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July 1, 2011

In this Article

Nonfiction

BARDEN, Stephanie. Cinderella Smith.illus. by Diane Goode. 154p. CIP. HarperCollins. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-06-196423-7. LC 2010015980.
Gr 3-5–Josephine-Kathryn Smith just can’t seem to keep track of her shoes, earning her the nickname “Cinderella.” Most of the time her propensity to lose footwear is just an annoyance, but it’s a different story when she misplaces one of her new ruby-red tap shoes–they are a necessity if she wants to keep the hard-earned role of Pumpkin Blossom Fairy in the autumn dance recital. On top of that, Cinderella is dealing with some social drama. Her usual group of friends, led by bossy Rosemary T., seems to forget about her when cool, new Erin dazzles everyone in their class. Instead of being roped in by Rosemary T., though, Erin gravitates toward Cinderella. Their close camaraderie sends Rosemary T. through the roof, and her jealous reaction may give readers a clue as to the whereabouts of the wayward tap shoe. The light drama gives readers a nonthreatening environment in which to explore how to deal with friendship difficulties, and they will root for the likable Cinderella from start to finish. Loose, cheerful line drawings pepper the pages, adding to the overall upbeat feel of the book. This is a competently told, solid choice for libraries that are looking to expand their selection of contemporary realistic fiction, but it doesn’t stand out among the growing clutch of books about spunky girls with unusual names.–Amy Holland, Irondequoit Public Library, NY

BARNHOLDT, Lauren. Hailey Twitch and the Campground Itch.Bk. 3. illus. by Suzanne Beaky. 144p. Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. 2011. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-2446-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–Hailey Twitch is back with her invisible fairy friend who is always getting her into heaps of trouble. This time Hailey and Maybelle are off to a campground with her parents, her friend Addie, her sister Kaitlyn, and her sister’s friend Maya. Hailey and Addie make s’mores and play at the arcade and on the beach. Unfortunately, they also have to face some problems with Maya, who is always mean to Hailey. Meanwhile Maybelle is having trouble controlling her “magic,” which leads to some funny moments including dumping all of the clothes out of Maya’s suitcase and turning her hair green. But when Kaitlyn and Maya sneak off to a tree house at night and get stuck, Hailey and Maybelle are the only ones who can help them. Youngsters who enjoy Ramona, Judy Moody, and Clementine will get a kick out of Hailey Twitch. Humorous black-and-white spot art appears throughout. Sure to be a hit among young chapter-book readers who can’t get enough fairy books.–Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH

BASTEDO, Jamie. Free as the Wind: Saving the Horses of Sable Island.illus. by Susan Tooke. unpaged. CIP. Red Deer. 2011. pap. $10.95. ISBN 978-1-88995-446-5. LC C2010-900202-4.
K-Gr 2–In 1960, children wrote letters asking the Canadian Prime Minister to save the horses living on Sable Island, off the coast of Nova Scotia. They were being captured and sold for dog food. The story is believably told through the eyes of young Lucas, whose family is about to move since his father’s job as superintendent of the island has ended. Lucas has grown attached to a wild, old chestnut stallion he calls Gem. When he learns the fate of the animals, he wants to save them, so he starts a letter-writing campaign, and everyone in school joins in. The writing style of this well-told story draws readers into the urgency of the horses’ situation. The plot develops quickly. Tooke’s realistic, painterly artwork follows the story line well and places readers on the island. The historical background is summarized on the inside front and back covers. This selection will be popular with children who enjoy horse stories, and teachers could easily use it as an example of how children can be empowered to make a difference in the world.–Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH

BIEDRZYCKI, David. Me and My Dragon.illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Charlesbridge. July 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-278-0; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-279-7; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-309-7. LC 2010023527.
K-Gr 2–A boy explains that he wants a dragon for a pet–a small, red fire-breathing dragon with blue eyes from Eddie’s Exotic Pets. He would name him Sparky, construct a cardboard castle for him, and feed him Sizzles ’n’ Bits Dragon Chow. A marvelous spread shows the youngster pushing his pet off a cliff to teach him to fly, while another features the flying dragon with collar and leash hovering above the child on one of their daily walks. Sparky could light birthday candles, clear snow from neighbors’ driveways, and frighten away bullies. Though he might incinerate kites sharing the spring sky with him, he would be a hit at school on show-and-tell day. The Adobe Photoshop artwork abounds with expressions of surprise and alarm when others see the dragon. A favorite book, Knight Boy, provides inspiration for the narrator’s reverie and is the source of not-so-scary bedtime stories, which Sparky reads himself after the boy falls asleep. The monochromatic art on the front endpapers offers a realistic basis for the boy’s imaginings, and the back endpapers extend the story. While the brief text is a boon for early readers, this clever, funny book will delight young dragon lovers at storytimes.–Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

BLAKE, Stephanie. A Deal’s a Deal.tr. from French by author. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Random. July 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86901-3; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96901-0. LC 2010021016.
PreS-K–In this sequel to I Don’t Want to Go to School! (Random, 2009), Simon the Super Rabbit is still sporting his mask and cape. But this time, he trades toys with a friend. After some negotiation, Ferdinand has three cars to Simon’s one. When Simon’s newly acquired possession breaks in half, he reneges on the deal, telling Ferdinand that he left something in his red car, so Ferdinand wants it back. Sticking his finger in it, he finds a booger, leaving readers either disgusted or delighted. The simple illustrations in bold colors have some appeal, but most youngsters will feel that the plot falls short.–Lindsay Persohn, Crystal Lake Elementary, Lakeland, FL

BOYER, Cécile. Woof Meow Tweet-Tweet.tr. from French. illus. by author. unpaged. Seven Footer. 2011. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-934734-60-5. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–Boyer investigates the habitats and activities of a dog, cat, and bird, calling on readers’ imaginations by using onomatopoeia in the place of images while observing the animals’ differences. Readers see a “WOOF” coming from a doghouse, playing with its master, chasing a ball, jumping for joy, and even peeing on a wall. “Meow” rests comfortably in a padded chair, leaps to a table, and–with feline grace–sidles effortlessly between goblets. “Tweet-tweet,” unhappy in a cage, soars into the sky, “sings a happy song” in a tree’s branches, leaves a messy “remembrance” on a hat, and meets with other tweet-tweets high on a wire. Halfway through the book, a new narrative follows the three through a possible encounter; an explosion of letters across the spread leaves readers to imagine fur and feathers flying. The book’s unique juxtaposition of text, clean graphic images, and font changes might also encourage older readers, noting its text-as-art or perhaps a few new vocabulary words (e.g., “interior,” “perched,” “encounters”). This simple yet cleverly executed story can be used in multiple ways in various classes and individual settings.–Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

BRADFIELD, Jolly Roger. The Pickle-Chiffon Pie Olympics.illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Purple House. 2011. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-930900-52-3. LC 2010045836.
PreS-Gr 2–In this sequel to Bradfield’s fanciful Pickle-Chiffon Pie (Rand McNally, 1967), Princess Sierra returns home from Princess College with designs to marry cute Prince Charminger. Thinking that curly hair and dimples are no basis for choosing a husband, her father decides to hold the Pickle-Chiffon Pie Olympics. Whoever emerges as the winner of the 10-day athletic competition will marry his daughter. Vowing to drown herself in the moat if she is not allowed to marry the man of her choice, Sierra storms off to stay with Aunt Venetia. Meanwhile, several eligible men, including mean Baron Brotwurst, brawny Peter Picklepicker, and a mysterious knight in black armor, compete in events such as the horseshoe toss (with the horse still attached), the giant climb, the 10-mile bicycle race (minus the bicycles, which have not yet been invented), and, of course, the discus-throw, using pickle-chiffon pies. Bradfield’s outlandish story moves along at a brisk pace until the strong-willed princess eventually gets her way. Bright, splotchy pen-and-ink drawings follow the lighthearted story, although the occasional absence of color in some illustrations is somewhat puzzling. Overall, a fun additional purchase.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

BUDNITZ, Paul. The Hole in the Middle.illus. by Aya Kakeda. unpaged. Hyperion/Disney. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-3761-0. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Morgan has a problem. He has a big round hole in his middle and it makes him feel empty. His friend Yumi tries to help him feel better by making him treats and playing games with him, but the hole will not go away. When Yumi becomes ill, Morgan visits her every day and tries to do nice things for her. He becomes so busy cheering her up that he forgets about the hole, and it shrinks away to nothing but a belly button. Budnitz’s message about friendship and the joy of serving others is clear, but not too heavy-handed. The simple text is printed in a large, child-friendly font on top of Kakeda’s full-page, full-color illustrations. Young readers will find Morgan and Yumi’s world, with its bright, multicolored flowers and red, spotted toadstools, inviting. The children are drawn with curved lines and have faces made of simple shapes. The illustration style is reminiscent of Japanese children’s anime, and will appeal to those who like “Hello Kitty.”–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

CAMPBELL, Eileen. Charlie and Kiwi: An Evolutionary Adventure. illus. by Peter H. Reynolds with New York Hall of Science & FableVision. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2112-7. LC 2010042905.
Gr 1-4–This story was written to supplement a traveling exhibit by the New York Hall of Science. Young Charlie is assigned to write a report about a bird. He selects the kiwi and sets out to learn why it has such unusual traits. The story becomes fantastic when a toy kiwi that inspired the project comes to life and invites Charlie on a time-travel adventure back to 1860. The boy meets his Great-Great-Great-Grandpa Charles Darwin, and together they travel back 30 million years to the time of the first kiwis. Darwin enlightens Charlie about his theory of natural selection by viewing the birds and their adaptations. Charlie and his grandpa then travel farther back to the days of the dinosaurs where they witness feathered reptiles. Together they arrive at the conclusion that the first birds were dinosaurs. Upon his return to the present, Charlie presents his conclusions to his classmates and Darwin has a new idea to ponder. This book would be a nice addition to units on evolution, and it has merit as a good reinforcement for the concepts introduced in the exhibition, but for general use, children might prefer to visit the exhibit online and hear the book narrated with animation. The digital-cartoon illustrations are sufficient to support the text but are not impressive.–Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT

CASANOVA, Mary. The Day Dirk Yeller Came to Town.illus. by Ard Hoyt. 40p. CIP. Farrar. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-31742-3. LC 2009024671.
K-Gr 2–A small Western town quakes in terror at the arrival of the notorious outlaw, Dirk Yeller. Unable to fulfill his demands, adults frantically refer him to someone else, until young Sam finds a solution to Yeller’s difficulties. The child understands about being fidgety and jumpy because he often feels that way himself. He asks Yeller, “If I can show you how to stop your itchin’ and twitchin’ and your jumpin’ and rattlin’–will you promise to leave our town in peace?” Suspiciously, Yeller agrees. The solution lies at the public library, where librarian Miss Jennie finds just the right book to sooth Yeller’s restless nature. Terrific watercolor and pen and ink illustrations provide plenty of visual humor. Sure to be hit at storytime, this Wild West tale will keep children laughing as it delivers its message about the power of books.–Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA

CASTILLO, Lauren. Melvin and the Boy.40p. Holt. July 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8929-5. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–An unnamed boy longs for a pet. At the park he finds a turtle that, unlike other proposed pets, is not too big, not too much work, and not too noisy. His parents allow him to bring Melvin home, but he stays in his shell and shows no interest in playing or taking a walk, although he does seem to enjoy swimming in the bathtub. The child concludes, “I don’t think Melvin likes it here. I wonder if he misses his friends….” Next morning, the family members return Melvin to the park and make plans to visit him there. The story demonstrates the incompatibility of a wild animal with a human household and encourages readers to enjoy these creatures in their natural habitats. Acetone transfer with markers and watercolor are used to create opaque, thick-lined sketches with a charming old-fashioned feel. The narrator lives in an urban multicultural neighborhood that has a timeless look to it. The simplicity of the illustrations effectively conveys the straightforward story. This is a realistic and useful look at human/animal interactions.–Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children’s Library at Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

CHACONAS, Dori. Cork & Fuzz: The Swimming Lesson.illus. by Lisa McCue. 32p. (Viking Easy-to-Read Series). CIP. Viking. 2011. RTE $13.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01281-7. LC 2010033297.
PreS-Gr 2–Chaconas and McCue have come through again with another sweet, slice-of-life story. The portrayal of young friendship is pitch-perfect, even though the friends happen to be a possum and a muskrat deliberating over whose house they will go to. Fuzz is afraid to swim and therefore unable to visit Cork, who lives in the middle of a pond. Cork is afraid to climb trees and therefore unable to visit Fuzz. An ingenious plan sends Fuzz out on a tree limb with hopes of lowering himself onto Cork’s little island, but a mishap lands him right in the water. Expressions of worry and concern are conveyed beautifully in McCue’s endearing illustrations. Chaconas provides a heartwarming model for friends of all ages who need to be there for one another in times of crisis but, more importantly, to negotiate and compromise on the smaller issues of everyday life.–Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

CHILD, Lauren. My Best, Best Friend.based on script by Carol Noble. illus. by author & Tiger Aspect Productions. unpaged. (Charlie and Lola Series). Dial. July 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3586-6. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 1–Lola and Lotta are best best friends–until Evie moves to town. Lola feels left out as she watches her friend playing and spending lots of time with the new girl. Not to worry, though. By the end of this saccharine tale, Lola and Lotta are reunited with a little help from Charlie. No real lesson about friendship is clearly defined. This “based upon” book does not maintain the witty charm of Child’s original creations. While it may draw fans of the TV series, it remains an additional purchase for most libraries.–Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

CLARKE, Jane. Gilbert the Hero.illus. by Charles Fuge. unpaged. Sterling. 2011. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-8040-0. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K– Gilbert the shark takes his little brother, Finn, out to play despite his friend Rita’s complaints that the youngster will be no fun. The “sea-saw” catapults the younger fish too far and too hard. Finn takes a kick to the stomach by a sea urchin shell being used as a soccer ball. He eventually finds some fun in a seaweed swing, but that’s boring for the older fish. When another fish zooms by on a skate fish, Gilbert and Rita take off on the skate. Along comes a gigantic whale, looking for lunch. Gilbert manages to free his brother from the swing one step ahead of the creature, and they hide out in a sunken boat. The whale chomps down on it, gets a mouthful of splintered wood, and retreats. Then Gilbert turns to tell Rita and Finn that the whale has gone, but can’t find them. They’re just hiding and emerge with a big “Boo!” That’s their version of “tide-and-seek,” a game that even Finn can play. The story depicts the universal frustration older children often feel when a younger sibling tags along. The mostly green illustrations are ink and watercolor with minimal details of underwater life. Gilbert’s fans will enjoy this new title.–Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

CONAHAN, Carolyn. The Big Wish.illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Chronicle. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-7040-5. LC 2010027353.
K-Gr 2–Molly’s yard is full of dandelions. The mayor, who lives next door, thinks that it’s a weedy disgrace and sends her grandson over to mow. He reports back that Molly is waiting for the dandelions to turn into wish-puffs for a world-record-breaking wish. Pretty soon the whole town is involved in making wishes. When a hailstorm threatens the almost-grown wish-puffs, the friends and neighbors pull together to help save them. But whose wish will Molly choose as the best one for the World Record Wish? The plot and illustrations work together beautifully. Dialogue appears in speech balloons, which serves to emphasize the individuals speaking, but they all blend together in the backgrounds of the illustrations. Conahan’s watercolor illustrations are the real stars of this book. They are soft and dreamy, just right for a book about wishes, yet they are sharp enough to capture facial expressions as Molly tries to decide on the one, special wish. A great story about community and what happens when people all decide to work together.–Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ

COOK, Eileen. Wishes for Beginners.Bk. 2. 146p. (Fourth Grade Fairy Series). S & S/Aladdin. 2011. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9812-9; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9815-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–Willow Doyle, who comes from a long line of fairy godmothers, is doing well blending in at her humdrum school. She has a BFF and a dog, and she finally gets to grant her first wish. Or she would if things didn’t keep going wrong. When popular Miranda invites her, but not her friend, to sleep over, Willow decides to keep the invitation a secret from Katie. Meanwhile, Miranda’s loose tooth threatens to ruin her cousin’s wedding and forces Willow into a visit with the dreaded tooth fairy. When she tries using her magic to solve the problems, things don’t turn out quite the way she’d hoped. A humorous, lighthearted adventure with some true-to-life lessons, this is a charming addition to the series. Kids will love the fairy magic, talking animals, and hilarious mix-ups. Recommend to fans of Barbara Park’s Junie B. Jones.–Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library, AZ

COOK, Lisa Broadie. Peanut Butter and Homework Sandwiches.illus. by Jack E. Davis. unpaged. Putnam. July 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24533-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–Martin MacGregor is having a string of bad luck with his strict substitute teacher. No matter how hard he tries, his homework is never handed in clean and on time. The dog eats it, his mom washes it, or the wind blows it away and, as a result, Martin misses recess every day. As the week winds down, his dad encourages him to make up and complete a homework assignment that interests him. Martin had been looking forward to meeting Harriett, his teacher’s pet tarantula, so he studies tarantulas, obsessively integrating them into every part of his life, including meals and pet play. When Mr. Elliott returns the next week, Martin is happily surprised (though readers won’t be) by the class assignment to study and collect information about tarantulas; the best work will be rewarded with a home visit by Harriett. Though no new ground is broken here, Cook effectively deals with the frustrations of children faced with intractable authority, and Davis’s colorful pencil and acrylic cartoon illustrations serve the material well.–Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

