Stripes, Dots, and Swirls
From a Madagascan ring-tailed lemur, to a North American zebra swallowtail butterfly, to a sixline wrasse swimming through an Indo-Pacific Ocean coral reef, Susan Stockdale shows readers that animals with Stripes of All Types (Peachtree, 2013; PreS-Gr 2) populate the globe. Simple, lilting rhymes and enticing action verbs spotlight critters in their natural habitats: “Prowling the prairie,/perched on a peak./Crawling on cactus,/and camped by a creek” (handsome acrylic illustrations depict an American badger bounding through tall grass, a bongo profiled against a moonlit African sky, black-and-yellow cactus bees sipping nectar from a flower, and a Malayan tapir nestled by a stream). The final double-page image brings the action close to home as two children cuddle a pair of black-and-gray tabbies.

An afterword identifies each species and provides insight about the significance of its stripes, which are used for camouflage, communication, to warn off predators, or to attract mates. An interactive game challenges readers to match close-ups of the various patterns with their animal owners, encouraging kids to look more closely at the pictures, hunt back through the book to extract information, and make comparisons between these unique and striking designs.

Blending breezy rhymes with lovely collage artwork, Betsy Franco and Steve Jenkins’s Bees, Snails, & Peacock Tails (S & S, 2008; K-Gr 3) presents a sampling of the patterns and shapes found right before our eyes. For example, a beehive is constructed from tiny hexagon “fit side/by side/by side,” a sturdy and space-saving design; a moth’s wings are adorned with perfectly symmetrical “eyes” (thought to frighten away predators); migrating birds fly in a graceful V-shape (“By forming a wedge,/the swans and the geese/slice through the air/and travel in peace”); and when threatened, a puffer fish swells up to a larger-in-size—and harder-to-eat—sphere. Whether depicting the repeating pattern of footprints left behind by a scampering mouse or the straight-line scent trail followed by foraging ants, the textured illustrations make each concept crystal clear.

In Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature (Houghton Mifflin, 2011; PreS-Gr 3) Joyce Sidman and Beth Krommes focus on a particular shape that occurs repeatedly, revealing itself in many different ways. Lyrical and concise, the narrative describes the broad characteristics of this versatile form, expanded upon in the spectacular scratchboard illustrations awhirl with specific plant and animal species and examples of natural phenomena.

A spiral can be “Coiled tight,/warm and safe,” like a woodchuck hibernating underground; start small and grow larger “swirl by swirl” like a nautilus; or unwrap itself, “one/soft/curl/at a time,” like a lady fern unfurling feathery fronds. A spiral is “strong,” like a rolled-up bristles-out hedgehog or the impact-absorbing horns of a merino sheep, and “and clings tight” like the curled trunk of an Asian elephant or a spider monkey’s tail. It is “bold” (the whorl of a wave before it hits shore), “beautiful” (the precisely arranged petals of a chrysanthemum), and awe-inspiring (a spiral-shaped galaxy “stretches starry arms/through space,/spinning and sparkling,/forever expanding…”).

A brief afterword provides a bit more info about the featured examples and a quick mention of the Fibonacci sequence. Elegant, captivating, and imagination-stirring, this amazing meld of poetry, science, and artistry will inspire discussion and enthusiasm for spiral-seeking expeditions.

Color, Color, Everywhere
Melissa Stewart’s A Rainbow of Animals (Enslow, 2010; K-Gr 3) takes it color by color to introduce a menagerie of mostly monochromatic creatures. From red to purple, each section spans the globe to present an assortment of species (range maps appear at the end of each chapter).Each critter is allotted its own spread, bordered by the appropriate hue, and vibrant close-up photos are paired with an accessible introduction to the animal and the role played by its color (protection from predators, to warn enemies away, attracting mates, etc.).

Particularly interesting examples include the mandrill, monkeys that use their bright red noses to locate one another in the dense forest; the brown-throated three-toed sloth, featured in the green section because of its algae covered fur, which provides camouflage in the forest; and the blue darner dragonfly, which adjusts its color to the temperature (dark blue for warmth on cool mornings, light blue to cool down on hot afternoons). The eye-catching format and mix of familiar and exotic animals make this book fun for browsing and whets appetites for further investigations.

Also arranged by shade, Steve Jenkins’s Living Color (Houghton Mifflin, 2007; K- Gr 5) introduces several species per spread. Set against neat white backdrops, the cut-paper collages are amazingly lifelike and gracefully dynamic. Each section begin with a statement (e.g., “Red says…”), and a lively caption playfully sums up the connotation of each animal’s color—“Step carefully” for the extremely poisonous stonefish (adorned with 13 venomous spines along its back and lethal if trod upon by a swimmer), or “I stink” for a shield bug (which releases a foul-smelling chemical when threatened). Well-written paragraphs percolating with fascinating facts fill in the details.

The book’s layout encourages readers to search out similarities and differences, discovering, for example, that the male blue bird of paradise uses his rich-hued plumage to attract a mate, the color of the cobalt blue tarantula allows it to better hide in the dusky shadows of the forest floor, and the mostly brown blue-tailed skink twitches its bright appendage to fake out predators (when grabbed, the tail breaks off, and the lizard can make its escape; it eventually grows a new tail). Back matter provides more information about animal color and its uses and the creatures featured in the book (size, habitat, diet, etc.).

Explore Your World
In Ashley Wolff’s endearing tale, Baby Bear Sees Blue (S & S/Beach Lane, 2012; PreS-Gr 2)—and a rainbow of other colors—after he awakens in his den and steps out with his mother to investigate his environment. The gentle question-and-answer narrative shimmers with concrete details, sensual imagery, and a buoyant mood of wonder: sniffing the meadow air, the cub asks, “What smells so good, Mama?” She replies, “Those are the strawberries”….and “Baby Bear sees red.” After a busy day, mother and child curl up together in their cave, and Baby Bear “closes his eyes and sees nothing but deep, soft black.”

Balancing realism with soft-edged sweetness, Wolff’s linoleum-print-and-watercolor illustrations are filled with dazzlimg shades and pleasing textures. Their large size and the text’s repetitive structure make this charmer a perfect choice for sharing aloud in a classroom.

Presented with a similar sense of invigorating discovery, these books remind students that a multitude of shapes, colors, and patterns can be found in their own day-to-day worlds. On an “Apple crisp October day,” a father and two children take a trip to a pumpkin farm to Pick a Circle, Gather Squares (Albert Whitman, 2013; PreS-Gr 2). Felicia Sanzari Chernesky’s rhyming text and Susan Swan’s harvest-hued collages depict a delightful excursion as the youngsters point out circles (“Here’s the sun./Apples, pumpkins—/such round fun!”), square-shaped bales of hay, ovals (squash, corn, and speckled eggs), hexagons (honeycombs and pen-protecting chicken wire), and more. Filled with splashes of bright color and appealing textures, the artwork depicts lively action, engaging details, and additional shapes to find.

Jane Brocket’s Ruby, Violet, Lime: Looking for Color (Millbrook, 2012; PreS-Gr 2) presents a gorgeous gallery of vibrantly hued photos of flowers, foods, clothing, buildings, and other commonplace objects. Spreads focused on a particular color are aglow with varying shades, and the accompanying text utilizes descriptive adjectives and sense-based imagery to add resonance and a touch of imagination: “Green is crisp and lively. Lime frosting, mint-green striped socks, emerald lettuces, and jade gardens are fresh and zingy.” A visual and verbal feast, this book encourages kids to take a closer look at their surroundings.

Get Creative
Emily Gravett expands upon basic concepts of color and shape—and the science of animal coloration—in a playful tale filled with surprises, humor, and a message about remaining true to one’s self. With head held in hands, body slumped, and eyes despondently downcast, Blue Chameleon (S & S, 2011; K-Gr 3) is looking…well, blue, a mood expressed in his scratchy azure and cobalt body shading.

In the spreads following, the lonely lizard searches for companionship, mimicking in both color and form each of the objects or animals he comes across—yellow and crescent shaped as he approaches a banana, swirly tailed with two toes extended over head like tentacles as he creeps up to a snail, round and purple-dotted as he rolls toward a beach ball. Alas, no one will respond, and he finally gives up, sitting still as stone on a “Gray rock.” A page turn reveals what seems like a plain white backdrop, but a closer look—or perhaps even touch—reveals the chameleon outlined in a glossy same-colored ink. Readers will also notice a foot, similarly camouflaged, and accompanied by a tentative, “Hello?”

At last, the protagonist has made a friend, and two “Colorful chameleons” cavort together on the final spread, brightly arrayed in a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, and patterns. Filled with gentle humor, the spare text and outstanding artwork invite readers to make visual comparisons between objects, recognize instances of symmetry, recount and contemplate the book’s changing moods, and think anew about the wonders of colors and animals. Use this book to initiate color-related creative writing and art projects.

After sharing some of these titles, take students on a nature walk in a nearby park or a ramble through the neighborhood. Have them focus on looking for, pointing out, and identifying the colors, shapes, and patterns that they come across, whether natural or manmade. Encourage them to look closely at familiar sights and utilize their observation skills. Youngsters can record their findings by drawing or writing in a field journal.

Kids can also scour their classrooms to search out colors, shapes, and patterns. Have them browse through books, magazines, or other resources about wildlife and nature to identify interesting visual designs. Check out National Geographic’s website, which includes a “Patterns in Nature” photo gallery filled with spectacular images organized by topic (animals, butterflies, sea creatures, trees, rocks and lava, snow and ice, etc.). These crisp, beautifully composed photos show the astounding spectrum and variety of nature’s designs. Using their own artwork and/or photos, clip-art images, or photos clipped from magazines, students can create their own concept books and perhaps share them with younger children just learning color and shape basics.

The Common Core State Standards below are a sampling of those references in the above books and classroom activities:

RL. 1.1. Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
RL. 1.4. Identify words or phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
RI. 1.1. Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
W. 1.2. Write information/explanatory texts in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic, and prove some sense of closure.
W. 2.7. Participate in shared research and writing projects.
SL. 1.2. Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud….
K.G. Identify and describe shapes.

Intertwined within the film are the perspectives of the doctors and nurses at Parkland Hospital, where Kennedy was rushed after the shooting; the Secret Service agent in charge of the Dallas district; the amateur cameraman who caught some of the most sought-after and scrutinized footage ever made; the FBI agents who had interrogated Lee Harvey Oswald and then released him; the president’s security team; and more. The action unfolds with heart-pounding immediacy, as the featured characters react to the crisis with shock, outrage, fortitude, and heroism. Zac Efron, Marcia Gay Harden, Billy Bob Thornton, Jacki Weaver, and Paul Giamatti headline the talented ensemble cast. The film is based on Vincent Bugliosi’s book, Four Days in November (2007), which has been re-issued with a movie tie-in cover and re-titled Parkland (2013, both W.W. Norton).

Gripping Nonfiction Reads

Commemorate the semicentennial of this momentous event with stellar nonfiction titles for teens that will inform film viewers curious to know more, captivate history buffs, and provide insights for classroom exploration and research projects.

Beginning with succinct chapters about Kennedy and his administration, the bulk of James L. Swanson’s “The President Has Been Shot!” (Scholastic, 2013; Gr 6 Up) zooms in on the assassination and its aftermath. The well-written narrative balances in-depth research and illuminating details with the suspenseful pacing and dramatic urgency of a crime thriller. Delving into the shadowy background and murky motives of Oswald, Swanson paints a portrait of “a malcontent with a chip on his shoulder,” a self-styled intellectual who dreamed big but “failed at everything he had ever attempted.” The moment-by-moment account switches back and forth between the perspectives of the assassin and the individuals riding in the motorcade as the happenings unfold before readers’ eyes. Throughout, Swanson identifies “staggering” coincidences, fateful decisions, and unfortunate missteps that contribute to the tragic chain of events. The detailed coverage also includes the swearing in of Lyndon B. Johnson, the capture and on-camera shooting of Oswald, and the president’s funeral, carefully orchestrated by a distraught Jackie Kennedy. An epilogue treats the Warren Report and touches upon Kennedy’s legacy. Numerous archival black-and-white photos, many taken on that ill-fated day, add resonance and detail to the text, and a section of diagrams and illustrations provide additional information. Thoughtful and thorough, Swanson’s account deftly draws teens into the particulars and emotions of the moment, resulting in a look at history that is both revealing and riveting. Also available in audio version.

Bill O’Reilly’s Kennedy’s Last Days: The Assassination That Defined a Generation (Holt, 2013; Gr 5 Up) pairs staccato chapters with a striking selection of archival photographs. The author provides a fast-reading introduction to Kennedy, his rise to the presidency, and the highlights of his administration, including the Bay of Pigs invasion, Cuban Missile Crisis, civil rights conflicts, and the 1963 March on Washington. Interspersed are concurrent glimpses at the life of Lee Harvey Oswald as he defects to and returns from the Soviet Union, drifts from job to job, is left by his Russian wife, and takes a menial post at the Texas School Book Depository. The book culminates with the events of November 22, 1963, as their paths collide with devastating results. Well-chosen black-and-white photos grace almost every page, and a full-color unset features photos off the first family. The side-by-side depictions of the doings of these two very different men—one an intelligent and accomplished world leader and the other a longtime loser with delusions of grandeur—makes for a mesmerizing and informative read. The book is also available in audio version (Macmillan Audio), and a teacher’s guide can be downloaded at the publisher’s website.

