaine Peytrols. First Discovery: Night Creatures. New York: Scholastic 2007. The illustrations and text complement each other very nicely in this non-fiction book about night creatures. A large portion of this book is dedicated to owls and bats with only a brief mention of other creatures that are nocturnal. After discussing bats the book goes back to describe different types of owls. The transparent pages are a neat touch for children with colorful illustrations. The book should perhaps be titled something different if they are only discussing nocturnal birds and not all night creatures. However, it does a great job of providing information on owls and bats. Heather Egerer Racine Zoological Society Back To Top
K Susan Katz, Oh, Theodore! : guinea pig poems. Illustrated by Stacey Schuett. Clarion Books. 2007. 44 pages. Tr. ISBN 978-0-618-70222-0 Ages 4 and up. Oh, Theodore! Is a delight! If you ever wanted to know what having a guinea pig for a pet is all about, just dive in. The illustrations are inviting and poems read like a simple story. Children of all ages will love Theodore. Each poem is a small look into the daily life of a child with an unusual pet. Start at the beginning and enjoy each poem. A terrific book to share with a child who does not like poetry. A great book to give to a child looking for ideas of alternative pets. Submitted by Lisa Langsdorf Children’s Services, Kenosha Public Library Kathleen Krull, A Woman for President: The Story of Victoria Woodhull, illustrated by Jane Dyer, Walker and Company A Woman for President by Kathleen Krull presents a passionate biography of a little known women's rights and presidential politics. Victoria Woodhull (1838-1927), born in poverty, was supporting her family by the time she was eight, as a gospel preacher and conductor of séances. She became weathly as a spiritual and a financial advisor to Cornelius Vanderbilt, the richest man in America, and then took an active role in the women's suffrage movement. She broke many boundaries by starting her own newspaper, forming the first female-owned American company in the business of buying and selling stocks, and being the first woman ever to address what was then an all-male Congress. In 1870, when women could not legally vote, Woodhull declared herself a candidate for president. "It was a wild moment in American history, and times would never be the same for women.” An author's note explains what happened after the election and Woodhull's clash with the famous family of Harriet Beecher Stowe. In 1927, eight years women won the right to vote, Woodhull died, a forgotten figure. "To be perfectly frank," she told reporters, "I hardly expected to be elected. The truth is I am too many years ahead of this age …and the unenlightened mind of the average man." Krull's engaging prose and Dyer's realistic, dignified watercolors period capture details, as well as Woodhull's radiance and determination. The story is told in a fresh way that relates to the lives of contemporary kids. It reminds us that by being informed and active citizens in our community and government, we can each make an impact and even end up in the White House. A bibliography includes three books on Victoria Woodhull, a video, and 2 websites. Marilyn J Ward Carthage College Back To Top
L Lasky, Kathryn. THE LAST GIRLS OF POMPEII. Viking 2007. As the ash and lava of the volcanic eruption in 79 AD swept away nobles and trades people, animals and buildings, so Lasky’s narrative will sweep readers along to the inevitable finish. But as wealthy Julia and her slave and confidant Sura move through the deepening, falling ash to elude the poisonous gasses, they are heading toward a revelation skillfully hinted at earlier by Lasky, a consummate storyteller. The girls escape Julia’s family plans: for her, banishment to a temple as a servitor; for Sura, sale to Stephanus the fuller, to be his concubine. As the eruption sunders all their plans, it parts Julia from her beloved, her cousin Marcus, and Sura from her badly wounded brother, gladiator Bryzos. But the natural calamity provides in addition to freedom from controlling adults’ machinations, the vehicle to unite Julia with her previously unknown and unacknowledged aunt, who is herself a vehicle into freedom and new lives. Lasky’s writing is richly detailed, providing information about the many holidays, competing gods and goddesses, foods, home design, transportation and ways slaves and free people related to each other. Yet these carefully researched, factual details never impede the forward thrust of the plot, as we read to discover what happens to the two girls, slave and free, neither of whom are really free until story’s end. John Warren Stewig Carthage College Le Bloas-Julienne, Renee. The Shark: Silent Hunter. Charlesbridge Publishing, Watertown, MA. 2007. Originally published in French and translated by Elizabeth Uhlig, this book ventures into the underwater world of the shark. Many aspects of the animals are encompassed including shark senses, diets, general anatomy, and hunting and mating routines. The delivery of information in the book is enjoyable, being provided in two ways: in a narrative in side columns and in an occasional fun fact in the captions of the pictures. However, despite the title – which implies a look at many species of shark – the book seems to concentrate on only one species: the gray reef shark. Until the last few pages, where photos of other shark species are shown, the gray reef shark is almost exclusively discussed. The photos throughout the book (provided by the BIOS Agency) are vivid and clear vividly showing the world in which the shark lives. In fact, the entire book is colorful and draws the attention of the reader. Perhaps the author was trying to explain that sharks are not vicious, but the book seems to instill a bit of a sense of fear of the animals by using terms like “terrifying,” “fierce,” and “deadly hunters.” On a positive note, the author does explain to the reader what to do in the case of a shark encounter. A definite plus for the book is that it provides sources for further research on sharks if it is desired. Both books and websites to check out are provided. Stephanie Orvis Racine Zoo Back To Top
