Book Review Archive
Rosie and Buttercup
Written by Chieri Uegaki
Illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch
Publisher: Kids Can Press
ISBN-10: 1553379977
Ages: 3 to 7
Review and lesson plans by
Donna O'Donnell Figurski
It’s as old as time. It’s happened to me and I’m sure it’s happened to you . . . unless, of course, you are an only child. Sibling rivalry rears its ugly head in almost all families. Oh, Rosie, no doubt, loved her little sister, Buttercup. She couldn’t wait for her to be born. She couldn’t wait to have her as a playmate. She wrote songs for her and played the silly sock game with her. But, as Buttercup grew older, Rosie’s sisterly loved waned. She grew tired of Buttercup’s demands, her noise, her “stuff” strewn all over the room. Sometimes Rosie just wanted to be alone. Rosie was furious when Buttercup almost freed Eenie and Meenie, Rosie’s prize crickets, from their cage. What was Buttercup thinking? So, it was no surprise when Rosie decided to give her little sister, Buttercup away. Wouldn’t you?
But Rosie didn’t expect a funny squeezy feeling to fill her chest as she left Buttercup with Oxford, the babysitter, who lived down the street. And that squeezy feeling just wouldn’t go away . . . no matter how hard Rosie tried to squeeze it out. Rosie didn’t expect to miss Buttercup, but she did! The talcum powder scent reminded her of her pesky little sister. So did the silly socks hanging out of the dresser drawer. Rosie knew what she had to do. She filled her pillowcase with her sun-dried dandelion puffs and set Eeenie and Meenie’s cage on top of Buttercup’s stroller and trudged off to Oxford’s house. She had to get Buttercup back even if it meant giving away her favorite things in the entire world. Rosie hoped that her treasures would be a good trade for her little sister.
Well, I never gave my sisters away, nor my brothers for that matter, but I can relate to how Rosie felt. Little siblings can be pests sometimes. But, if you can wait . . . long enough for them to grow up, you may just have a friend for life . . . and you won’t have to give away your stash of sun-dried dandelion puffs.
FROM the MOUTHS of KIDDLE CRITers: a critique group
“Rosie liked it when she was an only child,” said Timmy.
“But, when Rosie first knew she was going to get a baby sister named Buttercup, she was very excited,” said Mikaela.
Jewel nodded. “Rosie was happy at first,” she said.
“She liked having a sister,” Timmy said, “Until . . .”
“ . . . Until Buttercup started to copy everything that Rosie said,” interrupted Mikaela.
“Rosie was annoyed,” said Timmy. “I don’t know if Rosie realized that Buttercup was copying her or just trying to get on her nerves.”
“Buttercup wasn’t old enough to realize that copying someone isn’t a very nice thing,” said Jewel. “But Rosie didn’t know that.”
“Rosie used to like Buttercup,’ said Mikaela, “but she got tired of her and gave her away.”
“ . . . To Oxford,” explained Timmy.
“Rosie knew it was wrong to get rid of her little sister so she could have her parents and all of her things to herself,” said Jewel.
Mikaela nodded. “I think Rosie was feeling jealous because Buttercup got more attention,” she said.
“But, it was wrong,” said Callie.
“She shouldn’t have done that,” insisted Jewel. “Rosie is like me,” she continued. “Buttercup is like my sister.
Buttercup sounds like a pain, but she’s really sweet.”
“When Rosie gave her sister away, she got a little tingle in her chest,” said Callie.
“ . . . A squeezy thing,” said Abby. “But I don’t think it was very little because if she were using her arms to stop it, it wouldn’t be that little.”
“And, Buttercup probably felt sad to never see her sister again or her mom or dad . . . only this Oxford dude,” said Jewel. “It would be really upsetting for a little kid like that to be abandoned.”
“I wouldn’t give my baby sister away . . . even if I had a sister . . . which I don’t because I’m an only child,” said Abby.
“If I gave my little sister away, my parents would get M-A-D,” said Jewel. “They would make me apologize to my sister and they would make me apologize to them and to the person I gave her to. Then I would be grounded,” she said. “ But I would miss her. I would miss her, indeed!”
“I would miss her too,” said Abby who is Jewel’s little sister’s friend.
Lawrence looked thoughtful then said. “When my sister went to camp, I missed her . . . in two days.”
“Soon, Rosie kind of missed her little sister, too,” said Mikaela.
“She started to miss somebody to play with,” said Jewel.
Mikaela nodded. “She wanted to sing songs to her. She wanted to play the sock game,” she said.
“And she didn’t want the puffy feeling to come back,” said Abby.
“So, I think Rosie changed her mind because she felt kind of lonely. The house was kind of empty. She felt sad. She had nobody to play with,” said Mikaela. “At first she was very happy because Buttercup wasn’t there, but if you really think about it . . . well, she probably missed the crying and the annoying stuff,” she said.
“I think Rosie felt sad that she gave away Buttercup,” mused Callie.
“So Rosie traded her favorite things (to Oxford), her crickets and sun-dried dandelion puffs because she loved her sister more than anything,” said Abby.
Mikaela agreed. “She actually loved those things, but she loved Buttercup better. Rosie could always get new crickets or dandelion puff balls,” Mikaela said. “But she could never get a new sister.”
(Note: “Rosie and Buttercup is a book for brothers and sisters who fight,” suggests Jewel.)
TEACHER TALK
FLOWER/ANIMAL MATCH: Language Arts/Science
Flowers are pretty. They smell pretty. They look pretty. They even have pretty names. Many newborn babies are named after flowers. There are cartoon characters named after flowers. Remember Petunia? She’s Porky Pig’s girlfriend. Book characters are named after flowers, too. Everyone knows Chrysanthemum, the little mouse in Kevin Henke’s book by the same title. Then there are names like Pansy and Lily and Violet and even Blossom. There are Rose and Daisy and Poppy and Peony. See how many flower names you can find. Then try the activity below for some very “flowerful” fun.
- Brainstorm as many flower names as you can think of. Record on chart paper. (See list below.)
- Brainstorm as many animal names as you can think of. Record on chart paper.
- Hang charts in room for easy viewing.
- Next give each child a pre-made book with ten pages. (4.5” x 6”) Use manila paper for the inside pages and construction paper for the covers)
- Have children choose ten flower names and ten animal names from each chart and write their choices on paper. Use the same beginning letters.
- Examples:
- Blossom Bunny Daisy Duck Jasmine Jackrabbit
- Lily Lion Poppy Piglet
- After their work has been checked for accuracy, they may write their choices in their books. (One flower/animal combination per page)
- Last, they may illustrate their books.
Flower Names:
Angelica, Aster, Blossom, Chrysanthemum, Cynara, Dahlia, Daisy, Daphne, Gay, Ginger, Holly, Hyacinth, Iris, Jasmine, Lily, Marguerite, Narcissus, Peony, Petunia, Poppy, Rosa, Rose, Scarlet, Sienna, Tansy, Veronica, Violet
(More names can be found at the following site:
Baby Name Rant: Flowers and Plants
FLOWER WORD SCRAMBLE: Language Arts/Science/Math
- Cut out one-inch squares of construction paper.