COSTELLO, David Hyde. Little Pig Joins the Band.illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Charlesbridge. July 2011. RTE $14.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-264-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-307-3. LC 2010007582.
PreS–Little Pig would like to be called by his given name, Jacob, as he doesn’t appreciate the way his nickname is a constant reminder of his diminutive size. One day, while visiting their grandfather, he and his four older siblings come across a box filled with Grandpa’s old marching-band paraphernalia. Finding the tuba, trombone, drum, and trumpet too large for him, Little Pig looks around for something smaller, such as a kazoo or harmonica. He can’t find anything his size and feels left out of the fun. As he sits watching and listening to his brothers and sisters play the various instruments, he realizes that they don’t know the first thing about being a marching band. He retrieves a whistle, baton, and red cap from the box and takes charge of the motley crew. Under his direction, the foursome, plus Grandpa, are soon marching in step and playing a tune together. Being at the head instead of the customary tail end makes him proud, and he realizes that even the littlest among us can make a big impact. The author’s appealing ink and watercolor illustrations vary in size and will hold readers’ attention as they adeptly convey the piglet’s emotional journey.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

COULOUMBIS, Audrey. Lexie.illus. by Julia Denos. 200p. CIP. Random. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85632-7; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95632-4; ebook $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89322-3. LC 2010020751.
Gr 3-5–Spending time at the beach house on the Jersey shore is filled with tradition and ritual, and 10-year-old Lexie has always loved it–until this year. It’s the first summer after her parents’ divorce, and everything has changed, especially when she discovers en route that she and her dad won’t be alone. He neglected to tell her that his new girlfriend and her sons will be spending the entire week with them. Lexie finds herself sharing a small space with a woman who doesn’t know the house rules and who sounds whiny; an adolescent boy; and an eternally grubby preschooler. She also sees a side of her father that is new to her. Lexie makes a keenly observant narrator, a believable only child who has spent much more time around adults than the average kid. Tuned in to emotions, both hers and those of the people around her, she makes a fine reporter as the two families work toward creating a new kind of normal. The characters seem remarkably real. Each one is flawed but also, by turns, warm, sympathetic, and likable. The action is largely interpersonal, yet the depiction of the ebb and flow of family life by an insider turned observer is a memorable testament to its importance in our lives. Readers will continue to think about Lexie’s family and their own long after reading the last page.–Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library District, Elgin, IL

CRAIG, Lindsey. Farmyard Beat.illus. by Marc Brown. unpaged. CIP. Knopf/Borzoi. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86455-1; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96455-8. LC 2010016123.
PreS-K–Craig and Brown, creators of Dancing Feet! (Knopf, 2010), have produced another toe-tapper starring a cast of jubilant farm animals. The creatures can’t sleep because “they got that beat.” The chicks begin the party, waking the sheep. Soon the cat, cows, and dog join in on the fun. The residents of the farmyard make quite a racket. “Peep! Peep! Peep-peep-peep!” chirp the chicks. “Puuurrrr! Mee-ooow!” says the cat, while Hank, the dog, “How–wooooo!’s” and the cows “Swish!” and “Clank!” as they frolic. When the owl gives a warning, the dancers suspend the festivities for a breathless moment and Sue, the young farmer, approaches. Luckily, she can’t resist the beat, and everyone dances until “they fall in a heap! Asleep!” Brown’s cheerful collage illustrations enliven the rhyming verse. Each spread features a variety of shapes, textures, and patterns. The smiling characters, constructed from geometric shapes of hand-painted paper, cavort over the verdant lawn against a shadowy background of deep blue stripes. Pair this syncopated title with another comical barnyard story, Doreen Cronin’s Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type (S & S, 2000), for a fun-filled bedtime storyhour.–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

DANNEBERG, Julie. The Big Test.illus. by Judy Love. unpaged. CIP. Charlesbridge. July 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-360-2; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-361-9; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-299-1. LC 2010022762.
K-Gr 2–Mrs. Hartwell’s students have been working hard all year, but they are not sure they can deal with the Big Test. The week before it is slated, their teacher tells them they have just a few more things to learn. They need to know how to sit still for long periods of time, how to fill in the bubbles on the answer sheet, and how to follow directions. At each turn, the kids worry and get headaches, stomachaches, and other maladies. On Thursday, Mrs. Hartwell lines up her class and marches them down the hall to the library. The sign on the door says, “Library Closed: Students Testing.” But inside it’s a test party. The students get to play and relax and eat. This works so well that no one is sick anymore and they breeze through the actual Big Test on Friday. The illustrations, done in ink and transparent dyes on watercolor paper, are priceless. The children’s faces clearly express all the agony that the situation requires. The youngsters appear to be about second or third graders. This title will be popular in school and public libraries.–Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

DEMAS, Corinne. Pirates Go to School.illus. by John Manders. unpaged. CIP. Scholastic/Orchard. July 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-20629-7. LC 2010031394.
K-Gr 2–What would pirates do at school? The question is answered in rhyming verse and lighthearted cartoon images. With swords neatly hung in the coatroom and parrots echoing a greeting to the teacher, the pirates attack their lessons: “X (marks the spot), Y, Z.” A little art, a storytime about ships at sea, math with “skull” counting manipulatives, treasure maps for show-and-tell, and “walk the plank” on the playground fill the day. The eager-to-learn pirates learn to clean up after their parrots and not to swear (lest they suffer a time-out). Boldly colored scenes in watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil are paired with a nonthreatening ensemble, introducing imaginative readers to a typical school day. Details on each page encourage searching for images associated with these seafaring scoundrels–down to the school bus marked with a skull and crossbones. A humorous read and a general purchase for most libraries.–Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

DIPUCCHIO, Kelly. Gilbert Goldfish Wants a Pet.illus. by Bob Shea. unpaged. CIP. Dial. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3394-7. LC 2010028806.
PreS-Gr 1–At first glance, it would seem that Gilbert Goldfish has it made: castle, treasure chest, and a steady supply of tasty flakes falling from the sky into his bowl. But sadness overwhelms him. Gilbert’s deepest desire is to have a pet of his own, to care for and love. Finding the right one is no easy task for a goldfish, though. The visiting dog is too loud, the mouse too rude (he shuns Gilbert once he determines that the fish is not a big chunk of cheddar), and the fly–well, what happens to the fly is too tragic to talk about. Finally, Gilbert thinks he has found the perfect pet, but readers may fear for his safety. Will all end in happiness or a calamity? The clever text stands on its own, but Shea’s bold, expressive illustrations elevate this title to a higher plane. Wavy orange endpapers establish the watery setting and bright palette. Gilbert exudes emotion, whether love, horror, or sadness. With its mix of humor, mild shock (that fly again), and surprise ending, Gilbert Goldfish is a perfect choice for storytime and bedtime.–Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR

DODD, Emma. Meow Said the Cow.illus. by author. unpaged. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-31861-7. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–When Cat is awakened by the barnyard’s raucous rooster, he grumpily decides to use a little magic to solve the problem. The next thing readers know, the rooster opens his beak and all that comes out is “Squeak, squeak, squeak.” With that spell working well, Cat soon mixes up the sounds of the other farmyard denizens, resulting in mayhem everywhere. The animals soon realize who is at fault and demand their voices back. Cat succeeds at reversing the spells, except for one. The rollicking text is paired with large, colorful digitally produced art that has the kinetic animals fairly popping off the spreads as they figure a way out of their dilemma. Varied perspectives keep the action going, and the text is integrated flawlessly into the art. While the reason behind the magic is a bit obscure, young readers will appreciate the frolic and fun and the saucy cat’s comeuppance at the end.–Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

DURAN, Teresa. Benedict.tr. from Spanish by Elisa Amado. illus. by Elena Val. unpaged. CIP. Groundwood. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-098-7. LC C2010-903597-6.
K-Gr 1–Benedict is a little devil, literally, who is tired of living in a place where everything is red hot. To escape the monotony, he coils his pointed scarlet tail and leaps into the North Pole, where everything is white. This is a nice change of pace, but it’s much too cold for the tiny horned youngster. He winds up his tail and “Sproing!” leaps again into a landscape of another color with its own difficulties: the desert is too dry while the jungle is too humid. After changing locales and their associated colors several times, he finally discovers the sea to be a wonderful temperature and quite soothing in its blueness and undulating waves. However, as he is about to be inundated with family and friends, the text states: “But watch out. Every now and then he coils his tail….” The story won’t hold children’s attention beyond one reading. The vibrant illustrations, which warrant close scrutiny as they incorporate an interesting variety of mediums, are the highlight of this slight tale.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

DURAND, Hallie. No Room for Dessert.illus. by Christine Davenier. 192p. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0360-4. LC 2010022039.
Gr 2-4–Eight-year-old Dessert Schneider feels neglected and unappreciated by her busy family. When her teacher announces an invention contest to honor Thomas Edison, she decides that a brilliant idea will get her all the attention she needs, and she sets her sights on winning. Despite her hard work, though, her Vending Dresser is defeated by the two-headed lemonade gun. Fortunately, Dessert’s parents finally realize that their firstborn needs some special time alone with them, and they end up celebrating with her at the family’s fondue restaurant. Dessert’s voice is authentic, and readers will identify with her frustrations, but the overall feel is of an episodic television show, and the characters’ names become a distraction (Mrs. Howdy Doody, Mushy, Wolfie, to name a few). The strongest narrative element is the air of excitement generated by the contest and the friendship that develops between Dessert and an inscrutable new kid. Davenier’s charming black-and-white illustrations interspersed throughout add to the light feel. Purchase this one for fans of the first three books.–Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Charlotte, NC

DURANGO, Julia & Katie Belle Trupiano. Dream Away.illus. by Robert Goldstrom. unpaged. CIP. S & S. July 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-8702-4. LC 2009042301.
PreS-K–A lullaby that a father sings to his son is literally depicted as they sail off together through the blue night sky in a paper boat. Their crew consists of “two pixies, one cur, a winged horse in flight, and a wandering knight.” The Moon is shown as a giant yellow balloon and the sailors soon grab its string. The ride through space shows the planets up close and the constellations as blue creatures playing a ball game. Father and son take a ride on the white-winged horse. “Dream away, dream away, sleepyhead, love./Set sail for the ocean of stars up above./You be the captain and I’ll be your mate./We’ll journey together, the heavens await” is the repeated refrain. The illustrations are oil paint on cotton. They convey a soothing, ethereal atmosphere, but in the very crowded field of bedtime books, Dream Away is nothing special.–Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

EGIELSKI, Richard. The Sleepless Little Vampire.illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-14597-8. LC 2010032096.
PreS-Gr 1–The first picture, framed with cobwebs and twigs set on a plain black background, shows the title character sitting on a bed, holding a Frankenstein doll. “Why can’t I sleep? What could it be? Is it….” On the next page, the text continues, “the spider spitting? THOOP!–THOOP!” The accompanying picture, in a slightly larger frame, depicts the vampire staring at a yellow and blue spider. In this cumulative tale, a few flitting (and flapping) bats soon make an appearance, followed by a werewolf, skeletons, ghosts, and several other scary creatures of the night. The book closes on a satisfying note, with everyone safe and sound. Egielski’s watercolor/ink paintings are superbly executed, with strong colors and bold, expressive lines. They show off the artist’s eccentric sensibility and abound with whimsical details, making this book perfect for the close examination that comes with one-on-one sharing. Meanwhile, listeners will want to chime in on the many sound effects, which are great for library storytimes. Even preschoolers can get in on the vampire craze with this fun offering.–Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

ENGLISH, Karen. Nikki & Deja: Election Madness.illus. by Laura Freeman. 112p. Clarion. July 2011. pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-0-547-43558-9. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–Deja desperately wants to be student body president of Carver Elementary. Ready to pull out all the stops, the third grader immediately enlists her friend Nikki as her campaign manager. Soon Deja is consumed with the idea of winning, even if that means browbeating classmates into choosing her or baking 140 cookies that say “Vote 4 Deja.” It doesn’t even occur to her that Nikki could use her friendship, as her mom and dad are fighting. Can Deja gain control of her competitive ways or will she be her own greatest obstacle in winning the election? Deja is a confident and smart character, but her inability to be a good friend is never resolved. The occasional full-page black-and-white illustrations add a nice touch, especially when Deja is delivering her speech to the class; this particular picture captures her first thread of uncertainty and self-doubt perfectly. Consider for purchase if the series circulates.–Elizabeth Swistock, Jefferson Madison Regional Library, Charlottesville, VA

FISHER, Valorie. Everything I Need to Know Before I’m Five.illus. by author. unpaged. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. July 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86865-8. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–The retro stylings of toy giraffes in bow ties, sheep in wire-rimmed glasses, and colorful rubber ducks make the pictures in this concept book a delight. Fisher covers numbers 1 to 20, opposites, shapes, colors, seasons, weather words, and the alphabet, portraying these concepts with collage photos of amusing objects sure to spark conversations. The cover art, portraying a doll driving a dump truck full of blocks and letters, is likely to hold appeal for both boys and girls. While the book may not contain everything a child needs to know before kindergarten, it’s a great start.–Lindsay Persohn, Crystal Lake Elementary, Lakeland, FL

FLETCHER, Ashlee. My Dog, My Cat.illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Tanglewood. Aug. 2011. Tr $13.95. ISBN 978-1-933718-22-4. LC 2010032919.
PreS-K–In this simple book of opposites, an unseen narrator describes the differences between his (or her) two pets. The dog, as pictured on the left, likes to chew bones, eat steak, be wet, and dig down low. The cat, shown on the recto, likes to chew catnip, eat tuna, be dry, and climb up high. But both pets are also alike sometimes, because they like pizza and their owner. Fletcher outlines the friendly blue dog and orange cat in thick, dark lines and surrounds each picture with a wide squiggly frame. The trim size, simple text, predictable story pattern, and obvious picture clues make this book a fine choice for beginning readers. A good start for a first-time author/illustrator.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

FOLEY, Greg. Purple Little Bird.illus. by author. unpaged. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-06-200828-2. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–Like the feathered hero in P.D. Eastman’s classic Are You My Mother? (Random, 1960), Purple Little Bird sets out on a quest to find where he belongs. He lives in a little purple house. He loves the color, but something is “not quite right.” He wants to find the perfect place to live. On his journey, he encounters a variety of colorful creatures, and the animals all tell Purple Little Bird what is appealing about their home, but none of them is quite right for him. Brown Bear’s den is too dark; Gray Goat’s cliff is too windy; Blue Frog’s pond is too damp. At last, three Pink Possums lead the bird to the perfect place for him, his own little purple house. With the help of his new friends, he transforms his home by painting it the colors of a rainbow. The illustrations feature bold black lines and splashes of two or three colors in each picture. On the last page, all of the animals are shown in their individual habitats on the edge of a circle of green. The childlike simplicity of the art matches the story’s wholesome message about appreciating the security and comforts of home. Shutta Crum’s A Family for Old Mill Farm (Clarion, 2007) and Anika Denise’s Bella and Stella Come Home (Philomel, 2010) treat the same theme in more detail.–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

FRAZIER, Craig. Bee & Bird.illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-660-2. LC 2010013012.
K-Gr 1–Bee hitches a ride with Bird for his journey home in this wordless picture book in which objects are not always what they seem. Frazier tells the story of the friends’ trip by introducing their mode of transportation on one page and expanding on it on the next as they travel by way of a tree in a pickup truck, the back of a cow in a pasture, a white sailboat in a pond, and in a bicycle basket until they arrive at the bee’s hive. Frazier’s crisp, bright primary colors and strong use of line and geometric shapes create unique perspectives that keep readers wanting to see where Bee and Bird will end up next. A guessing game evolves as a view of wide black-and-yellow stripes with a hint of red zooms out with the turn of a page to become Bee and Bird; wavy blue lines become a pond; a large white triangle becomes a boat’s sail. This engaging picture book is ideal for a one-on-one lapsit and will be enjoyed by youngsters who are attracted to the brilliant colors and mysterious patterns.–Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

FUGE, Charles. Astonishing Animal ABC.illus. by author. unpaged. Sterling. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-8645-7. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–This concept book matches letters of the alphabet with interesting animals. A jolly jackal looks on as “joyful, jumping mice” cavort on a jello mold, a mouse asks the cost of a mammoth, and a vulture visits a vet that is a Viking vole. Each spread features capital letters in red and a lively scene involving interactions with one to four animals. The letter C is used to describe a “cosy cobra curled up in a comfy chair.” Its eyes are closed, its tail is in a checkered slipper, and parts of its body are wrapped around a teddy bear and a hot drink. N, O, and P feature an outraged owl being forced off a dock by a pirate penguin, a panther, and a narwhal. The rhyming text is abundant with adjectives and alliteration. Fuge’s animals communicate a variety of emotions (fear, happiness and worry), but when they gather together to see the animal that starts with the letter Z zoom past them, they all look surprised. Readers will likely express a similar sentiment.–Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada

GALL, Chris. Substitute Creacher.illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Little, Brown. July 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-08915-9. LC 2010019758.
K-Gr 2–Misbehaving kids meet their substitute–a one-eyed, green-tentacled monster that spouts rhyming cautionary tales of mischievous miscreants. There’s Keith, who ate so much glue that random objects started sticking to him; Sara, who stuffed her desk so full of junk that it eventually exploded; Chris, a bully who stole candy from other kids and as punishment was turned into…the monster they see before them. As he gives away the last of the candy he stole long ago, the Substitute Creacher sheds his green skin, turning back into a boy and returning to his long-lost home in the past. Gall’s illustrations are colorful and catchy with their comic-book style, but the tone of the text veers wildly from gleeful cautionary tale to maudlin sob story, and the result doesn’t quite gel.–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

GARLAND, Michael. Miss Smith Under the Ocean.unpaged. further reading. Dutton. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42342-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-4–During a trip to the aquarium, Miss Smith (think Mo in Inkheart) opens her Incredible Storybook and in a flash her class teleports to the Owl and the Pussycat’s pea-green boat. Through shipwrecks and storms, the children literally run into the likes of Moby-Dick, Robinson Crusoe, the Little Mermaid, Gulliver, and Captain Nemo in his forever-at-sea Nautilus and complete an episodic journey from the death-churning sea to the safety of a ship. Garland’s brightly hued, computer-rendered illustrations fit the aesthetic of gaming kids today. So does the action-packed plot. For the other great elements of fiction and picture-book art, grab your spyglass and look elsewhere. This offering is great for libraries peddling the classics to their students and looking to dazzle bored kids, but it’s a far cry from classic picture books that beg to be read and read again.–Sara Lissa Paulson, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City