Soon to be re-issued in paperback, Ilene Cooper’s Jack: The Early Years of John F. Kennedy (Dutton, 2003; Gr 7 Up) focuses on JFK’s childhood and adolescence. Readers meet a spirited, though often sickly youngster with a winning personality who always seemed destined to play second fiddle to his much-accomplished older brother. Though the Kennedy offspring lived a life of privilege, they were expected to follow strict household rules and meet the high expectations of their demanding father, Joseph (“We want winners in this house, not losers”). Handily setting events in the historical and social context of the times, Cooper provides a vivid look at the family relationships, boyhood challenges, and notable experiences that would help define Kennedy’s character. Quotes and anecdotes from family members and close associates are sprinkled throughout, along with numerous black-and-white photos and reproductions of letters. Jack, with his passion for reading, “happy-go-lucky veneer,” and proclivity for getting into trouble, comes across as a likable young man, and teens will enjoy making his acquaintance.

Go Back to 1963…

Set in the early 1960s, these captivating novels transport readers to days of bouffant hairdos and bellbottom jeans, bomb shelters and air-raid drills, civil rights clashes and Cold War anxiety.

It’s the fall of 1962, and Franny has been bombarded with dilemmas—her best friend has suddenly turned spiteful, her college-age sister has a mysterious secret, her elderly uncle’s behavior is becoming increasingly outlandish (and mortifying), and a cute boy has just moved back to her suburban Maryland town. Meanwhile, everyone is keeping an eye cocked for falling bombs and duck-and-cover drills are part of a typical school day. Doomsday seems even more imminent when President Kennedy informs the American public that Russia is sending nuclear missiles to Cuba. How will Franny find hope for the future? In Countdown (Scholastic, 2010; Gr 5-8), Deborah Wiles balances her protagonist’s personal crises with a compelling depiction of the era. Scattered throughout this “documentary novel’s” first-person narrative are an abundance of archival photographs, newspaper clippings, speech excerpts, safety pamphlets, song lyrics, profiles of famous people, and more. Image-heavy and aptly chosen, these primary source materials add punch to the text and plunge readers into Franny’s world.

Fiona is of Irish descent and Yolanda is African American. Having met at their Bronx, NY, public school, the two eighth graders forged a bond, despite their different backgrounds and the fact that many people—including family members and peers—believe that friendship should not cross the racial divide. The daughter of a violently abusive, alcoholic father, Fiona’s family life is a disaster, while Yolanda constantly deals with prejudice; both girls feel like outsiders and value the understanding and acceptance their camaraderie brings. However, when the popular white girls take an interest in Fiona, her relationship with Yolanda is put to the test. Set against an emotionally charged mural of social issues, family struggles, and coming-of-age concerns, Mary Ann McGuigan’s Morning in a Different Place (Front Street, 2009; Gr 7-9) comes to a climax on the day of Kennedy’s assassination. Inspired by the never-back-down Yolanda, Fiona finally realizes that she must find the strength to take a stand and bring about change…in her own family and in society at large.

Not only does sixth-grader Ellie reside on Witch Tree Lane—a cul-de-sac populated by families considered social outcasts by the conservative residents of small-town Spectacle, NY—but she also lives in a state of constant embarrassment brought on by the antics of her flamboyant mother (the self-dubbed Doris Day Dingman), a would-be starlet whose brazen tackiness is equaled only by her flippant neglectfulness. Ellie is the one who takes on household chores and looks after her siblings. Viciously bullied at school along with her best friend Holly, Ellie is also disturbed by the hate crimes that have been occurring on her street. When President Kennedy is shot, the family is devastated, and Doris, realizing that time is fleeting, departs for the razzle-dazzle of New York City to launch her career. It’s heart-wrenching to be abandoned, but Ellie finds comfort and strength in family and friends. Ultimately, she emerges from the over-inflated shadow of her mother to discover that her life is not empty but delightfully full. Poignant and uplifting, Ann M. Martin’s Here Today (Scholastic, 2004; Gr 6-8) features a likable protagonist and a compelling portrayal of the era.

Grounded for his alleged misdeeds, 12-year-old Jack is spending the summer of 1962 under house arrest, excavating for the family bomb shelter and trying to lay low. Of course he jumps at the opportunity to help his elderly neighbor, whose crippling arthritis has made her job as town coroner, obituary writer, and historian difficult. Under the tutelage of the feisty Miss Volker, Jack soon learns that Norvelt, PA—a community of cooperative homesteads launched during the Great Depression under the auspices of Eleanor Roosevelt—has a fascinating past…and a far-from-boring present marked by hostile visits from the Hells Angels, oddball adventures involving dead bodies (frequently triggering Jack’s stress-induced nosebleeds), and even a murder mystery. Filled with delightfully quirky characters, slice-of-life details, and madcap laugh-out-loud antics, Jack Gantos’s Dead End in Norvelt (FSG, 2011; Gr 5-9) also emphasizes coming-of-age themes, encourages contemplation of political principles (Jack’s mother believes in Norvelt’s extend-a-helping-hand ideals while his father calls it a “Commie town” and can’t wait to fly the coop), and underscores the importance of knowing about—and learning from—history, a message particularly pertinent in this year of anniversaries. An audio version is available from Macmillan Audio, and educators can download a teacher’s guide. Jack’s escapades continue in From Norvelt to Nowhere (2013, both FSG).

Publication Information

SWANSON, James L. “The President Has Been Shot!”: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy. Scholastic. Sept. 2013. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-545-49007-8; Audio Library Ed. $39.99. ISBN 978-0-545-60276-1.

O’REILLY, Bill. Kennedy’s Last Days: The Assassination That Defined a Generation. Holt. 2013. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9802-0. ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9974-4; Audio CD. $19.99. ISBN 9781427235169. (Macmillan Audio).

COOPER, Ilene. Jack: The Early Years of John F. Kennedy. Puffin/Penguin. Oct. 2013. pap. $12.99. ISBN 9780147510310.

WILES, Deborah. Countdown. Scholastic. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-10605-4; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-545-10606-1.

MCGUIGAN, Mary Ann. Morning in a Different Place. Front Street. 2009. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-551-5.

MARTIN, Ann M. Here Today. Scholastic. 2004. pap. $7.99. ISBN 9780439579452.

GANTOS, Jack. Dead End in Norvelt. FSG. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780374379933; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-1-250-01023-0 (Square Fish); Audio version. $29.99. ISBN 9781427213563 (Macmillan Audio).

Display these tales in school and public libraries, recommend them to anxious parents and caregivers, and read them aloud in freshly minted classes to kick off a great school year.

Foxy.
By Emma Dodd. illus. by author. HarperCollins. 2012.
Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-06-201419-1. PreS–Gr 1.

Tucked between her cozy flowered sheets, Emily worries that she does not have everything she needs for her first day of school. Never fear, for her friend Foxy arrives and waves his gigantic magical tail to make the supplies appear. Though it takes a few tries (giggles will ensue as he produces a penguin instead of a pencil case, or a pirate flag in place of a school bag), she is soon properly provisioned. When Emily expresses one final concern—“What if nobody likes me?”—Foxy assures her that she requires no magic to make friends. Vivacious artwork matches the verve of the text, and Dodd’s mix of silly and sincere imaginings will chase away night-before qualms.

Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten?
By Audrey Vernick. illus. by Daniel Jennewein. HarperCollins/Balzar & Bray. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-176275-8; ebook $11.99. ISBN 978-0-06-206719-7. PreS–K.

This burning question is answered when a bulky buffalo—wearing a too-tiny backpack and can’t-wait-to-please smile—follows a pigtailed girl into a classroom. Though he’s shy at first (after all, he’s “the only one with horns. And a mane. Okay, and a hump”), his irresistible furry face soon wins friends. Throughout the day, he bravely puts his best hoof forward, taking on new challenges (using scissors) and social situations (sharing), and learning an essential kindergarten lesson: “Everyone’s special in his or her own way.” Breezy text and dynamic cartoon artwork provide a tongue-in-cheek take on first day worries that entertains while it reassures.

Kindergarten Diary.
By Antoinette Portis. illus. by author. HarperCollins. 2010. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-06-145691-6; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-0-06-206558-2. PreS–K.

Beginning on the day before the big day, Annalina’s brief entries express her trepidation about going to “Big School.” However, before month’s end, she has become comfortable with her “very un-scary” teacher, conquered the monkey bars, and made some new friends. Featuring brightly clothed characters and crisp photo collage images, the artwork bursts with color and motion. Delightful visual details make this book a read-again-and-again charmer.

Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, Are You Going to School?
By Bill Martin Jr. & Michael Sampson. illus. by Laura J. Bryant. Amazon/Two Lions. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4778-1722-3. PreS–Gr 1.

A huggable young feline enjoys a busy day at school, singing, learning, playing, and interacting with others. The simple rhyming narrative is presented in a musical call-and-response cadence (“Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat,/time to have a treat.’/‘Yum yum, Teacher,/I always like to eat”) and the warm-hued artwork is filled with charm. It’s sweet, soothing, and just right for use as a cuddle-together bedtime book or a classroom read-aloud for the very youngest new scholars.

Llama Llama Misses Mama.
By Anna Dewdney. illus. by author. Viking. 2009. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-670-06198-3.PreS–K.

Lilting rhymes and color-drenched paintings touch upon little Llama’s first-day woes as he bids a wide-eyed goodbye to Mama, remains shyly aloof from morning activities, is comforted by a caring teacher, and eventually begins to feel at home. Llama’s expressions are convincingly childlike, from his stubborn I-don’t-want-to-participate pout to his joyful smile upon Mama’s return, and the emotions in both text and artwork ring true.

Monstergarten.
By Daniel J. Mahoney. illus. by Jeff Kaminsky. Feiwel & Friends. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-250-01441-2. PreS–K.

Patrick, a fuchsia monster with striped horns, is worried that he won’t be scary enough to attend Monstergarten. He and his toothy pal Kevin practice their moves on Snowball the cat (who fluffs up to giant size and displays pointy teeth), try to frighten Kevin’s sister and her friend (unfortunately garnering giggles rather than gasps), and even consult books about the pros (Frankenstein, etc.). Though still anxious, Patrick follows his mother’s advice—”Just be yourself”—making for a successful first day. Shown flashing their fangs, twisting their tongues, and striking all manner of menacing poses, the brightly colored beasties are a hoot, and the empowering message is delivered with a light touch.

A Pirate’s Guide to First Grade.
By James Preller. illus. by Greg Ruth. Feiwel & Friends. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-312-36928-6; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-250-02721-4. K–Gr 2.

A red-headed, pirate-loving boy navigates the first day of school accompanied by a crew of sea rovers. Generously salted with tongue-tingling buccaneer lingo, the text describes how he shines his “snappers,” gets “dressed double quick,” boards his “jolly boat” (yellow bus), and “drops anchor” at school. Throughout the day, ordinary routines and experiences are transformed into an imagination-fueled adventure. Lush colors delineate the real-world scenes while bronze-toned drawings depict the corsairs in all of their eye-patch-wearing, sword-swinging, trouble-making glory.

This School Year Will Be the Best.
By Kay Winters. illus. by Renée Andriani. Dutton. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42275-4; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-14-242696-8. K–Gr 2.

On the first day of school, a teacher asks her students to share their hopes for the coming year. Varying from the feasible (“I won’t lose things in my desk”) to the far-fetched (“We’ll have a chocolate fountain at lunch!”), the wishes are presented along with breezy illustrations that expand the text with imaginative details and humor. Parents or teachers can share this book to encourage children to discuss their expectations, think about setting personal goals, and jump into the year with a smile.

Tony Baloney: School Rules.
By Pam Muñoz Ryan. illus. by Edwin Fotheringham. Scholastic. 2013. Tr $6.99. ISBN 978-0-545-48166-3. K–Gr 2.

Teeth brushed, backpack filled, and blue-and-white checkered high-tops securely tied, this high-spirited macaroni penguin is ready to dive right into his first day at James Cook Elementary. Though things don’t go quite as planned—particularly in the rule-following department—Tony Baloney’s amiable nature and willingness to learn from his mistakes guarantee a positive experience. Commonplace concerns are effectively expressed through the protagonist’s chats with his beloved stuffed animal (Dandelion is a bit apprehensive). Gentle humor abounds in the easy-reader text and in the artwork, which features bold primary colors and appealing characters.

Wow! School!
By Robert Neubecker. illus. by author. 2007. Hyperion/Disney. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-3854-9. PreS–Gr 1.

Curly-haired Izzy faces her first day with boundless enthusiasm and a contagious smile. From “Wow! Classroom!” and “Wow! Teacher!” to “Wow! Playground!” and “Wow! Science!,” each new experience is gleefully embraced and depicted in effervescent spreads. Packed with dazzling hues and bustling activity, the artwork portrays plenty of classroom details, goings-on, and objects for parents and children to identify and discuss. Perfect for starting off the year with a “Wow!”

You’re Wearing That to School?!
By Lynn Plourde. illus. by Sue Cornelison. Hyperion/Disney. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-5510-2. PreS–Gr 1.

Penelope, a free-spirited hippo, can’t wait for the big day and plans to wear her “sparkle rainbow outfit,” pack a picnic-style feast for lunch, and bring her beloved stuffy Hugsy Hippo for show-and-tell. However, her friend Tiny, a worry-wart mouse who started school last year, frets about her fitting in and advises a plain outfit, PBJ, and a much-less-babyish rock for classroom sharing. Though appreciative of his concern, plucky Penelope ultimately goes her own way, and the final double-fold-out spread shows the smiling youngster surrounded by new school friends. Lively text and endearing artwork convey the beauty of individuality and the importance of remaining true to oneself.