- With a black marker print one letter from Buttercup and Rosie’s name on each square.
- Then make teams of children. Place 2, 3, or 4 children on each team.
- Give each team a set of letter squares.
- Children use the letter squares to make new words. Each word is scored by how many letters are in the word. (See example below.)
- Set a timer for approximately five minutes.
- The team with the either the most words or the highest score wins.
Ex.: B U T T E R C U P R O S I E
(C P B T E S R U U E R O T I)
Toe 3 Prose 5
Race 4 Cute 4
Butter 6 Bus 3
SUGGESTED WEBSITES:
(Although I examined these websites and found them to be very helpful, please use them at your own discretion.)
It's My Life; Sibling Rivalry Attention and Approval
Sibling Rivalry
Illinois Early Project: Helping Siblings Get Along
SUGGESTED BOOKS:
I'd Rather Have an Iguana by Heidi Stetson Mario
Vera's Baby Sister by Vera Rosenberry
Good As Goldie by Margie Palatini (Author)
Fine As We Are by Algy Craig Hall (Author)
The Tale of Pip and Squeak by Kate Duke
How To be A Baby . . . By Me, The Big Sister by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Sue Heap
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Seeing Red: The Planet Mars
Written by Nancy Loewen
Illustrated by Jeff Yesh
Publisher: Picture Window Books
ISBN: 978-1-4048-3953-3
Ages: 7-12
Seeing red, makes me think of strawberry licorice, a fire engine racing down the street, a ladybug, a plump, juicy tomato, and, of course, Mars. Mars the fourth planet from the sun is called the “red” planet. And there’s a good reason for that. Its soil contains the reddish metal called iron. Mars can be seen in the night sky from Earth with the naked eye. It’s our neighbor.
Mar’s landscape is similar to that of Earth. It has rolling hills, canyons, and mountains. It has north and south poles and they are cold, really cold. But, then most of the planet, Mars, is cold. It is pretty far from the sun, you know. Its temperature can be as cold as minus eighty degrees. Brrr! I’m not packing my swimsuit for a vacation there anytime soon. And even if I did, it would be a pretty lonely time. Scientists believe there is no life on Mars—at least they haven’t found any yet. So, all those stories you might have heard about aliens or Martians . . . well don’t believe them.
But, you can believe the cold, hard facts that you read in Seeing Red The Planet Mars written by Nancy Loewen and illustrated by Jeff Yesh. You can believe that Mars has many dust storms and that it is a very bright light in the night sky. You can believe that two moons, called Deimos and Phobos orbit Mars. You can believe that a Martian day is just thirty-seven minutes longer than an Earth day, but a Martian year is nearly twice as long as an Earth year. Go ahead believe!
And if you ever hear about Marslings or Earthtians . . . well, that’s a different story. Keep an open mind and ask any of Mrs. Figurski’s Kiddles.
This review can also be seen on: Smartwriters .
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A Day With No Crayons
Written by Elizabeth Rusch,
Illustrated by Chad Cameron
Publisher: Rising Moon
ISBN: 0873589106
Ages: 4-8
What do wild watermelon, tropical rain forest, dandelion, and neon carrot have in common?
Think pink . . . and green and yellow and orange. Think colors! When I think of colors, I think of fruit and vegetables. I think of the hundreds of color strips in the paint store. I think of bundles of yarn balls nestled on craft store shelves. And . . . I think of crayons.
The thought of crayons hurtles me back to memories of being six again. I think of the little yellow box filled with eight crayon colors, standing so tall. I remember their warm, waxy smell, and the soft and shiny feel of those slender sticks of magic. And, when I tug at the edges of my mind, I can uncover the utter disbelief of a day with no crayons. Truly unbearable! So, it’s not hard to understand Liza’s despair when her mother takes away her bucket of crayons . . . all because she drew a beautiful mural on her bedroom wall. Imagine!
But, Liza was not thwarted for long. Color was the essence of her being, and she soon realized that her world was as colorful as her crayons.
As Liza wandered through her neighborhood, she discovered the hues of brilliant orange tiger lilies, deep purple blackberries, laser-yellow dandelions, jungle-green blades of grass. Somehow each color smears itself on her pant legs, making them a rainbow delight. Hmmm!
Liza also discovered that a muddy, brown stick and an old, red brick could color her world, too. She used gray-green pebbles to make an ocean and pink rhododendron petals to create a glowing sunset.
As Liza crawled into bed that night, she surrounded herself with even more color . . . outrageous orchid and magic maize pillows. Her pink and blue blanket on her purple bed, her red skis and striped scarf and black and white soccer ball all flooded Liza’s world with color. What a world of color Liza discovered the day her mother took her crayons away!
Look for a complete review of this book at SmartWriters .
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Farmer Cap
Written by Jill Kalz
Illustrated by Sahin Erkocak
Publisher: Picture Window Books
ISBN: -13: 9781404831391
Ages: 5 to 7
Farmer Cap . . . to say he is a little strange, a little off-center, and a lot eccentric is being kind. He is like no farmer I have ever met. Of course, you can count on half a hand the number of farmers I know. But, I’ve read the Farmer in the Dell and he seemed kind of normal, except, of course, for letting the cheese stand alone, but that is a whole other issue.
Actually, Farmer Cap’s weirdness is what makes him stand out among farmers. It’s what makes him so funny and so interesting and so, so lovable. While other farmers plant corn and tomatoes, green beans and potatoes, or pumpkins and watermelon, Farmer Cap plants Popsicles and spaghetti. Now if he could only grow chocolate chip cookie-dough ice cream or malted-crunch chocolate bars . . . YUM!
What I love about Farmer Cap is not his green flip-flops or the funny feather poking out of his cap, his knobby knees, or his silly grin, but his innovative, curious, quirky mind . . . and his strength. I love his strength and his confidence--his belief in himself. When all his farmer friends looked on with skepticism and doubt, Farmer Cap stood his ground! He didn’t let his fellow farmers dissuade him. He didn’t let his fellow farmers discourage him or stand in his way. Farmer Cap had conviction! Farmer Cap reminds me of two other characters, named Suki and Monique, whose books are also reviewed in my column called, Teacher’s Pets. (See below) Farmer Cap also reminds me of a character named, Kanona Prattsby, (my book, not yet published) who with her gumption, strength, and determination changes a whole town to make it a brighter and more fun place to live. She and Farmer Cap would make a great couple. Put their minds together and who knows what to expect. They just could make the world a nicer place.
Farmer Cap, Suki, and Monique (and hopefully someday Kanona) are gifts to young readers. They shout be yourself. Stand up for what you believe. Don’t be afraid to think for yourself. Be strong!
And so, hats off to you--I mean . . . Caps off to you, Farmer Cap! And if you ever feel like growing jelly beans or chocolate mint cookies or sour cream/onion potato chips or grape soda pop, or piping hot buttered popcorn, or . . . well, you get the message . . . call me!
Look for a complete review of this book at SmartWriters .