M Malone, Patricia. Lady Ilena: Way of the Warrior . New York: Delacorte Press, 2005. This sequel to The Legend of Lady Ilena has the lady adjusting to her new role as Heredity Chief of Dun Alyn. An economical summary of prior events brings readers up to date on the actions in the prior book. Aided by an author's note and detailed map, Britain in the Dark Ages comes to life as a treacherous knight woos Lady Ilena, and her betrothed, Durant, is missing. Disgraced through a trick of the enemy's, Ilena chooses exile and questing after brave deeds over death. Scenes of action and valor are described in first person, and modern readers are made aware of the importance of courage and honor in a violent time. The depiction of women as successful warriors and clan leaders will be pleasing to them. It is an unsettled time, when the Saxons, and the Britons who cooperate with them, conspire to defeat Arthur's alliance and take over all of Britain. Slavers still prowl the coasts, and raiding parties capture village men to use as conscripts. The unrest extends to religion and the conflict of Christianity with the Old Religion of the Druids. Satisfyingly, Ilena's courage is recognized, and Arthur is rescued from the enemy. As the story ends, Ilena is given the signal honor of riding at Arthur's side, but she is taking the place of her murdered betrothed, and the company rides to war. A sequel looks sure to follow. Holly Sanhuber Muskego Public Library Maltbie, P.I. Picasso and Minou. Illustrations by Pau Estrada. Charlesbridge 2005. Using just a small part of the Spanish artist’s long life (1881-1973), this fictionalized account based on factual detail focuses on Picasso’s blue and rose periods (less than a decade out of his life). The solitary struggle of an aspiring artist is contrasted with the seemingly carefree life of the roaming circus performer. The cat Minou is the link between these two disparate groups. The intensely colored art is by a fellow countryman of Picasso and the exaggerated facial expressions and gestures lend visual humor to the serious story. An author's note is appended. This fleeting biographical story could lead children into other, more extensive information books about the author. PABLO PICASSO from the "Lives of the Artists" series (World Almanac Library 2004) includes photo reproductions of many of Picasso's works, and is intended for a slightly older, middle school audience. John Warren Stewig, Carthage College Mama, Raouf. Why Monkeys Live in Trees and Other Stories from Benin. Illustrated by Andy Jones. Curbstone Press, 2006. Capturing the essence of oral storytelling from the West African Republic of Benin, Raouf Mama shares 16 folktales from a wide range of Beninese ethnic groups. The collection includes not only “trickster tales” such as “Why Monkeys Live in Trees” but also sacred tales such as “The Magic of Love.” They are fables of a sort, with clear morals that children can easily understand. In all, virtue is rewarded, while vice is penalized. The stories include a wide variety of interesting characters – animals, princes and princesses, wise old men and naughty boys, mothers, fathers, kings and queens. In addition, many characters represent inanimate objects or concepts such as Truth and Lie, and Sun and Moon. Although the stories are different, many have recurring themes that characterize the beliefs of the people. In many of the stories, names are critically important in describing a person’s character. Names also represent values, such as Truth and Lie, inanimate objects, such as Sun and Moon, Read aloud, these relatively short stories from the West African Republic of Benin captivate the listener. What is more, the drawings by Andy Jones give the audience an image to remember. Storytelling is an important part of every country’s history. We learn how our cultures, though different, are also similar in so many different ways. Kristine Wildner Holy Apostles School, New Berlin, WI Markle,Sandra Tough, Toothy Baby Sharks. (Illustrated with photographs, various sources) Walker Publishing Company, Inc. 2007. This book inspires curiosity among one of nature’s most feared creatures. It would be a good read for older children interested in marine life or animals in general. This book discusses in detail the different ways sharks reproduce. It also explains what a shark is and other defining characteristics. In the back of the book there is a glossary for difficult words and also why it is important to keep sharks around and what you readers can do to help them. Janelle Jensen Racine Zoological Society Martin, Bill Jr. Baby Bear Baby Bear, What Do You See ? Illustrated by Eric Carle. Henry Holt and Company, 2007. The final installment in the Carle/Martin collaborations, Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? presents preschool children with a charming look at North American animals. Using precise, descriptive language, each animal is asked "What do you see?" Children will love the repetitive language and learning the names of new animals. After the first reading, many will enjoy recalling the sequence and predicting which animal comes next. Eric Carle's unique, vibrant collage artwork projects a realistic look at each animal in color, shape and action. Each two-page spread presents each animal on a white background as a single focal point, with the facial expressions of each animal projecting a sense of wonder as they gaze at the reader. Like the others in the series, the cover and endpapers are visually attractive, almost begging readers to read. This final book in a series that began in 1967 with Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is a treasure to compete the series . The delightful ending closes the book with a simple review of our native animals. As a classroom read aloud, the distinct animal vocabulary interrupts the flow of the story. For this reason, the book is, perhaps, loved best by children snuggling on a parent's lap. Highly recommended for preschool-age children. Kristine Wildner, Holy Apostles School, New Berlin, WI Margaret McMullan, When I Crossed No-Bob. Houghton Mifflin Company. 2007. 207 pages. Tr. ISBN 978-0-618-71715-6 $16.00 Grade 5 and up. Ten years after the Civil War has ended, twelve year old Addy O’Donnell is abandoned by her parents. The school teacher Mr. Frank and his new wife find her abandoned at their wedding supper and they decide to take her in. This is a dangerous time in the South with: the Ku Klux Klan, senseless murdering, and the destruction of property belonging to freed slaves and those who support them. Addy comes from No-Bob, a place where nothing good ever seems to happen. As a group of men terrorize the community, Addy and Little Bit witness first hand the burning of the school house and the subsequent death of their friend in the fire. Addy’s father returns and she is forced to move back home. After witnessing firsthand her father’s disregard for the law, and his lack of respect for other people, Addy decides to leave No-Bob for good. Addy runs away and chooses to try to live a better life on her own. While on her own, Addy once again witnesses the members of the Ku-Klux-Klan capture and attempt to kill a former slave. Addy has to decide if she can stand up against these men, and testify against them to save Mr. Frank, who is now accused of being the killer. What can she do, she is only a child? Submitted by Lisa Langsdorf Children’s Services, Kenosha Public Library McKissack, Patricia C. Scraps of Time, 1937: The Home-Run King. Viking, New York, 2008. Patricia McKissack continues her historical fiction series for newly independent readers with a thoroughly enjoyable look back in time to the Negro baseball leagues. Familiar series characters Trey, Aggie and Mae begin and end the story in their grandmother’s attic. When they find an old baseball, their grandmother tells them the story of their great uncles, Jimbo and Tank, who once met baseball great Josh Gibson. Written as a third-person person narrative, with plenty of dialogue, the