The books presented here have been chosen to support and enhance expeditions to favorite preschool and elementary-aged destinations: farms and other food-producing enterprises; museums (both natural history and art); nature reserves and outdoor-observation areas; community institutions; and zoos and aquariums. A mix of fact-filled offerings and fictional adventures, all of these titles pair handsome illustrations with well-written texts to entice young readers and listeners. They can be used in the classroom to support Common Core Standards by introducing and/or reviewing site-related subject matter and vocabulary as a starting point for post-trip research projects and to inspire creative art and writing projects and initiate personal written and oral narratives. Featuring class expeditions of all kinds, the titles can also be shared to generate discussion of behavioral dos and don’ts, model positive information-seeking methods, and dispel any fears or anxieties about going to unfamiliar places.

Best of all, these appealing volumes encapsulate the magic of a field-trip experience and expand the learning–and enjoyment–well beyond the designated outing.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Caldecott Medal, the prestigious award bestowed annually by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), to the “artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.” First presented in 1938, the medal is named in honor of the 19th-century English illustrator Randolph J. Caldecott and features a scene that encapsulates the humor, vitality, and charm of his ground-breaking artwork (based on 1878’s The Diverting History of John Gilpin, the image shows the title character clinging to a runaway horse as flapping geese, yapping dogs, and gaping bystanders look on).

Encompassing an eye-tempting array of artistic styles and beautifully wrought images, the books adorned with the familiar gold Caldecott seal (or silver for honor books) present a treasure trove of tales ready to be discovered and enjoyed by enthusiastic young readers. For older students, the decades-spanning assemblage offers a rich opportunity for examination and discussion, providing a glimpse at the evolution of the picture book and children’s literature in the United States, an avenue for exploring the influence of historical events and cultural trends on bookmaking, and means for tracing changes and innovations in illustrative techniques and tools.

The award’s diamond anniversary is also the perfect occasion for launching a mock Caldecott election in the classroom, an endeavor that will engage youngsters in a wide range of grade levels. In addition to providing the impetus for lively debate, such a project can improve listening skills, help students to develop the vocabulary and thought processes needed to evaluate and discuss literature and art, encourage active participation, and engender a of love of reading. Visit the ALA website for a list of medal winners and honor books. A dedicated 75th Anniversary page includes a free-to-download bookmark featuring a special commerative logo created by 2008 Caldecott medalist Brian Selznick starring characters from past winners along with clues to their identities.

Why Should Kids Have All the Fun?

Indulge your own love of picture books by perusing some lovely coffee-table compendiums that treat renowned illustrators and their work. In addition to being a pleasure to read and browse, these books can inform classroom author and literature studies and provide insight into the amazing process of creating art.

Meet the Founding Father

In Randolph Caldecott: The Man Who Could Not Stop Drawing (FSG, 2013), Leonard S. Marcus provides a vividly written portrait of the father of the modern picture book. Born in Chester, England, in 1846, the “tall, lanky, and good-looking” young man with “light brown hair that occasionally stood on end” left behind a boyhood spent sketching and wandering the countryside for a position as a bank clerk, eventually striking out for Manchester to take a similar post as “quill-driver” while testing the waters of a possible career in art.

Identifying mentors while always honing his craft, Caldecott sold numerous drawings to newspapers and magazines—now a burgeoning nationwide industry due to the invention of steam-engine-powered presses—before settling in London and making a name for himself as a book illustrator (critical acclaim and fame came with his work in 1875 on Washington Irving’s Old Christmas). When he finally turned his drawing pen to making books for children, his vivacious filled-with-motion style, irrepressible sense of humor, and innovative ideas about layout and design would forever change the genre.

Marcus’s articulate narrative incorporates keystone details and events to evoke the backdrop of Caldecott’s life—cherished pastimes, his penchant for poking fun at himself, and the invigorating spirit of change ignited by the Industrial Revolution—while pinpointing the enduring essence of his artwork. Handsome reproductions of Caldecott’s illustrations, unpublished drawings from his sketchbooks, and other works appear throughout, along with other 19th-century images that set time and place and make for easy comparison.

A Sendak Gallery

Elegant, oversized, and packed to the brim with gorgeous images, Maurice Sendak: A Celebration of the Artist and His Work (Abrams, 2013) is a delight to both browse and delve into.  Published in conjunction with an exhibition at the Society of Illustrators in New York City, the book coincides with the 50th anniversary of Sendak’s game-changing Caldecott-winner, Where the Wild Things Are (Harper, 1963), as well as what would have been his 85th birthday (Sendak passed away in May of 2012). More than 200 reproductions are presented, many from private collections and never before published, representing the amazing scope and breathtaking spectrum of Sendak’s career.

In addition to studies, preliminary sketches, and variant illustrations made for well-known picture books, the volume also includes his advertising and commercial art (e.g., Bell Atlantic’s 1997 “Wild Things Are Happening” campaign), posters, storyboards for animation sequences, designs for stage productions (of his own work as well as operas and ballets), illustrations for magazines (a 1976 Rolling Stone cover showing the “Moishe” Wild Thing decked out as a Christmas tree), and more, each given context with thoughtfully written captions. Twelve essays penned by individuals with whom Sendak’s life intersected range from Leonard Marcus’s piece on Sendak’s seminal picture book trilogy to author/illustrator Paul O. Zelinsky’s reminiscence of taking Sendak’s picture book course at Yale. This stunning visual compendium is part critical exploration, part personal remembrance, and all-out tribute to a remarkable artist and his outstanding body of work.

The Power of the Doodle

Young fans of Knuffle Bunny, that beloved and beleaguered pigeon, and the “Elephant and Piggie” series (all Hyperion) know that Mo Willems is a funny guy, and in Don’t Pigeonhole Me!  (Disney, 2013), he proves that he can illicit just as many laughs from adults. For 20 years, this three-time Caldecott Honor recipient has been compiling an annual sketchbook intended to be distributed as “a calling card for clients and/or holiday card for friends.” Though the format has evolved since the stapled-together mini zine of his “starving artist” days, these booklets still serve as a “continuing experiment,” a place where Willems holds complete creative carte blanche and freedom “from any restrictions.” This cartooning crock pot has helped him cook up ideas for at least three of his picture books, including Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (2003).

‘Don’t Pigeonhole Me! ‘(Disney)  © Mo Willems

Twenty sketchbooks are reproduced, each set in the context of Willems’s career and life with a funny introduction. Earlier editions showcase adult-pitched New Yorker-style vignettes and sequences that treat relationship woes, offer wry glimpses of city life, and present droll perceptions of art and artists. Later volumes reveal Willems’s experimentation with a longer narrative form, design elements, and storytelling rhythms, including a tale about an “unaccomplished baddie” wolf would later inspire 2005’s Leonardo, the Terrible Monster; an early—and definitely not-for-kids—version of 2012’s Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs; and a “hard reader” starring an inebriated bunny who spouts a “drunken diatribe of words that merely sound like what they mean.”The final installment collects together doodles originally drawn on the butcher block paper that adorns the Willems family dinner table (characters that may, or may not, someday appear in a picture book). Great fun to browse and unabashedly hilarious, this book also reminds readers of the importance of experimentation and taking chances, of allowing one’s self the space to daydream, and of the awesome power of the doodle.

Why Picture Books?

Compiled and edited by Marcus, Show Me a Story!: Why Picture Books Matter (Candlewick, 2012) presents conversations with 21 renowned illustrators. Whether interviewing longtime picture book mavens such as Robert McCloskey, Eric Carle, Maurice Sendak, Ashley Bryan, and Tana Hoban, or relative newcomers including Yumi Heo and Chris Raschka, philosophical thinkers like Mitsumasa Anno or humorous tale-tellers like James Marshall, Marcus focuses on teasing out the “vital thread that links an artist’s life story to the stories and images for which he or she is known.”

Why does a child grow up to become an artist? Who encouraged or mentored these individuals? What experiences inspired them? Why did they choose to make picture books? The lively interviews, each introduced with an insightful recounting of the artist’s career and important innovations, convey much about each individual’s personality as well as revealing truths about the creative process and the role picture books play in the lives of children.

The illustrators reflect on wide-ranging themes, touching upon the impact of historical and political events on one’s life, the realities of racial discrimination, milestones such as becoming a parent, the origins of their beloved characters, or the evolution of the art form. An inset of full-color reproductions showcases a selection of sketches, studies, dummies, and other pre-production work that sheds light on each artist’s illustrative process. An interesting read for anyone who loves picture books, this volume can be used to expand author studies and is s gem worth sharing with older students considering a career in the arts.

Lily Collins stars as Clary Fray, an ostensibly ordinary teenager living in modern-day New York City, where suddenly, strange things begin to happen. When her mother (Lena Headey) disappears, Clary falls in with a group of young Shadowhunters, weapon-wielding, rune-wearing warriors led by the magnetic Jace Wayland (Jamie Campbell Bower). Half-angel and half-human, Shadowhunters possess the strength and abilities necessary to protect humans in an age-old war against evil. Suddenly, Clary’s eyes are opened not only to an alternate world filled with demons, warlocks, vampires, werewolves, and more, but also to her own family legacy: she is descended from an ancient line of Shadowhunters. To save her mother, Clary must quickly learn the ropes of this deadly new reality, tap into her inner fortitude and untried talents, and confront startling truths about her past.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers takes on the role of charismatic antagonist, Valentine Morgenstern; Robert Sheehan plays Simon Lewis, Clary’s “mundie” (ordinary human) best friend and would-be love interest; and her demon-slaying posse includes Jemima West and Kevin Zegers as Isabelle and Alec Lightwood. Teens can visit the movie’s official website for a video trailer, character (and species) profiles, quizzes, and more.

Movie Tie-ins

Movie viewers will clamor to read or revisit the original work, and perhaps explore the rest of the “Mortal Instruments” sequence and its spin-offs (the “Shadowhunters” website has the scoop on Clare’s deftly imagined world and various book series). City of Bones has been reissued with a movie-inspired cover: a realistic New York City skyline mirrored by a watery gothic-gray reflection subtly overlaid with Shadowhunter symbols. Written in a lively conversational tone, Mimi O’Connor’s The Official Illustrated Movie Companion provides a look at the project, from the novel’s inspiration and enthusiastic reception, to casting, locations and props, costumes and makeup, and filming. Longtime book aficionados will appreciate commentary from Clare, who was very much involved in the filmmaking process. Interviews with cast and crew, interesting insider tidbits, and fun details (the creation of durable rubber claws for fight scenes…no vampire wants to lose a fingernail) are presented along with copious full-color photos (on-set candid shots, movie stills, and sizzling portraits). Also packed with slick movie images and tantalizing character quotes, Shadowhunter’s Guide (all S & S/McElderry, 2013; Gr 8 Up) provides a brief plot summary, personnel profiles, and quick glimpses at important locales. A helpful guide to the runes with which the warriors adorn their bodies clarifies each symbol’s purpose (e.g., strength or agility), and cool close-ups of weapons are also included.

Demon Destroyers, Monster Mashers, and More

Whether the protagonists are hunting hellhounds or felling fiends, the following books feature unforgettable characters, electrifying action, and a touch of romance. Modern-day settings, plenty of teen angst, and relevant coming-of-age themes make the stories compelling and prove that navigating the complexities of high school hallways, relationships, and growing up can be just as daunting as facing off against the most ghastly supernatural creatures.

Like Clary, 16-year-old Kali D’Angelo, is a hands-on heroine…at least she is Every Other Day (Egmont USA, 2012; Gr 7 Up), when she somehow transforms from normal teenager to something…“Other”—an invincible huntress with a thirst for slaying basilisks, zombies, and all manner of monsters (in Kali’s alternate world, 37 species of preternatural fauna have been identified since Charles Darwin first unearthed the Galápagos hydra). It’s not surprising that she feels alienated from the high school crowd. When she notices a mark on the back of a popular girl at school, she knows that Bethany has been infected by a chupacabra and will be dead within hours. Though it’s Kali’s “off” day (and though she doesn’t particularly like the stuck-up cheerleader), she resolves to lure the critter into her own body, but will she survive long enough to transform and self-heal? So begins an intricately plotted adventure that soon has longtime loner Kali forging unlikely friendships, crushing on a mysterious boy with whom she can suddenly communicate telepathically, and unraveling deeply buried secrets about her family and her own past…all while taking on the occasional man-eating dragon. Narrated with delightful nonchalance and entertaining sarcasm by the no-nonsense protagonist, Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s multifaceted novel is fast-reading and fun.

Descended from a centuries-old line of monster-hunting Bannicks, 15-year-old Izzy’s career choice is a no-brainer, if only she can get used to working alone (her sister has mysteriously vanished) and convince her mother to give her some independence. A haunting at a high school in small town Mississippi seems the perfect opportunity to prove herself, and Izzy goes undercover as a new student (though the prospect of trying to fit in seems downright scary to a girl who has been homeschooled on the fly, has a basic black warrior’s wardrobe, and is innocent to the ways of teens). Soldiering on, she begins to gather intel about the ghost, but soon finds herself focusing more on friendships and a twinkle-eyed boy than on getting the job done. Before long, she is in over her head, both emotionally and professionally, and as the ghost grows more violent, she must make some tough choices, or the results will be deadly. Peopled with likable and refreshingly unique characters (including an advice- and quip-dispensing warlock who has been trapped in a mirror for over 400 years, and a love interest who has asthma and a penchant for pin-striped pants), Rachel Hawkins’s School Spirits (Hyperion, 2013; Gr 7-10) strikes the perfect balance of humor, relationship woes, and eerie action. The thrilling—and unexpected—climax will leave readers wanting more.