GEORGE, Lucy M. Back to School Tortoise.illus. by Merel Eyckerman. unpaged. Albert Whitman. July 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-0510-6. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Summer ends, and Tortoise must go back to school. Wearing a red cap and a purple scarf, his apple and notebook securely in his backpack, he sets off through the woods. As he walks, he worries about tripping and falling, about a lunch he might not like, and about kids who might be mean to him. When he arrives, he sits down on the steps, unable to go inside. Then his face brightens as he imagines eating his favorite lunch and making new friends. Taking a deep breath, he opens the door and bravely greets the other animals, who shout back “Good morning, Mr. Tortoise.” While back-to-school jitters are certainly not limited to children, the problem here is that Tortoise is much the same size as Rabbit, Bird, Cat, Frog, and Pig, and nothing about his appearance suggests that he is an adult. The cartoon illustrations are done in pastels and enlarge the brief text. Tortoise’s sweet face is expressive, and his worries are the same that many children feel on that first day. Still, a more reassuring story for the faint of heart might be Kevin Henkes’s Wemberly Worried (Greenwillow, 2000).–Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

GIFF, Patricia Reilly. Flying Feet.Bk. 3. illus. by Alasdair Bright. 71p. (Zigzag Kids Series). CIP. Random/Wendy Lamb Bks. 2011. Tr $11.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73887-3; PLB $14.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90754-5; pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85911-3; ebook $4.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89637-8. LC 2010022645.
Gr 2-4–The latest adventure at Zelda A. Zigzag School stars Charlie, a budding inventor. At the after-School program that provides the setting for the various adventures of the series, a teacher asks Charlie and a few others to participate in a “Come as a Character Day.” They have trouble getting their classmates excited about it, even though parents and the retired principal herself have been invited to attend. Meanwhile, two flat tires stifle the janitor’s task of bringing unwanted junk to the dump, resulting in a pile left out on the playground. When the teacher organizing the event gets sick, Charlie uses the pile of junk, a bit of invention, and a lot of creativity to put on a spectacular show. The short chapters and engaging story lines will motivate developing readers to learn more about the cast of characters. Spot illustrations throughout help bring the action and kids to life.–Amy Commers, South St. Paul Public Library, MN

GRANDITS, John. Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break if You Want to Survive the School Bus.illus. by Michael Allen Austin. 32p. CIP. Clarion. July 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-618-78822-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-4–Nervous to ride the bus on the first day of school, Kyle is armed with his older brother’s survival rules: never sit in the first row or the last row, never make yourself stand out, never make eye contact, never touch anyone’s stuff, never talk to big kids or to girls, never mess with the bully or the bus driver, and never be the last one on the bus. Following his brother’s instructions is a lot harder than he thought and poor Kyle ends up breaking every rule. But, to his surprise he doesn’t get laughed at, yelled at, pushed around or pounded, and the big kids don’t steal his lunch, his money, or his football card collection. Instead, he makes a new friend, bonds with the bully, and convinces the driver to drop the kids off across the street away from the scary dog. The large, full-page acrylic illustrations constantly shift perspectives and points of view, adding energy, vivacity, and animation. Readers also gain insight into Kyle’s wild imagination as he pictures himself as a zebra at a lion party and envisions the big kids as grizzly bears, the girls as mean snakes, and the bus driver as a vulture. Seasoned bus riders, and anyone who has been misguided by an older sibling’s advice, will certainly enjoy this outrageously humorous, well-told story. However, youngsters nervous about riding the bus might want to wait until after they have overcome their fears to read it.–Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

HELLER, Linda. How Dalia Put a Big Yellow Comforter Inside a Tiny Blue Box: And Other Wonders of Tzedakah.illus. by Stacey Dressen McQueen. unpaged. CIP. Tricycle. Aug. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-58246-378-0; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-1-58246-402-2. LC 2010024325.
K-Gr 2–At the community center, pigtailed Dalia and her friends learn about tzedakah boxes, and when she gets home, she makes and decorates one of her own. She earns coins from chores and selling lemonade and adds some of her birthday cash to the box. Her younger brother, Yossi, asks about the box’s contents and she cryptically tells him that it holds: “a big yellow comforter, a butterfly bush, and a banana cream pie.” Delia takes Yossi with her to the community center and they join the other kids and her teacher on a shopping spree and delivery to lonely Mrs. Ross, who delights in her gifts and the company. Many faiths encourage children to save coins for this purpose, so appreciating this tale of giving is not restricted to Jews. McQueen’s flat acrylic and oil pastel artwork celebrates family with scenes of shared labor and stolen kisses. In her afterword, Heller gives a brief history of tzedakah boxes, reminding youngsters that “Even a few pennies can be a wonderful sign of love.”–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

HOPPE, Paul. The Woods.illus. by author. unpaged. Chronicle. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-7547-9. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Pen and soft-hued watercolor illustrations admirably relate the tale of a young boy settling down to sleep. His evening routine is disrupted when he goes to hug his toy bunny but it is nowhere to be found. The child decides there is only one place it might be: the Woods. So, armed with a cape, a sword, a bucket on his head, his book, and a nightlight hung around his neck, the child ventures forth to find his stuffed animal. On his quest, he meets a bear, two pirates, a three-headed dragon, etc., but, though afraid at first, he soon discovers that the various characters aren’t really frightening; they just need something the boy can share to appease them. The refrain “And we weren’t afraid at all. Until… we ran into…” is repeated several times throughout the adventure, making this an entertaining selection. Readers looking for bedtime stories or tales involving sharing, bravery, or overcoming fear of the dark will be pleased with this endearing tale.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

JANE, Pamela. Little Goblins Ten.illus. by Jane Manning. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. July 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-176798-2; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-176800-2. LC 2010010169.
K-Gr 2–“Over in the Meadow” gets a Halloween makeover in this picture book. Starting with “a mommy monster and her little monster one,” spooky beasties including ghosts, mummies, skeletons, bats, and goblins cavort in the woods while counting from 1 to 10. Manning’s muted blue-green, brown-orange illustrations fill the spreads with kid-friendly monsters, although the zombies are a bit creepy. The lack of numerals on the pages limits the story’s usefulness as a counting book. Libraries in need of monster-filled Halloween tales may consider this as an additional purchase.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

JANNI, Rebecca. Every Cowgirl Needs Dancing Boots.illus. by Lynne Avril. unpaged. Dutton. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42341-6. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Nellie Sue is a cowgirl through and through. But she is a little lonely, so her mom suggests that she meet the three “glitter girls” who have just moved in across the street. When she tries, the two older sisters snub her, making it clear they would rather stick to their ballet. So Nellie Sue tries to welcome them by throwing a “barnyard bash” for the whole neighborhood. When there is a mishap on the dance floor, it is up to Anna, the youngest sister, to find a compromise between a country two-step and ballet. This is a strong story about how to be a friend and how friends meet in the middle. It is sure to appeal to girls who love pink (Nellie Sue is dressed in pink from her hat to her cowgirl boots), sparkly tutus, and accessories. Avril finds innovative ways to combine the ballet and cowgirl themes. Some text blocks are in the middle of a perfectly thrown lasso and clouds are shaped like horses. The illustrations have energy and movement, just like the children depicted.–Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ

JENKINS, Emily. Invisible Inkling.illus. by Harry Bliss. 156p. CIP. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-06-180220-1. LC 2010046238.
Gr 2-4–Hank is about to start school without his best friend, who has moved from Brooklyn to Iowa. While reaching for a lost Lego piece under a sink in his parents’ ice-cream store, the fourth grader discovers something furry, warm, and invisible. The creature introduces himself as Inkling, an invisible bandapat native to the Peruvian Woods of Mystery. The only one of his kind left, he has come in search of squash, the food he needs to survive, having noticed a newspaper ad for Hank’s family’s shop, the Big Round Pumpkin. Inkling often tells lies, so Hank is not sure what to believe. Feeling uneasy about facing school without his buddy, he invites Inkling along, and the bandapat helps him to deal with a bully who steals the best parts of his lunch. Bliss’s humorous cartoon illustrations help move the story along. Young chapter-book readers will relate to Hank’s predicament, enjoy his wild imagination, and wonder whether Inkling is real until the very end.–Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

KATO, Yukiko. In the Meadow.tr. from Japanese by Yuki Kaneko. illus. by Komako Sakai. unpaged. Enchanted Lion. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-108-7. LC number unavailable.
PreS–In this quiet book with little action, Yu-chan enjoys a day with her family exploring a meadow. She steps close enough to admire a butterfly, but it flits away, leaving the youngster ready to pursue the other creatures in this habitat. Soon she is surrounded by tall grasses that tickle her legs. While Kato uses few words, they are well chosen and express the wonders of nature. Onomatopoetic sounds, such as “Boing!” “Swish, swish,” or “scrunch,” as well as descriptive sentences (“the meadow sways like the waves of the sea”), will be like music to a young child’s ears as they paint a picture of what Yu-chan is experiencing. Sakai’s almost impressionistic acrylic paint and oil-pencil illustrations complement the story. Even the endpapers extend the lushness of the greenery in the text. While this book is supplemental for most libraries, there are those children who will appreciate the luscious language and simple sensations.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

KAY, Verla. Hornbooks and Inkwells.illus. by S. D. Schindler. unpaged. CIP. Putnam. July 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-23870-3. LC 2010013070.
Gr 1-4–In energetic quatrains, readers follow brothers Peter and John Paul as they race to their Colonial-era one-room school; line up on benches with boys on one side, girls on the other; and begin the day’s lessons. Alphabet, math, history, and religion fill the instructional time, but recess finds the children outside playing simple games. Modern children may feel lucky as they learn that the Master does not spare the rod and that wearing neck yokes was considered appropriate punishment for misbehavior. John Paul’s delight in his blossoming academic progress will be shared by readers. Watercolor and gouache illustrations bring the boys to humorous life and provide details of the dress and customs of the period. The text and pictures work exceptionally well together. The format of the text does not allow for in-depth explanations but the pictures help fill in the gaps. Appealing visual elements such as quilt squares, illuminated letters, and borders add variety to the overall design of the book. The brownish tones used in the pictures suggest the look of old documents and further enhance the atmosphere of the story. Since this book does not actually explain terms such as “hornbook,” pair it with a nonfiction title such as Marian Broida’s Projects About Colonial Life (Marshall Cavendish, 2003) to help children gain a more complete understanding of the period.–Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA

KULLING, Monica. Merci Mister Dash!illus. by Esperança Melo. unpaged. CIP. Tundra. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-88776-964-1. LC C2010-902060-X.
PreS-Gr 1–Mister Dash is “unlike any hound in town.” Not only does he seem to be an amalgamation of numerous breeds, but he also wears a waistcoat and reads the paper. He enjoys a quiet life with his owner, shopkeeper Madame Croissant. She likes gardening and collecting stamps, while he enjoys sleeping and showing off his fine manners. But each Sunday his world is turned topsy-turvy with the arrival of Madame Croissant’s boisterous granddaughter. She gets on the dog’s nerves, and he does his best to avoid her. However, one Sunday he cannot escape, which proves fortuitous when he saves her from an accident involving a runaway Radio Flyer and a crack in the sidewalk. Whether this leads to an improvement in their relationship is not clear, because the book ends with Mister Dash thinking about how nice the following day will be without Daphne around. The acrylic illustrations humorously portray the dog’s irritation as well as Daphne’s age-appropriate enthusiasm, but otherwise fail to lift the story beyond the framework provided by the text.–Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

KURYLA, Mary. The Next Door Bear.illus. by Eugene Yelchin. unpaged. HarperCollins. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-125925-8. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–This disjointed story about making friends seems unsure of its message and never comes together. Emma is new in the city and waiting for an invitation to run through the sprinklers. A bee chases her into the elevator where an unexpected rear door opens onto a garden full of flowers, and a huge bear growls at her. Back in the elevator, the bear, now dressed in a suit, joins her, and she apologizes for coming uninvited. She tries again to join the other children, but “it was never her turn.” The bear invites her back to the garden where they play in the sprinklers. Emboldened by her time with him, a smile wins her the words: “You’re new. You go first.” The illustrations effectively convey the emotions of the story. On the initial spreads, the children and backgrounds are in shades of blue and gray, while Emma is clothed in vivid pinks and reds. The garden is a riot of color, but upon Emma’s exit, blues and grays take over again. After she befriends the bear, warm colors invade the elevator, and at her ultimate inclusion, the background comes into vivid color. Emma is appealingly portrayed and the children are depicted in constant motion. Unfortunately, the story starts off abruptly, and the reasons for Emma’s initial exclusion and ultimate acceptance are unclear. The implication is that politeness and kindness makes friends, but how it works remains murky and is likely to leave young listeners confused.–Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

LANDRY, Leo. Grin and Bear It.illus. by author. 48p. CIP. Charlesbridge. July 2011. RTE $12.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-745-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-303-5. LC 2010033633.
Gr 1-3–All that Bear wants is to make his friends laugh. He decides that he will do a stand-up routine on the local stage. He practices every morning in front of the mirror and finally gains the confidence to book a performance. The only problem is that Bear has stage fright. He ends up feeling humiliated and runs away, only to encounter a little hummingbird that can make his dream come true. The story is divided into seven chapters and has a lot of words on each page. Even fans of Jennifer Jacobson’s “Andy Shane” books (Candlewick) or Erica Silverman’s “Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa” (Harcourt) may struggle with the text. The concept of having stage fright is something that a lot of children will be able to relate to, but few will be able to solve their problems the way Bear does. The jokes are groaners, similar to the kind you’d find on Popsicle sticks or taffy wrappers, and it’s hard to imagine anyone finding them amusing or clever. The illustrations, done in watercolors, are vibrant but not outstanding. Few children will pick this one up for repeated readings.–Lora Van Marel, Orland Park Public Library, IL

LEWIS, Kevin. Not Inside This House!illus. by David Ercolini. unpaged. Scholastic/Orchard. Aug. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-439-43981-7. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–Always curious, Livingstone Columbus Magellan Crouse loves to explore the great outdoors. Every day, he forsakes the toys in his bedroom to search and spy outside, collecting whatever natural treasures he comes across. His mother complains when he brings home a pocketful of bugs; undeterred, he goes out to find something to replace the unappreciated insects. In the spirit of Laura Numeroff’s If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (Harper & Row, 1985), the situation snowballs, becoming more and more ridiculous. Livingstone Columbus Magellan tracks down successively larger animals, moving on to a mouse and then a pig, sneaking in a moose from the forest and graduating to a circus elephant and then a whale. Poor Mrs. Crouse becomes increasingly perturbed, reprimanding her son in irate rhyme. “Livingstone Columbus Magellan Crouse,/please get that hog out of my house!/I told you twice, but I won’t shout./For the third time, just show it out!” Finally, the woman sighs with relief when her little boy takes the whale and leaves the house. When once again he comes home with a bug, she simply shrugs and hugs him. The precisely composed ink drawing, painting, and Photoshop illustrations, which set the tale in the halcyon age when men wore hats and women donned aprons, add an old-fashioned charm and much humor to the story. Pair this one with Jane O’Connor’s Fancy Nancy: Explorer Extraordinaire (HarperCollins, 2009) to delight young nature lovers during storyhour.–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

LJUNGKVIST, Laura. Follow the Line to School.illus. by author. 32p. CIP. Viking. July 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01226-8. LC 2010041039.
PreS-Gr 2–This book has all of the ingredients for “dialogic reading.” It is practically a user’s guide for how an adult and child can engage in conversation while reading together. As with Ljungkvist’s other “Follow the Line” books, it takes readers through a familiar setting–school–and asks youngsters to find, count, or reply to prompts, such as, “Fred is the class pet. Can you guess what kind of animal he is?” The answers aren’t always as easy as they might seem. This particular book is great for familiarizing pre-kindergarteners with all of the possibilities of an engaging school environment, or for talking about similarities and differences between the artist’s images and a child’s current institution. As readers follow the line from page to page, they encounter areas that may be confined to a classroom, or may have separate quarters, such as the art, music, and eating areas. The clever mixed-media artwork is brimming with familiar artifacts and tools, yet Ljungkvist’s clean-cut Scandinavian style and simplicity of composition keep the pages from being visually overwhelming.–Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID

MCDONNELL, Christine. Goyangi Means Cat.illus. by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher. unpaged. CIP. Viking. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01179-7. LC 2010043325.
K-Gr 3–Soo Min’s adoptive parents do all the right things. They learn and use many Korean words, and they decorate their home in patterns echoing East and West, but the food is strange to the child. So are Apah’s beard and Omah’s light eyes. Luckily, the child has Goyangi. Going home from the park, the library, or her new school is, in Soo Min’s mind, going to the cat. Yet just as her love for the animal seems to ease her acculturation, it runs away. This loss proves too much for her. “She cried for Goyangi. She cried for Korea. So many tears. Omah held her and rocked her.” This story of a small cat’s role in Soo Min’s transition is universal. But what makes this picture book so special is the integration of the Korean transliterated words into the text, and even into the art. There are words painted in Korean on each page, not in boldface, but integrated into the collage and oil illustrations and echoed throughout the story. Youngsters reading this book will learn a handful of Korean words. This title is an inspiration to the depth of communication and shared language that form the basis of cultural understanding.–Sara Lissa Paulson, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City