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A Little Peace
Written by Barbara Kerley
Publisher: National Geographic Children's Book
ISBN-13: 978-1426300868
$16.95
Ages: all ages
Peace—a simple word that packs a lot of wallop. For me peace is a comfortable place, a quiet space, the absence of car motors, the hum of air conditioners, or the whir of the refrigerator. Peace is being curled up by the fireplace with a good book or lying in the sand at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, California. Peace is feeling the warmth of the sun or marveling at the millions of stars twinkling in the night sky of Taos, New Mexico. Peace is stilling my mind.
For many war-torn countries, peace is an illusion, a memory of times gone by. Fighter planes fill their skies, landmines explode with an unexpected step, bombs whistle by night or day. The heart can’t find peace when the mind is filled with fear. In the mid sixties, Jackie De Shannon sang “What the World Needs Now.” She sang of love. She could have been singing of peace. And, the world does need peace! It saddens and horrifies me to know of all the children born under the bomb, who have never known peace in their lives.
Peace, so hard to achieve and so illusive can start with just a smile, a nod, a wave of the hand, says Barbara Kerley in her new book entitled, A Little Peace. Signs of peace can be found anywhere . . . in the marketplace, at the beach, at school or at play. The pictures from around the world . . . Albuquerque, New Mexico, Fengdu, China, and Kabul, Afghanistan were some of the more touching photos depicting peace. My favorite was the four-year-old girl with face uplifted in song from a neighbor state of Ohio.
Give a smile. Get a smile. Wave a wave. Reach out and spread a little PEACE!
Look for a complete review of this book at Smartwriters
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Fix-It Duck (Board book)
Written and illustrated by Jez Alborough
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers
ISBN-13: 978-1933605302
$7.99
Ages: 1-8
Fix-It Duck is no ordinary duck. He means well, but whenever he is near—LOOK OUT! Bad luck seems to follow this duck. When a drop of water falls into Duck’s tea—that’s bad luck. When Sheep’s window won’t close—that’s bad luck. Sheep’s jeep’s flat tire is bad luck, too. But, when Sheep’s house rolls into the pond, that’s the toughest luck of all.
Fix-It Duck doesn’t seem to mind, though. He’s oblivious of the havoc he leaves in his wake. He’s a jolly guy and only wants to be of help to his pals. But a friend like Fix-It Duck can be a little hard on a friendship. Sheep, Goat, and Frog sit on the shore of the pond looking devastated as Fix-It Duck, with hammer in one hand and tool kit in the other, plunges into the water to fix Sheep’s upended, soggy mobile home, which is mobile no more! Thanks to Fix-It Duck!
With a simple drip of water in a teacup, a lot of duck bad luck, some funny rhyme and a brilliant palette, Jez Alborough created a very funny book. And though I love Fix-It Duck, if I ever see him heading to my house, I am going to pull my blinds and lock my door tight. Sorry Fix-It Duck! I’m calling Handy Andy, my favorite fixer-upper.
Look for a complete review of this book at Smartwriters
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GORILLAS by MEISH GOLDISH |
GORILLAS
Written by Meish Goldish
Publisher: Bearport Publishing Company
ISBN 13: 978-1-59716-369-9
ISBN 10: 1-59716-369-4
$23.96
Ages: 6-12
When I think of gorillas, I think of wild, jungle beasts. My guess is that most folks do, too. Gorillas are massive animals. Some males stand as high as six feet and weigh as much as six hundred pounds. That’s a lot of gorilla! Though gorillas are intimidatingly huge and look rather fierce, most gorillas are peaceful, non-aggressive animals, unless provoked, of course.
They live in the lowland rain forests or mountain cloud forests of central Africa. Gorillas live in family groupings much like humans and they are very social creatures. In Meish Goldish’s book, entitled Gorillas, you can learn so many facts. He tells how Diane Fossey, an American zoologist, studied gorillas for nearly eighteen years. She went right into the jungle and did just what the gorillas did. She scratched her head, beat her chest, made their sounds and even ate the same foods they ate . . . like leaves and twigs. Gorillas also eat rotten wood and small animals, but I bet that Fossey didn’t go that far. I know I wouldn’t . . . even in the name of science. But, she did gain their confidence, which allowed her to study these giant mammals.
Goldish tells how Binti Jua, a gorilla who lives in the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois, saved a three-year old child who fell into her cage. He tells how Bongo, a Columbus Ohio Zoo gorilla, grieved when his partner, Bridgette, died and how he cared for their young son, making the infant’s bed of hay each night. Goldish also writes about how Koko, a gorilla who lives in the San Francisco Zoo, learned sign language using (ASL) American Sign Language. She can sign more than 1,000 words and understands more than 2,000 words.
Say no more, Meish Goldish has convinced me that gorillas are intelligent, sensitive, and caring animals. But, he also frightened me. No, not of six hundred pounds of gorilla, but that the gorilla species has become endangered. There are only about 740 gorillas alive today. Now, that’s a scary thought! Poachers encroach upon gorilla habitats and capture and kill them for their meat, called bushmeat, and they use their body parts for souvenirs. That’s an even scarier thought.
You can see these gentle beasts in their natural habitat in the Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda by booking one of their many safaris. If you can’t go in person, then click on Gorillas to view a video by Tanya Petersen to see gorillas doing what gorillas do. Me? I’ll be going to the Erie Zoo in a few weeks and heading straight to the gorilla exhibit to see Samantha—the Queen of the Zoo.
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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LOVE THE BABY
written by Steven L. Layne
illustrated by Ard Hoyt
Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company, Inc.
ISBN: 1-58980-392-
$15.95
Ages: 0-5
“Help me love the baby!” “Help me love the baby!” Everybody said it. Mama said it. Papa said it. Even Nana said it. Can you believe Nana said it too? Little Rabbit was happy when Baby came home from the hospital. Who wouldn’t be? Little babies are pretty exciting, especially when you’ve waited for nine months for that little brother or sister to arrive. Most children think - instant playmate! But when Baby came home from the hospital on that day that the flowers were blooming, Little Rabbit realized that the Baby was no playmate – no playmate at all! He couldn’t do anything - unless you counted crying. He did that plenty well. And, if that wasn’t bad enough, Mama and Papa and Nana, yes, even Nana, gave Baby all of their attention. So what would you expect? How could Little Rabbit love the baby? Jealousy abounded! Frustration swelled! Anger overwhelmed! His world turned upside down when his new baby brother arrived.
I’m the oldest of four younger siblings, so I am an expert on sibling rivalry. My world turned upside down four times, so I understand exactly how Little Rabbit was feeling. You would think I would have gotten used to it, but I didn’t – well . . . not until the last baby arrived. I was a lot older too, already thirteen, when my youngest sister, Sanner, came home from the hospital. I think my maternal instincts were in place by then and I loved having her around – still do! I think Little Rabbit’s tender instincts were aroused when late one night no one heard Baby crying – but he did. When he tiptoed into Baby’s room and tummy-tickled him just like Mama had tummy-tickled him when he was a baby, and when he sang the scrub-a-dub song to Baby and Baby sang along, and when Little Rabbit read his very favorite book to Baby and Baby fell softly to sleep, Little Rabbit knew he didn’t have to pretend anymore. Little Rabbit knew that he really did love the Baby! And what’s more – he knew Baby loved him, too.