In Amanda Ashby’s Demonosity (Speak, 2013; Gr 7-10), quirky, kindhearted, and incredibly indecisive Cassidy is dumbfounded to discover that she has been appointed protectress of the Black Rose—an ancient force that affords immortality and unlimited power to whomsoever can harness it—now hidden away inside virginal human vessel (Cass’s vapid schoolmate). Harangued by the spirit of a 14^th-century knight, the taciturn and hunky Thomas de la Croix, Cassidy’s days are suddenly consumed by early morning sword-fighting training, slaying nasty demons at parties and the mall, and trying to guard-dog Celeste without anyone noticing. How will she find time for the new swoon-worthy guy at school with whom she has been exchanging smoldering eye-locks? As mysteries unfold and secrets are revealed, Cassidy realizes that she must determine the fate of the Black Rose, an awesome decision that will not only affect her personally (her father has fallen gravely ill), but may also impact the balance of good and evil. Ashby’s frothy romp percolates with lighthearted humor and droll dialogue, while an involving plot and themes exploring friendship and self-reliance add satisfying substance.

Rather than wielding swords or magical powers, the heroes in Kat Beyer’s novel take on their otherworldly enemies with books, silver bells, and candles. All hope seems lost when 16-year-old Mia is possessed by a formidable demon, until two long-lost cousins arrive from Italy—stolid Giuliano Della Torre and his gorgeous grandson Emilio—and perform a successful exorcism. Afterward, The Demon Catchers of Milan (Egmont USA, 2012; Gr 8 Up) insist on taking Mia home with them to better protect her. In Milan, she finds herself steeped in local history and culture, a parade of delectable foods, and the stifling good intentions of a large extended family. As she learns more about the Della Torre’s demon-hunting legacy, she becomes determined to follow in their footsteps, no matter the danger. Featuring a lushly described setting, multi-dimensional characters, and touches of romance, this beautifully written book is as much an exploration of Mia’s personal growth and burgeoning self-confidence as a supernatural adventure.

In Diana Peterfreund’s Rampant (2009; Gr 9 Up), unicorns are blood-thirsty killers that can only be slain by virgins descended from Alexander the Great and trained in the ways of the warrior. More interested in science than sword-swinging, Astrid Llewelyn, 16, reluctantly travels to Rome, Italy, to master these ancient arts and embrace her heritage as unicorn hunter. However, ferocious beasts lurk everywhere, and doubts about her vocation—and distractingly cute guys—may derail her efforts. The breathless action, philosophical quandaries, and well-wrought character development continue in Ascendant (2010, both HarperTeen).

Tera Lynn Childs’s Sweet Venom (2011; Gr 7 Up) is set across the ocean, in a San Francisco teeming with mythological creatures invisible to humans but nonetheless deadly. Luckily, the teenage descendants of a much-maligned Medusa—not a monster herself but the original monster huntress—possess the ability to dispatch these horrific hellions with one bite from their drop-down venom-dispensing fangs. Separated at birth and recently reunited, the triplets—tough-as-nails Gretchen, insecure and eco-conscious Grace, and popular and privileged Greer—must band together and embrace their destinies to save humankind from an onslaught of beasties. Filled with surprises, self-discoveries, and hot crushes, this tale ends with a cliff-hanger, so have the sequel, Sweet Shadows (2012, both HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks.), available for readers.

Publication Information

CLARE, Cassandra. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. Movie ed. pap. $12.99. ISBN 9781442485389.

O’CONNOR, Mimi. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion. pap. $18.99. ISBN 9781442493988.

O’CONNOR, Mimi. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones: Shadowhunter’s Guide. pap. $8.99. ISBN 9781442493995.

Each vol: S & S/McElderry. 2013.

BARNES, Jennifer Lynn. Every Other Day. Egmont USA. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-169-3; pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-415-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 9781606842676.

HAWKINS, Rachel. School Spirits. Hyperion/Disney. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781423148494.

ASHBY, Amanda. Demonosity. Penguin/Speak. Aug. 2013. pap. $8.99. ISBN 9780142423974.

BEYER, Kat. The Demon Catchers of Milan. Egmont USA. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781606843147; ebook $16.99. ISBN 9781606843154.

PETERFREUND, Diana. Rampant. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2009. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-06-149004-0; ebook $5.99. ISBN 9780061861475.

CHILD, Tera Lynn. Sweet Venom. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-200181-8; pap. $9.99. ISBN 9780062001825; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209345-5.

Ballerina Dreams: A True Story. By Lauren Thompson. photos by James Estrin. Feiwel & Friends. 2007. Trade $16.95. ISBN 978-0-312-37029-9.

PreS-Gr 2–In this affecting photo-essay, five girls, all of whom have cerebral palsy or other muscle disorders, present a much-anticipated recital. Engaging pictures depict the youngsters rehearsing with their teacher; applying glittery makeup on performance day; and, with the aid of teenage helpers, moving gracefully to sparkle on stage. The text highlights the emotions of any would-be ballerina love of tiaras and tutus, backstage butterflies and onstage exuberance, and pride of accomplishment–while underscoring each girl’s personal challenges, hard work, and amazing gains. An uplifting and heartwarming story.

Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring. By Jan Greenberg & Sandra Jordan. illus. by Brian Floca. Roaring Brook/Flash Point. 2010. Trade $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-338-0.

Gr 2-6–From inspiration to standing ovation, this handsome picture book describes a collaboration among three artists–choreographer and dancer Martha Graham, composer Aaron Copland, and artist/set-designer Isamu Noguchi–that resulted in a beloved masterpiece. The lyrical text and lissome watercolor paintings place readers in a front-row seat to witness ideas being shared, dancers rehearsing, and the production’s sensational 1944 premiere. Well-chosen quotes provide insight into each artist’s creative process, and the illustrations dramatically convey Graham’s innovative style. Accessible, lovely, and engaging, this offering will have youngsters eager to experience this American classic.

The Barefoot Book of Dance Stories. By Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple. illus. by Helen Cann. Barefoot. 2010. Trade w/ CD. $23.99. ISBN 978-1-84686-219-9.

Gr 1-5–Eight folktales from around the world commemorate the age-old enchantment of dance, from Germany’s midnight-waltzing “Twelve Dancing Princesses,” to the ever-clever Anansi, who limbos past an impossible challenge to win the hand of a West Indian king’s daughter, to a young Spanish shepherd whose magic flute compels anyone who hears it to flamenco. Filled with sprightly motion, the mixed-media illustrations add detail and charm. Information about each dance, costumes, and easy-to-learn tips are appended. A tantalizing invitation to the world of dance.

Cock-a-Doodle Dance! By Christine Tricarico. illus. by Rich Deas. Feiwel & Friends. 2012. Trade $16.99. ISBN 978-0-312-38251-3.

PreS-Gr 2–Things are “Cock-a-Doodle Dull!” for the tired animals on a Texas farm until Rooster catches a jitterbug and boogie fever spreads to each and every critter: turkeys tango, chickens cha-cha, sheep shimmy, and cows clog day and night. However, soon everyone is tuckered out, the barnyard transformed into a pig sty, and the animals realize that they must strike a balance between work and play. Cartoon artwork and a text filled with rhythmic rhymes and bouncy bon mots make for a rollicking read-aloud.

Dance. By Lorrie Mack. DK. 2012. Trade $19.99. ISBN 978-0-7566-9797-6.

Gr 4-8–From traditional folk dance to modern dance, ballroom tangos to Bollywood, classical ballet to b-boy breakin’, this lushly illustrated overview spans the world of dance. Jam-packed with sumptuous photographs and well-chosen reproductions, the lively text traces each form’s history and evolution, cultural significance, music and technique, costumes, and famous personalities, while conveying the razzle-dazzle of performance. Spreads featuring young dancers showcase the steps and movements of particular styles and you-can-do-it accessibility. An informative and fun-to-browse resource.

Dumpy La Rue. By Elizabeth Winthrop. illus. by Betsy Lewin. Holt. 2001. Trade $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8050-6385-1; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-8050-7535-9.

K-Gr 2–Despite being told by family and friends that pigs don’t dance, a free-thinking porker persists in marching to the beat of his own drummer and his smooth moves and high-kicking high spirits soon have all of the farmyard critters hoofing it up. Winthrop’s frolicsome rhymes make for a musical read-aloud, while Lewin’s color-splashed artwork depicts characters with humor and supple style.

Flora and the Flamingo. By Molly Idle. illus. by author. Chronicle. 2013. Trade $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4521-1006-6.

PreS-Gr 2–In this wordless picture book, a little girl wearing a pink swimsuit, flippers, and a daisy-covered bathing cap imitates the graceful movements of a flamingo, her rounded body and animated expressions providing an amusing variation on the bird’s straight-faced long-limbed poses. When they finally end up nose to beak, the flamingo squawks and sends Flora into a tearful tumble, but amends are made and the two dance their way Swan Lake-style to friendship and a smile-inducing ending. The pale pink artwork provides plenty of punch, and cleverly designed fold-down flaps emphasize the kinetic action. An absolute delight.

Jazz Age Josephine. By Jonah Winter. illus. by Marjorie Priceman. S & S/Atheneum. 2012. Trade $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-6123-9; ebook.  $11.76. ISBN 978-1-4424-4710-3.

Gr 3-6–Born in St. Louis in 1906 into a childhood marked by poverty and racism, Josephine Baker “grew up singin’ nothin’ but the blues,” but her unique dance moves and indomitable spirit eventually led her to the Paris stage, instant fame, and a “Boh doh doh-dee-oh!” ending to her “jazz fairy tale.” From the despair of “worn-out old shoes” and “nothin’ to eat” to the jubilance of performing “…the Shake,/the Shimmy,/and the Mess Around!,” Winter’s syncopated narrative toe-taps through tragedies and triumphs. Lithe lines and bursts of bright color trumpet Baker’s effervescence and the sizzle of the Jazz Age.

Knockin’ on Wood: Starring Peg Leg Bates. By Lynne Barasch. illus. by author. Lee & Low. 2004. pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-1-60060-980-0.

Gr 1-4–This rousing picture-book biography introduces Clayton “Peg Leg” Bates, the rhythm-loving son of a South Carolina sharecropper in 1907, who lost his leg in a factory accident at age 12 and went on to become one of the most famous tap dancers of the 20^th century. Whether creating a beat with hands and feet at age five, testing out his rubber-and-leather-tipped wooden leg, putting his own “riffs” on traditional steps, or performing his signature American Jet Plane before a cheering audience, the upbeat text and jaunty ink and watercolor illustrations depict an inspiring individual whose perseverance and talent knew no bounds.

¡Olé! Flamenco. By George Ancona. photos by author. Lee & Low. 2010. Trade $19.95. ISBN 978-1-60060-361-7.

Gr 3-5–Spotlighting the youngest member of a performance group in Sante Fe, New Mexico, this book introduces an exhilarating and expressive art form that fuses song, dance, and music. Flamenco’s Roma roots and evolution in southern Spain are traced, and the beautifully composed photographs and descriptive text depict the style’s techniques, movements, and costumes while expressing its intrinsic drama and emotional power. Often passed down from generation to generation, the dance’s modern-day role in celebrating Hispanic heritage shines brightly through. Ancona’s Capoeira: Game! Dance! Martial Art! (Lee & Low, 2007) provides a similarly intriguing look at a born-in-Brazil blend of dance, acrobatics, and martial arts.

To Dance: A Ballerina’s Graphic Novel. By Siena Cherson Siegel. illus. by Mark Siegel. S & S/Atheneum/Richard Jackson Bks. 2006. Trade $19.99. ISBN978-0-689-86747-7; pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-2687-0.

Gr 4-7–Siegel recounts the early influences that fueled her passion for ballet, years of training at the prestigious School of American Ballet, and, after a serious ankle injury at age 18 caused her to stop dancing, her eventual return to the barre (“Dancing fills a space in me”). The accessible narrative and fluid watercolor-and-ink illustrations form a pleasing pas de deux that conveys the exacting demands and captivating magic of ballet.

Vampirina Ballerina. By Anne Marie Pace. illus. by LeUyen Pham. Hyperion/Disney. 2012. Trade $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-5753-3.

PreS-Gr 2–With dreams as big as those of any wannabe dancer, a winsome young vampire (wearing gray gauze cape and bat-ear bow) enrolls in ballet school (one that offers evening classes, of course), learns to plié and relevé with the other girls (when she doesn’t frighten them away with her tiny fangs), practices endlessly (accompanied by a Frankenstein monster on double bass), and jetés to breathtaking heights on opening night (even without turning into a bat). The deadpan text never misses a beat, and the message that hard work and perseverance pay off is delivered with a light touch. Enchantingly eerie and amiably expressive, the artwork abounds with clever details that expand the story’s humor–and its heart.