MCPHAIL, David. Pig Pig Returns.illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Charlesbridge. July 2011. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-356-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-311-0. LC 2010023528.
PreS-Gr 1–In his latest adventure, Pig Pig is invited to travel in a camper across the country with his aunt and uncle. He is not thrilled about this idea and would rather stay home with his mom and his cat, Fluffy. After some persuasion, he decides to go and actually has a lot of unexpected fun. The travelers see things like mountains, hot springs, boulders shaped like elephants, and even a three-legged chicken. In the end, Pig Pig has a great time but worries that Fluffy has forgotten him and that his mom hasn’t missed him. He’s about to break into tears when he’s welcomed home with open arms. The watercolor illustrations are playful and bright. The pigs all dressed up to look like humans add humor. This is a perfect read-aloud and would fit into any summertime or vacation theme. It also would be ideal to share with youngsters who are struggling with the idea of being away from home.–Lora Van Marel, Orland Park Public Library, IL

MALDONADO, Cristina Falcón. 1, 2, 3 Suddenly in Brazil: The Ribbons of Bonfim.ISBN 978-0-7641-4582-7. LC 2010931203.
––––. 1, 2, 3 Suddenly in China: The Sacred Flower.ISBN 978-0-7641-4583-4. LC 2010931206.
––––. 1, 2, 3 Suddenly in Egypt: The Eye of the Horus.ISBN 978-0-7641-4584-1. LC 2010931207.
––––. 1, 2, 3 Suddenly in Mexico: The Protective Jaguar.ISBN 978-0-7641-4585-8. LC 2010931208.
ea vol: illus. by Marta Fàbrega. 36p. (1, 2, 3 Suddenly in Series). glossary. Barron’s. 2011. pap. $7.99.
Gr 2-4–When eight-year-old Martin is given the key to his grandfather’s secret storeroom, he finds a magic necklace that takes him wherever he requests. His first choice is China where he connects with friends of his grandfather, visits the typical tourist destinations, and brings home a small dragon he names “See-me.” The remaining three titles begin in the storeroom and follow the same format with Martin and See-me visiting each country guided by a young friend of his grandfather who lives there. Each title introduces a smattering of historical, cultural, and geographic information. The new-location-per-spread pace results in some awkward transitions, and the full-bleed illustrations fail to add detail to the places visited or the plot. Somewhere between an adventure story and a travel guide, these ambitious titles could serve as introductions to the countries with adult guidance but they will be of limited interest to their intended audience.–Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

MARKLE, Sandra. Race the Wild Wind: A Story of the Sable Island Horses.illus. by Layne Johnson. unpaged. further reading. Web sites. Walker. July 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-9766-7; RTE $18.89. ISBN 978-0-8027-9767-4. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–Approximately 300 wild horses live off the coast of Nova Scotia on Sable Island. There are no answers for how they got there, but Wild Wind is Markle’s imagined story of how they might have survived. Rendered in oils, the realistic illustrations show the beauty and strength of the animals. Life on the island is revealed through the eyes of a young stallion. He’s not used to facing snorting gray seals, eating grass, or running unshod, but he has adapted to his new surroundings. The chill of winter brings death to the island; spring brings new life. But no matter what the season, danger is on the stallion’s mind. He challenges rivals and herds young colts and frantic horses back to safer grounds. The stallion is the hero of this book, but after reading the author’s note, it’s clear that all the horses on the island must have heroic qualities.–Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada

MARTINS, Isabel Minhós. When I Was Born.tr. from Portuguese. illus. by Madalena Matoso. unpaged. Tate, dist. by Abrams. 2011. Tr $10.95. ISBN 978-1-85437-958-0. LC 2010924849.
PreS-Gr 2–A boy describes the many things that were new to him when he was born: “I had never seen the sun or a flower or a face.” He lists sensory experiences and natural wonders, and concludes that there will always be new things to discover, “and that is the most wonderful thing of all!” This quietly philosophical book is unlikely to hold the attention of young children, and those who are older will find the illustrative style too “babyish.” Adults are most likely to appreciate the message about everyday miracles, but even for them the book will not be especially compelling. The blocky, stylized illustrations with their limited palette only partially reinforce the text: the spread that mentions forests, mountains, and beaches only shows the forest; the one about animals with feathers, scales, or hair does not show a scaly example. At one point, the young narrator declares, “My hat is yellow.” However, the child is not wearing a hat; an adult passerby is wearing a yellow hat. At odds with the solemn wonderment of the text is an illustration that includes a giraffe defecating with a loud “THUMP” as an example of “how loud it can be when something falls.” An odd little book that may have lost something in translation.–Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children’s Library at Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

MAYER, Mercer. Little Critter: A Green, Green Garden.illus. by author. 32p. (I Can Read! Series). HarperCollins. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-083562-0; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-083561-3. LC 2010928921.
PreS-Gr 2–Little Critter introduces beginning readers to planting and growing a garden through simple sentences and amusing illustrations. He and his family show children how to select seeds and plants; clear the land; and even how compost, worms, and bugs help a garden flourish. Pair this title with Katherine Ayres’s Up, Down, and Around (Candlewick, 2006), Helene J. Jordan’s How a Seed Grows (Crowell, 1960), and Lois Ehlert’s Growing Vegetable Soup (Harcourt, 1987) for classroom garden units or storyhours.–Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI

MEISTER, Cari. I Love Trees.illus. by Terry Sirrell. 40p. ISBN 978-0-531-26501-7; ISBN 978-0-531-26733-2. LC 2010049915.
OETTING, Judy. Germs.illus. by Tad Herr. 40p. ISBN 978-0-531-26500-0; ISBN 978-0-531-26732-5. LC 2010049912.
TRUMBAUER, Lisa. A Tooth Is Loose.illus. by Steve Gray. 32p. ISBN 978-0-531-26503-1; ISBN 978-0-531-26735-6. LC 2010049892.
ea vol: (Rookie Ready to Learn: First Science: Me and My World Series). CIP. Children’s Press. 2011. PLB $22.; pap. $5.95.
PreS-Gr 2–These three titles all begin with a rhyming section that aims to support new readers with humorous illustrations and a limited number of words per page. Though the name of the series suggests that some science education will be provided on the given subjects, the books have scant facts or are even misleading. For example, the creepy crawlies represented in Germs are delightfully comical to look at, but some young children will walk away actually believing that germs do have “eyes, feet, and tails.” Each book offers a word list to reinforce vocabulary, and the age-appropriate activities in back include songs, counting exercises, fill-in-the-blanks, and picture puzzles. Combining fiction and nonfiction in a single book is a popular trend, and the introductory verses in these titles are indeed engaging. However, the lack of real information makes these titles additional purchases for most libraries.–Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

MENCHIN, Scott. What If Everything Had Legs?illus. by author. unpaged. Candlewick. Aug. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4220-4. LC 2010038719.
PreS-Gr 1–A young girl trudging home with her mom on an urban sidewalk complains of fatigue and wishes their house had legs and could walk to them. So begins a mother/daughter “what if” game in which they imagine apples, rakes, rocks, toys, and other inanimate objects all growing legs and enjoying their new mobility. Now energized by her humorous visualizations, rendered in bold pen-and-ink cartoon drawings that are colored digitally and combined with photographs, the girl arrives home in no time. In a conclusion that kick-starts another imaginative scenario, she wonders: “What if everything had arms?” The simple text and wacky, hybrid illustrations of objects sprouting legs (and arms) combine for an entertaining read-aloud that will engage young children and stir up their own creative juices.–Kathleen Finn, St. Francis Xavier School, Winooski, VT

MESSNER, Kate. Sea Monster’s First Day.illus. by Andy Rash. unpaged. Chronicle. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-7564-6. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–A young sea monster narrates his account of his first day of school as things get off to a rather shaky start. Ernest’s large size makes fitting in difficult and also scares off potential friends. He is snubbed by “private schools” (of fish) and bullied and whispered about by largemouth and smallmouth bass before he finally meets some big sturgeons that don’t swim away. Things look up, yet Ernest still has problems. Then he sees the giant roller coaster, the Diving Dragon, at the lake’s edge and gets an idea to make himself more popular. “With a little imagination and my new friends, this new school was working out just fine.” The mixed-media pictures not only support the sketchy story line, but also fill in the gaps. The bold and lively cartoon artwork provides genuine enthusiasm and humor that seems forced and superficial in the writing. Consider this an additional or supplemental purchase.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

METZGER, Steve. Detective Blue.illus. by Tedd Arnold. unpaged. CIP. Scholastic/Orchard. July 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-17286-8. LC 2010025813.
PreS-Gr 2–Nursery-rhyme characters take on new, but somewhat familiar, roles in this comic-book-style mystery featuring the dedicated flatfoot formerly known as Little Boy Blue. After a typical day starting with cleaning the dish and spoon and making sure Mary’s lamb doesn’t get into school, Detective Blue is approached by a panicked Jack Sprat reporting that Miss Muffet is missing. In panels full of funny details and spoken asides, the gumshoe interviews various denizens of the rhyme scene to track down his quarry. The mystery is solved when a spider reports that Miss Muffet hates curds and whey and went looking for some tasty porridge. Blue finds Miss Goldilocks Muffet fleeing the three bears’ cottage, resulting in a celebratory and satisfying conclusion. Referencing more than 20 nursery rhymes, the madcap mystery will keep children–and adults–intrigued with tiny tips that point the detective and readers in the right direction. The bright, full-color art was created using pencil sketches and Photoshop. Arnold’s typical scribbly and big-eyed characters are a perfect match for the “film joie de vivre” atmosphere (the book is rightly dedicated to Stan Freberg) and even older kids will be unable to resist revisiting favorite rhymes from their childhood. A good bet for most collections.–Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

MILGRIM, David. Eddie Gets Ready for School.illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Scholastic/Cartwheel. July 2011. Tr $8.99. ISBN 978-0-545-27329-9. LC 2010016779.
PreS-Gr 1–From first to final page, Eddie’s every move and achievement is checked off his list as he starts a new day. “Wake up!”–check, “Have a healthy breakfast”–check, “Feed Mr. Chips [the dog]”–check. Eddie moves with independence and confidence to do what he must do to get ready, while readers note that he really just follows his own agenda: “Drink root beer”–check, or as his mother watches—“pour out root beer”–check. This early riser is proud of his ability to get his own breakfast and get dressed, and the sheer joy in his active and imaginative world shines through in his gleeful facial expressions. Bright graphic images with a lack of background detail strengthen a humorous text, presented in a succession of marked checklist items on each page. Readers should not neglect the bits of checklists found on the endpapers (“don’t dilly…don’t dally” or “put on Dad’s shoes…talk like Dad”)—they are worth a look. This is an energetic romp with high appeal.–Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

MOERBEEK, Kees. Count 1 to 10.illus. by author. unpaged. Abrams. 2011. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-9644-1. LC 2010928779.
PreS–The spreads in this colorful pop-up book take readers through the numbers in words and numerals. Large capital letters are set against solid-color backgrounds. The numerals themselves are designed to pop or fold out and up, appearing in their specific number (for example, seven number sevens, along with the word “seven”). Also scattered across the spread are the specified quantity of ladybugs. Counting them is at times a hunt, as some of them are not immediately visible. Charles Reasoner’s One Blue Fish (S & S, 2010) and Salina Yoon’s One Weighs a Ton (Running Pr., 2009) are sturdier movable books.–Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

MORTIMER, Anne. Pumpkin Cat.illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. Aug. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-06-187485-7; PLB $15.89. ISBN 978-0-06-187486-4. LC 2009049899.
PreS-Gr 1–“One morning in May, Cat wondered, ‘How do pumpkins grow?’ ‘I know,’ said Mouse. ‘And I will show you how.’” Mouse proceeds to guide Cat through the various steps and stages, one phase featured on each spread, until October arrives and they are rewarded with a large orange pumpkin. The steps to growing pumpkins have been featured in numerous picture books, including Zoe Hall’s It’s Pumpkin Time! (Scholastic, 1994) and Jeanne Titherington’s Pumpkin, Pumpkin (Greenwillow, 1986); what sets this one apart are the beautifully composed watercolor illustrations. As she did in Bunny’s Easter Egg (HarperCollins, 2010), Mortimer has masterfully captured the texture of her subjects–the softness of the animals’ fur, the scratchiness of burlap bags, the silkiness of delicate flower petals, etc. At times the scenes are viewed in oval frames, giving the impression that one is peeking into these gentle creatures’ private world. A page detailing instructions for growing pumpkins is included. A lovely addition that should be popular in any season.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

MURPHY, Stuart J. Freda Is Found.ISBN 978-1-58089-462-3; ISBN 978-1-58089-463-0; ISBN 978-1-60734-304-2. LC 2010023064.
––––. Write On, Carlos!ISBN 978-1-58089-464-7; ISBN 978-1-58089-465-4; ISBN 978-1-60734-305-9. LC 2010023522.
ea vol: illus. by Tim Jones Illustration. unpaged. (Stuart J. Murphy’s I See I Learn Series). CIP. Charlesbridge. July 2011. RTE $14.95; pap. $6.95; ebook $6.99.
PreS-K–The first title introduces readers to safety strategies for getting help if they get lost, an important proficiency as young children begin to explore the world around them. Important cues are given in bold text and illustrated boxes with simple phrases, such as “stay calm, count to ten, breathe deeply, and stop and think.” In the second title, Carlos learns how to write his name practicing with his friends at school and his mother at home. An alphabet border appears on the bottom of each spread, with the letters that make up his name in orange. Both books have vibrant, playful illustrations featuring animated characters that reinforce the story lines. The highlighted text and expanded captions convey the action. In addition, each book includes “A Closer Look” section that reinforces the concepts addressed and offers parents and teachers discussion questions to explore skills and ideas further.–Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI

MURRAY, Alison. Apple Pie ABC.illus. by author. 32p. Hyperion/Disney. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-3694-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–Murray cleverly uses the alphabet to tell the story of a puppy that yearns for a taste of a girl’s homemade apple pie. Big, bold, uppercase letters introduce each phrase: “apple pie/bake it/cool it/dish it out….” The young canine, with expressive eyebrows over simple black dots for eyes, is determined to get at least a little lick of the pie. The large-font text coupled with just a few words will have preschoolers telling the story themselves after a reading or two. The matte texture of the paper and the suggestion of linoleum prints of block letters are reminiscent of books from the 1950s.There are numerous blue accents on pages that are printed primarily in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Endpapers reinforce the alphabet motif. This book has broad appeal.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

NAPOLI, Donna Jo. The Crossing.illus. by Jim Madsen. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9474-9. LC 2010008368.
Gr 1-3–On a cradleboard on his mother back, what would a baby boy be thinking as he travels across mountains, through forests, and down rivers in 1805? Napoli expertly gets into the mind of Sacagawea’s son. The things that matter to him are grizzly bears, salmon, cougars, elk, and other animals; kind human hands holding him; and hearing a variety of languages. As he describes the sights, sounds, and smells of his incredible journey, he attaches a dreamlike quality to each recollection. His account seems to be fragments of memory stitched together with stories he has been told. The result is a beautiful, atmospheric narrative that explores the possibilities of that momentous expedition. Lewis and Clark are not mentioned by name in the text; his mother, Sacagawea, and his father are the important adults in the boy’s eyes. Madsen’s glowing illustrations, created digitally, employ rich jewel tones. The scenery and clothing have a crackled appearance that suggests an old painting, but each person’s skin is vibrant and smooth, giving an impression of strength regardless of his or her circumstances. The boy grows bigger over the course of the book, implying the passage of time. Children will need nonfiction sources to gain context about Lewis and Clark, but this lyrical picture book will help them understand the journey on a human level.–Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA

NEUBECKER, Robert. Wow! Ocean!illus. by author. unpaged. Hyperion/Disney. 2011. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-3113-7. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Izzy is off on another adventure. This time, she and her family travel to the beach, where the girl and readers can gaze in wonderment at the detail that Neubecker incorporates into his technicolor double-page illustrations. In the same cartoon style as Wow! City! (2004), Wow! America! (2006), and Wow! School! (2007, all Hyperion), this outing weaves text labels with pictures of marine and coastal marvels. The spare text, “wow-worthy” illustrations, and a few foldouts will give youngsters much to look at and discuss as they dive into the ocean world.–Lindsay Persohn, Crystal Lake Elementary, Lakeland, FL
NEWMAN, Jeff. Hand Book.illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. S & S. Aug. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-5013-4. LC 2010007017.
Gr 2-4–From toddler hands clapping to a schoolboy’s keyboard strokes, graduation-hat tosses and hands crossed in frustration over want ads, Newman spotlights the role of hands throughout life. A simple sentence on each page rhymes with a companion page, but sometimes feels forced: “Hands to eat./Hands (and feet.)” The wide circles creating nearly faceless figures are done in ink and permanent marker, predominantly in orange. Later pages present situations of interest to adults, such as meeting a mate: “Hands shake/and hold/and then,/again…,” reinforcing the mature tone. Children originally attracted to the visual simplicity will leave puzzled by the theme.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

OUD, Pauline. Going to the Beach with Lily and Milo.ISBN 978-1-60537-094-1.
––––. Going to the Zoo with Lily and Milo.ISBN 978-1-60537-093-4.
ea vol: tr. from Dutch. illus. by author. unpaged. Clavis. 2011. Tr $12.95. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Lily (a bunny) and Milo (a mouse) are back in two new interactive adventures. In Beach, they must decide which bathing suits, towels, sunscreen, umbrella, toys, footwear, etc., to pack in their wagon. Readers see the choices and are invited to guess which item will be chosen, and by whom. An explanation is then provided for each selection. As Lily is cramming all her stuff into the wagon, Milo is taking things out. The final illustration depicts him with all his things set up for the beach–in the middle of the living room. In Zoo, Lily and Milo go from one enclosure to the next, while the text gives clues and invites youngsters to guess which animals they encounter, with the tagline, “You tell me!” Observant readers will notice Milo’s wagon filling with critters as the story progresses. The conversational texts contain simple ideas presented in short sentences. They tend to be a bit verbose, but get the job done. These simple, colorful stories could be used in storytime, especially Going to the Zoo, or as beginning readers.–Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