greater part of the book focuses the summer of 1937 when Jimbo and Tank sneak into the local Negro League games illegally, narrowly escaping the grip of the general manager. When the Homestead Grays come to town and home-run hitter Josh Gibson rents a room from the boys’ family, the boys are recognized by the manger and must repay their ticket price by working on the grounds crew. As the brothers get to know Josh and his teammates, they get to see the games for free as water boys for the players. Eventually, the boys convince the manager to organize a team for young players, and here is where they learn their greatest lessons about team play, watching out for a handicapped grounds keeper, and chewing tobacco. The premise of the book, a story based on an old item found in an attic, is certainly not original. However, the African-American context and focus of the story is unique, and an important avenue for young children to learn about their history in an entertaining format. The story itself is somewhat ordinary, with the lessons of respect for the handicapped, avoidance of chewing tobacco, and teamwork rather forced into the plot. Moreover, some details are not well explained, such as how the boys in the Depression immediately obtain the necessary equipment (gloves, bats, etc.) to play on an organized team. Furthermore, in a heavily segregated society, the subject of discrimination is only lightly discussed. Gordon James’ illustrations break up the already short chapters, yet do not extend the story. Although the title may be somewhat misleading (with Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth coming to mind as “Home Run Kings”), this particular volume in the series will appeal to children interested in sports, an especially good choice for Matt Christopher fans. Kristine Wildner, Holy Apostles School, New Berlin, WI Melling, O. R. The Hunter’s Moon. Amulet Books, 2005. When Gwen comes to Ireland to visit her cousin Findabhair, she finds her distant and suddenly adult. The growing unease she feels becomes a physical separation when Finn is abducted by the King of the Fairies. A much anticipated summer lark turns into a deadly game, for as in the words of the ballad of Tam Lin, the fairy folk must “pay a tiend to hell,” and Finn, or is it Gwen?- is slated as the sacrifice. Gwen must reach inside herself to find reserves of strength and daring. She has always felt inadequate next to incandescent Finn. Her constant surprise at her own chutzpah will make her seem real to teens who may be equally uncertain about their abilities. Readers cannot help but like the disparate cast of gutsy characters, and will learn to known them surprisingly well as the author paints them to life in a few dashing strokes. Even the faerie folk- coldly alien, immortal, implacable, and amoralcan be appreciated, if not wholly understood. Experienced readers of fantasy will enjoy the precarious sense of unreliable reality, and the shimmer of the flimsy and surreal barriers between places and times. Adventures and events come thick and fast- which is a good thing, as Gaelic words and phrases also abound. A lengthy glossary is appended, but it might be more useful to teen readers to have the many phrases defined as footnotes, or within the text. Wellknown in Canada a decade ago, this is the first of four in the “Chronicles of Faerie” to be published in the U.S. It has been “generously updated and expanded” for American audiences. The other volumes in the series are Summer King, Light-Bearer’s Daughter, and Book of Dreams. Holly Sanhuber Muskego Public library Micklethwait, Lucy. Colors, a First Book of Art. London: Francis Lincoln 2005. Well-known to United States teachers and librarians, who have used her several books with children here, this introduces 18 works of art which emphasize particular colors. The art is mostly western (though two Asian pieces are included) and range in date from 1475 to 1982, a pleasantly, and useful range of time periods, thought nothing is made of that is this or the Wolfe book. A single piece of art of each page reproduced in full color makes careful viewing possible. A valuable feature is that facing pages feature two paintings, each of which was chosen to represent a particular color. For instance, a bowl of red cherries faces a portrait of a man in a red hat, and the two reds are distinctly different. So an alert adult could, on his/her own, ask children to notice the difference in the two colors of the same name. This could lead off into a color search in the classroom for all the other reds available. The only caveat is that one wishes the two paintings chosen for pink were more apparently that; one seems clearly magenta and the other vermillion. John Warren Stewig Carthage College Moore, Clement C. The Night Before Christmas. Illustrated by Niroot Puttapipat. Candlewick Press. 2007. “Twas the night before Christmas……” begins this classic poem by Clement C. Moore as father, then pets, then mother observe St. Nicholas visit their 19th century home. This timeless poem of Christmas Eve, engrained in so many memories of Christmas Eve, has been magnificently re-illustrated by Niroot Puttipipat. Printed on heavy stock cream paper, the black silhouettes with red, gold and green accents tell the story in pictures with exquisite detail. Beginning with a flap to peak into the home, cut out windows and doors provide glimpses into the following pages as the pictures flow seamlessly with the poem. Concluding with a fantastic paper cut-out of Santa and his reindeer taking off into the sky, this classic is certain to create special family memories of Christmas. Although the elegant pop-up makes it difficult to keep intact in a library or unsupervised in a home with young children, the magic of a child reading the book with a parent is priceless. Kristine Wildner, Holy Apostles School, New Berlin, WI Moore, Ulysses. The Door to Time. New York: Scholastic, 2006. Twins Jason and Julia Covenant, and their new friend Rick, explore Argo Manor, watched over by the enigmatic Nestor, while their parents finalize the details of their move. It’s a wonderful old house, perhaps haunted by the spirit of its former owner, Ulysses Moore. It’s old, large, and filled with oddities, with a mysterious door that leads to adventure. “Julia . . . didn’t believe in anything she couldn’t taste, touch, or buy with her father’s credit card.” As the example shows, the author sometimes tells, rather than shows, but the book’s focus is on the daylong adventure, and the attendant action and thrills, not character study. The short chapters, packed with incidents, and with cliffhanger endings, will propel children to keep reading. The tone of the conversations between the characters is somewhat awkward; stilted rather than natural. Still, smart-mouthed Julia, with her wry wit, dreamy Jason, and stalwart Rick will also appeal, and if the mysteries are unraveled more quickly than is realistic, readers hungry for story will not mind. The next book in the series is The Long-Lost Map. Holly Sanhuber, Muskego Public Library Mora, Pat. The Song of Francis and the Animals. Illustrations by David Frampton. Eerdmans, 2005. Mora's simple yet graceful retelling of part of the life of St Francis will introduce the saint to young listeners/readers, with the help of a sprinkling of Italian words easy to understand in context, though they are defined in a box of the reverse of the title page. The woodcuts by Frampton continue his long and prolific career illustrating children's books. The expected angularity and the pervasive blackness of the carved lines are suffused with warm hues. The oversized vertical format provides a luxurious context for the art: single, facing pages with plenty of room for a generous surrounding of white, setting off both text and art. John Warren Stewig Carthage College Mora, Pat. Yum! Mmmm! !que rico! : Americas’ sprouting. Lee & Low., 2007. 