 See also: Librarian, Blogger, Author: Betsy Bird Talks About Giant Dance Party

Based on a 1982 comic-book miniseries created by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, the action is set after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand (2006). Wolverine (aka Logan) travels to modern-day Japan, where he is reunited with a mysterious individual from his past. As events unfold, the tough-as-nails warrior finds himself able to experience true vulnerability for the first time ever. Driven to the edge both physically and emotionally, Logan clashes with deadly enemies, while also wrestling with his feelings about his own immortality. The cast also includes Hiroyuki Sanada as Japanese crime-lord Shingen Yashida; Tao Okamoto as his daughter, Mariko, a beautiful woman torn between her feelings for Logan and familial duty; Will Yun Lee as the katana-wielding Silver Samurai (and Shingen’s illegitimate son); Rila Fukushima as Yukio, skilled Shingen clan assassin; and Svetlana Khodchenkova as Viper, Wolverine’s toxic (and toxin-using) adversary. Teens can visit the official website for a video preview, photo gallery, and an assortment of downloads.

Graphic Novels

Movie fans will be clamoring to read more about the man who put the “SKINT!” into hand-to-hand combat. Consider enhancing your graphic novel collection about this plain-talking, hard-scrapping hero.

Marvel has re-published Claremont and Miller’s movie-plot-inspiring series in a single handsome volume. The cover sets the tone, with a portrait of a brash Wolverine (Marvel, 2013; Gr 8 Up), one hand raised with three razor-sharp claws extended and the other beckoning with a characteristically cocky “bring it” gesture. On hiatus from the X-Men, Wolverine’s story begins in the Canadian Rockies, a wilderness he calls as “stark an’ elemental as my soul,” where he scuffles with a giant grizzly gone berserk. Letters returned unopened take him to Japan, where he discovers that his beloved Mariko, honor-bound to follow the command of her crime boss father, has been married to a cruel man. When Lord Shingen humiliates a weakened Wolverine in front of Mariko during one-to-one clash—calling him “an animal cast in a semblance of human form”—the heartbroken hero sinks into despair…and into the arms of Yukio, a fearless assassin. Danger, betrayal, and self-doubt abound, as Logan fights to save the woman he loves, and to prove to himself that he is more man than beast. Unembellished and softly lilting, Wolverine’s first-person narrative spins the action while revealing frank emotions. The bright-colored artwork keeps pace with a combination of sinuous skirmish scenes and expressive close-ups. Teens will enjoy comparing the themes and characterizations in this gripping graphic novel with those found in the movie.

Wolverine: First Cuts (Marvel, 2013; Gr 8 Up) presents a roundup of comic-book tales featuring the film’s most important personages. An excerpt from the Claremont and Miller mini-series is featured here, along with Chris Yost and Mark Texeira’s 2009 origin tale (an electrifying illustrated look at Wolverine’s roots including the experiment that bonded Adamantium to his bones and recruitment into the X-Men), a 1963 story arc from The Uncanny X-Men that takes the mutant warriors to a besieged Japan where they tussle with villains (and Wolverine first meets Mariko), a 1983 selection starring Spider-Man that recounts the first alliance between movie villains Viper and Silver Samurai, and more. The tidbits are framed with brief introductions that provide context and refer readers to the appropriate volumes to continue reading. The back matter includes profiles of the major characters (detailed bios along with stats and power-rating charts) and a chronology of Wolverine epics. Teens can sample this eye-catching collection to find out more about the movie headliners and perhaps identify titles/series for further Wolverine reading.

Crisply told and adorned with bold, contemporary-looking artwork, Ben Acker and Ben Blacker’s Wolverine: Season One (Marvel, 2013; Gr 7 Up) provides a riveting origin tale that will appeal to readers meeting the hero for the first time in graphic novel format as well as comic-book devotees. While hiking in the wilderness, Canadian scientists Heather and James Hudson encounter a wild-eyed loin-cloth-wearing man who saves them from the lethal claws of the giant-size Wendigo. They take the injured stranger back to their cabin and watch amazed as his body begins to heal itself; when he awakens, he has no memories of his past or his identity. Recruited for the Canadian government’s mysterious Department H by the Hudsons, he is codenamed Wolverine and trained as an operative. However, the facility’s search for a Canadian super soldier has been characterized by unscrupulous experiments and dark secrets, some of which may hit close to home. Meanwhile, a Wolverine plagued by memory flashes struggles to determine if he is more man or beast, and to find a place to fit in. The script interweaves fast-paced action and hand-to-claw conflict with moments of introspection and well-delivered touches of humor. As subtle as a character’s eye-roll or as broadly stroked as a dynamic double-page mêlée, Salva Espin’s illustrations expand the story’s plot and emotional nuances with well-wrought details and fluid motion. A satisfying and suspenseful look at Wolverine’s pre-X-Men days.

Libraries that pride themselves on hosting the ultimate graphic novel collection might want to consider the pricey but spectacular coffee-table-size Wolverine: The Adamantium Collection (Marvel, 2013; Gr 8 Up). Included here are Claremont and Miller’s mini-series; Paul Jenkins and Andy Kubert’s precisely plotted Wolverine: Origin (originally published in 2001-02); Barry Windsor-Smith’s Weapon X (1991), a superbly illustrated, dramatically paced, and harrowing look at Logan’s Adamantium upgrade; and much, much more. Exploded out to fit the hefty volume’s 11.5″ x 15.5” trim size, the artwork is gorgeous and utterly riveting. The book ends with an “Evolution of a Character” portrait section and a gallery of variant covers along with artist profiles. A real stunner, this offering could be a centerpiece display item or a reference tome.

For Younger Teens

Marvel Universe Wolverine (Marvel, 2013, Gr 4-8), part of the “All Ages” series, showcases four adventures that represent an appealing array of storytelling and illustrative styles. In “Kingdom of No,” Canadian operative Logan is sent to a small fishing village to investigate a technological threat and proves that his arsenal of weapons includes smart thinking, while another tale places the hero in amidst a battle between the “emerald man-brute” Hulk and Canadian “woods-beast” Wendigo. An excerpt from Wolverine: First Class presents Logan in his role as professor to X-Men in training, as the persistent Kitty Pryde tries to cajole him into introducing her to her latest crush—Thor. In the final tale, Spider-Man is tasked with shadowing Wolverine for a day to verify his good-guy worthiness as a hair gel spokesperson, but unexpected surprises are in store for both of them. The stand-alone tales are fast-paced, easy-to-follow, and sprinkled with kid-friendly humor. Varying in tone and color palette, each entry’s artwork is appealing. While claws are deployed and bad guys are thwarted, the action remains on the tamer side. A great sampler for kids new to comics and those looking to read further in the Wolverine body of work.

YA author Barry Lyga’s delightful Wolverine: Worst Day Ever, originally published in 2009, has been reissued in a paperback edition (Marvel, 2013; Gr 5-8) with a new cover. Written in a blog format, the book is narrated by 13-year-old Eric Mattias, newcomer to Xavier’s School for Gifted Students. Surrounded by mutants and soon-to-be super heroes with all manner of amazing abilities, Eric’s special gift is, well, under-whelming: people just don’t notice him, even when he is screaming loudly, being tripped over, or sat upon (particularly unpleasant in a bathroom scene involving Colossus). Though this power is admittedly “lame,” it does allow him to move around unseen, and to follow Wolverine on an adventure that reveals much about this loner of a hero and also teaches Eric a few lessons about himself. The teen’s candidly expressed and relatable feelings of alienation are balanced with wry humor and succinctly described action. Comic-book panels “drawn” by Eric and posted on his blog add color and flavor. Fun to booktalk, this makes an appealing choice for reluctant readers, kids who usually seek their reading material on comic book shelves, and Wolverine fans.

Publication Information

CLAREMONT, Chris. Wolverine by Claremont & Miller. illus. by Frank Miller & Paul Smith. Marvel. 2013. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9780785183839.

YOST, Chris & Chris Claremont. Wolverine: First Cuts. illus. by Mark Texeira, John Byrne, Frank Miller, & Sal Buscema. Marvel. 2013. pap. $19.99. ISBN 9780785184270.

ACKER, Ben & Ben Blacker. Wolverine: Season One. illus. by Salva Espin. Marvel. 2013. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9780785166726.

MARVEL UNIVERSE WOLVERINE. Marvel. 2013. pap. $9.99. ISBN 9780785167952.

Wolverine: The Adamantium Collection. Marvel. 2013. Tr $200. ISBN 9780785167891.

LYGA, Barry. Wolverine. “Young Readers Novel.” Marvel. 2013. pap. $7.99. ISBN 9780785167952.

Picture Books

Dozens of Cousins. By Shutta Crum. illus. by David Catrow. Clarion. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-618-15874-4.

PreS-Gr 3–It’s family reunion time, and unruly cousins race willy-nilly through the yard, tramp barefoot through the house, splash and frog-catch in the creek, eat everything in sight, and finally fall into an exhausted and happy-dream-filled sleep. The antics of these “rowdy ogres” gleefully unfurl in vivacious verses and sun-bright paintings packed with comical details.

It’s a Firefly Night. By Dianne Ochiltree. illus. by Betsy Snyder. Blue Apple. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-160905291-1.

PreS-K–Rhyming text and vibrant collage artwork describe how a nightgown-clad girl and her father venture outdoors on a warm night to capture–and eventually release–a jar full of shimmering insects. The hushed narrative is aglow with wonder, and the lovely illustrations are filled with luminous touches. A sweet choice for bedtime sharing or celebrating special daddy-daughter moments.

Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping. By Mélanie Watt. illus. by author. Kids Can. 2013.Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-894786-86-7.

PreS-Gr 3–Rather than venturing into the rugged wilderness (where mosquitoes, quicksand, and penguins abound), the ever-anxious protagonist opts to remain safely in his tree and watch camping shows on TV. Unfortunately, the nearest electrical outlet is across the park. Equipped with survival gear and a carefully constructed plan, Scaredy Squirrel sets off on an adventure that results in comical mishaps and an eye-opening revelation about the great outdoors. Colorful cartoon artwork, amusing diagrams and charts, and spot-on storytelling keep this fretful–and lovable–character on top of his game.

Spike & Ike Take a Hike. By S. D. Schindler. illus. by author. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24495-7.

PreS-Gr 2–Hungry from their trek, Spike the hedgehog and Ike the coatimundi decide to pay a lunchtime visit to Ike’s cousin. As they amble through various terrains, they encounter an assortment of critters, including a “big buzzy bumblebee,” “soggy froggy,” and “itty-bitty kitty.” Winsome details fill the textured artwork, which depicts dazzling landscapes and charismatic characters. Fueled by clever wordplay, terse rhymes, and tongue-tingling alliteration, this share-aloud romp will also appeal to beginning readers and language lovers.

A Stick Is an Excellent Thing: Poems Celebrating Outdoor Play. By Marilyn Singer. illus. by LeUyen Pham. Clarion. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-12493-3.

K-Gr 4–“A stick is an excellent thing./If you find the perfect one,/it’s a scepter for a king….” Eighteen pithy poems and dynamic double-page illustrations pay homage to the simple pleasures of summer, as a flock of high-spirited friends dash through sprinklers (“Big drops flash./Hurry, dash!”), barrel down hills, blow bubbles, soar on swings, and more. Simply worded yet humming with imaginative imagery, the enchanting verses resound with joyful activity and the power of play.

This Monster Cannot Wait! By Bethany Barton. illus. by author. Dial. 2013.Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3779-2.

PreS-Gr 1–Stewart’s first camping trip is only a week away and the irrepressible youngster will try almost anything to make the time pass more quickly, even tearing–literally–through the book’s pages to rush to the story’s end. Taking a friend’s advice, he slows down and savors the “right now,” a philosophy that ultimately pays off. Barton’s loose-lined monsters are a hoot, and the tongue-in-cheek text perfectly pegs the agony of anticipating a grand adventure and the ecstasy of enjoying the much-awaited day.

Chapter Books and Graphic Novels

Bluffton: My Summers with Buster. By Matt Phelan. illus. by author. Candlewick. July 2013. Tr $22.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5079-7.

Gr 5-8–Henry Harrison’s ho-hum life in Muskegon, MI, is best described as “ordinary,” until the summer of 1908 when a troupe of vaudeville performers arrives, complete with baggage, elephants, and a young Buster Keaton (pratfall artist extraordinaire), to vacation by the lake. An extravaganza of gags and high jinks blends with more typical hot-weather pursuits as the boys strike up a friendship and Henry begins to dream of a different sort of life. In this historical graphic novel, watercolor panels and understated text paint a glorious picture of a time gone by and a poignant portrait of a boy’s journey of self-discovery.

Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Summer Vacation. By Tommy Greenwald. illus. by J. P. Coovert. Roaring Brook. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-757-9.

Gr 4-7–The outspoken book-hater and star of two previous adventures is  heading off to Camp Rituhbukkee (“Pronounced ‘Read-a-Bookie”) for three weeks of academic enrichment at his parents’ behest. Adrift in a sea of kids who love to learn, the self-professed slacker resolves to mold his fellow campers into “normal, non-reading people,” but as events unfold and personal challenges abound, it begins to look like his plan might backfire. The snarky first-person narrative is peppered with wry humor, and the entertaining action is augmented by astutely presented friendship dilemmas. This snicker-inducing page-turner makes an engaging read-aloud and holds strong appeal for Charlie Joe’s reluctant-reader compatriots.

Like Bug Juice on a Burger. By Julie Sternberg. illus. by Matthew Cordell. Amulet/Abrams. 2013. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0190-0.

Gr 2-4–At first, nine-year-old Eleanor is excited about going to her first-ever sleepaway camp, but a few mishaps–a tree-root tumble, a swim test that lands her in the baby group, yucky food, and far too many creepy-crawlies–soon have her longing for home. However, a kind new friend, intriguing new experiences, and small victories add up to positive experience. Told in first-person verse and illustrated with line drawings that reflect each emotional up and down, this charmer provides a candid, believable, and engaging look at growing up.