PEARCE, Clemency. Frangoline and the Midnight Dream.illus. by Rebecca Elliott. unpaged. Scholastic/Chicken House. Aug. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-31426-8. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–Frangoline is a very good girl, usually. But in the “deepest dark of night,” she sneaks from her room to wreak havoc on the world. “I’ll do exactly as I please! I’m Frangoline!” Ignoring the Moon’s words of caution, “She tore around upon the grass,/Blowing raspberries as she passed.” Next she awakens and scares off a slew of fierce forest creatures, including a bear, a fox, and a skunk. Finally, Frangoline goes too far. She dances upon the churchyard tombstones, waking the ghosts, who then chase her as she makes her escape up the steeple and onto the Moon’s head. From there she apologizes to those she has harassed, and her new friends tuck her safely into bed where she promises to be good, “at least until tomorrow night!” The fun-to-read rhyming text is depicted in various fonts and sizes and is well integrated with the color illustrations. Elliott’s use of texture, detail, clear expressions, and splashes of white creates a spooky atmosphere as befits the story. Children will identify with Frangoline’s wild side and her plan to be good–at least for a while.–Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

PEARCE, Jacqueline. Mystery of the Missing Luck.illus. by Leanne Franson. 62p. ISBN 978-1-55469-396-2. LC 2010941920.
SZPIRGLAS, Jeff & Danielle Saint-Onge. Something’s Fishy.illus. by Dave Whamond. 57p. ISBN 978-1-55469-787-8. LC 2010941958.
ea vol: (Orca Echoes Series). CIP. Orca. 2011. pap. $6.95.
Gr 2-3–Missing Luck features a Japanese girl and her grandmother, Obaachan, who owns a bakery. When the lucky cat statue in the window goes missing, Sara creates signs advertising a finder’s reward, leading people to think that a real animal is missing. Obaachan does not smile now, partly because of the statue, but mostly because business has been slow. Sara convinces her to make special cat-shaped pastries for Saturday and asks her friends to come by the shop. All turns out well as the statue is found and the bakery flourishes. Something’s Fishy features energetic Jamie, who is nuts about sharks. When the teacher asks for class pet suggestions, the second grader lobbies hard for his favorite animal. Instead, Mr. Claxton brings in a betta fish and puts Jamie in charge of it. He is thrilled when he’s invited to play soccer at recess but then remembers Jaws. In a rush, he accidentally drops all the food into the bowl. In an attempt to save the fish from overeating, he sticks his head in the bowl and starts eating the fish food himself. As one would expect (the cover art sort of gives it away), he swallows the class pet. He wrestles with the horrible thing he’s done, but finally admits the truth. He collects all his savings and purchases a new class pet–a gecko–along with crickets for food. In both books, 15 full-page, black-and-white illustrations enhance the text. Additional choices for beginning chapter-book collections.–Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

PERRIN, Martine. What Do You See?tr. from French by Marianne Martens. illus. by author. unpaged. Albert Whitman. 2011. BD $8.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-6712-8. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–This book features cardboard pages with die-cut holes, clean graphic-style images, and contrasting colors and patterns. Readers think they are seeing one thing and then a page turn reveals something else. The high-contrasting colors are great visuals for babies, but as the book progresses the patterns get more complicated and preschoolers will be able to appreciate the meanings behind them and make connections between the objects. Each spread contains minimal text, mainly animal noises and repeating words. This is a book to grow with, seeing something new with each repeated viewing. It is purely a concept book and has no real story line, but it will still be enjoyed every time it is picked up and shared.–Lora Van Marel, Orland Park Public Library, IL

PESCHKE, Marci. Blueberry Queen.ISBN 978-1-4048-6756-7; ISBN 978-1-4048-6615-7. LC 2010030657.
––––. Drama Queen.ISBN 978-1-4048-6757-4; ISBN 978-1-4048-6616-4. LC 2010030656.
ea vol: illus. by Tuesday Mourning. 112p. (Kylie Jean Series). glossary. CIP. Picture Window. 2011. PLB $21.32; pap. $4.95.
K-Gr 2–Kylie Jean lives in Jacksonville, TX, with her parents, brother, and pet bulldog named Ugly Brother. Ever since she was a “bitty baby,” she has dreamed of becoming a beauty queen. As her mother perfects recipes for the Blueberry Festival competition, Kylie decides to enter the contest for pageant queen. She enlists the help of her cousin, and the two girls navigate the Internet without adults and print out an application form that includes the contest rules. The message of the book is very much focused on being pretty, like a princess or angel. In Drama Queen, Kylie Jean starts second grade and learns that the new girl, Paula DuPree, is mean, and that their class will be performing Alice in Wonderland. Kylie has her heart set on playing the Queen of Hearts, but when she learns that Paula has been cast in the role, she settles for being one of four Alices. Kylie Jean accepts her disappointment well, and she and Ugly Brother practice with gusto. When Paula comes down with chicken pox, Kylie Jean gets the part she dreamed of and takes cookies to Paula. The pink and gray illustrations throughout go well with these girly stories. These titles are a good length for early chapter-book readers and will appeal to those girls who like tiaras, ruffled skirts, and lots of pink, just like Kylie Jean.–Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL

PLECAS, Jennifer. Pretend.illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Philomel. 2011. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-399-23430-9. LC 2010019288.
PreS-K–“Pretend,” Jimmy says to his father, “that this couch is a big boat,” kicking off an action-filled journey. Dad takes a little prodding to get into the spirit of the game, but soon he, his son, and the dog are fishing for cookies, throwing magazine “rocks” at sharks, and scanning the horizon for land. Dad draws the line, though, at standing on the “boat.” As the game builds, the details of the living room fade away, leaving the two, and the ever-present pup, on a deserted tropical island. Occasional returns to reality reveal the underpinnings of their game: the stairs become a mountain, and a blanket draped over chairs transforms into a hut. As the game winds down and father, son, and dog rest by an imaginary campfire, Jimmy says, “We can look up at the stars and say, ‘This is the best time ever.’” “Well,” says Dad, “I don’t have to pretend that part. It is the best time ever.” Watercolor and ink cartoons reinforce the light tone and loving relationship. The text is spot-on–honest and loving without sentimentality. No mother is seen or indicated. Her absence means that this title can be added to the slim list of picture books depicting a one-parent household headed by the father.–Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR

PLOURDE, Lynn. Dino Pets Go to School.illus. by Gideon Kendall. unpaged. Dutton. July 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42232-7. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–The boy at the center of this charming story just can’t seem to hit on the right creature to take to “Pet Day.” Luckily he has several to choose from. He brings the tallest, widest, smartest, loudest, spikiest dinosaurs of the lot and each one disrupts the school day in amusing ways. Cheery rhyme schemes resonate throughout: “I brought a dino/for a pet,/the LOUDEST dino/I could get./After I made the introduction,/our whole classroom/needed reconstruction.” Exuberant illustrations bring a sense of whimsy to the story. The facial expressions are both comical and endearing. Children will love the dino baseball game at the conclusion. A spread of “Dino Facts” is appended. With its broad appeal, this silly selection is a great choice for budding paleontologists. Pair it with Elise Broach’s When Dinosaurs Came with Everything (S & S) and Jane Yolen’s How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? (Scholastic, both 2007) to satisfy that age-old question: What if the dinosaurs were alive today?–Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

POWELL, Jillian & Heather Deen. The Lion and the Gypsy.47p. (Skylarks Series). Evans Brothers, dist. by Trafalgar Square. 2011. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-237-53892-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–Halfway between an easy reader and a chapter book, The Lion and the Gypsy tells the tale of a Gypsy named Fatima who uses her cunning to avoid becoming a hungry lion’s dinner. She fools the creature into believing that she has cast a magic spell on him, and she leads him on with her trickery until she is on the other side of the river, safe from his eager jaws. The story reads like a folktale, but the authors explain in an endnote that the idea for it came from Rousseau’s painting at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. There are some instances of really sparkling prose (“The sand lies rippled like folded silk”), and the full-color folk art illustrations add a lovely visual component. The book is a quick, enjoyable read, but probably won’t circulate much without hand-selling. It might be most effective as a teaching tool– it would be useful in explaining how and where authors draw inspiration for their books. It could also be used as a jumping-off point for having children write their own folktales. In short, this title is best suited for use in conjunction with a program, or for individuals with a strong interest in folktales, both new and old.–Amy Holland, Irondequoit Public Library, NY

PULLEY, Kelly. The Cycling Wangdoos.illus. by author. unpaged. Gauthier/Frog Legs Ink. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-9820812-1-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–The Cycling Wangdoos, a racing team, train in the mountains of Tibet. Their six-person bike seats the largest rider in front and the smallest in the back, with a yak mascot on the rear bumper. Things are fine until the smallest rider decides to stop pedaling: “It just isn’t fair for me here in the back/To do quite so much work hauling them and a yak!/ And besides, they’re strong and I’m so very small/If I rested my legs, they won’t notice at all.” Somewhat predictably, other riders follow suit, and they soon suffer the consequences of slacking off and failing to contribute to the team effort, with one notable exception. While some of the rhyming text works, there are spots where it falls into a singsong, overly arch tone. The book has a definite Dr. Seuss flavor but without his seemingly effortless, light touch. The colorful cartoons are fun but not especially memorable. Most collections can pass on this title.–Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

REED, Lynne Rowe. Roscoe and the Pelican Rescue.illus. by author. unpaged. Holiday House. 2011. RTE $14.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2352-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–A boy visits his relatives on the Louisiana Gulf Coast during the summer of 2010 and discovers the disastrous results of the oil spill. The beach is closed, and there are all sorts of wildlife in distress on the shore. The family dog, Roscoe, helps the narrator, his cousin Addison, and his knowledgeable aunt and uncle (who are familiar with animal-rescue procedures) to find the oil-drenched pelicans, turtles, etc., and take them to a rescue station. There, the family helps rehabilitate the animals and eventually returns them to a cleaner ocean environment farther along the coast. Bright acrylic childlike paintings accompany the story. Dedicated to all the people who helped during the spill, the book was vetted by a bird-rescue expert for accuracy. Although simplified, the information is useful for the younger set and serves as a timely look at a serious ecological problem.–Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

RINKER, Sherri Duskey. Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site.illus. by Tom Lichtenheld. unpaged. CIP. Chronicle. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-7782-4. LC 2010025008.
K-Gr 1–After each truck completes its work for the day, it cuddles up and says goodnight. Crane Truck raises one last beam and then hugs his teddy and turns on his nightlight. Cement Mixer gives a final spin before snuggling with his blanket. Dump Truck delivers his last load, closes his eyes, and starts to snore. Bulldozer and Excavator follow suit until the entire construction site is tucked in tight. Lichtenheld’s detailed and textured illustrations, rendered in wax oil pastels on vellum paper, perfectly complement the fun, rhyming text, cleverly personifying each truck with expressive eyes and amusing details. The bright, golden background changes to pinkish red as the Sun begins to set and then to dark blue when the Moon appears. The repeated refrain, “Shh… goodnight, Crane Truck [Cement Mixer, Dump Truck, Bulldozer, Excavator], goodnight,” will invite participation. Recommended for vehicle- and bedtime-themed storytimes, this is sure to be a hit with truck-loving preschoolers.–Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

RIPHAGEN, Loes. Animals Home Alone.unpaged. Seven Footer. 2011. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-934734-55-1. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–This wordless book is a playful romp that shows what happens when the humans are away. On the title page, a father and daughter walk out of their tidy home. A cat dozes on an easy chair, a goldfish swims in a bowl, and framed pictures of animals adorn the walls. On the following pages, creatures climb out of their frames, cages, and bowls. They chase one another, make messes, fall in love, swim in the toilet, and eat everything in sight. Suddenly, they see the family approach and scramble to get things more or less back to normal. The flyleaf asks readers a number of questions such as: “Why does the piggy have a stomachache?” Readers can trace individual stories through the pages. The little dramas will have children (and adults) flipping back and forth for more whimsical and hilarious details. Children will enjoy poring over the art alone, or laughing with friends.–Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

ROCCO, John. Blackout.illus. by author. unpaged. Hyperion/Disney. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-2190-9. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–The view inside this family of four’s duplex depicts what might be a typical night for them. The younger child is reaching for a board game, her older sister is talking on the phone, dad is cooking, and mom is working at the computer. When the girl tries to enlist the others to play the game with her, they’re all too busy–until “The lights went out. All of them.” It’s a blackout! At first, the family members sit at the kitchen table with a flashlight and some candles; then they head up to the roof for a look at the bright stars against the dark cityscape; and, finally, they go down to the street, where there’s a festive atmosphere of guitars playing, free ice cream, and an open fire hydrant. In the end, readers will see that simple pleasures and a spirit of togetherness can be enjoyed even when the electricity comes back on. The colorful pictures work beautifully with the book’s design. Rocco uses comic-strip panels and a brief text to convey the atmosphere of a lively and almost magical urban landscape. Great bedtime reading for a soft summer night.–Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

RODRIGUEZ, Béatrice. Fox and Hen Together.illus. by author. unpaged. Enchanted Lion. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-109-4. LC 2010942699.
PreS-Gr 1–This sequel to The Chicken Thief (Enchanted Lion, 2010) finds Fox and Hen happily living together. Their household now includes an egg and a feisty little crab. The story begins when Hen, joined by Crab, leaves her egg in Fox’s care and sets out with a fishing pole to catch some dinner. Her plans are foiled when the fish at the end of her line is carried off by an enormous eagle, and from there on, it’s a goofily harrowing but ultimately satisfying ride for most of the characters in this wordless story. Rodriguez skillfully uses the format of wide, short pages to create dynamic scenes with a cinematic sense of movement. Her line work is wonderful, somehow seeming sketchy and refined at the same time, and the expressions on the animals’ faces add subtle touches of humor. Kids will love this funny and exciting story.–Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

ROHMANN, Eric. Bone Dog.illus. by author. unpaged. Roaring Brook. July 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-150-8. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Employing the printmaking techniques that earned him a Caldecott Award for My Friend Rabbit (Roaring Brook, 2002), Rohmann continues to mine the depths of friendship, this time between a boy and his dog. Readers first encounter Gus and Ella frolicking with a pack of dogs; then they are framed against a low-hanging moon having a heart-to-heart. Ella explains that due to her age she “won’t be around much longer. But…I’ll always be with you.” Furthermore, “A promise made under a full moon cannot be broken.” The dog’s death occurs offstage; ensuing panels depict the protagonist’s dispirited movements during daily activities, his heart heavy with loss. An encounter on Halloween night forces Gus to grapple with his new reality. Walking through a graveyard in his skeleton costume, he is surrounded by the real deal. Just as things are looking grim, a skeletal Ella and a pack of flesh-and-blood canines save the day. As in Rabbit, black borders contain the action and create a cinematic distance. The green landscape and horizon line disappear in the climactic scenes, with the action playing out against a deep blue sky or a moonlit white background, furthering the sense of a movie in motion. Rohmann’s bony wordplay lightens the tension, and a controlled palette provides a calming continuity, as does a conclusion that mirrors the beginning (with the exception of some ecstatic dogs trotting home with new bones). Sad, spooky, and comforting by turns, this deceptively simple approach to the loss of a pet quickens and gladdens the heart.–Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

SACRE, Antonio. A Mango in the Hand: A Story Told Through Proverbs.illus. by Sebastià Serra. unpaged. glossary. CIP. Abrams. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-9734-9. LC 2010024423.
K-Gr 3–It is Francisco’s saint day, and he wants mangoes for dessert. Papá declares him old enough to pick them, so the boy sets off, passing the homes of Tío Tito, Abuela, and “crabby” Tía Clara en route. But when he tries to pick the fruit, Francisco is first frightened by bees, and then, because he tries to collect too many at once, ends up smashing them. With each setback, he returns home for help, but Papá insists that his son find a way to accomplish the task. Eventually, he does, but his bounty disappears as he gives the fruit away to his relatives when he passes their houses on the way home. He even manages to engage Tía Clara, who “didn’t sound so crabby after all,” in conversation. Good-naturedly sitting down to a meal without mangoes, for “Sometimes, it’s better to give than to receive,” the family is surprised by the arrival of their relatives, who bring gifts of their own. The large, digitally colored pencil and ink stylized cartoon illustrations contain cultural elements such as a string of chilies hanging in the kitchen, labeled ethnic foods, and vegetation. Proverbs, appearing first in Spanish, then in English, are sprinkled naturally throughout the text without being intrusive, and there are many Spanish phrases, translated in a glossary, as well. Read this story aloud to spark a discussion of proverbs and to encourage problem-solving efforts.–Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

SCHACHNER, Judy. Skippyjon Jones Class Action.illus. by author. unpaged. Dutton. July 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42228-0. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–Skippyjon Jones and his kindle of kitty sisters are back again in this rollicking tale. Despite being a smart Siamese, the feline longs to join his “Chi-wa-la” friends at school. Mama Junebug warns him “School is for the Dogs!”–who are “unruly and drooly”–which is exactly the kind of atmosphere he relishes. Skippy’s extraordinary imagination transports him to dog school where he enjoys being the star student in all his classes, including French. But the real challenge is in confronting the savage “bull-ito,” a tiny terror that spins around the school in a teacup. A banana is the unlikely key to calming the savage beast. Typical of Schachner’s style, the book has hilarious songs, wild antics, a smattering of Spanish words, and humor that everyone can appreciate. The zany illustrations add to its exuberant nature. Children will enjoy the amusing details on each page. As with the earlier books, this one makes for a wonderful read-aloud that will have young audiences laughing out loud.–Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