48 pages. Tr. ISBN 978-1-584-30271-1 $16.99 In a delicious collection of 13 Haiku, Pat Mora welcomes children to the world of food and poetry. The poems draw in the reader and the reader exclaims, “I’ve eaten that, she got it right!” The 13 foods are indigenous to the Americas. We hear about states in North America and countries in South America. Food becomes a universal connection between the old and the new. These foods belong to everyone, and because they are familiar, these Haiku should spark even the youngest students to write their own food Haiku. The sidebar information is informative, but hard to read in the small text. The sidebar information should encourage older readers to want to find out where their favorite foods come from. Mora shows how foods have traveled form their place of origin out into the big wide world by giving the background information. It reminds us that we are all alike in many ways, because we share a love of food. The illustrations will bring in everyone, the joy and exuberance in the people makes this a very welcoming book for even the youngest of children. Preschoolers will sit still for the poems while looking at these pictures. Preschool through elementary school age children will be inspired by the inviting illustrations and delicious poems. Lisa Langsdorf Children’s Librarian Kenosha Public Library Munari, Bruno. Bruno Munari's Zoo . Chronicle Books, 2005. Kudos to the publisher for making available once again an important book in the history of American picture book development. Originally published in l963, the art remains impressively fresh and arresting to the eye. The informally painted, vividly colored animals create unexpected patterns on pages with much white space for contrast. The single sentences on each page are less important than the bold block shapes, which are abstract rather than realistic. Rather than trying to tell a lot in words about each animal, Munari strives for a single thought which captures the essence of an animal. The page design is arresting: for the fox, two different width horizontal blue panels splotched with green bisect the wide lattice-lacy horizontal sweep of fence across the double spread. Would that some artists today, whose pages weary the eye with too much detail, could create such minimalist pages to such maximum effect. Mies VandeRohe was right: "Less is more." Sometimes Munari (l907-l998) shows the entire animal (the porcupine) while the lion is depicted so close up that the head allows space only for part of a paw and two tiny butterflies. The crisp white endpapers are an effective foil for the cover (a different design than the jacket). The bold black cage bars of the jacket contrast effectively with the more delicate scale of the restraining cage wire on the cover. The elegant simplicity of this book isn't widely emulated in picture books today and it would be useful to share this with children, asking them to talk about what they see. Comparing and contrasting this with contemporary books, often full to the page edge edge with (often fussy) details, and lacking appropriate white (blank) space, can expand children's aesthetic sense, albeit intuitively. John Warren Stewig, Carthage College Back To Top
N Napoli, Donna Jo. Hush. Atheneum Books., 2007. 308 pages. Tr. ISBN 978-0-689-86176-5 $16.99 Gr. 7-9 Hush is based on an old Icelandic saga. The main character Melkorka is an Irish princess who has lived a privileged and sheltered life. She is spoiled and used to having her own way. In her world, she is taught that Vikings are savages. When Melkorka is kidnapped by slavers, she tries desperately to find a way to escape. Her salvation comes through her silence. She never speaks and through her silence causes the slavers to treat her less harshly than the other prisoners. The novel is centered on the slavers and the journey from her home around the coast to gather as many slaves as possible. The journey is harsh and the weather is getting colder. Melkorka is starved, gagged, dirty, and eventually sold to a Viking. He begins his ownership by making her his concubine. She keeps up her silence to everyone, even under the worst circumstances, until she has her baby, then she finally begins to speak in secret to him, in her original language. The power of silence saves Melkorka while on the slave ship, and the power of speech saves her when she has her baby. Lisa Langsdorf Children’s Librarian Kenosha Public Library Nix, Garth. Keys to the Kingdom, Book Four: Sir Thursday . New York: Scholastic, 2006. Arthur, Leaf, and Suzy Turquoise Blue return in another adventure in this continuing series. Encountering "The Morrow Days" and their Denizens for the first time, readers might find a section entitled, "The Story Thus Far" helpful. Instead, they must catch up with the three previous quests through context clues alone. Early on readers are told that Arthur, the Rightful Heir, needs to release the fourth part of the Will from Sir Thursday, and claim the fourth key to the kingdom. These are sorcerous items, and the more they are used, the less likely it is that Arthur will retain his humanity, and be able to return to his family. Danger threatens on all sides: Arthur's family are menaced by a "Spirit-eater," which looks like Arthur, and spreads a mind-controlling mold. To add to his difficulties, Arthur is drafted, and much of the book deals with his training and deployment, and the futility of war. "Badly wounded recruits . . . gasped and gurgled around his feet, small sounds that were drowned out again as Arthur was swept up again by his companions. But he would remember them always, for they were the sounds of terror, bewilderment, and finality." While readers don't know much about the three children--except that they are plucky--suspense is maintained through alternating chapters, each following Arthur or Leaf, and cliff-hanging chapter endings. The book is accompanied by a CD of the author reading the first chapter. An interview with the author at book's end sets up readers for episode five, presumably entitled Lady Friday. Holly Sanhuber Muskego Public Library Back To Top