Look for a complete review of this book at Smartwriters.com
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Rrrribbet!
Rrrribbet!
Rrrribbet!
Just hopping by to tell you that the new Teacher's Pets Frog
logo was created by my friend, Sheryl Lloyd.
OK! so I'm not hopping --
just sitting here absorbing these good books and you can too. There's
plenty of good reading where these came from. Keep on scrolling to find
a lot of "ribbetting" tales.
Hoppy Reading!
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GRANDPA FOR SALE
written by Dotti Enderle and Vicki Sansum
illustrated by T. Kyle Gentry
Publisher: Flashlight Press
ISBN-13 9780972922586
ISBN-10 097292258X
$15.95
Ages 4-8
For five hundred dollars, Lizzie imagined the exquisite tree house she could buy. For one thousand dollars, she could buy a small boat with her own name engraved on both the front and the sides. Imagine -- the S. S. Lizzie!
As Mrs. Bradley Larchmont the Third raised her offer to buy Lizzie’s Grandpa, who was sleeping peacefully and unaware (or maybe not so unaware) on the old Louis XVI settee in Oldman’s Antique Store, Lizzie’s mind went crazy -- a new Lavender Dream Bedroom Set for five thousand dollars, her very own ice cream shop, with every flavor ever made, with chocolate chips, and sprinkles and hot fudge for ten thousand dollars. It was mighty tempting, but Lizzie said, “No Deal!”
As Mrs. Larchmont raised the money for Lizzie’s Grandpa, her offers became more and more difficult for Lizzie to refuse. Lizzie was torn as she imagined all she could buy with that money. But when, through gritted teeth, Mrs. Larchmont said her final offer was fifty thousand dollars, Lizzie dug in her heels and insisted that Grandpa was not for sale. After all, what fun would a tree house, a boat, or even an amusement park be without Grandpa there to enjoy it with her. I have to agree with Lizzie. There is no amount of money to replace a grandpa.
I remember when I was in college; I lived with my grandparents in McKeesport, Pennsylvania for two months, while I waited for a dorm room to open up. Although the commute was fifteen miles to Pittsburgh every day -- each way, via walking, bus, train, and then more walking, I loved it! It was a great time! Living with my grandparents was the best! My grandpa, I called him Poppy, treated me like a princess. (So did my Gram!) There is nothing like a grandpa . . . and I have to say it again, “There is no amount of money to replace a grandpa,” . . . or a Poppy either.
In Grandpa For Sale written by authors, Dotti Enderle and Vicki Sansum and illustrated by T. Kyle Gentry, Mrs. Larchmont certainly figured out that Lizzie’s Grandpa was not for sale, but I can’t help but wonder if she ever realized that money cannot buy everything. It can’t buy health or friends. It can’t buy which way the wind blows, or when the sun shines. And as Paul McCartney and John Lennon and the Beatles sang so many years ago, “Money can't buy me love!” But the even greater music in Grandpa For Sale was the sound of the cash register on the last page when Lizzie pushed the big red button– Ding! NO SALE!
HEY, did I see a twinkle in Grandpa’s eye?
Look for a complete review of this book at Smartwriters.com
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Harriet Tubman Hero of the Underground Railroad
written by Lori Mortensen
illustrated by Frances Moore
Picture Window Books
978-1-4048-3103-2
$17.95
Ages 5-9
Everyone loves a hero! Someone to look up to! Someone who can do
superhuman things! Someone who accomplishes deeds that you wish you
could!
Superman was a hero, a comic book hero, created by Siegel and Schuster
in 1938. Mighty Mouse came on the scene only four years later, in 1942,
with the imagination of I. Klein. Mighty Mouse’s refrain, "Here I come
to save the day," brought hope to many a distressed cartoon character.
As a child I loved Nancy Drew. She was my hero. I couldn’t get enough
of her. She was self-confident. She was feisty. She was courageous and
brave and honest and independent and strong. She wandered haunted
mansions and traveled deep, dark tunnels to find truth; and I read
every book I could l lay hand to. Rosa Parks was a hero in 1955. She
changed the way our country viewed black people. Her refusal to give up
her seat on a bus resulted in a Supreme Court ruling, which said that
segregation on buses was unconstitutional.
Harriet Tubman was a hero, too, and Lori Mortensen and Frances Moore
give readers a glimpse into her world as they depict the timeline of
Harriet Tubman’s life in their very touching, yet poignant book titled,
Harriet Tubman Hero of the Underground Railroad.
Imagine being whipped because a baby in your care cried! Imagine
yourself as the caregiver and you, only five years old. Imagine life as
virtually a prisoner, without bars, living on a plantation in the Deep
South! Harriet Tubman didn’t have to imagine. That was her reality!
That was her life. But when Harriet was about thirty years old, she
escaped from her life of slavery - on the Underground Railroad.
You might imagine that Harriet would be happy enough to be free of the
South, but she couldn’t forget the horrors of life as a slave. She also
couldn’t forget her family, still enslaved by the masters of the great
plantation. So Harriet returned to the south nineteen times more to
lead 300 slaves to freedom, including members of her family.
Yes, Harriet was a hero. She was a super woman. She “came to save the
day” for many black people. She was strong and brave and courageous as
she traipsed through the darkness of night, mile after mile, leading -
guiding her passengers (slaves) to freedom on the Underground Railroad.
She paved the way for Rosa Parks, too. Yes, Harriet Tubman is a hero,
but she is not only a hero of the Underground Railroad, she is a hero
for all people all over the world. She made a difference!
Look for a complete review of this book at Smartwriters.com
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IF YOU WERE A CONJUNCTION |
IF YOU WERE A CONJUNCTION
written by Nancy Loewen
illustrated by Sara Gray
Picture Window Books
1-4048-2385-9
$25.26
Ages 7-10
Conjunctions may seem like pretty insignificant words. You can’t get an
image of them like you can with other words, like . . . baby OR teddy
bear OR a warm summer day at the beach, BUT conjunctions play a very
important role in our language.
They NOT ONLY join single words together, like . . . liver AND onions,
BUT ALSO connect two sentences together. They join clauses, too,
BECAUSE it sometimes makes a sentence sound better. NEITHER nouns NOR
verbs could ever take the place of a conjunction, ALTHOUGH I’m sure
they would like to. Conjunctions are like glue. They hold thoughts in
sentences together.
You might think conjunctions are mighty helpful words AND you would be
right. Though they are usually pretty small words, they are busy words
with very long names -- Connector, Coordinating, Correlative,
Subordinating. BUT, don’t let their names scare you. Just pick up If You Were A Conjunction
written by Nancy Loewen and illustrated by Sara Gray. Ms. Loewen, with
her fun sentences AND Ms. Gray, with her silly illustrations will make
learning conjunctions fun.
Look for a complete review of this book at SmartWriters.com.