SCHAEFER, Carole Lexa. Who’s There?illus. by Pierr Morgan. unpaged. CIP. Viking. 2011. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01241-1. LC 2010033334.
PreS–As night falls, BunBun goes back to his snug burrow and climbs into bed. “I am all tucked in when from down the hallway I hear, creak, creak, CRINCH,” says the rabbit. Who’s there? In the dark, with only Boo, his teddy bear, for comfort, his imagination gets the better of him. He pictures the sorts of things “that might come creeping along.” Is it a “Crusty Dumply Ogre,” a “Grimy Gooey Ghoulie,” or a “Two-Headed Whiney Snoop”? Taking his cues from his teddy, BunBun sits quietly and waits. But when Boo falls off the bed, the action comes to a head and the bunny finds himself confronting the source of the noise. Ink and gouache illustrations create a rich setting replete with dark shadows, saturated color, and just enough dramatic detail. First-person narration is an unusual choice for this type of read-aloud, and it may throw off readers at first, but the book succeeds as a whole. The text and illustrations combine to make a tense, scary story lightened slightly by the humorous depictions of the imagined monsters and their preposterous names. A fun, spine-tingling read for children who aren’t easily frightened.–Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR

SENDELBACH, Brian. The Underpants Zoo.illus. by author. unpaged. Scholastic/Orchard. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-24935-5. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–In this picture book, animals and their underwear are on display: “There’s a new zoo in town,/and here’s what I’ve heard–the Underpants Zoo/is completely absurd.” Personalities are reflected by the choice of skivvies: lion’s are “royal and grand” and “hippo’s have hearts,/because she’s such a romantic.” Leopards are partial to spotted designs, while monkeys sport “wild trunks” with jazzy patterns. The bright, acrylic cartoons offer plenty of funny sights, from elephant’s “Extra-Jumbo Gigantic” whiteys, to the penguins’ fondness for frozen undies. Although the rhyming text falters in spots, preschoolers will giggle at the parade of peculiar panties.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

SEVEN, John. The Ocean Story.illus. by Jana Christy. unpaged. Picture Window. 2011. Tr $22.65. ISBN 978-1-4048-6785-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–Endpapers filled with images of ocean life are the auspicious beginning of this beautiful eco-tale. “Why is the ocean so big?” a youngster asks the adult holding his hand at the shore. “It needs to be big to hold a story that is so very old.” Seven poetically explains the water cycle, then explores some odd creatures of the deep, each labeled. Finally, oil drilling’s pluses and minuses are touched upon, and readers learn that the “ocean story is a delicate one.” This splendid call to stewardship is gloriously illustrated with paintings, each a gift of color and texture that encourages lingering. The spread filled with jellyfish nearly glows, and the various depictions of rainfall bring home the scope of the topic. This book is a perfect blend of poetry, visual art, and science.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

SHIELDS, Gillian. When the World Was Waiting for You.illus. by Anna Currey. unpaged. CIP. Bloomsbury. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-531-0; PLB $15.89. ISBN 978-1-59990-532-7. LC 2010029861.
PreS–The rabbit family introduced in When the World Is Ready for Bed (Bloomsbury, 2009) is eagerly awaiting the birth of a new baby. Shields’s short, rhyming couplets are complemented by Currey’s warm, sunshine yellow watercolors as they show the rabbits preparing the nursery and greeting the little one when it finally arrives. “We made your room/so warm and snug,/With crib and blanket,/Lamp and rug.” The colorful paintings are full of detail yet create a peaceful atmosphere and are the perfect background to the simple, relaxed text. Bearing baskets of lettuce, guests arrive wearing their Sunday best and bounce the little one on their knees as they celebrate. When they are gone, the new baby remains under the careful watch of its brothers and sisters as “Now the world/Still waits for you,/To grow, and bloom,/And be, and do.” This tender picture book is perfect to share with new siblings who are impatient to greet a little one of their own.–Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

SIERRA, Judy. ZooZical.illus. by Marc Brown. unpaged. CIP. Knopf. Aug. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86847-4; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96847-1. LC 2010038565.
K-Gr 2–The midwinter doldrums have settled in at the zoo in this sequel to Wild About Books (Knopf, 2004). Fun times might be gone for the others, but a small hippo and a young kangaroo set the place hip-hopping. Inspired by the pair, zoo inhabitants sing their versions of favorite children’s songs (“Oh my darling porcupine,” “If you’re hoppy and you know it, clap your paws,” and “For he’s a jolly gorilla,” to name a few). They work on posters, costumes, and scenery, and on a cold wintry night people come to see the musical extravaganza. The curtains rise on bears walking the tightrope, baboons dancing in troops, crocodile kids leading an alphabet song, and seals singing about seals on the bus. The grand finale features the young kangaroo leading the Zoo Hokey Pokey. “It was one of those times that you hope never ends,/When penguins and pandas and pythons are friends,/When tigers don’t bite, when the doldrums take flight,/On a magical, musical ZooZical night.” Brown’s bright, energetic animals hop, jump, prance, and dance across generous full-color spreads. Sierra’s language-rich couplets with their easy rhythms will have young readers tapping their toes. This joyous sing-along, read-along romp is guaranteed to chase away the doldrums any time of year.–Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

SIMPSON, Lesley. Yuvi’s Candy Tree.illus. by Janice Lee Porter. unpaged. CIP. Lerner/Kar-Ben. 2011. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5651-6; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5652-3. LC 2010003880.
Gr 1-3–“I escaped on a donkey in the dark,” begins this picture book based on a true story. Five-year-old Yuvi and her family flee war-torn East Africa and make it to a Sudanese refugee camp, where they are aided by Operation Moses, an Israeli rescue program for Ethiopian Jews in the 1980s and 1990s. Depicted in a folk-art style, the story shows the family as they journey for days through the desert with Yuvi strapped onto a donkey with a harness. They face many dangers before reaching the airlift, including robbers who attack repeatedly. But rather than fear permeating the pages, Yuvi’s grandmother repeats, “We are going to Jerusalem. We have angels with us. We’ll fly home.” Her words echo the gentleness of the earth-toned illustrations, which are primitive in style but heartfelt. Yuvi’s visions of angels and sweet things to eat lead her to mistake the white rescue workers for celestial beings, and the sweet orange trees in Jerusalem for candy. An innocence that is easily misinterpreted by contemporary ears is a joy to hear. For libraries looking for immigration, Jewish migration, and refugee stories, this is a lovely addition.–Sara Lissa Paulson, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City

SMALLCOMB, Pam. Earth to Clunk.illus. by Joe Berger. unpaged. CIP. Dial. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3439-5. LC 2010020621.
Gr 1-3–A school assignment pairs a disgruntled young boy with a pen pal from the planet Quazar. In an effort to discourage any communication, he proceeds to send Clunk every unwanted thing he can lay his hands on–his big sister, smelly socks, a scary picture, food gone bad, and electrical doodads that probably won’t work off planet. For each package sent, the unseen Clunk sends back an equally alien and useless match, including a fuzzy, floating, animated ball called a Zoid that becomes the boy’s ever-present companion. Once Mom realizes that her daughter is gone, she insists that the boy get her back, so he asks Clunk for her return. When no package arrives, he finds that he misses the interactions with his pen pal. One last package with his sister inside precipitates a final change of heart, and the boy invites his new friend for a successful sleepover. The sketchy, retro cartoonlike pen, pencil, and ink artwork can be overly busy but is still expressive, and playful enough for readers to enjoy the bad-mood boy without disliking him. Early elementary children will have an easier time understanding the concept of pen pals and unappealing assignments as well as how friendships can blossom in the most unexpected ways and places. This is science fiction with a homey touch for the youngest readers.–Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

SPINELLI, Eileen. Miss Fox’s Class Shapes Up.illus. by Anne Kennedy. unpaged. CIP. Albert Whitman. July 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-5171-4. LC 2010031471.
K-Gr 2–In this fourth picture book about Miss Fox and her class, the teacher helps her students adopt a healthier lifestyle. They visit Nurse Weasel, who gives them nutritious recipes that incorporate their favorite foods. At recess, they do fun exercises with Mr. Moose, the principal, and Mr. Mole, the custodian; in class, they share solutions for sleeplessness. A few children weaken when they are around video games or candy, but their classmates are able to distract them with a game of tag or a healthy treat. During Field Day, Miss Fox’s students win the Mud Jump, the Potato Roll, and the Banana Relay, but they don’t receive their prizes because of a mix-up at the store. The youngsters happily accept the “I Love Knitting” buttons, though, because they realize that the benefits of being fit are better than any other reward they could receive. The cartoonlike watercolor and ink illustrations are filled with movement and detail. The “Health and Fitness Tips” on the endpapers are accompanied by scenes from the story.–Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada

STEVEN, Kenneth. Stories for a Fragile Planet.illus. by Jane Ray. 48p. Lion, dist. by IPG. Aug. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7459-6157-6. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–Ten stories loosely attributed to various cultures from around the world focus on the relationship between humans and the rest of nature, particularly animals. A girl tends a swan shot by a hunter in a “story from the Far East.” An African man rescues and raises a lion cub but ultimately returns it to the wild so it can go “back to where it belonged.” Miners ravage the countryside in search of precious stones in an unnamed South American country, but a shepherd and some children work to restore the forest. Ray’s static, jewel-toned illustrations in bordered boxes underscore the timeless, mythic aspects of most of the tales. Stevens’s low-key conversational style makes for easy listening if adults want to select one or two for ecology units or Earth Day observances, but the volume is unlikely to attract a broad readership.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

STEVENS, April. Edwin Speaks Up.illus. by Sophie Blackall. unpaged. CIP. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85337-1; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95633-1. LC 2009028009.
K-Gr 3–Mrs. Finnemore and her five ferret children set out for the supermarket. “We absolutely mustn’t forget the sugar for Edwin’s birthday cake tomorrow,” she cautions as the siblings jockey for position in the car. They all ignore Baby Edwin, who babbles, “Figbutton noo noo POCKY BOOKY froppin ROOF.” Yes, mom takes off only to learn upon arrival at the supermarket that her pocketbook is on the car roof. After this near disaster, she navigates down the aisles tossing groceries into her cart, oblivious to the chaos her children are causing, and Edwin’s continuous commentary. She ignores his warning that she’s inadvertently walked off with Mrs. Lutzheimer’s cart, leaving him and her own groceries behind. And there’s that sugar she keeps forgetting: “SWEETIN’ do a bye bye,” forcing Edwin to take matters into his own hands. The ink and watercolor cartoon illustrations greatly enrich the text, depicting the siblings’ high jinx, Edwin covering his face in consternation at his mother’s cluelessness, and his final crawl down the aisle to get his own sugar. His gibberish phrases contain just enough real words for youngsters to decipher what he is saying. And they will love the final scene in which Mrs. Finnemore drives away with the sugar on the car roof. “Roofum SWEET,” Edwin says, as mom looks over and comments that baby Edwin is growing up so fast. “Soon he’ll be talking.” Don’t miss this hilarious shopping trip. –Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

TRUEIT, Trudi. Scab for Treasurer?Bk. 3. illus. by Jim Paillot. 160p. (Secrets of a Lab Rat Series). S & S/Aladdin. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-7594-6; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2360-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–In this installment, fourth-grader Scab McNally decides to run for class president just to spite Missy, who annoys him. He needs a gimmick or stunt to get votes away from his very organized opponent, and his friends dream up a plan to get him to eat whatever kids bring him, calling himself The Human Vacuum. He is also still cooking up trouble in his lab, including a special ice-cream/dog-food treat for his four-legged buddy, Joe. Scab is always getting into hilarious jams with his friends, but he never seems malicious. Paillot’s zany illustrations appear throughout. This book, with its amusing sidebar secrets and lists, is simple and funny enough to pull in reluctant readers, and youngsters will jump right in and enjoy the humor, fast-paced action, and gross-out moments.–Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

URDAHL, Catherine. Polka-dot Fixes Kindergarten.illus. by Mai S. Kemble. unpaged. CIP. Charlesbridge. July 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-737-0; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-738-7; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-312-7. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–It’s great to have a Grandpa who can fix anything, but there comes a time in every child’s life when she has to find ways to fix things by herself–and not every problem can be resolved with duct tape, glue, or soap. Polka-dot starts kindergarten on the wrong foot, and things just seem to go from bad to worse. Liz, wearer of all things striped, seems to be in direct opposition to Polka-dot, in more ways than matters of wardrobe. From making fun of others to arguing about teacher gifts and messy paint spills, this story follows a day’s negative trail of painful interactions between these two girls. The story captures well the way children act and converse among themselves, and readers will readily relate to the dialogue and dilemma. Urdahl effectively juxtaposes the repair of things and the mending of relationships and feelings. Polka-dot must make a move toward more positive interaction with Liz, and it pays off for both girls in the end. The secondary theme of adjusting to school and its myriad rules and routines is also explored. The colorful watercolor illustrations support the text well. Kemble does a particularly good job of rendering facial expressions to mirror the children’s emotions: worry, anger, hopefulness, shame, discomfort, and ultimately, kindness. Character education is becoming increasingly important in schools, and this book will make a solid addition to the resource shelf.–Corrina Austin, Locke’s Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada

VAN LIESHOUT, Maria. Hopper and Wilson.illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Penguin/ Philomel. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25184-9. LC 2010019396.
PreS-Gr 1–Hopper, an elephant, and Wilson, a mouse, wonder what the end of the world is like. Will there be a staircase to the Moon? An endless supply of lemonade? They bid farewell to their pet cactus and, clasping a shiny red balloon, set sail in a folded-newspaper boat to find out. Their journey is scenic, dreamy, and dramatic; it reaffirms the sailors’ friendship and reveals not only the end of the world but also the nature of the quest. Van Lieshout’s deft, gentle watercolors bubble out of the fine ink outlines and mingle with one another into subtle, enchanting gradations of tint. Collage pieces like the newspaper boat add texture and depth. Most endearing of all is the portrayal of Hopper and Wilson as well-worn hand-stitched stuffed animals. Their facial expressions and postures delicately convey a vast range of emotions and paint a picture of the love and trust between true friends.–Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

WAHL, Jan. The Art Collector.illus. by Rosalinde Bonnet. unpaged. CIP. Charlesbridge. July 2011. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-270-4. LC 2010022760.
K-Gr 2–This quiet tale tells of a little boy’s introduction to drawing and his maturation into a renowned art collector. Young Oscar first becomes enchanted with art when he is “very, very, very small” and observes his great-grandmother drawing a chicken. He tries his hand at drawing one, too, but is disappointed in the results. Great-Granny, however, congratulates him for his image done with chalk on black paper: “You have made a very fine picture of a snowstorm on a very dark night.” At a flea market, the child purchases an old etching of a waterwheel. As he grows older, he collects more works of art in various styles until one day they fill a museum built especially to house them. Wahl’s narrative lacks drama, but Oscar’s story should appeal to sensitive children awakening to the glories of great art. Unnamed works in Oscar’s collection pay homage to Japanese ukiyo-e, Mondrian, Pointillism, and so on. Bonnet’s acrylic paint, pencil, and collage illustrations are as quiet as Wahl’s writing–perhaps a missed opportunity to exploit the dramatic, emotional quality of Oscar’s acquisitions–but not without a quirky charm. For example, Great-Granny stands out from the dress-wearing females in her cropped jeans and floral head scarf, and Oscar’s mod parents are the picture of Parisian hipster style. A good choice to pair with a visit to the museum, this picture book will find a use in many collections.–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

WATTS, Frances. The Greatest Sheep in History.illus. by Judy Watson. 77p. (Extraordinary Ernie & Marvelous Maud Series). Eerdmans. 2010. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-8028-5374-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–In this installment, superhero trainees Ernie Eggers and his sidekick Maud, a sheep, are headed to the Pleasant Dayz Conference Center for a superhero convention, along with Super Whiz, Valiant Vera, Amazing Desmond, and Housecat Woman. During the welcoming speech, Chicken George steals the notes from Stupendous Sue, the president of the Superheroes Society. George is actually a boy with a shock of red hair who has been teased because it resembles a chicken’s crest. When he is found out, Maud comes to his defense. Black-and-white illustrations add visual details. This easy chapter book will appeal to youngsters who love superheroes.–Nancy Mackenzie, Ithan Elementary School Library, Bryn Mawr, PA

WEBER, Elka, retel. One Little Chicken.illus. by Elisa Kleven. unpaged. CIP. Tricycle. Aug. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-58246-374-2; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-1-58246-401-5. LC 2010008918.
K-Gr 2–Obeying the Jewish law that “finders aren’t keepers,” Leora cares for a found chicken while waiting for its rightful owner to return. Soon, the hen produces a flock of chicks that are sold to buy a goat whose milk leads to cheese that is sold to buy more goats that are the perfect gift for the chicken’s owner, who eventually passes through and mentions his lost property. As he happily recounts the tale to his family, a lost chicken wanders into his yard…so the kindness likely will be passed on. The lilting text includes humorous phrases like, “The man thanked them so much his mouth got tired.” In an author’s note, Weber explains the origin of the tale, from the Talmud, and details where and why she used artistic license. Kleven’s engaging mixed-media folk-art collages brim with details like a border of cakes and pies, or a coy goat offering a bouquet to Leora. The colors are rich; the textures and patterns beg to be touched, and the ending is likely to leave readers pondering this story.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

WELLS, Rosemary. Hands Off, Harry!illus. by author. unpaged. (Kindergators Series). CIP. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. July 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-06-192112-4; PLB $15.89. ISBN 978-0-06-192113-1. LC 2010016046.
K–In this first book in a new series, 10 anthropomorphic alligators are challenged when energetic Harry consistently disrupts Miss Harmony’s kindergarten class with pokes, various spills, and a general case of “ants in your pants.” Since he can’t restrict himself to “Shake a hand!” “Hold a hand!” or “Lend a hand!” the teacher tries consequences like jumping jacks and the Thinking Chair. The breakthrough, however, is a classmate’s idea for Harry to wear an inner tube to preserve others’ personal space. The restriction calms him and ultimately Harry proves his mettle as playground monitor, earning a gold star for the day. The considerate support of classmates, despite their travails with Harry, is endearing. This vibrant picture book has mixed-media illustrations and an afterword offers tips on creating a meaningful conversation about personal space.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