O Orgill, Roxane. Footwork: The Story of Fred and Adele Astaire . Illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch. Viking. 2007. Focusing on the early dancing careers of Fred Astaire and his older sister Adele, Roxane Orgill takes us back to the magical time of dance entertainment during the early 20 th century in an illuminating picture book biography. Beginning their dance careers as children, the Astaires performed on the vaudeville-circuit, eventually moving on to Broadway. Equal partners, the pair experienced a few growing pains, yet persevered through hard work, determination, and innovation. As Fred moved on to motion pictures, Adele quietly retired to family life. Although most of today's children have never heard of Fred Astaire and know little of his legacy within popular entertainment, they will be inspired by his early dance career with his sister. Stéphane Jorisch's line and water color illustrations bring the Astaire's story to life. Her attention to detail and masterful depiction of light and shadow transport the reader back in time to the magical settings of early 20 th century dance. Alternating text and picture boxes with full page spreads, the layout invites the reader into the world of show business. Emotions of not only Fred and Adele, but also the stage hands and audience depict the excitement of this matchless time and place. Including resources for further reading, listening, viewing and websites, Footwork: The Story of Fred and Adele Astaire is an excellent stepping stone to further research. Traditional values of hard work, practice, and perseverance permeate the story. Fred is a prime example to boys who enjoy dance and to everyone who works hard to perfect and improve their craft. Kristine Wildner, Holy Apostles School, New Berlin, WI Back To Top
P Palantini, Margie. The Three Silly Billies. Illustrated by Barry Moser. Simon and Schuster, 2005. The popular Earthquack! author Margie Palantini and illustrator Barry Moser team-up once again in a new picture book. Lovers of fairy tales young and old will enjoy this new work. Our main characters, having packed for a lovely day at the beach, are delayed in route, upon arriving at a bridge with a very deep river running beneath it. The bridge they wish to pass requires a fee, but alas, the goats have no money! The fee in this case is “a buck” to pass over “Troll Toll”. Along the way, many favorite childhood characters and traditional tales are visited and reworked as the goats’ adventure unfolds. Frequent word plays and foolishness ensue, as the goats wait by wading in a pool, hoping to join a “car pool”. Taking a stroll in the woods with a family of bears, run-ins with Little Red Riding Hood and Jack with his beans are also amusingly featured. Eventually, the goats are able to pool money received from a variety of sources, and attempt to cross the Troll Toll. Finally on their way to the sun for some fun, one last obstacle is presented. The ending for the reader is a visual of a giant green torso, while reading “Fee, fi, fo, fum…”. The ending is left to be told, but is magnificently set up by both the illustrations and text provided. Palantini’s verses are always fun to read and her integration of traditional tales is nicely told. Little feels forced and the interactions of the characters delivers a fun, lighthearted story. As always, Moser’s artwork is outstanding. The watercolor illustrations have an extraordinary feel about them, allowing the reader to see these characters as real. Although many ages will love this work, it is best suited for children who are well versed in the fairy tale genre. The story can be appreciated as is, but the humor found in the overlapping of characters is the true delight. Check this work out for sharing with students between K4 and 3rd grade. This book would be a natural for follow-up writing with older students, and a great read aloud with the young ones. Nancy Hill Milwaukee Public Schools Park, Linda Sue, et al. Click. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks., 2007. 217 pages. Tr. ISBN 978-0-439-41138-7 Gr. 5-9 The main characters Maggie and Jason are well developed by this team of talented writers. We meet Maggie as a young child and Jason as a rebellious teenager after the death of their beloved Grandfather, Gee. This story is about the path each one takes to discover the many truths about their Grandfather’s life. Throughout the story, each author gives a new twist to the characters and some of them challenge us with their characterization; is Annie really a mermaid, or just a child with special needs? We will never know. We jump though the lives of Jason and Maggie from childhood until death. Maggie and Jason have each been given a very different inheritance. Jason was given Gee’s autographed photos and his old camera. Jason discovers the true power of photography, and eventually begins to accept who he is and how he can also change the world one person at a time. Jason begins his quest to get the most out of life until his quest causes his death years later. Maggie gets a set of shells, with the quest to return them to the oceans from which they came. Maggie’s challenge will take a lifetime to complete. There is a bit of history, a bit of art, a bit science fiction and a glimpse into the distant future. The story flows from one author to the next without a break. Readers will enjoy the different views and discoveries that each chapter brings. This book would make a good discussion selection. There is a lot of material to choose from because of the variety of writing styles in this text. This would make a good example of cooperative writing. This is a book that will be enjoyed by readers of who enjoy many different genres. Lisa Langsdorf Children’s Librarian Kenosha Public Library Press, Julian. Get a Clue 3: Operation Yellow Dragon, A Picture Mystery . Grosset and Dunlap, New York, 2008. Press, Julian. Get a Clue 4: The Curse of the Crossbow Archer, A Picture Mystery . Grosset and Dunlap, New York, 2008. Any librarian or primary school teacher will tell you children love books with picture puzzles – thus the popularity of series such as Where’s Waldo and I Spy. Many children simply love looking for hidden objects in pictures. It’s just plain fun. Julian Press has notched this fun up a reading level and combined mystery with hidden picture clues. Originally published in Germany, the 3rd and 4th volumes in the series feature black and white illustrations every other page facing a full page explanation of a mystery and the next important clue. Each book features the same three children working with an uncle who is an inspector, and the owner of their candy shop hang-out. Each page of text ends with a question leading the reader to search for a clue in the accompanying picture. Most the clues are fairly obvious and are explained at the beginning of the following page when the next clue is introduced. The mysteries are mostly stolen goods, but also include kidnapping and other crimes. The storylines involve a lot of dialog and are less than memorable. Likewise, the characters are relatively flat and predictable. Nonetheless, for children who love picture puzzles, Get a Clue is a solid step forward into the next stage of reading. Recommended for grades 2-4. Kristine Wildner, Holy Apostles School, New Berlin, WI Back To Top