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Donna O'Donnell Figurski Author, Teacher, Book Reviewer |
Hi, my name is Donna O'Donnell Figurski.
I love children's books,
all kinds.
BUT, I especially love picture books.
I love to read them.
I love to write them.
AND now . . .
I love to review them.
I have authored the column, TEACHER'S PETS on
SmartWriters.com since 2002.
My reviews have a different twist than do most book reviews I read. I work with a team of elementary-aged school children, called KIDDLE CRITers, who review books with me. We meet about once a month after school to read and discuss newly published children's picture books. The KIDDLE CRITers team consists of about seven to fifteen children ranging in ages from 6 to 12 years old. They are enthusiastic critics and one section of my online review, called FROM the MOUTHS of KIDDLE CRITers, includes the insightful and sometimes hilarious comments by the children.
Donna O'Donnell Figurski
Author, Educator and Book Reviewer
Since I am also a first grade teacher, I design lessons for teachers to use with the books I review. This section is called, TEACHER TALK. I also suggest additional books, as well as two or three websites, which teachers may use to compliment the reviewed book. Of course, there is also my review.
The complete review can be found at SMARTWRITERS.com. Look for TEACHER'S PETS in the sidebar under FOR EDUCATORS. See you there.
Donna
P.S.
If you would like to have your book considered for review by the KIDDLE CRITers review team, please contact me at
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Although I cannot promise that every book will be reviewed, I will try my best to feature as many books as possible.
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WHO LIKES THE SNOW?
written by Etta Kaner
illustrated by Marie Lafrance
Kids Can Press
ISBN: 978-1-55337-842-6
ISBN: 1-55337-842-3
$14.95
Ages 4 – 7
Snow tumbling from the sky
Flakes big and small.
I wonder why they’re whirling by?
I wonder where they’ll fall?
Snow flakes, snowballs, snow angels, snow forts and snowmen, or to be politically correct snow people, make up the wonderful world of snow. When snow falls, it can turn the most drab looking neighborhood into a magical place – a winter wonderland. But what is snow? Fluffy white stuff that tumbles out of the sky . . . Yes! Slippery, "slidey" stuff that blankets the ground and makes it hard to walk . . . Yes! But, it’s oh so much fun for children to play in. Oh so much fun for them to toss in the air and feel its wetness, its coldness on their faces, to feel it melt on their tongues. Snow can light up a night or it can turn the world silent, as flakes gently glide to the ground. It can rage - only as a blizzard can rage - and shut your world down.
Who likes the snow? That’s a good question. It can be answered in so many ways. Children like it. Skiers and snowboarders like it. Sometimes I like it, too, as I watch the flakes drift, swirl, dance through the air as they make their way from cloud to earth. As long as I can stay toasty warm behind double-paned windows with a fire dancing in the hearth behind me, then I like it. Some folks are not so fond of snow, and why would they be, as they inch along the highway at ten miles an hour or as they rub their aching backs after shoveling pounds of the heavy white stuff from their walks and driveways. That’s no fun.
WHO LIKES THE SNOW, written by Etta Kaner and illustrated by Marie LaFrance, examines all good reasons to like snow, but Ms. Kaner adds an extra dimension to her story by asking the “I wonder” questions. Questions that children everywhere are always wondering about. I wonder why it snows? I wonder what a snowflake looks like? I wonder where the snow goes when it melts? These are just some of the questions that are answered in this book. Lift the flap to find the answers to all kinds of snow mysteries and maybe you can think up a few “I wonder” questions of your own. Go ahead try it. On the next snowfall, sprawl out in the snow, sweep your arms and legs back and forth and create your own personal snow angel. Then let your mind drift to the wonders of snow.
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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Pick a Book Any Book and Read |
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| Go ahead! Pick a book. Any book. AND read. |
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| Surround me with books and I'm happy. |
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Did I say that I loved children's books?
I do!
If you look behind me, you will see part of my library. I own more than 2,000 books. AND . . . yes, I have read almost all of them, many, many times.
If you look closely, you will see some of my favorite books from some of my favorite friends.
Let's see . . . there's the GUINNESS RECORD BREAKERS by Karen Romano Young on the floor next to me. If you want to find out about the biggest bubble gum bubble or the tallest sand castle, just open the pages of Karen's book and have fun.
Buried under OLIVIA by Ian Falconer and WHERE DOES THE TRAIL LEAD by Burton Albert and illustrated by Brian Pinkney is my friend, Linda Taylor's book, called THE LETTUCE LEAF BIRTHDAY LETTER. Julie Durrell illustrated the book and the pictures are gorgeous. I love this story about a misunderstanding on Goose's birthday. Shortly after the book was published, Linda visited my classroom. She brought silk lettuce leaves for each of my students. The students gave Linda a gift, too. To Linda's surprise the children had been practicing her story for weeks as a play -- complete with costumes, scenery, and props. It was a great day! I'll never forget it. I don't think the students will either.
Can you tell which book I am reading? I'll give you a hint. She's not a crayon. Yep! It's an Amber Brown book written by Paula Danziger, illustrated by Tony Ross. This book is called GET READY FOR SECOND GRADE, AMBER BROWN and it's just perfect for my first grade students. I love all of Paula's books, and I own a lot . . . not all of them, but those shelves behind me are sagging in the "D" section. Now, Paula is writing books for early readers. My class loves them. I love them. AND . . . Paula, Dear, I love you for it. |
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Some of My Favorite Books |
| SOME of MY FAVORITE BOOKS |
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| |  | | KIDDLE CRITers: a critique group |
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Ahhh . . . THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
AS A TEACHER:
I read tons of books to my class. We love to discuss them. As soon as I finish reading a book and the clapping has ceased, I ask. "Well, what did you notice?" Marc Brown hides his children's names, Tolen, Tucker, and Elisa in the illustrations of his "ARTHUR" books. Tomie DePaola usually places a little pink heart or a small white dove on every page of his books, example STREGA NONA. In THE NAPPING HOUSE by Audrey & Don Wood, it's fun to watch the circular movement of the mouse as each character naps, then awakes. But without an observing eye, these nuances would be left unnoticed. It's my job to spark student's interest to look between the lines and between the pictures.
AS A WRITER:
I write every day with my students and they get to write too. It is such fun to watch them grow as writers. Many begin only able to write a few letters, perhaps their names or the words mom or dad, or maybe a brother or sister's name. But within a few months, they can string several sentences together to make short paragraphs.
AS A TEACHER/WRITER:
This is the best!
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FARMER MCPEEPERS AND HIS MISSING COWS |
FARMER MCPEEPERS and HIS MISSING MILK COWS
by Katy S. Duffield, illustrated by Steve Gray
Rising Moon
ISBN 0-87358-825-8
$15.95
Ages 4-8
The milk cows on Farmer McPeepers’ farm are simply up to NO good. I mean, have you ever seen milk cows fishing from a row boat, jumping double Dutch rope, skateboarding, or flying kites? “Outrageous!” you say. “Ridiculous! Impossible!” Well then, would you believe milk cows playing a fiddle, do-si-do-ing, or waiting in line at the local movie house? Yep! Down by Farmer McPeepers’ farm you’ll see all this and more. So go on. Open Farmer McPeepers and His Missing Milk Cows. But try not to laugh. I dare you!