Nonfiction

ANCONA, George. Come and Eat!photos by author. unpaged. CIP. Charlesbridge. July 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-366-4; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-367-1; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-300-4. LC 2010033632.
Gr 1-3–In this photo essay, Ancona takes readers on a culinary trip around the world. Different eating habits, celebrations, and foods are discussed. For example, people in India use two fingers and a thumb to eat. In Japan, long noodles are sucked up and swallowed. Tibetans eat meat dumplings known as momos. Muslim men and boys usually eat together on one rug, while women and girls dine on another. For Mexicans, “a tortilla can serve as a plate, a spoon, and even a napkin.” The informational text is complemented by large, colorful photographs of people partaking of their meals and sharing festive celebrations. Pair this title with Patricia Lauber’s What You Never Knew About Fingers, Forks, & Chopsticks (S & S, 1999), which looks at the development of eating implements from the Stone Age to current times. Come and Eat! is a worthy addition to most collections.–Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

ARNOSKY, Jim. Monster Hunt: Exploring Mysterious Creatures with Jim Arnosky.illus. by author. 32p. Hyperion/Disney. July 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-3028-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–Arnosky invites readers to tag along with him as he goes on a monster hunt. He starts off with ever-popular giant sharks and giant squids, and then returns to land for Bigfoot and other mysterious apelike beasts. Lake creatures (Nessie and the Lake Champlain Monster) are mentioned. Typical Arnosky-style illustrations are compelling, even a bit scary at times. But there’s nothing here that’s too terrifying. The text is information rich and engaging. This is sure to be a hit with young cryptozoology enthusiasts.–Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

ASTON, Dianna Hutts. A Butterfly Is Patient.illus. by Sylvia Long. unpaged. CIP. Chronicle. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-6479-4. LC 2010008548.
K-Gr 3–A companion to the equally stylish An Egg Is Quiet (Chronicle, 2006), this lovely combination of elegant watercolors and lyrical text is both eye-catching and informative. Readers follow the creatures from egg to flight as Aston takes them through the process of metamorphosis while describing various behavioral traits. With wing scales “stacked like shingles on a roof,” the butterflies come to life. While noting differences between moths and butterflies, the author makes no mention of the former’s “fluffier” antennae, and there is no definition for the term “instar” (which appears in an illustration caption). The Monarch migration gets a star turn, along with a veritable litany of names–Diana Fritillary, Ruddy Daggerwing, Painted Jezebel, and Elbowed Pierrot–as worthy of recitation as the dinosaur appellations so beloved of children. A lyrical, colorful, and elegant production.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

BARTOLETTI, Susan Campbell. Naamah and the Ark at Night.illus. by Holly Meade. unpaged. Candlewick. Aug. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4242-6. LC 2010040398.
PreS-Gr 2–In most books about Noah, his wife plays a supporting role, if any, but Bartoletti makes her the central character of this picture book. While winds and waves buffet the ark at night, Naamah calms restless animals with her lullaby. Her husband, their sons, and their daughters-in-law sleep, but Naamah “sings all through the night.” Slowly, two by two, the animals settle into slumber as the soothing poetry lulls them to rest. Meade’s watercolor collage illustrations include both full-color and black-and-white spreads, subtly conveying the night outside and cozy quarters within the ark. In an author’s note, Bartoletti explains the Arabic poetic form, the ghazal, that inspired the structure of her poetry. Young listeners who hear her bedtime verse will be aware only of its soothing rhythm carrying them to the final “Hush hush hush, good night.”–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

THE BEAR WENT OVER THE MOUNTAIN. illus. by Michelle Dorenkamp. ISBN 978-1-60954-295-5. LC 2010032421.
THE FARMER IN THE DELL. illus. by Laura Ferraro Close. ISBN 978-1-60954-296-2. LC 2010032423.
LONDON BRIDGE IS FALLING DOWN. illus. by Michael Allen Austin. ISBN 978-1-60954-292-4. LC 2010032428.
PEASE PORRIDGE HOT. illus. by Paige Billin-Frye. ISBN 978-1-60954-293-1. LC 2010032429.
ea vol: 16p. (Children’s Favorite Activity Songs Series). CIP. The Child’s World. 2011. PLB $21.36.
PreS–Each of these books includes activities and a page describing the “Benefits of Nursery Rhymes and Activity Songs.” The first selection is mundane compared to Rosemary Wells’s charming board book (Scholastic, 2006). The bear climbs up the mountain, looks around, starts down the other side, trips and falls, and at the bottom shrugs his shoulders. Wells’s little bear gathers flowers along the way and at the end gives them to his mother, shouting, “Hooray!” There are more appealing versions of The Farmer in the Dell, including the one illustrated by Ilse Plume (Godine, 2004), which takes place in a Pennsylvania Dutch community. There are seven verses in London Bridge. The well-executed art has a dark aspect to it with the animals looking more malevolent than harmless, especially the crow. Pease Porridge Hot is sweetly illustrated in pastel colors and depicts a little girl feeding her dolls and stuffed animals. Overall, these are additional purchases for larger collections with gaps to be filled.–Elaine Lesh Morgan, formerly at Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

CAPUCILLI, Alyssa Satin. My First Ballet Class.photos by Leyah Jensen. unpaged. S & S/Little Simon. 2011. Tr $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0895-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–In their pink leotards and ballet slippers, five irresistible girls stand at the barre and demonstrate their beginning ballet skills. The text introduces a few basic terms such as plié, relevé, and chassé. The students are encouraged to stretch up and reach for a star and make the shape of a piece of pizza with their feet. Engaging photos of the smiling and enthusiastic young dancers accompany the spare text. The foldout pages depict a series of movements and actions that capture the magic of the first class. As the girls whirl and jump and use their imaginations to flutter like butterflies or prance like ponies, youngsters may feel inspired to join in on the fun.–Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

COWCHER, Helen. Desert Elephants.illus. by author. unpaged. map. Web sites. CIP. Farrar. Aug. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-31774-4. LC 2010019817.
Gr 1-3–Although other titles consider the lives of elephants in Africa, Cowcher’s book is unique in its emphasis on the accommodations humans make to facilitate the migration of these huge animals. The author follows the 300-mile trek in Mali as the desert elephants search for water. The Dogon, Fulani, and Tuareg peoples, who live in the same region, communicate with one another by radio about the animals’ movements and make sure the ancient routes remain unobstructed. When some newcomers build their home on the pathway that leads to the “Elephants’ Doorway” through desert cliffs, elders in a nearby village devise a plan for the people to move out of the animals’ way. Cowcher’s paintings of the arid landscape and its rejuvenation by rain link the lives of elephants and humans in their mutual survival. The illustrations of elephants are more compelling than those of people, but the visuals do reinforce the theme of cooperation and conservation.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

DAVIES, Nicola & Simon Hickmott. Grow Your Own Monsters.illus. by Scoular Anderson. 30p. photos. glossary. Web sites. Frances Lincoln. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-84507-833-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–Fun and filled with unusual project ideas for plants referred to as monsters, this is not your usual science-fair book. And that’s what makes it good and also what detracts from its usefulness. It is British in its terminology and spelling. The meanings of such terms as “tetrapax,” “air closet,” and “airing cupboard” are pretty much mysterious. Other words and instructions can be figured out, e.g., “dustbin liner,” “polythene lid,” and getting seeds “by post.” Solid and helpful information about the growing cycle of plants and the logic of their bloom cycles is included. For example, the Voodoo Lily corm can be planted in a pot and placed on a windowsill without water where it will grow and bloom into a foul-smelling flower that will attract flies to its rotting-flesh fragrance. Colorful and comical drawings illustrate the project steps, and full-color photos of the plants, often with children, from such monsters as a Giant Echium towering over a boy to the tiny Venus Fly Trap, fill each two-page entry. Lighthearted and packed with information, the book includes a list of mostly U.K. suppliers and a brief glossary. This British focus makes it a marginal purchase.–Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

DONALD, Rhonda Lucas. Deep in the Desert.illus. by Sherry Neidigh. unpaged. map. CIP. Sylvan Dell. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-125-5; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-135-4; ebook $7.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-145-3. LC 2010049625.
Gr 1-3–This title presents a variety of desert habitats around the globe and their flora and fauna–some identified, some not–in colorful illustrations accompanied by rhyming texts to match existing songs. Think “Down in the Valley” as you read “Deep in the desert, down in a mine/bats are all sleeping, ’til it is time” or “I’m a javelina, short and stout” to the tune of “I’m a Little Teapot.” Some of the animals and plants are identified either in the “lyrics” or in the appended “For Creative Minds” section, but many, like scorpions, roadrunners, and coatimundis, are not. A global distribution map with some of the featured creatures, a matching game, and other activities useful in classroom or home-schooling settings are included. The book might have some appeal for kids who know such songs as “Kookaburra” and “Do Your Ears Hang Low?”–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

HALFMANN, Janet. Star of the Sea: A Day in the Life of a Starfish.illus. by Joan Paley. unpaged. further reading. glossary. Web sites. CIP. Holt/Christy Ottaviano Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9073-4. LC 2010024952.
K-Gr 2–This colorful overview explains how the species is tied to tidal rhythms and serves both as predator and potential prey. After an unsuccessful attempt to feed on a limpet, the sea star settles atop a mussel and begins the slow process of wearing out its strength. After prying open the shell just a crack, she extends her stomach into it and ingests the mussel’s body. Having escaped a fish’s earlier attempt to eat her, the sea star is not so lucky when a gull snatches her by one ray and flies off. The gull bites through the ray, and the sea star falls back to the shore with only four rays. She reaches safety under some seaweed and will hide until the next high tide when the search for food begins again. Beautifully illustrated with textured collages made from hand-painted papers of watercolor blends, the underwater environment is vividly brought to life on every page. Two pages of concluding facts offer more about the sea star, including its ability to regenerate lost rays and other body parts. A short list of recommended reading and a four-entry glossary are also appended. A first purchase.–Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

HAMILTON, S. L. Exploration.ISBN 978-1-61714-737-1. LC 2010041147.
––––. Sky Watch.reprods. ISBN 978-1-61714-739-5. LC 2010041259.
ea vol: 32p. (Xtreme Space Series). illus. photos. glossary. index. CIP. ABDO. 2011. PLB $27.07.
Gr 3-4–The texts in these quick once-overs are at times compressed to the point of incoherence. For example, Exploration states, “Pioneer 10 was the first craft to reach Jupiter in 1973. Others followed, but NASA’s Galileo spacecraft was made to study Jupiter.” The book confusingly starts with Voyager I (1977) then goes back to the Apollo program and speeds along to the planned near-future launch of Gaia. Sky Watch presents a highly selective parade of telescopes from Galileo’s to the 2009 launch of the Kepler Telescope. In both volumes, small blocks of explanatory text, scattered captions, and “Xtreme Fact” boxes flank or are superimposed on an undifferentiated mix of space photos and artists conceptions. Also, the lack of leads to further sources of information compounds their superficiality. Leave these titles on the launch pad.–John Peters, formerly at New York Public Library

HEDLUND, Stephanie, comp. Count Along with Mother Goose.ISBN 978-1-61641-144-2. LC 2010024696.
––––. Making Friends with Mother Goose.ISBN 978-1-61641-145-9. LC 2010024697.
––––. Seeing Colors with Mother Goose.ISBN 978-1-61641-146-6. LC 2010024698.
ea vol: illus. by Jeremy Tugeau. 32p. (Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes Series). glossary. Web sites. CIP. ABDO/Magic Wagon. 2011. PLB $28.50.
PreS-Gr 2–Each title begins with a contents page and a brief explanation of the origins of Mother Goose and nursery rhymes. Count Along includes “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe,” “Sing a Song of Sixpence,” and “One for the Money.” Nursery rhymes about people are highlighted in Making Friends, which includes “Jack Be Nimble,” “Little Miss Muffet,” and “Mary, Mary Quite Contrary.” Colors features 13 rhymes such as “Roses Are Red,” “Little Betty Blue,” and “Three Gray Geese.” Each spread features one nursery rhyme set against a simple watercolor illustration. The softness of the pictures adds a warm, classic feel to the books. However, collections would be better supplemented by any of the many beautifully illustrated, cost-effective anthologies available rather than single books with just a few rhymes.–Cathie Bashaw Morton, Millbrook Central School District, NY

KATZ, Alan. Mosquitoes Are Ruining My Summer!: And Other Silly Dilly Camp Songs.illus. by David Catrow. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-5568-9. LC 2009021167.
K-Gr 3–This eighth “Silly Dilly” title explores the highs and lows of summer camp in 14 new songs. Laundry woes are sung to the tune of “The Mexican Hat Dance,” and the mosquito problem is solved with the tune of “My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean.” Other topics include mail, arts and crafts, and hygiene (to “Pop Goes the Weasel”): “My friend Jimmy is a nice kid./He tells jokes by the hour./But one fact just cannot be hid:/Jim needs a shower!” The lyrics should entertain those familiar with the camp experience, and though there is no notation for the music, the tunes are fairly well known. The exaggerated cartoon illustrations heighten the humor and the drama.–Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

KENNEY, Karen Latchana. Cool School Drama and Theater: Fun Ideas and Activities to Build School Spirit.ISBN 978-1-61714-668-8. LC 2010024870.
––––. Cool School Music: Fun Ideas and Activities to Build School Spirit.ISBN 978-1-61714-669-5. LC 2010024874.
––––. Cool School Volunteering: Fun Ideas and Activities to Build School Spirit.ISBN 978-1-61714-670-1. LC 2010024869.
ea vol: 32p. (Cool School Spirit Series). photos. glossary. index. CIP. ABDO/Checkerboard Library. 2011. PLB $27.07.
Gr 3-5–Three books that suggest ways to get involved at school: join a drama or theater club, participate in a music group such as a choir or band, or volunteer for a service group. Kenney offers advice for bringing in new members, such as making posters, developing a club logo, wearing club shirts, or carrying bags advertising the group. Ideas for games to learn about other club members are included. Fundraisers such as a gift-basket raffle, selling handmade cards, or having a garage sale or car wash are suggested. Staged full-color photos show students of various ages and adults actively participating in the club by helping out, practicing an instrument, or acting in a play. End pages include a glossary of the bolded words found in the texts and an unnecessary index. Since schools organize clubs differently, these books give only overviews of possibilities, and the topics aren’t often sought after or requested.–Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

KENNEY, Karen Latchana. Ellis Island.ISBN 978-1-61641-150-3. LC 2010013995.
––––. Mount Rushmore.ISBN 978-1-61641-153-4. LC 2010014009.
––––. The White House.ISBN 978-1-61641-154-1. LC 2010014010.
ea vol: illus. by Judith A. Hunt. 32p. (Our Nation’s Pride Series). glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. ABDO/Magic Wagon. 2011. PLB $28.50.
Gr 2-4–Kenney explains the significance of these three sites as national monuments. In Ellis Island, the author describes how the existing island was built up and expanded to accommodate the station to process immigrants coming into the United States and the various buildings that were constructed. In Mount Rushmore, she tells of the sculptor who came to work on the carving, how men were lowered on special harnesses to do the work, and how dynamite specialists and drillers prepared the mountain. In The White House, the author describes how the land was chosen, how the White House was built, the fact that it burned in 1814 and was rebuilt in 1817, and that it takes 570 buckets of white paint to cover the outside. In all three titles, the full-color artwork not only explains the text but also gives almost photographic renderings of the topics. Excellent introductions.–Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

KIEBER-KING, Cynthia. Habitat Spy.illus. by Christina Wald. unpaged. CIP. Sylvan Dell. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-122-4; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-132-3; ebook $7.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-142-2. LC 2010941279.
Gr 2-3–A simple rhyming text encapsulated in binoculars-shaped “boxes” uses an “I Spy” approach to introduce a number of different habitats. The deciduous forest entry, for example, speaks of hemlocks, millipedes, owls, and deer, leaving adults the chore of naming the rest–wood thrush, wild turkey, porcupine, blue jay, black bear, red fox, striped skunk, and hairy or downy woodpecker. This is fine for the knowledgeable, but a bit tougher with critters like limpkins, bat stars, California quail, and marmots. No pictorial key is provided. The rhymes are occasionally forced: Do bees “bump” or muskrats “snick”? The book includes a number of activities designed for the classroom, the home school, or summer camp–a true/false quiz, a food-chain diagram, and a set of questions on habitats. In spite of the colorful and large illustrations, this book is additional at best.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

KRULL, Kathleen. Big Wig.illus. by Peter Malone. unpaged. bibliog. chron. CIP. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. Aug. 2011. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-439-67640-3. LC 2010031005.
Gr 2-4–From early humans to the British punks of the 1970s and many stops in between, Krull teases readers with intriguing, humorous facts about hair and grooming. The picture-book format is perfectly suited to impart just the right amount of information that children will find both entertaining and riveting. The author describes how the ancient Maya used boards to flatten and elongate the heads of infants and then tied beads in front of their eyes to encourage crossing them, and how the women of Marie Antoinette’s era created elaborate dioramas on top of their heads that sometimes lasted for months. Wigs, horse-grooming techniques, and a multitude of ingredients, both edible and repulsive, all make appearances in the pages. It is clear that the fascination with hair is certainly not a modern trend, but one that has been around since humans had hair on top of their heads. The muted pastel-colored gouache paintings are whimsical and delightful, depicting scenarios such as Hippocrates and Aristotle arguing over the merits of various cures for baldness and a woman using a vacuum cleaner as a hair dryer, which will surely bring out the giggles. Notes at the end extend the facts and provide yet more tantalizing strands of information.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