Malone, Patricia. Lady Ilena: Way of the Warrior . New York: Delacorte Press, 2005.

This sequel to The Legend of Lady Ilena has the lady adjusting to her new role as Heredity Chief of Dun Alyn. An economical summary of prior events brings readers up to date on the actions in the prior book. Aided by an author's note and detailed map, Britain in the Dark Ages comes to life as a treacherous knight woos Lady Ilena, and her betrothed, Durant, is missing. Disgraced through a trick of the enemy's, Ilena chooses exile and questing after brave deeds over death. Scenes of action and valor are described in first person, and modern readers are made aware of the importance of courage and honor in a violent time. The depiction of women as successful warriors and clan leaders will be pleasing to them. It is an unsettled time, when the Saxons, and the Britons who cooperate with them, conspire to defeat Arthur's alliance and take over all of Britain. Slavers still prowl the coasts, and raiding parties capture village men to use as conscripts. The unrest extends to religion and the conflict of Christianity with the Old Religion of the Druids. Satisfyingly, Ilena's courage is recognized, and Arthur is rescued from the enemy. As the story ends, Ilena is given the signal honor of riding at Arthur's side, but she is taking the place of her murdered betrothed, and the company rides to war. A sequel looks sure to follow.

Holly Sanhuber
Muskego Public Library

Maltbie, P.I. Picasso and Minou. Illustrations by Pau Estrada. Charlesbridge 2005.

Using just a small part of the Spanish artist’s long life (1881-1973), this fictionalized account based on factual detail focuses on Picasso’s blue and
rose periods (less than a decade out of his life). The solitary struggle of an aspiring artist is contrasted with the seemingly carefree life of the roaming
circus performer. The cat Minou is the link between these two disparate groups.

The intensely colored art is by a fellow countryman of Picasso and the exaggerated facial expressions and gestures lend visual humor to the serious
story. An author's note is appended. This fleeting biographical story could lead children into other, more extensive information books about the author. PABLO
PICASSO from the "Lives of the Artists" series (World Almanac Library 2004) includes photo reproductions of many of Picasso's works, and is intended for a
slightly older, middle school audience.

John Warren Stewig,
Carthage College

Mama, Raouf. Why Monkeys Live in Trees and Other Stories from Benin.
Illustrated by Andy Jones. Curbstone Press, 2006.

Capturing the essence of oral storytelling from the West African Republic of Benin, Raouf Mama shares 16 folktales from a wide range of Beninese ethnic groups. The collection includes not only “trickster tales” such as “Why Monkeys Live in Trees” but also sacred tales such as “The Magic of Love.” They are fables of a sort, with clear morals that children can easily understand. In all, virtue is rewarded, while vice is penalized.

The stories include a wide variety of interesting characters – animals, princes and princesses, wise old men and naughty boys, mothers, fathers, kings and queens. In addition, many characters represent inanimate objects or concepts such as Truth and Lie, and Sun and Moon. Although the stories are different, many have recurring themes that characterize the beliefs of the people. In many of the stories, names are critically important in describing a person’s character. Names also represent values, such as Truth and Lie, inanimate objects, such as Sun and Moon,

Read aloud, these relatively short stories from the West African Republic of Benin captivate the listener. What is more, the drawings by Andy Jones give the audience an image to remember. Storytelling is an important part of every country’s history. We learn how our cultures, though different, are also similar in so many different ways.

Kristine Wildner
Holy Apostles School, New Berlin, WI

Markle,Sandra Tough, Toothy Baby Sharks. (Illustrated with photographs, various sources) Walker Publishing Company, Inc. 2007.

This book inspires curiosity among one of nature’s most feared creatures. It would be a good read for older children interested in marine life or animals in general. This book discusses in detail the different ways sharks reproduce. It also explains what a shark is and other defining characteristics. In the back of the book there is a glossary for difficult words and also why it is important to keep sharks around and what you readers can do to help them.

Janelle Jensen
Racine Zoological Society

Martin, Bill Jr. Baby Bear Baby Bear, What Do You See ? Illustrated by Eric Carle. Henry Holt and Company, 2007.

The final installment in the Carle/Martin collaborations, Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? presents preschool children with a charming look at North American animals. Using precise, descriptive language, each animal is asked "What do you see?" Children will love the repetitive language and learning the names of new animals. After the first reading, many will enjoy recalling the sequence and predicting which animal comes next. Eric Carle's unique, vibrant collage artwork projects a realistic look at each animal in color, shape and action. Each two-page spread presents each animal on a white background as a single focal point, with the facial expressions of each animal projecting a sense of wonder as they gaze at the reader. Like the others in the series, the cover and endpapers are visually attractive, almost begging readers to read. This final book in a series that began in 1967 with Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is a treasure to compete the series . The delightful ending closes the book with a simple review of our native animals. As a classroom read aloud, the distinct animal vocabulary interrupts the flow of the story. For this reason, the book is, perhaps, loved best by children snuggling on a parent's lap. Highly recommended for preschool-age children.