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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WHEN I WAS BUILT
by Jennifer Thermes
Henry Holt and Company
ISBN 0-8050-6532-6
$16.95
Ages 4-8
“Who’s been eating my porridge?” Just about everyone recognizes those words from GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS. But, really, have you ever wondered who has taken a bath in your bathtub, or sprawled in front of your fireplace, cooked dinner on your stove or climbed the stairs to your bedroom . . . before you moved into your house?
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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THE SUNDAE SCOOP
by Stuart J. Murphy, illustrated by Cynthia Jabar
HarperCollins Publishers
0-06-028925-2
$16.89
Ages 6 and Up
Most kids love ice cream. They love as it drips down their fingers and smears their noses and they love to swirl their tongues around its creamy flavor. So what could be more fun than making ice cream sundaes for the school picnic? In THE SUNDAE SCOOP written by Stuart J. Murphy, Emily, Lauren, and James decide to do just that.
They take chocolate and vanilla ice cream, add caramel and hot fudge sauces and two toppings to make a variety of different sundae combinations But when Emily wonders exactly how many combinations they can make, Winnie, the cafeteria lady, pulls out her chalkboard to demonstrate. The use of the chalkboard, as a graphic organizer, makes this difficult math concept easy for youngsters to understand. What a clever technique by Murphy to combine reading fun with math skills.
Cynthia Jabar’s bright, perky illustrations combined with Murphy’s yummy story make this a very inviting book.
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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MY BROTHER DAN'S DELICIOUS |
MY BROTHER DAN’S DELICIOUS
by Steven L. Layne, illustrated by Chuck Galey
Pelican Publishing Company
1-58980-071-0
$14.95
Ages 6 and Up
“Monster Fear!” We’ve all had it. Come on. Admit it. Remember shadows drifting across your bedroom walls, curtains flapping in the night, or spooky noises bumping behind your closet door? “Quick!” you yell. “Shut it!” Then you jump into bed and dive under the covers. Remember the last time a monster visited you?
Take a memory trip back to when you were eight years old. Remember those especially dark nights when you stayed home alone? You convinced your mom or dad that you were old enough. You even convinced them that you didn’t need a baby sitter. But once the sun went down and the stars came out, remember how hard it was to convince yourself? I know, I do. A little “monster fear” goes a long way for a youngster. Children will definitely empathize with eight year old Joey in MY BROTHER DAN’S DELICIOUS written by Steven L. Layne and illustrated by Chuck Galey. As children turn each page, they will cheer Joey on as he tries to control and outwit his MONSTER . . . or his imagination. What do you think?
Children will love how illustrator, Chuck Galey reveals the “monster’s” presence on every page. They’ll delight in yelling, “Look out! There it is!” Then watch as Mr.Galey paints subtle hints of danger. They are everywhere. No wonder Joey is afraid. Look in the mirror. What do you see? And hey, what’s that under the rug? Are the pictures on the wall trying to give warning? There seem to be eyes everywhere . . . the window on the front door, the bannister, even on Joey’s backpack. Can you find more? So, before you turn off the light tonight, be sure to look under your bed.
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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GRANDFATHER COUNTS
by Andrea Cheng, illustrated by Ange Zhang
LEE & LOW BOOKS, Inc
1-58430-010-8
$16.95
Ages 5 to 8
When Gong Gong arrived, Helen’s life turned upside down. I mean, he couldn’t even speak English. How was Helen going to communicate with him? Sure, he was her grandfather, but why did mom have to give him Helen’s bedroom? Why couldn’t Gong Gong sleep in Cece’s room . . . or Henry’s? Helen loved standing at her bedroom window to watch the trains hurry down the tracks. She loved counting the cars from engine to caboose. Now Gong Gong was in her room with only Chinese in his head.
Andrea Chen tackles a wide range of emotions in her book entitled, GRANDFATHER COUNTS. Children will easily relate to Helen’s feelings of anger and confusion, her feelings of guilt and fear, as they recount incidents in their lives when they have felt just like Helen. Then they will finally heave a sigh of relief when, at the end of the book, Helen and Gong Gong become friends. Who would think it could be numbers and counting that would bring them together . . . one, two, three . . . yi, er, san.
The illustrations by Ange Zhang are gentle, yet very expressive. Notice Helen and Gong Gong’s faces. They tell an emotional story in themselves.
In our American society, which is so culturally diverse, teachers will find GRANDFATHER COUNTS a great book for initiating class discussions about the differences and sameness of their students. Children will want to read or hear this book again and again.
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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JOHN GLENN
by Thomas Streissguth
Bridgestone Books an imprint of Capstone Press
0-7368-1625-9
Ages 5 to 9
Have you ever wanted to be a hero? Ever thought you might grow up to do something you were really passionate about? I think we all hope to make our mark on the world. With me . . . it’s teaching and writing. John Glenn pursued his passion and made history. In 1962 he became the first person to orbit the earth. Thirty-six years later, Glenn again put his stamp on history when he became the oldest person to travel in space. Author, Thomas Streissguth takes us on a historical timeline of John Glenn’s life in his new book, entitled most aptly, JOHN GLENN. Streissguth, very succinctly outlines Glenn’s life from birth to current time. He shows how Glenn’s love of fast cars and airplanes led him to become a fighter pilot, and then a test pilot for the United States government. John liked to break speed records, so it was only natural that when NASA began their new space program in 1958, John Glenn applied and was accepted. This led to his becoming one of the first U.S. astronauts. Since childhood Glenn dreamed of flying. His hero was Charles Lindbergh. By pursuing his passion, John Glenn exceeded his dream. What child doesn’t wonder what is beyond our seeable sky? Dreams! The universe is filled with dreams. John Glenn’s life inspires children to be brave, to believe in themselves, to take chances, and to follow their dreams.
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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TINKA
by Rainy Dohaney
Anne Schwartz Book
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
0-689-85261-4
$15.95
Ages 3-7
Sure you’ve heard of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina . . . each no bigger than your thumb. But have you ever heard of Tinka? No? Then, you are in for a treat. Tinka is a sheep. She’s soft and cuddly and absolutely adorable. But, Tinka is no ordinary sheep. She’s as small as a cupcake. She can fit in your hand or you can easily tuck her away in your pocket. Sounds fun, huh?
But, it’s not always easy being small. For that matter, it’s not easy being too tall, too fat, or too thin. It’s not easy being too young or too old, and if you are like Kermit the Frog from Sesame Street, “It’s not easy being green.” Extremes are most always difficult.
Poor Tinka is too small. She’s too small to make enough wool. She’s too small to sleep with the other sheep. She’s too small to see over the fence . . . even standing on her tippytoes. Tinka is so small that she can’t even see the purple spider creeping across the hillside in the far distance and that is what all the other sheep are baaa-ing about. The purple spider is a sure sign of spring. But, when Tinka’s friend, Sooty, flies by, Tinka crawls on his back and for once she is grateful for her smallness.