LUNDE, Darrin. After the Kill.illus. by Catherine Stock. unpaged. CIP. Charlesbridge. July 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-743-1; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-744-8; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-296-0. LC 2010007524.
Gr 2-4–This accessible and compelling slice-of-life on the Serengeti Plain is aptly titled and remarkably dynamic as it describes what happens after a zebra is taken down by a lioness. A variety of predators and scavengers vies for the meat, including male and female lions, hyenas, jackals, and several species of vultures, concluding with meat-eating beetles that pick the bones clean. Students will move quickly from sympathy for the prey to fascination with the life-and-death survival drama that is playing out. Events are viewed with an air of objectivity that encourages closer inspection and discussion. Side notes in a different font provide further details about the animals, their adaptations to life on the plain, and their relationships to other animals. The writing is full of vivid descriptions and enticing action: “The hyenas devour the zebra in a frenzy of biting and pulling. They tear entire limbs and large pieces of meat from the carcass, making eerie laughing sounds as they squabble.” The vibrant watercolor and gouache paintings are filled with vitality and movement, and the predominant yellows and browns reflect the setting. Pair this with Robert B. Haas’s African Critters (National Geographic, 2008), which offers photographic counterpoint and plenty of facts on many of the same creatures to draw in animal lovers. This is a fascinating introduction to an intriguing topic and a must-have for all libraries catering to young readers.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

MCGRANAGHAN, John. Meet the Planets.illus. by Laurie Allen Klein. unpaged. CIP. Sylvan Dell. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-123-1; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-133-0; ebook $7.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-143-9. LC 2010049632.
Gr 2-4–Amusingly framed as a cheesy popularity contest, this parade of personified planets features illustrations in which rotund, recognizably marked caricatures of these heavenly bodies pose and mug, surrounded by an entourage of relevant though unidentified scientists, space probes, satellites both natural and artificial, books, constellations, and astronomical symbols. After introducing the contestants one by one, ex-planet emcee Pluto invites viewers to choose the winner: Venus, perhaps? “She’s bright, she’s beautiful, and she’s smoking hot.” Or “massive, gassive Jupiter”? For young judges who prefer to make decisions by the numbers, the final three spreads are packed with charts, physical facts, and quizzes, all of which are supplemented by much more of the same in a dedicated area of the publisher’s website. Though the only visual key to each spread is buried in the massive online teacher’s guide where few young readers will find it on their own, and a claim in one quiz that “life as we know it” could not survive the temperatures on other planets is incorrect, the breezy, unconventional approach makes this a promisingly engaging way to introduce, or re-introduce, our celestial neighbors.–John Peters, formerly at New York Public Library

MALONEY, Peter & Felicia Zekauskas. One Foot Two Feet: An EXCEPTIONal Counting Book.illus. by authors. unpaged. CIP. Putnam. 2011. RTE $12.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25446-8. LC 2010028172.
K-Gr 1–This simple yet delightful counting book emphasizes the quirks of the English language, where the plural of a noun is not always formed by merely adding the letter “s.” It begins with a single, cartoon-style “foot” that is framed in a sturdy, die-cut opening on a glossy red page. Turning the page reveals two “feet.” “One Mouse” in a bold blue frame follows, with the page-turn revealing “Three Mice.” Children can anticipate the plural noun that will come next after naming or reading the picture in the window. Observant youngsters will spot a tiny airplane flying from spread to spread, catching the eye of a character or becoming entangled in some illustration. In addition, a small line from one to 10 summarizes the objects that have previously appeared. The designated numeral is also cleverly hidden within each crisp acrylic and ink drawing. The large font will aid pre-readers as well as ESL students as they pore over details again and again. An exceptional counting book, indeed.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

MASTERS, Nancy Robinson. House.ISBN 978-1-60279-982-0. LC 2010030574.
––––. Water Park.ISBN 978-1-60279-983-7. LC 2010031627.
ea vol: 24p. (Community Connections: How Did They Build That? Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Cherry Lake. 2011. PLB $24.21.
Gr 2-4–Simple vocabulary and typical full-color, captioned photographs make these titles average additions. In the first book, after discussing different types of dwellings, Masters explores the bare bones of how houses are designed, constructed, and inspected. There are many other titles that address the topic in more detail. The second title looks at a favorite facility of children, and the bright, bold photograph of a thrilling water ride will definitely capture their interest. Fun photographs and appealing subject matter will make it a popular addition.–Rachel Artley, Watertown Elementary School, TN

MOSS, Marissa. The Bravest Woman in America: The Story of Ida Lewis.illus. by Andrea U’Ren. unpaged. CIP. Tricycle. July 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-58246-369-8; RTE $19.99. ISBN 978-1-58246-400-8. LC 2010008917.
Gr 1-5–Ida Lewis saved nearly 25 lives in her 39 years as the keeper of Lime Rock, a lighthouse off the coast of Newport, RI. The book begins with the young subject’s early feelings for the sea. “She loved the crash of the waves, the screech of gulls wheeling overhead, the bite of salt in her nose as she breathed in the ocean air.” When her father was made the lighthouse keeper, she eagerly assumed the role of apprentice, learning to row, tend the light, and watch for trouble at sea. Ida loved Pa’s stories of storms and dramatic rescues and listened carefully to his advice and cautions. When he became sick, she and her mother took over, and at the age of 16, she singlehandedly rescued four drowning boys. Recognized by the press as well as the government and Red Cross, Lewis was considered “the bravest woman in America.” The simple, well-chosen text paired with the rich, impressionistic watercolor, ink, and acrylic art make this an excellent choice for a Women’s History Month read-aloud. Though the book focuses on the subject’s early life, an author’s note provides more information. Pair this with Peter and Connie Roop’s Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie (Carolrhoda, 1987) for an illuminating storyhour.–Barbara Auerbach, PS 217, Brooklyn, NY

NORWORTH, Jack. Take Me Out to the Ball Game.CD performed by Carly Simon. illus. by Amiko Hirao. unpaged. w/CD. CIP. Imagine! 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-936140-26-8. LC 2010035438.
PreS-Gr 1–It wouldn’t be baseball season without a new rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” This one includes a three-song CD by Carly Simon, who has altered a few of the lyrics to modernize the language and added an interesting note about Jackie Robinson living with her family from 1954 to 1955. The main purpose here seems mainly to be to showcase the CD, which was originally recorded for the Ken Burns PBS program. The illustrations are vibrant and pleasing and make full use of each spread as feline Katie Casey, an avid baseball fan, spends every cent she has to go and “root for the hometown crew.” There is plenty of ballpark activity crammed into each scene, and the animal characters are amusing, if sometimes busy. Name recognition will raise interest in this book, mainly among adults.–Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

PATERSON, Katherine, retel. Brother Sun, Sister Moon: Saint Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures.illus. by Pamela Dalton. unpaged. Chronicle/Handprint. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-7734-3. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 4–On 13 spreads, Paterson and Dalton reinterpret this 13th-century hymn using clear, concise language and glorious “Scherenschnitte” (scissor cuts) artwork. Most pages feature only two lines of text, all offering praise and thanks to “God, the Lord of Heaven” for wonders ranging from Brother Sun to Sister Water, and for family, friends, and life both earthly and eternal. Paterson’s choices of words are both true to the original and appealing to contemporary listeners. Her tone is gentle, reverential, and never preachy. Although she has not shied away from difficult ideas, referencing both “this world of hatred and war” and the natural fear of “Sister Death,” the overall sentiments are in keeping with Saint Francis’s intention to glorify and express gratitude toward “the Father and Mother of all creation.” Dalton’s intricate watercolor-touched paper cuts feature seasonal flora, fauna, and simple country folk, elucidating the gentle rhythms of a life lived in conjunction with nature. Her illustrations, each cut from one continuous piece of paper, are based on a technique of early-19th-century Pennsylvania Germans and are replete with carefully wrought details. Black backgrounds bordered with natural elements (e.g., birds’ nests, flowers, butterflies) help to focus readers’ eyes on images specifically mentioned in the text, with those most poignant suggesting strong emotional moments: a childhood romp through the fields, a loving embrace between parents, an exchange of soulful looks at the burial of a beloved pet. Notes from both the author and illustrator explaining their approaches to the work, as well as a translation of the Canticle from the Umbrian dialect, complete this gorgeous offering.–Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, The Naples Players, FL

PATRICKGEORGE. A Drove of Bullocks: A Compliation of Animal Group Names.ISBN 978-0-9562558-0-8.
––––. A Filth of Starlings: A Compilation of Bird and Aquatic Animal Group Names.ISBN 978-0-9562558-1-5.
ea vol: illus. by author. unpaged. PatrickGeorge, dist. by IPG. 2011. pap. $12.99. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-6–Collective names for groups of animals/birds can be inordinately descriptive. Ask anyone who has had the misfortune to walk through a starling roost and a “filth” is more than apropos. An “intrusion” of cockroaches conjures up a perfect mental image. While not all these collectives are the first to spring to mind, they are all accurate, and all, in their own way, marvelous. Still more marvelous are the imaginative graphics accompanying each noun and its simple paragraph of interesting information. A “colony” of ants marches in silhouette aslant on the page, each bearing an enormous pea-green letter spelling C-O-L-O-N-Y. A “litter” of kittens is dumped unceremoniously into a trash can. A “kit” of pigeons invites readers to assemble one from a hobby kit of wings, toes, and beaks. Over all is luminescent color–a summer-sky blue, a roseate deep pink, and a milk-chocolate brown are among the solid backgrounds for the inventive silhouettes. Younger children will enjoy seeking a giraffe hidden in a city skyline, while older readers will delight in the evocative names and will process snippets of data that may lead to further investigation.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

POWELL, Jillian. The Aztecs.ISBN 978-1-61533-216-8. LC 2010024572.
––––. The Egyptians.ISBN 978-1-61533-217-5. LC 2010024573.
––––. The Vikings.ISBN 978-1-61533-221-2. LC 2010024577.
ea vol: illus. by Matt Buckingham. 32p. (The Gruesome Truth About Series). further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Windmill. 2011. PLB $22.80.
Gr 3-5–In each book, 10 or 11 facts are presented, such as “Aztec doctors used over 1500 herbal remedies and knew how to stitch wounds and set broken bones.” The text continues with the “Gruesome Truth” about the ancient peoples. For instance, the herbal remedies used by the Aztecs oftentimes killed the patients or drove them insane. Some of these horrific facts are informative, but others are just plain inappropriate for a children’s book. In The Egyptians, readers learn that King Menepta’s well-trained army brought back to the pharaoh the penises of 1300 Libyans after a bloody battle. In addition to the grisly facts, each book also includes several true or false statements. The illustrations are rendered in a comical caricature style that greatly exaggerates the facial expressions and body language. This colorful style lightens the tone of the book and makes the facts a little less frightening. There are multiple illustrations on each page. Purchase where gory details and wacky trivia are in demand.–Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

RANDOLPH, Joanne. My Friend the Ferret.ISBN 978-1-60754-974-1; ISBN 978-1-60754-980-2; ISBN 978-1-61533-177-2. LC 2010004693.
––––. My Friend the Hermit Crab.ISBN 978-1-60754-978-9; ISBN 978-1-60754-987-1; ISBN 978-1-61533-181-9. LC 2010004698.
––––. My Friend the Miniature Horse.ISBN 978-1-60754-976-5; ISBN 978-1-60754-984-0; ISBN 978-1-61533-179-6. LC 2010004695.
––––. My Friend the Potbellied Pig.ISBN 978-1-60754-975-8; ISBN 978-1-60754-982-6; ISBN 978-1-61533-178-9. LC 2010004694.
ea vol: 24p. (Curious Pet Pals Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Windmill. 2011. PLB $21.35; pap. $8.15; ebook $21.35.
Gr 2-3–Randolph provides a broad overview of each animal, offering the advantages of pet ownership and some advice about care without going into any depth about either subject. The books are geared to emerging readers still progressing toward chapter books, but the awkward writing and unconventional line breaks disrupt the flow of the texts. Still, the color photos, many full page, are attractive and eye-catching. A page of facts and trivia (e.g., hermit crabs urinate through their antennae) is appended. These colorful books will have appeal because of the featured animals but they are strictly additional supplements to more traditional pet books.–Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

RUBINGER, Ami. Dog Number 1 Dog Number 10.tr. from Hebrew by Ray Baitner. illus. by author. unpaged. Abbeville Kids. 2011. Tr $13.95. ISBN 978-0-7892-1066-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–In this colorful picture book, each number gets a spread with a rhyming text. This pattern begins with number one and is repeated throughout. “Playing chase is so much fun!/My name’s Rover. I’m dog number….” The book continues in this fashion up to dog number 10 when–surprise!–a spread features pairs of cats. The book ends with “Ten dogs and ten cats–I think that’s plenty!/Count them all/and you get….” The psychedelic artwork uses bold colors and features big-eyed animals set against multicolored hills. Each illustration has all the previous dogs pictured in their original poses, but they do not overshadow the “main” dog. Despite the relatively uncluttered illustrations, there are plenty of non-canine things to count, including clouds, flowers, birds, and the unexpected eight giraffes. An interesting book with an easy-to-read text, suitable for groups or one-on-one sharing.–Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

SHAPIRO, Sheryl & Simon Shapiro. Better Together.illus. by Dušan Petričić. 32p. CIP. Annick, dist. by Firefly. 2011. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-279-9; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-278-2. LC C2010-907470-X.
Gr 1-3–The title and blue and yellow paint blending into green on the cover hints at the theme of this lighthearted collection. Twelve of the 13 poems explore mixtures. Examples consistent with the scientific definition include water and flour, cinnamon and sugar, soap and water, dirt and water, chocolate and milk, and yellow and blue paint. Poems about vinegar and oil, fudge, music, and a sports team stretch the definition a bit. The final poem, “Goodnight,” the poets admit, is added just for fun. A simple rhyming scheme and two stanzas per selection plus word choices that kids will appreciate make the poems accessible. The black-line cartoon drawings with color washes match the humorous writing perfectly. Series of vignettes illustrate each poem like the steps in a science experiment, often arching across the spreads. This title should find a place in large collections.–Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

SNYDER, Brian. Everything Butt Art at the Zoo.illus. by Alexis Moniello. unpaged. Madbrook. 2011. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-9830657-0-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-5–Each lesson starts as a “butt”–that is, a line with a double scallop. Snyder and Moniello show readers how to turn the “butt” into drawings of 15 kinds of zoo animals. The scalloped line is used for different parts of different animals. For the gorilla, it becomes the mouth, and for the lion it is part of the mane. The book has a good variety of creatures, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. They are demonstrated with clear step-by-step drawings, with each new step printed in red. The finished pictures are simple and cartoonlike, with no attempt at shading or modeling. Each drawing is accompanied by a short, interesting, and often funny fact, printed in large type, about the featured animal. The drawing demonstrations are surrounded by brightly colored images in the same style as the projects that illustrate the animal fact. Unfortunately, there are activities that require writing in the book. Although it lacks the novel “butt” premise, Christopher Hart’s Kids Draw Animals (Watson-Guptill, 2003) is probably a better choice for libraries.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

THIMMESH, Catherine. Friends: True Stories of Extraordinary Animal Friendships.32p. photos. Web sites. Houghton Harcourt. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-39010-9. LC 2010025122.
K-Gr 2–Thimmesh uses a simple rhyming text and stellar color photos to celebrate unusual friendships. In addition to the verse, she records further details in prose paragraphs to give some context and to help older readers understand these often-inexplicable relationships. One can possibly comprehend a cheetah cub/puppy pair at a zoo, or even a baby badger and a baby fox at a wildlife sanctuary, but she documents a wild, adult polar bear and a tethered sled dog, a basset hound and an owl, and an Asian camel and a miniature Vietnamese pig. Unthinkable? “It doesn’t matter–not in the end–because deep where it counts,/one knows a true friend.” The photos radiate trust and warmth, and the text is soothing and reassuring.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

WATTERSON, Carol. An Edible Alphabet: 26 Reasons to Love the Farm.illus. by Michela Sorrentino. unpaged. CIP. Tricycle. July 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-58246-421-3; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-1-58246-422-0. LC 2010030478.
Gr 1-4–This engaging and informative foray into farms of all kinds practically bursts with the creators’ enthusiasm for their subject. Sorrentino’s boldly colored illustrations, comprised of collages with hand-painted papers and acrylics, capture the eye as surely as Watterson’s bouncy text captures the ear. The book succeeds on many levels; each letter features an alliterative and/or silly sentence or two, suitable for a classroom storytime, while additional text offers more information about the plants and animals featured on a spread. The text throughout boasts a playful style, as when asparagus are described as “little green soldiers poking their heads through the brown earth” and when vegetables on their way to the market share an imaginary conversation. This title blends the factual and the imaginative in a way that always makes the facts clear, from “Ants on Asparagus” right through to “Zoom Zoom Zucchini” (accompanied by directions for making a zucchini race car).–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

WOLFSGRUBER, Linda. A Daisy Is a Daisy Is a Daisy (Except When It’s a Girl’s Name).tr. from German. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Groundwood. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-099-4. LC C2010-905909-3.
Gr 1-3–Wolfsgruber explores girls’names inspired by flowers. Many of them, even those from other languages, will be familiar to American readers. For example, Susanna means “lily” in Hebrew and Margarita means “daisy” in Spanish. For each flower, the artist portrays a character–part human, part flower–in a variety of settings and poses. These flower sprites, mostly rendered in watercolor outlined with ink, are very stylized. For some, the floral part constitutes the dress, and for others the head or another part of the child. Some of the drawings have a sketchy look, as if they were drawn in a hurry, while others look more finished. A few readers may be concerned that the flower sprites appear to be partially unclad. The eclectic backgrounds are each unique and decorated with a variety of other mediums. All of the images have a sophisticated, artsy feel that is more likely to appeal to adults than children. Cicely Mary Barker’s The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies (Warne, 2010), though not dealing specifically with names, has pictures of flower people that little girls will love. Though Wolfsgruber’s book may be of interest to those whose names are mentioned within its pages, for others it is of secondary interest.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

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