Lulu and the Dog from the Sea. By Hilary McKay. illus. by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman. 2013. Tr $13.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-4820-2.

K-Gr 3–Seven-year-old Lulu and her family are looking forward to a pleasant seaside vacation, but when they arrive, they discover that the cottage they are renting has been besieged by a food-stealing, sand-scruffy stray. While the adults see a menace, Lulu sees a new friend and sets her sights on taming the pooch. Illustrated with breezy black-and-white sketches, this early chapter book percolates with warmhearted humor, true-to-life happenings, and honest emotion.

Games Galore
It’s impossible for kids to get bored when J.J. Ferrer’s The Art of Stone Skipping and Other Fun Old-Time Games (Imagine/Charlesbridge, 2013; Gr 3-6) is on hand. This treasure trove of things to do is jam-packed with everything from Sock Ball to Simon Says, Jump Rope to Jacks, Giant Steps to Ghost in the Graveyard. Children will also find basic intros to card games, yo-yo tricks, string games, juggling, and more. Encompassing endeavors appropriate for partner pairs or large groups, solitary amusements and simple crafts, indoor and outdoor pastimes, brain challengers and road-trip while-awayers, the activities are presented with easy-to-follow instructions, helpful tips, and try-‘em-out variations. Lively sketches, fun facts, and historical tidbits are scattered throughout, and the inviting layout will keep kids turning pages to seek out more ideas.

Nature’s Wonderments
As Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield point out in The Stick Book (Frances Lincoln, 2012; Gr 2-6), these time-proven playthings can be almost anything—“…a sword with which to fight off fierce dragons in the forest, a tracking stick to help you creep after secretive creatures, a wand to cast magic spells or a broomstick to transport you to other worlds.” Simple descriptions introduce stick-based activities, games, and crafts, all enchantingly illustrated with vibrant full-color photos of kids outdoors and in action. Coded for level of difficulty, the projects range from the very simple (make stick characters out of clay and found objects) to the more challenging (build a mini raft), and several activities are tailor-made for tickling imaginations (make a story-telling stick, or assemble a storyboard collage to represent a favorite book). Used as a starting point, these creative ideas can be adapted to suit various environments, from classroom to schoolyard to park.

Puppet Palooza
Always enjoyable to make, puppets have the added benefit of encouraging imagination, creativity, and self-expression through performance and dramatic play. In 10-Minute Puppets (Workman, 2010; Gr 2-5), professional puppeteer Noel MacNeal combines crystal-clear directions with an anyone-can-do-it approach to introduce 30 projects. Featured here are simple finger puppets, critters concocted out of socks and gloves, cutouts manipulated by sticks, shadow puppets, quick paper puppets, and a variety of easy-to-make theaters.

Full-color photos of kids and their creations are sprinkled throughout, the instructions include helpful drawings, and the book ends with suggestions for putting together and performing shows. With projects appropriate for preschool through elementary-age students, as well as suggestions for more elaborate detailing, this book can be used to accommodate a broad range of ages and abilities.

More experienced crafters will be enchanted by Diana Schoenbrun’s Puppet Play (Andrews McMeel, 2011; Gr 3-7), which presents 20 adorable characters made with recycled and reused mittens, towels, socks, and other items. Spanning from a superhero monkey to a wacky wizard, each project includes a difficulty rating, crisp full-color photos, and thorough step-by-step directions.

Scintillating Science
Helaine Becker’s Magic Up Your Sleeve (Maple Tree, 2010; Gr 3-6) blends directions for audience-wowing magic tricks with brief explanations of the scientific facts behind each and every show-stopping ta-da. Utilizing common household items, the offerings include cognitive and optical illusions, examples of math “magic,” and wonders based on physics and chemistry concepts. Other spreads focus on the history of magic, famous practitioners, and tips for putting on the perfect performance.

The breezy narrative tone and colorful digital cartoons keep the content light and the science easy to swallow. Invite students to polish up their magic wands, boggle their friends’ minds with their presentations, and use online and print resources to further investigate what makes seemingly impossible feats possible.

Mark Latno’s The Paper Boomerang Book (Chicago Review, 2010; Gr 5 Up) highlights devices that are “…a cinch to make, graceful in flight, and fun to fly.” A brief history is followed by clear step-by-step directions for making a “trainer” boomerang, instructions for holding and throwing it correctly, and tips for fine-tuning and troubleshooting (one model can be used indoors). Once the nuts and bolts are mastered, kids can test the effectiveness of various design tweaks and materials to perfect their boomerang’s aeronautics, and hone their skills with tricks and fancy throws. The text includes helpful photos and diagrams.

Educators and their students can delve into the chapter on boomerang theory and the physics of flight, follow up the author’s suggestions for experimentation (“Throw, Observe, Modify”), or further explore the history of these ancient tools and/or their current-day use in sports competitions (start with the United States Boomerang Association).

Sewing, Sticking, and Scrapbooking
In Sewing School (Storey, 2010; Gr 2-8), Amie Petronis Plumley and Andria Lisle place the emphasis on establishing skills, building confidence, and inspiring creativity rather than on achieving perfection. After covering the basics (threading a needle, simple stitches, etc.), the authors present an array of sewing projects, including perfect-for-cuddling pillows and animal “Stuffies,” tote bags and wallets, and personality-expressing wearable items. Each step is accompanied by a clear photo. Snapshots of charmingly less-than-perfect child-created projects are sprinkled throughout along with tips to help youngsters make each item their own. An introduction written for adults offers up helpful ideas for sewing with a group, and the required pattern pieces can be stored in a sturdy envelope provided at book’s end.

Featuring a stylish hot-pink handbag, cute-as-can-be piggy bank, ready-to-personalize smart phone holder, and more, Jolie Dobson’s The Duct Tape Book (Firefly, 2012; Gr 5 Up) presents 25 projects made from this versatile adhesive, which is available in a rainbow of colors and attractive patterns. Throughout, detailed instructions are supported with diagrams that help clarify each procedure. Full-color photos of finished products make these cleverly envisioned items all the more appealing, and kids will be able to apply the duct-tape-manipulating basics they learn to their own designs. Have youngsters search the internet for duct tape art and fashion sites to further investigate this fresh and fun form of self-expression.

Candice F. Ransom’s Scrapbooking Just for You! (Sterling, 2010; Gr 4 Up) introduces the fundamentals of this popular pastime, highlighting various techniques, providing useful layout tips, and discussing important design elements. The author’s tone is cheerful, as she encourages kids to personalize and add meaning to their creations with journaling, play with colors and textures, and just enjoy being creative. Attractively illustrated with sample scrapbook pages, the book invites browsing and will get kids itching to make their own works of art, and a section of projects including picture frames, mini albums, and more, will get them started.

Paper Pursuits: Make It or Fold It
Perfect for teens, Arnold E. Grummer’s Trash-to-Treasure Papermaking (Storey, 2011; Gr 6 Up) opens with a section about papermaking history, processes, and tools and then launches into the step-by-step process for transforming newspaper, wrappers, sales circulars, magazines, envelopes and other scraps into beautiful and unique finished products. Once they understand the essentials, kids can experiment with other techniques including pulp layering and painting, texturing, paper casting into shapes, and much more. A section of gift- (or craft-fair) worthy projects includes cards, mobiles, spinwheels, notebooks, ornaments, and other handsome objects, all presented with easy-to-follow directions and photos. Suggestions for variations appear throughout, encouraging crafters to be creative and adventurous.

Beginning with clear explanations of common techniques, Paul Jackson and Miri Golan’s Origami Zoo (2011; Gr 1-6) presents 25 fun-to-fold creations. The projects are organized from the “very simple” (a beginner-appropriate mouse, penguin, and more) to an “advanced” 43-step dinosaur that will challenge even experienced origami aficionados. Full-color photos introduce each elegant critter, and the lucid directions and large-size diagrams are accessibly laid out on clean white backgrounds, making each fold easy to comprehend and replicate. A packet of 60 sheets of origami paper in deep jewel tones is included to help group leaders get started.

Taking a similar approach, Jackson’s Origami Toys: That Tumble, Fly, and Spin (2010, both Gibbs Smith) provides instructions for creating interactive toys including a barking dog, wing-flapping bird, catapult, and glider. Consider making a connection between art and literature by sharing Tom Angleberger’s entertaining The Strange Case of Origami Yoda (Amulet, 2010), Nathaniel Lachenmeyer’s thoughtful The Origami Master (Albert Whitman, 2008), Kristine O’Connell George’s charming Fold Me a Poem (Harcourt, 2005), or Molly Bang’s magical The Paper Crane (Greenwillow, 1985).

Warner Bros. Pictures reboots the character—and the film series—with Man of Steel (PG-13), slated to premiere June 14 in conventional, 3D, and IMAX theaters. Directed by Zack Snyder (Watchmen) and produced by Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Trilogy), the movie presents a fresh take on Superman’s beginnings. Learning as a young boy that he possesses amazing powers and is different from everyone else, Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) wrestles with questions about where he came from and  what he was sent to Earth to accomplish. However, when the planet and all of mankind are threatened with total destruction, the role he is destined to play soon becomes crystal clear. The cast also includes Diane Lane and Kevin Costner as Clark’s adoptive parents, Amy Adams as Daily Planet journalist Lois Lane, Laurence Fishburne as editor-in-chief Perry White, and Russell Crowe as Superman’s Kryptonian father. Played by Michael Shannon, the nefarious General Zod, another surviving Kryptonian and Superman’s equal in abilities, serves as antagonist. Send teens to the official movie website for video trailers, photos, downloads, and more, and suggest a stop at DC Comics “Superman Mini-Site” for a bio and links to comics and movies.

Look! On the Library Shelves! It’s Art! It’s Epic! It’s a Superman Graphic Novel!

Man of Steel will have teens flocking to libraries faster than a speeding bullet for comic book classics about this tried-and-true hero. Stock up on and display some of these Superman standards, guaranteed to grab the eye of YA moviegoers and graphic novel fans.

Part of a DC Comics series designed to re-launch legendary characters with a 21^st-century flair, Superman Earth One (2010; Gr 7 Up) offers a riveting and refreshingly contemporary take on the familiar origin tale. As the story opens, a 20-something Clark Kent arrives in Metropolis to seek his fortune and sets his sights on becoming a reporter for the Daily Planet. Tired of being an outsider, he wants a shot at fitting in and is determined to keep his powers carefully concealed. However, when a powerful conqueror arrives from outer space and threatens Earth with destruction unless the alien he believes to be hidden there reveals himself, Clark must make a difficult choice. J. Michael Straczynski’s script pays homage to the source material with traditional elements and punch-packing action while stirring the pot with unexpected twists, deftly explored coming-of-age themes, smart—often delightfully bantering—dialogue, and powerful characterizations. Sepia-hued flashbacks to scenes of Clark interacting with his adoptive parents and “downloads” revealing the last days on Krypton provide insight into the protagonist’s motivations and struggles to define his identity. Shane Davis’s finely detailed artwork balances gritty modern-day settings and volatile battle scenes with down-to-earth emotion. The adventures—and personal challenges—continue in Volume 2 (2012, both DC Comics).

Mark Waid and Leinil Francis Yu’s Superman Birthright (2004; Gr 7 Up) opens with the fiery final moments of a distant planet, as a desperate Lara and Jor-El place their beloved infant aboard a small starcraft. Twenty-five years later, the last son of Krypton has left his adopted home of Smallville, Kansas, to travel abroad, launch a journalism career, and figure out how he fits in. Filled with a sense of destiny and longing to use his abilities without causing fear among those around him, he decides to make his powers known, while hiding in plain sight behind the facade—and horned rim glasses— of a purposefully mousy Clark Kent. Superman strips off his button down shirt and makes his debut when unmanned military copters go rogue and endanger Metropolis. Not only is evil genius Lex Luthor pulling the strings behind the attack, but he’s also pushing the public into an anti-Superman hysteria. Sparkling with humor and heartfelt emotion, this origin tale flashes back to a teenage relationship between Clark and Lex, tackles themes of isolation and alienation, and headlines a wonderfully bossy, ballsy, and bright Lois Lane. Featuring a square-jawed Superman, the artwork blends stunning colors with strong lines and bold angles to deliver mythic-scale, kapow-worthy action. The otherworldly protagonist has an innocence and cornball candor that makes him endearingly human.

In Geoff Johns and Richard Donner’s gripping graphic novel, Superman: Last Son of Krypton (DC Comics, 2013; Gr 7 Up), treads new territory when a mysterious rocket crashes to Earth with a single passenger—a young boy identified as Kryptonian—and he steps into the role of parent. Things look dire when General Zod arrives, claiming the boy as his own and intending to transform a conquered Earth into New Krypton, but the child ultimately proves himself a pint-size hero. In a second adventure, Superman tangles with the terrifying Braniac, an artificial intelligence/cyborg bent on “collecting” specimens of species across the galaxy, miniaturizing entire cities, and destroying civilizations (and Earth is the latest target). Action-packed and vibrantly told, this volume includes appearances by Lex Luthor and Supergirl, and a visit to the extra-dimensional (and eerily illustrated) Phantom Zone. The dynamic artwork varies between large-size portraits and rapid-paced panels that illustrate events and add to characterizations.