Kristine Wildner, Holy Apostles School, New Berlin, WI

Margaret McMullan, When I Crossed No-Bob. Houghton Mifflin Company. 2007. 207 pages. Tr. ISBN 978-0-618-71715-6 $16.00

Grade 5 and up. Ten years after the Civil War has ended, twelve year old Addy O’Donnell is abandoned by her parents. The school teacher Mr. Frank and his new wife find her abandoned at their wedding supper and they decide to take her in. This is a dangerous time in the South with: the Ku Klux Klan, senseless murdering, and the destruction of property belonging to freed slaves and those who support them. Addy comes from No-Bob, a place where nothing good ever seems to happen. As a group of men terrorize the community, Addy and Little Bit witness first hand the burning of the school house and the subsequent death of their friend in the fire. Addy’s father returns and she is forced to move back home. After witnessing firsthand her father’s disregard for the law, and his lack of respect for other people, Addy decides to leave No-Bob for good. Addy runs away and chooses to try to live a better life on her own. While on her own, Addy once again witnesses the members of the Ku-Klux-Klan capture and attempt to kill a former slave. Addy has to decide if she can stand up against these men, and testify against them to save Mr. Frank, who is now accused of being the killer. What can she do, she is only a child?

Submitted by Lisa Langsdorf
Children’s Services, Kenosha Public Library

McKissack, Patricia C. Scraps of Time, 1937: The Home-Run King. Viking, New York, 2008.

Patricia McKissack continues her historical fiction series for newly independent readers with a thoroughly enjoyable look back in time to the Negro baseball leagues. Familiar series characters Trey, Aggie and Mae begin and end the story in their grandmother’s attic. When they find an old baseball, their grandmother tells them the story of their great uncles, Jimbo and Tank, who once met baseball great Josh Gibson.
Written as a third-person person narrative, with plenty of dialogue, the greater part of the book focuses the summer of 1937 when Jimbo and Tank sneak into the local Negro League games illegally, narrowly escaping the grip of the general manager. When the Homestead Grays come to town and home-run hitter Josh Gibson rents a room from the boys’ family, the boys are recognized by the manger and must repay their ticket price by working on the grounds crew. As the brothers get to know Josh and his teammates, they get to see the games for free as water boys for the players. Eventually, the boys convince the manager to organize a team for young players, and here is where they learn their greatest lessons about team play, watching out for a handicapped grounds keeper, and chewing tobacco.
The premise of the book, a story based on an old item found in an attic, is certainly not original. However, the African-American context and focus of the story is unique, and an important avenue for young children to learn about their history in an entertaining format. The story itself is somewhat ordinary, with the lessons of respect for the handicapped, avoidance of chewing tobacco, and teamwork rather forced into the plot. Moreover, some details are not well explained, such as how the boys in the Depression immediately obtain the necessary equipment (gloves, bats, etc.) to play on an organized team. Furthermore, in a heavily segregated society, the subject of discrimination is only lightly discussed. Gordon James’ illustrations break up the already short chapters, yet do not extend the story. Although the title may be somewhat misleading (with Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth coming to mind as “Home Run Kings”), this particular volume in the series will appeal to children interested in sports, an especially good choice for Matt Christopher fans.
Kristine Wildner, Holy Apostles School, New Berlin, WI

Melling, O. R. The Hunter’s Moon. Amulet Books, 2005.

When Gwen comes to Ireland to visit her cousin Findabhair, she finds her distant and suddenly adult. The growing unease she feels becomes a physical separation when Finn is abducted by the King of the Fairies. A much anticipated summer lark turns into a deadly game, for as in the words of the ballad of Tam Lin, the fairy folk must “pay a tiend to hell,” and Finn, or is it Gwen?- is slated as the sacrifice. Gwen must reach inside herself to find reserves of strength and daring. She has always felt inadequate next to incandescent Finn. Her constant surprise at her own chutzpah will make her seem real to teens who may be equally uncertain about their abilities. Readers cannot help but like the disparate cast of gutsy characters, and will learn to known them surprisingly well as the author paints them to life in a few dashing strokes. Even the faerie folk- coldly alien, immortal, implacable, and amoralcan be appreciated, if not wholly understood. Experienced readers of fantasy will enjoy the precarious sense of unreliable reality, and the shimmer of the flimsy and surreal barriers between places and times. Adventures and events come thick and fast- which is a good thing, as Gaelic words and phrases also abound. A lengthy glossary is appended, but it might be more useful to teen readers to have the many phrases defined as footnotes, or within the text. Wellknown in Canada a decade ago, this is the first of four in the “Chronicles of Faerie” to be published in the U.S. It has been “generously updated and
expanded” for American audiences. The other volumes in the series are Summer King, Light-Bearer’s Daughter, and Book of Dreams.

Holly Sanhuber
Muskego Public library

Micklethwait, Lucy. Colors, a First Book of Art. London: Francis Lincoln 2005.

Well-known to United States teachers and librarians, who have used her several books with children here, this introduces 18 works of art which emphasize particular colors. The art is mostly western (though two Asian pieces are included) and range in date from 1475 to 1982, a pleasantly, and useful range of time periods, thought nothing is made of that is this or the Wolfe book. A single piece of art of each page reproduced in full color makes careful viewing possible. A valuable feature is that facing pages feature two paintings, each of which was chosen to represent a particular color. For instance, a bowl of red cherries faces a portrait of a man in a red hat, and the two reds are distinctly different. So an alert adult could, on his/her own, ask children to notice the difference in the two colors of the same name. This could lead off into a color search in the classroom for all the other reds available. The only caveat is that one wishes the two paintings chosen for pink were more apparently that; one seems clearly magenta and the other vermillion.