Children will delight with Tinka as she flies higher than any sheep ever could. They will cheer her on and soar with her over the farms and fields to the “baah-aah-aah-eeootiful” home of the purple spider. And, together they will return to the farmyard with a secret . . . a secret you can be privy to by reading TINKA, written and illustrated by Rainy Dohaney.
Ms. Dohaney paints a gentle story with both her words and her art. With watercolors and colored pencils, she crafts “baah-aah-aah-eeootiful” illustrations, which create a mood of serenity and peacefulness. This would make a wonderful bedtime story. Children will want to hear it over and over again . . . probably a “schmillion” times.
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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| Unique Monique |
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UNIQUE MONIQUE
by Maria Rousaki, illustrated by Polina Papanikolaou
Kane/Miller Book Publishers
1-929132-51-4
$15.95
Ages 4-8
At the shopping mall today I saw a boy with blue hair, a girl with five rings in her nose, and another with hair standing straight up. I think they call it “spiked.” Some might call it weird. It does look a bit strange, but I think it’s creative. It’s a statement. It says, “Look at me! I am unique!”
I encourage my first graders to think for themselves. “Use your own ‘noodle’,” I say. So, when I discovered UNIQUE MONIQUE written by Maria Rousaki and illustrated by Polina Papanikolaou, I was delighted. What a great book to emphasize my point. Be yourself! Think for yourself! Make a statement! Maria and Polina did, when they teamed up to produce this “unique” book.
Monique is a great example of a youngster who is not afraid to let the world, and her teachers, know exactly who she is! I particularly loved Monique’s giant red hat. . the one that looked like a tomato. Anyone who knows me, knows I love hats, too. But, I’ve never dared to wear a tomato hat. Maybe I will . . . some day.
I also loved when Monique strolled across the schoolyard, totally confident in herself, with every eye glued to her. She was proud of that new hat. I admired her doggedness and her determination to find something . . . anything that would set her apart from the rest of her uniform-clad classmates. I applaud Monique’s courage . . . the courage to be different. What guts!
And I applaud Maria Rousaki and Polina Papanikolaou for a work well done . . . or should I say a “unique” work . . . well done.
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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| Suki's Kimono |
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SUKI’S KIMONO
by Chieri Uegaki, illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch
Kids Can Press, Limited
1-55337-084-8
$15.95
Ages 5 to 8
The first day of school is special. Hey, every school day is, but I have to admit that the first day holds a bit of extra magic. It’s a day of newness . . . new classroom, new teacher, new backpack, maybe even a new outfit or a pair of new shoes. Yes, it’s a very important day.
So, it was no wonder that Suki wanted to wear something special on her first day in first grade. But when she decided to wear her kimono, her sisters, Mari and Yumi, thought she was weird. They wanted Suki to wear something new . . . something cool, but Suki didn’t care for new or cool. She was determined to wear the blue kimono and her shiny red geta. Suki didn’t listen when Yumi and Mari warned her that everyone would laugh. She simply didn’t care.
It takes a special person . . . a spunky person to dare to be different, to step out of the box, to think her own thoughts and chase her own dreams. How simple it is to follow the crowd or let others do your thinking. How easy it is to blend into mediocrity . . . BUT not Suki. Suki makes me wish I had my very own kimono and geta.
SUKI’S KIMONO is a beautifully written story by first time picture book author, Chieri Uegaki. Ms. Uegaki, through her main character, Suki, celebrates the courage to be different, while offering the reader a glimpse into Japanese culture. Then, illustrator, Stephane Jorisch steps up to add his flair with his fanciful watercolors. His paintings simply capture the essence of Suki. You know . . . they say to never judge a book by its cover, but this time I can’t help it. One look at Suki and she danced right off the cover and into my heart. I have no doubt she’ll capture yours, too.
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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READ IT! READERS: FAIRY TALES |
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| READ-IT! READERS: FAIRY TALES |
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READ-IT! READERS: FAIRY TALES
Picture Window Books
ISBN: 1-4048-0240-1W
12 Book Set $167.40
(Single Titles $13.95)
Ages 4 to 9
Do you ever want to believe something; I mean really, truly want to believe, even though you know it can’t possibly be true? Maybe you just want to believe because everyone else does. Or have you ever decided that you didn’t like someone because of how they look? These story concepts are as old as time, and there are many lessons to be learned from them.
You may have recognized the themes above as the, THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES and THE UGLY DUCKLING. These classic titles, and more, are published by Picture Window Books in their fairytale series. Teachers will love these books because they are specially designed for early readers. The varying degrees of difficulty, allows children to choose books that are just right for them.
Since many of the stories such as, THE THREE BILLY GOAT’S GRUFF, THE THREE LITTLE PIGS, and THE THREE BEARS are familiar to children, they are easier to read because children can predict what is coming next in the story. For example, when the wolf threatens to blow down the pig’s house, most children quickly repeat the wolf’s refrain, “I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house in.” These predictable parts of the story make it easy for children to decode the text. Teachers love this early reading success; so do parents. And of course, the children revel in the fact that they are readers. These books are very “kiddle” friendly from their texts to their perky illustrations.
Although the books can be sold in the complete package from the publisher at picturewindowbooks.com, single titles can also be purchased at competitive prices from your local bookstore. This collection of much loved stories would be a wonderful addition to any classroom library, or for that matter any child’s favorite bookshelf.
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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| Fossil Tales |
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FOSSIL TALES
by Meish Goldish
Chelsea House Publishers
ISBN: 1-7910-7411-0
$13.95
Ages 9 - 12
Did you know that the word, “dinosaur” was not even a word before the 1800s? Nowadays that word tumbles off the lips of most children, even as young as preschoolers. Children are fascinated with dinosaurs. They are in awe of their size and their strange looks, so it was no wonder that there was an audible buzz from the KIDDLE CRITers as I prepared to read FOSSIL TALES to them.
When they learned of the feud between the leading scientists in the field, Marsh and Cope, they were outraged. It’s crazy!” “Why couldn’t they cooperate?” “Didn’t they know they were damaging history?” These were some statements made by the insightful CRITers.
Meish Goldish examines the time line of fossils in his new book entitled, FOSSIL TALES. He traces dinosaur research from their discovery in the early 1800s until present day. Mr. Goldish also explores a range of topics including the discovery of prehistoric shark’s teeth, reconstruction of found dinosaur bones, and the “goofs” scientists made in naming and renaming the dinosaurs.
Children love just about anything dinosaur-related, and FOSSIL TALES is packed full of fascinating details that capture their interest.
Its array of photos of paleontologists at work and reconstructed dinosaur skeletons nicely complements the text. Judging from the CRITers’ reaction, I can guarantee that the pages of this book will become very well worn as children return to them over and over again. What a DINO-mite job, Mr. Goldish!