Bounding from witty to jubilant and movingly tragic, Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman (DC Comics, 2011; Gr 7 Up) offers an imaginative, thoughtful, and satisfying take on the “Man of Steel” mythos. Exposed to a lethal dose of solar radiation during a rescue mission, the seemingly invincible Superman faces death. Resolved to use his remaining time wisely, he reveals his secret identity to his ladylove Lois Lane (she doesn’t believe him), gifts her with a potion that allows her temporary superhero status, writes his last will and testament, and saves the day (several times). Meanwhile, Lex Luthor, who is on death row, still manages to sit pretty and engineer evil plots galore. Perfectly paced, the 12 episodes describe individual storylines, with all of the elements and themes interconnecting in clever ways. Moments of introspection and candid emotion are balanced with high-flying antics and humor. The precisely detailed artwork is aglow with luminous hues that augment both action and emotion.

Part of DC Comics’ recently rebooted “New 52” lineup, Morrison’s Action Comics: Superman and the Men of Steel (DC Comics, 2012; Gr 7 Up) features a T-shirt (yes, it’s blue and the symbol is still there), worn jeans, and work-boot-wearing novice who eagerly takes on gangsters and performs valiant rescues. Meanwhile, the loathsome Lex Luthor advises an uneasy military on ways to control what he deems a “powerful and parasitic alien organism.”  However, the real battle is on when Braniac arrives and Earth is in the cross-hairs. Flashbacks and imaginative strokes complete the origin tale of this just-getting-his feet-wet hero, as he tests his abilities, wins the heart of Metropolis, and defines his future role. A fresh and contemporary re-envisioning, illustrated with explosive and muscle-bound artwork.

Superman’s World

Daniel Wallace’s Superman: The Ultimate Guide to the Man of Steel (DK, 2013; Gr 7 Up) provides a comprehensive overview of the character and his ever-evolving comic-book oeuvre. Illustrated throughout with vibrant and crisply reproduced comic book artwork, two-page entries treat Superman’s 1938 origins, costume, powers and weaknesses, home world and Earth locales, allies and enemies, and much more. Perspective is provided on changes and themes associated with different comics eras (from Golden Age to the New 52) with reference to historical events and cultural trends. Key issues are highlighted throughout with backgrounds and plot summaries. Dazzling artwork and lively writing make this a fun-to-browse treat and go-to reference for graphic-novel fans and movie viewers who want to know more.

Publication Information

STRACZYNSKI, J. Michael. Superman Earth One. Vol. 1. illus. by Shane Davis. DC Comics. 2010. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781401224684; pap. $12.99. ISBN 9781401224691.

_____. Superman Earth One. Vol. 2. DC Comics. 2012. Tr $22.99. ISBN 9781401231965.

WAID, Mark. Superman Birthright. illus. by Leinil Francis Yu. DC Comics. 2004. pap. $19.99. ISBN 9781401202521.

JOHNS, Geoff & Richard Donner. Superman: Last Son of Krypton. illus. by Adam Kubert, Gary Frank, & Jon Sibal. DC Comics. 2013. pap. $19.99. ISBN 9781401237790.

MORRISON, Grant. All-Star Superman. illus. by Frank Quitely. DC Comics. 2011. pap. $29.99. ISBN 9781401232054.

_____. Action Comics: Superman and the Men of Steel. illus. by Rags Morales & Andy Kubert. DC Comics. 2012. pap. $16.99. ISBN 9781401235475.

WALLACE, Daniel. Superman: The Ultimate Guide to the Man of Steel. DK. 2013. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9781465408754.

Along a Long Road. By Frank Viva. illus. by author. Little, Brown. 2011. Trade $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-12925-1; ebook. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-316-23568-6. PreS–Gr 2. Succinct text and stylish graphic artwork depict the wonders of a bicycle journey as a smiling youngster zooms through the countryside, cruises down city streets, speeds along a seaside thoroughfare, and then starts all over again. Children can ride along by tracing their fingers along the road to experience each twist and turn, watch roadside details flash by, and immerse their imaginations in an exhilarating excursion.

Ben Rides On. By Matt Davies. illus. by author. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. 2013. Trade $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-794-4. Gr 1–3. Gleefully mounted upon his new two-wheeler, Ben Lukin enjoys taking the long way to school (hilariously zooming through water pipes, across an aqueduct,  and over lined-up school buses à la Evel Knievel), but upon his arrival at Watson Elementary, his “gleaming new machine” is snatched by goonish third-grader Adrian Underbite. When Ben later comes across the bully in a perilous situation, he must decide whether to take his now-banged-up bike and run, or render aid. Tongue-in-cheek text and delightfully frenetic cartoon artwork deliver a witty, wise, and laugh-out-loud funny tale about doing the right thing.

Best Bike Ride Ever. By James Proimos. illus. by Johanna Wright. Dial. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3850-8. K–Gr 2. Thrilled to pieces with her new pink polka-dotted bike, an inexperienced young rider hops onboard and takes off on an exhilarating backyard jaunt, speeding over bridges, through windstorms, and even to the top of the Statue of Liberty before crashing back into reality (and her brother’s toy truck). Never fear, after time spent learning to use the brakes, Bonnie is ready for her next escapade. The spring-hued, acrylic-on-canvas paintings combine everyday details with flights of fancy to capture the freedom and excitement of a pedal-pushing spree.

Every Cowgirl Loves a Rodeo. By Rebecca Janni. illus. by Lynne Avril. Dial. 2012. Trade $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3734-1. PreS–Gr 2. Wearing her trademark pink Stetson, this winsome, self-styled cowgirl saddles up Beauty, her “two-wheeled horse,” and enters the Bike Rodeo at the county fair. When a rampaging goat threatens to ruin her competitor’s turn, quick-thinking Nellie Sue saves the day, demonstrating what every cowgirl knows: good sportsmanship is just as important as a blue ribbon. Tongue-twanging text and cotton-candy-colored artwork tell a tale of friendship and heart.

Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle. By Chris Raschka. illus. by author. Random/Schwartz & Wade. 2013. PLB $19.99. ISNB 978-0-375-97007-8; Trade $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87007-1; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98732-8. K–Gr 2. From choosing the perfect bike to manipulating training wheels on and off to providing hugs and patient encouragement, a loving adult helps a youngster through a challenging process until–“by luck, grace, and determination”–she is ready to soar. Filled with flowing lines and supple movement, Raschka’s exuberant illustrations depict the many ups and downs inherent in mastering this milestone and trumpet emotions from trepidation to triumph.

How to Bicycle to the Moon to Plant Sunflowers. By Mordicai Gerstein. illus. by author. Roaring Brook. Trade $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-512-4. Gr 1–3. Determined to cheer up the sad-looking moon, a big-dreaming youngster presents a 24-step instruction manual to accomplish the title task–a venture that utilizes 2000 used truck inner tubes, 238,900 miles of garden hose, a ship’s anchor, and of course, a trusty two-wheeler–and invites readers to give it a whirl. Gerstein’s deadpan text and funny-bone-tickling artwork offer an ebullient ode to imagination and oddball inventiveness.

Pedal It! How Bicycles Are Changing the World. By Michelle Mulder. Orca. 2013. Trade $19.95. ISBN 978-1-4598-0219-3. Gr 3–6. Beginning with a lively history of two-wheelers, this engaging overview delves into the current-day role of bicycles–as a leisure-time activity, an environmentally and health-friendly means of transportation, and an essential apparatus for empowering people across the globe to improve their lives. Archival images and crisp, well-chosen, full-color photos show an array of bikes (including a sustainable bamboo cycle made in Ghana) and their many uses (as ambulance in Namibia, wood-hauling vehicle in Malawi, and pedal-powered blender in Guatemala).

Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen. By Cari Best. illus. by Christine Davenier. Farrar. 2006. Trade $17.99. ISBN 9780374363864. K–Gr 2. Sally Jean is heartbroken when she outgrows her cherished bicycle and longtime companion, Flash, and is left without a set of wheels. However, with the help of a junk-collecting neighbor and her own ingenuity and determination, this bicycle-loving youngster is soon back in business. Sprightly artwork and jubilant text introduce a lovable can-do heroine.

Tillie the Terrible Swede: How One Woman, a Sewing Needle, and a Bicycle Changed History. By Sue Stauffacher. illus. by Sarah McMenemy. Knopf. 2011. PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-94442-0; Trade $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-84442-3; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-307-98248-3. Gr 1–5. Captivated by the latest craze and an innate need for speed, a young woman threw caution (and late-19^th-century social expectations) to the wind to follow her dream, initiating a physically demanding bicycle-training regime (rather than the slow and stately style of riding recommended for young ladies), sewing and sporting a practical but body-clinging suit (oh, the scandal!), and entering and winning races to become a “whirling sensation.” Spirited text and dynamic touched-with-nostalgia illustrations introduce a courageous and forward-pedaling champion.

Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way. By Sue Macy. National Geographic. 2011. Trade $18.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0761-4. Gr 5–8. Macy examines how bicycles became all the rage in America in the 1880s and ‘90s and opened up new horizons for women who were used to living under confining social, physical, and economic constraints. Groundbreaking individuals are profiled throughout, primary-source quotes give voice to contemporary opinions and insights, and the attractively laid-out pages are packed with colorful reproductions of 19^th-century photos, advertisements, and journals. A thoroughly researched, compellingly written, and fascinating ride through history. Click here for an interview with the author.

Do you have a favorite book about bicycles? Please share titles below in our comment section.

These projects can also be fruitful focal points for meeting standards across the curriculum and grade levels, serving as subject matter for creative writing, journaling, and art projects and science lessons on plant physiology and reproduction, ecology, animal behavior, and health and nutrition. Exercises from sorting seeds to measuring to graphing growth will reinforce math concepts, while the cooperative skills needed for these activities and the opportunities for discussion on agriculture and foods around the world, will support the social studies curriculum.

Introduce the glories of gardening to youngsters with a selection of share-aloud or read-alone titles that blend colorful illustrations with compelling writing. Included here are lively looks at school and community gardens, a bouquet of offerings about growing things, and a crop of titles that can be used to broaden the topic to global agriculture and food issues. Perfect for use in the classroom, these volumes will also be valuable to other organizations that support green-thumb projects for kids, including libraries, museums, and camps.

School and Community Gardens  
George Ancona’s It’s Our Garden (Candlewick, 2013; Gr 1-4) reveals the workings—and wonders—of a successful elementary school garden in Sante Fe, NM. From selecting and planting seeds, to daily chores and sampling the fruits of their labors at harvest time, the students work closely with teachers and volunteers to care for, explore, learn from, and wholeheartedly enjoy the garden. The well-written text and crisp photos detail the growing process, different types of produce, eco-friendly cultivation methods (e.g., water is collected in a cistern and distributed by a solar-powered pump), animal visitors, and edible delights (fresh vegetables, popcorn, and more). The handsome images show students enthusiastically engaged, with hands dirty and faces smiling, revealing not only the garden’s importance to the school, but also to the entire community, as families and friends gather on weekends and in summertime to care take, cook food, and share music.

It might be Michael’s first day at a new school, but as soon as he steps into Our School Garden (Reader to Eaters, 2012; Gr 2-4), he feels right at home. Set against Christy Hale’s lush-hued paintings, Rick Swann’s poems and brief factual paragraphs introduce various aspects of this well-tended outdoor learning center. Themes of discovery, teamwork, and responsibility are nurtured throughout, as the garden helps Michael to settle in and make new friends. Topics such as victory gardens, composting, and pill bugs invite further exploration in a variety of curriculum areas. Pair the recipe for “School Garden Stone Soup” with retellings of the well-known folktale, such as Marcia Brown’s version (Scribners, 1947). Expand upon a poem such as “Harvest Day!” with studies of how different cultures celebrate this time with special foods and customs. Have your students write a story about his or her family’s Thanksgiving or harvest celebration.

Both Maya and Shakayla are excited when Ms. Garcia announces that the class will have a First Peas to the Table (Albert Whitman, 2012; Gr 1-4) contest, an idea based on a competition once held by Thomas Jefferson and his neighboring farmers. Students will study Jefferson’s gardening techniques, plant and foster seeds, and see who can produce the first bowl of shelled peas. Each girl has her own horticultural methods as well as triumphs and tragedies, and their spirited rivalry adds suspense to the story. Facts about peas and the growing cycle are clearly presented in Susan Grigsby’s text and Nicole Tadgell’s softly realistic watercolors. An afterword about Jefferson and his interest in agriculture can help direct further historical studies.

School and community gardens encourage youngsters to taste the foods they have grown, think about where their food comes from and its nutritional value, and understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In her lovely picture book, Robbin Gourley explains how First Lady Michelle Obama was inspired by just such rationale to initiate the First Garden (Clarion, 2011; K-Gr 5).

Planted on the White House lawn with the help of fifth-grade students from a local school in 2009, the garden contains 55 varieties of herbs, fruits, and vegetables (but no beets as per the president). Vibrant text and breezy watercolor paintings describe the process from clearing the land through to harvest time, underscoring gardening challenges both commonplace (weeds and destructive insects) and unique (securing a beehive to withstand the wind generated by the president’s helicopter). The bountiful yield was used to feed the First Family, tempt White House guests (recipes are appended), and help stock a local soup kitchen. Background about how the dwelling’s outdoor space has been used by young residents through the years and vegetable gardens planted in the past makes an easy segue from science to history, and a helpful list of resources is appended.