John Warren Stewig
Carthage College

Moore, Clement C. The Night Before Christmas. Illustrated by Niroot Puttapipat. Candlewick Press. 2007.

“Twas the night before Christmas……” begins this classic poem by Clement C. Moore as father, then pets, then mother observe St. Nicholas visit their 19th century home. This timeless poem of Christmas Eve, engrained in so many memories of Christmas Eve, has been magnificently re-illustrated by Niroot Puttipipat. Printed on heavy stock cream paper, the black silhouettes with red, gold and green accents tell the story in pictures with exquisite detail. Beginning with a flap to peak into the home, cut out windows and doors provide glimpses into the following pages as the pictures flow seamlessly with the poem. Concluding with a fantastic paper cut-out of Santa and his reindeer taking off into the sky, this classic is certain to create special family memories of Christmas. Although the elegant pop-up makes it difficult to keep intact in a library or unsupervised in a home with young children, the magic of a child reading the book with a parent is priceless.

Kristine Wildner,
Holy Apostles School,
New Berlin, WI

Moore, Ulysses. The Door to Time. New York: Scholastic, 2006.

Twins Jason and Julia Covenant, and their new friend Rick, explore Argo Manor, watched over by the enigmatic Nestor, while their parents finalize the details of their move. It’s a wonderful old house, perhaps haunted by the spirit of its former owner, Ulysses Moore. It’s old, large, and filled with oddities, with a mysterious door that leads to adventure. “Julia . . . didn’t believe in anything she couldn’t taste, touch, or buy with her father’s credit card.” As the example shows, the author sometimes tells, rather than shows, but the book’s focus is on the daylong adventure, and the attendant action and thrills, not character study. The short chapters, packed with incidents, and with cliffhanger endings, will propel children to keep reading. The tone of the conversations between the characters is somewhat awkward; stilted rather than natural. Still, smart-mouthed Julia, with her wry wit, dreamy Jason, and stalwart Rick will also appeal, and if the mysteries are unraveled more quickly than is realistic, readers hungry for story will not mind. The next book in the series is The Long-Lost Map.

Holly Sanhuber,
Muskego Public Library

Mora, Pat. The Song of Francis and the Animals. Illustrations by David Frampton. Eerdmans, 2005.

Mora's simple yet graceful retelling of part of the life of St Francis will introduce the saint to young listeners/readers, with the help of a sprinkling of Italian words easy to understand in context, though they are defined in a box of the reverse of the title page. The woodcuts by Frampton continue his long and prolific career illustrating children's books. The expected angularity and the pervasive blackness of the carved lines are suffused with warm hues. The oversized vertical format provides a luxurious context for the art: single, facing pages with plenty of room for a generous surrounding of white, setting off both text and art.

John Warren Stewig
Carthage College

Mora, Pat. Yum! Mmmm! !que rico! : Americas’ sprouting. Lee & Low., 2007. 48 pages. Tr. ISBN 978-1-584-30271-1 $16.99

In a delicious collection of 13 Haiku, Pat Mora welcomes children to the world of food and poetry. The poems draw in the reader and the reader exclaims, “I’ve eaten that, she got it right!” The 13 foods are indigenous to the Americas. We hear about states in North America and countries in South America. Food becomes a universal connection between the old and the new. These foods belong to everyone, and because they are familiar, these Haiku should spark even the youngest students to write their own food Haiku. The sidebar information is informative, but hard to read in the small text. The sidebar information should encourage older readers to want to find out where their favorite foods come from. Mora shows how foods have traveled form their place of origin out into the big wide world by giving the background information. It reminds us that we are all alike in many ways, because we share a love of food. The illustrations will bring in everyone, the joy and exuberance in the people makes this a very welcoming book for even the youngest of children. Preschoolers will sit still for the poems while looking at these pictures. Preschool through elementary school age children will be inspired by the inviting illustrations and delicious poems.

Lisa Langsdorf
Children’s Librarian
Kenosha Public Library

Munari, Bruno. Bruno Munari's Zoo . Chronicle Books, 2005.

Kudos to the publisher for making available once again an important book in the history of American picture book development. Originally published in l963, the art remains impressively fresh and arresting to the eye. The informally painted, vividly colored animals create unexpected patterns on pages with much white space for contrast.

The single sentences on each page are less important than the bold block shapes, which are abstract rather than realistic. Rather than trying to tell a lot in words about each animal, Munari strives for a single thought which captures the essence of an animal.

The page design is arresting: for the fox, two different width horizontal blue panels splotched with green bisect the wide lattice-lacy horizontal sweep of fence across the double spread. Would that some artists today, whose pages weary the eye with too much detail, could create such minimalist pages to such maximum effect. Mies VandeRohe was right: "Less is more."

Sometimes Munari (l907-l998) shows the entire animal (the porcupine) while the lion is depicted so close up that the head allows space only for part of a paw and two tiny butterflies.

The crisp white endpapers are an effective foil for the cover (a different design than the jacket). The bold black cage bars of the jacket contrast effectively with the more delicate scale of the restraining cage wire on the cover.

The elegant simplicity of this book isn't widely emulated in picture books today and it would be useful to share this with children, asking them to talk about what they see. Comparing and contrasting this with contemporary books, often full to the page edge edge with (often fussy) details, and lacking appropriate white (blank) space, can expand children's aesthetic sense, albeit intuitively.

John Warren Stewig,
Carthage College