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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| An Ant's Day Off |
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AN ANT’S DAY OFF
by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Nina Laden
Simon & Schuster Children's
ISBN: 0-689-82274-X
$15.95
Ages 4 – 8 years
Working! Working! Always working! That sums up Bart’s life in AN ANT’S DAY OFF written by Bonny Becker and illustrated by Nina Laden. Moving sand from one tunnel to the next, day after day -- hey, that’s the life of a sand ant!
But it’s been said, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” So would that make Bart a dull ant? Everybody needs a day off once in a while . . . doesn’t he? A day to take in the wonders of the world . . . a day to pull the covers up over your head and dream.
It seemed that Bart was content with his life in the sand tunnel . . . until one day . . . the day he looked up and saw a glimmer of blue. That’s all it took. Bart threw down his shovel. He flung off his hard hat. Nothing, not even his friend, Floyd’s warning, “No ant has ever taken a day off – never in the history of antdom,” could stop Bart from scrambling toward the sun. Well, sometimes an ant just needs to look at the sky, now doesn’t he? I’m sure that children will scramble for this book when they want to escape from their busy worlds.
P. S.
I’m glad Bonny Becker and Nina Laden didn’t take a day off or this delightful book may never have been produced. What fun!
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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| The Case of Vivian Vampire |
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THE CASE OF VAMPIRE VIVIAN
By Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Amy Wummer
KANE PRESS
ISBN: 1-57565-127-0
Ages 5 – 8 years
$4.99
Well, she is sort of weird -- that new girl who just moved in -- her hair all sticking out like bat wings. How can you ignore thatbat shirt she’s wearing and those bat stickers on her notebook and what about her bat earrings? Now isn’t that a “bat” much? Who can blame Molly for thinking Vivian is a vampire? Wouldn’t you?
Molly and her friends, Frank and Louis, turn into detectives and scientists all rolled into one as they try to solve the mystery of THE CASE OF VAMPIRE VIVIAN written by Michelle Knudsen and illustrated by Amy Wummer. Ms. Knudsen mixes fact with fiction as she weaves an interesting tale about bats and vampires, while Ms. Wummer’s paintbrush teases the reader into thinking Vivian may actually be a vampire. I mean just look at Vivian’s hair. Looks like bats to me!
So of course, young readers, armed with Knudsen’s “bat” facts and Wummer’s perky illustrations, will eagerly join Molly and her friends to try to discover if Vivian is really a vampire. BUT . . . WAIT! If she’s a “real” vampire, then why is she awake during the day? And why did she eat garlic-mashed potatoes? Anyone knows vampires hate garlic. It’s a real mystery all right, but don’t let it drive you “batty”!
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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| Selma |
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SELMA
written and illustrated by Jutta Bauer
Kane/Miller Book Publishers
ISBN: 1-929132-50-6
$7.95
All Ages
It’s a “quiet” story. But quiet and gentle are what children yearn for. In their fast - paced lives of soccer games, dance classes, and play dates a quiet book is a welcome respite.
SELMA, written and illustrated by Jutta Bauer is no bigger than an index card, yet it packs a whopping, powerful punch. How can a tiny sheep know about happiness?
What is happiness anyway? It’s an age – old question. Is it having a million dollars, or two, or three? Is it traveling to far off exotic islands? Or maybe it’s being able to eat all the ice cream you want, chocolate, of course, and never, ever gaining an ounce?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not so different from most people.
It seems that everyone, in his or her quest for happiness, is always searching . . . searching around every corner. But maybe happiness is not as far away as we think. We can take a lesson from Selma. Selma is content. She is happy with the simple pleasures of life. She eats a little, plays with her children, eats a little more, exercises, visits with a friend, and then gets a good night’s sleep. What more could anyone want?
In our hustle bustle world of always wanting more and bigger and better, Selma leaves us with some whopping, powerful thoughts to ponder.
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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| The Dirty Cowboy |
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THE DIRTY COWBOY
written by Amy Timberlake
illustrated by Adam Rex
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ISBN: 0-374-31791-7
$16.00
Ages 4—8
You know, there’s something to be said about loyalty and obedience, but Eustace Shackleford Montana may have gone too far the day his cowboy took a bath. When the Cowboy said, “Dawg! No one touches these clothes but me. Hear?”, Eustace took the Cowboy at his word. What good dog wouldn’t? On that fateful day under the New Mexico sky, Eustace demonstrated his dedication to his Cowboy . . . to the limit. That’s definitely an A+ dog and THE DIRTY COWBOY written by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Adam Rex is an A+ book.
Ms. Timberlake writes a very funny and engaging tale of a cowboy who takes a bath only once a year. Bet kids would love that! She tells a story of a cowboy who sings of rivers flowin’, cattle lowin’, and cowboys crowin’ a combination that will surely have KIDDLES howlin’. (Okay so it doesn’t rhyme, but you get the gist.)
Then illustrator, Adam Rex, steps in to complete the package -- and he does it in such a clever way. The hilarious images he paints of the cowboy cavorting “nearly nekkid” across the pages present a very funny picture -- one that will capture readers, both young and old, city-slickers and prairie-dwellers, and maybe even a doodlebug or two.
PS
This review, unlike my regular reviews written from my home in the New York City metropolitan area, was written under the clear New Mexico sky with no dust devil or smudgy rainbow in sight, but I did see a small gray spider scurry by a few moments ago.
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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BEAVERS
by Margaret Hall
Capstone Press Pebble Books
ISBN: 0-7368-2063-9W
$11.95
Grades PreK-2
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COYOTES
by Patricia J. Murphy
Capstone Press Pebble Books
ISBN: 0-7368-2072-8W
$11.95
Grades PreK-2
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FOG
by Helen Frost
Capstone Press Pebble Books
ISBN: 0-7368-2093-0W
$11.95
Grades PreK-2
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PENGUINS
Emily Rose Townsend
Capstone Press Pebble Books
ISBN: 0-7368-2357-3W
$11.95
Grades PreK-2
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SITTING BULL
by Lisa Trumbauer
Capstone Press Pebble Books
ISBN: 0-7368-2371-9W
$11.95
Grades PreK-2
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WOODPECKERS
by Emily Rose Townsend
Capstone Press Pebble Books
ISBN: 0-7368-2070-1W
$11.95
Grades PreK-2
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CAPSTONE PRESS produces a vast range of non-fiction titles for Pre-K through 12th grade. These easy to read fact-filled, photo-illustrated books are a great addition to your personal library, but they are also especially valuable for teachers and students as a resource tool in any classroom. High interest topics combined with reading ease make these books fun to read. Pebble Books are written for beginning readers in grades Pre-K to 2nd grade.
This review can also be seen on: SmartWriters
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| Blueberry Mouse |
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BLUEBERRY MOUSE
written by Alice Low
illustrated by David Michael Friend
Mondo Publishing
ISBN: 1-59336-111-4
$15.95
Ages 3--7
I’ve heard of a greenhouse, the Whitehouse, and even a house of cards. I’ve heard of a townhouse. I live in one. But, who ever heard of a blueberry house? Well, Blueberry Mouse, of course! Blueberry Mouse, written by Alice Low and illustrated by David Michael Friend, tells of a mouse as | | |
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