After they Plant a Little Seed (Roaring Brook, 2012; PreS-Gr 2) in their local community garden, two friends “water and wait/and wait and dream…/…and dream and wait some more” until the first tiny sprouts appear. The process continues as their plot bursts with skyward-stretching stalks, generates munch-off-the-vine veggies, and produces the makings of an autumn feast, lovingly prepared and shared by both youngsters’ families. Bonnie Christensen’s poetic text is filled with ear-pleasing rhythms and eloquent descriptive phrases (“Our garden sings with buzzing bees,/with rustling leaves and cawing crows,/with gentle rain and whirring wings”). Done in verdant shades, the bold-lined illustrations shine with realistic details and childlike exuberance.

Have your students look closely at two or more of these offerings and compare the featured gardens. Where is each garden located? What plants and wildlife are included? What happens to each garden’s harvest? Who cares for each garden and what role does it play in the community? Children can cite examples from both the narratives and illustrations. Ask students to extract details from the texts and write a proposal to your school’s principal to start a school garden, including an explanation of the project, a description of required space and materials, and a summary of the many benefits this endeavor would provide to the educational community and local neighborhood.

Listen and Learn While Garden Grows  
It’s springtime, and Alice and her family are headed outdoors to sow seeds and discover the Secrets of the Garden (Knopf, 2012; Gr 1-4). Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld’s sparkling narrative intertwines the girl’s experiences with clearly presented information about the growing process, the critters that visit the garden to eat the plants (or prey on the animals that eat the plants), and the different food chains supported by this unique ecosystem. Priscilla Lamont’s vivacious watercolor artwork adds plenty of charm and complements the text with helpful charts, cutaways, and close-ups, while dialogue balloons (and two chatting chickens) help convey the facts.

Denise Fleming’s concise punch-packing rhymes and spectacular cross-section illustrations reveal happenings both above a garden’s surface and Under Ground (Beach Lane, 2012; PreS-Gr 2). As a youngster plants Bing cherry trees, beneath his feet busy critters travel subterranean “highways and byways./Squirm-ways and worm-ways,” “Funneling, tunneling” their way to hidden burrows. The color- and texture-splashed artwork features an assortment of surface scratchers, soil nesters, and underground dwellers (including a robin, a mole, ants, beetle grubs, yellow jackets, a garter snake, and more). Creatures are identified and briefly introduced at book’s end, along with excerpts from the illustrations that encourage readers to seek out each species in the previous pages.

Cleverly adapted from the familiar song, Mary Quattlebaum’s Jo MacDonald Had a Garden (Dawn, 2012; PreS-Gr 2) describes how the famous old farmer’s granddaughter and a friend plant (“With a dig-dig here”), tend (“And a sprinkle-sprinkle there”), and harvest (“Here a pick, there a pick”) a vegetable plot before sampling its goodies (“Everywhere a yum-yum…E-I-E-I-O.”). Laura J. Bryant’s enchanting illustrations depict the two youngsters along with the sprightly animals and insects that are part of this garden ecosystem. Back matter introduces the highlighted flora and fauna, suggests simple activities, and lists online resources.

When Nibbles and Posie, two green-thumbed guinea pigs, find caterpillars munching away in Nibbles’ Garden (Marshall Cavendish, 2012; PreS-Gr 2), they decide to keep the intruders as pets, placing them in large-size jars. When the insects go missing (observant readers will notice pupas attached to sticks and leaves), the knowledgeable Mr. Rosetti solves the mystery—lifting off the lids and explaining, “when you lose a caterpillar, you find a butterfly.” Charlotte Middleton’s lighthearted text and buoyant mixed-media artwork brim with warmth and humor. Use this story to elaborate on the process of metamorphosis and the essential role played by plants in this cycle.

All of these books focus on the community of plants and animals found in a garden. Re-create this ecosystem in your classroom by having students choose one of the highlighted animals or insects, draw a picture, and use books and/or online resources to research further. Have them compile fact sheets, or write a story about their animal and its environment. What does each critter eat? How do insects, birds, and other animals help the garden?

Farming in the City and Beyond 
School gardening projects can be linked to studies of agriculture, food supply issues, and environmental concerns. Watch Me Grow! (Kids Can, 2011; K-Gr 3), a photo essay by Deborah Hodge and Brian Harris, shows youngsters that gardens can thrive in an urban setting. The possibilities are endless, from herbs in a windowsill pot, balcony containers of lettuce, and pea vines climbing up fences, to community gardens bursting with fruits and vegetables. The accessible text and handsome photos emphasize the many advantages of these endeavors—enjoying fresh and nutritious locally grown foods, sharing the labor and the bounty, providing an oasis for wildlife, keeping city dwellers connected to nature, and building a strong community.

In Potatoes on Rooftops: Farming in the City (Annick, 2012; Gr 3-6), Hadley Dyer touches upon similar themes, while expanding the treatment to a global perspective and incorporating food supply and environmental issues. Included are discussions of “food miles” (distance traveled from farm to plate), “food deserts” (inner-city neighborhoods without sources of healthy foods nearby), and worldwide hunger. Fascinating examples of urban gardens are featured, such as vertical gardens in Los Angeles, an underground bank vault turned high-tech farm in Tokyo, and vacant lots transformed to growing plots in Cuba. With an eye to sustainability, spreads also treat aquaponics, water harvesting, composting, and more.

Practical tips for envisioning and initiating a manageable garden are provided, along with info about the benefits to health, community, and environment. The writing is upbeat, the layout is appealing, and numerous full-color photos showcase urban gardens across the globe.

Also utilizing a global approach, Nikki Tate’s Down to Earth (Orca, 2013; Gr 3-6) provides an overview of how youngsters help to produce, prepare, and distribute food. Sections introduce various crops (including worldwide staples such as rice and cassava), poultry-keeping and egg production, other livestock (goats, pigs, cattle, etc.), and working animals (from plow-pulling oxen in China to fertilizer-producing worms). The engaging text is accompanied by well-captioned photos highlighting farms and families from numerous cultures and locales, many in developing countries, as well as the happenings on the author’s small farm on Vancouver Island, BC.

Increase your students’ awareness of global food issues by sharing Katie Smith Milway’s The Good Garden (Kids Can, 2010; Gr 3-6), a based-in-fact story set in Honduras. When Papa is forced to leave home and seek work, María Luz is placed in charge of her family’s increasingly unproductive vegetable plot. With help from her teacher, the girl learns effective and sustainable farming techniques (composting, terracing, etc.) that allow her to improve the harvest, ensure that the family has enough food to eat, and earn money to free them from reliance on local coyotes (profiteering middlemen) and help build a better future. Appealingly illustrated by Sylvie Daigneault, the book ends with additional information and resources about food security, including a dedicated web site that features video of the real María Luz, helpful background info, and lesson plans.

Have your students read two or more of these titles and identify important themes. How does agriculture effect the environment? What are some important food issues that impact the global community? What are the benefits of urban and/or locally sustainable gardening? How does food production influence world hunger? What role do young people play in farming? Kids can use examples from both the texts and illustrations to support their points during a classroom discussion, write a research paper, or put together an opinion piece about how they would end world hunger.

Resources for Adults   
Bucklin-Sporer, Arden & Rachel Kathleen Pringle. How to Grow a School Garden: A Complete Guide for Parents and Teachers. Timber Pr. 2010. pap. $24.95. ISBN 978-1-60469-000-2.

Waters, Alice. Edible Schoolyard: A Universal Idea. Chronicle. 2008. Tr $24.95. ISBN 9780811862806

Web Resources

The Edible Schoolyard Project

School Garden Wizard

Life Lab

California School Garden Network

National Gardening Association

The Common Core State Standards below are a sampling of those references in the above books and classroom activities:

RI. 1.1. Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
W. 1.7. Participate in shared research and writing projects.
SL. 1.2. Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud….
W. 2.2. Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definition to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section.
W. 2.7. Participate in shared research and writing projects.
RI. 3.7. Use information gained from illustrations…and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text.
W. 3.3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events….
W. 3.7. Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.
SL. 3.4. Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant descriptive details….
RI. 4.1. Refer to details and example in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
W. 4.1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
W. 4.3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events….
W. 4.7. Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.

Shane Black takes over duties as director from Jon Favreau, who helmed the first two Iron Man offerings, who serves here as executive producer, and continues his recurring role as steadfast bodyguard and chauffeur, Happy Hogan. Also returning are Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, Stark Industries CEO and Tony’s one true love, and Don Cheadle as Col. James “Rhodey” Rhodes, Stark’s trusted friend, liaison to the U.S. Air Force, and pilot of the War Machine armor suit (newly upgraded and emblazoned in red, white, and blue).

Still reeling from events depicted in The Avengers and struggling to define his identity as Iron Man, Stark comes face to face with a new foe. Not only does this malevolent leader of an extremist terrorist organization threaten the nation, but the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) also strikes at those Tony holds dearest. Meanwhile, the mysteries surrounding the Extremis virus, a serum that imparts incredible strength and healing abilities to human subjects, grow deeper. With his world in tatters, Tony must rely on his innate talents and inventiveness to regroup and rebuild, search for those responsible, and seek out retribution. The cast also includes Guy Pearce as Aldrich Killian, head of a private organization tasked with developing Extremis, and Rebecca Hall as Dr. Maya Hansen, one of the virus’s creators.

Send teens to the official movie website to check out video trailers and featurettes, browse a gallery of photos, and access character bios and downloads. Those looking for a more in-depth preview of the action can download a “Production Notes” PDF (in the “About” section) for behind-the-scenes insights from the filmmakers and actors. Fans can also jet over to the Marvel website for the latest Iron Man 3 news, including a look at Stark’s stash of sleek new armor suits, a series of revealing interviews with movie producer Kevin Feige, and Q&As with cast members.

Books

Beef up your selection of tales about the Golden Avenger with offerings sure to appeal to teen movie—and comics—fans.

Movie Tie-in Graphic Novel

Displaying colorful film photos on both front and back covers (with more movie images inside), Iron Man 3: Prelude (Marvel, 2013; Gr 7 Up) will get readers geared up for the latest installment. The book opens with a graphic novel adaptation of Iron Man 2, which recounts the movie’s plot particulars. As the fast-moving events unfold, Tony is pressured by the U.S. government to turn over his technology, makes contact with Nick Fury and the folks at S.H.I.E.L.D, and repeatedly encounters a brawny and brilliant enemy from his family’s past. It all comes down to a dramatic showdown, made worse when Rhodey’s weapons-laden battle suit prototype (War Machine) is co-opted by the bad guys.

Next up is “Prelude,” an original story that serves as precursor to the new film. Tony presents Rhodey with an improved War Machine suit and tasks him with holding down the hero fort while he completes work on Stark Tower. Kept busy fighting terrorists (who are eventually revealed to be minions of the Mandarin), Rhodey is on the other side of the globe just as Iron Man and his super-powered allies deal with “a situation” in New York City (i.e., the climactic scene in The Avengers movie). Focusing mostly on Rhodey’s escapades, the story establishes War Machine as a courageous, quick-thinking, front-and-center hero, and foreshadows several of the movie’s plot elements. In both stories, clear scripting, bright-hued artwork, and a whirlwind of explosive exploits keep pages turning quickly. The book ends with an excerpt from Iron Man Extremis (see below).

An Extremis Makeover

While the Mandarin is based on a comic book super villain who has taunted Iron Man for decades, other elements of the new movie’s plot find their inspiration in a more recent graphic novel. First published in a six-issue story arc in 2005 and now reissued in a single volume, Warren Ellis and Adi Granov’s Iron Man Extremis (Marvel, 2013; Gr 8 Up) offers an innovative revamping of the armored hero. Struggling with guilt and regret, Stark tries to move beyond the consequences of a past spent designing and selling arms to and define a different sort of future. Meanwhile, a small-time terrorist gets his hands on Extremis, a “super-soldier” solution that hacks into the brain to rewrite—and rev up—the subject’s DNA. Now possessing incredible strength, impenetrable skin, and a knack for breathing fire, Mallen goes on a killing rampage.

When Maya Hansen, the serum’s creator, calls on her old friend Tony for help, Iron Man finds himself woefully outgunned. Gravely injured, Tony is brought back to Maya’s lab and risks taking the only remaining dose of Extremis. He emerges totally healed, fully upgraded (with the ability to store his armor’s undersheath in the hollows of his bones, control it with his thoughts, and access electronic systems worldwide), and ready to rumble. Flashbacks recount Iron Man’s origins and other pieces of the past. Done in graphite grays and deep jewel tones, the detailed artwork has a photorealistic feel that adds nuance to the characters, depicts the fiery (often bloody) action, and suits the story’s ambiance[SD1] . Themes such as taking responsibility for one’s actions, the relevancy and role of the man behind the armor, and the function of technology in the future are deftly incorporated into the breathless battle action.

Marie Javins has written a prose adaptation of Ellis’s graphic novel. Graced with an eye-grabbing cover, Iron Man Extremis (Marvel, 2013; Gr 7 Up) follows the plot basics of the original, while also mixing in bits and pieces of Downey’s signature portrayal of the character and elements from the movie universe. Basic incidents and dialogue are more fleshed out, and the author adds numerous scenes and interactions, including glimpses at Tony’s relationship with Pepper (who does not appear in the graphic novel and remains offstage here) and several escapades that highlight the view from within the suit. Touches of often irreverent humor are sprinkled throughout the narrative, which explores many of the same themes as Ellis’s work. The book’s climax is a bit more spun out, with an emphasis placed on the importance of striving to bring about positive change and the value of second chances. This novel offers a change of pace for comics devotees and an inviting read for movie fans.

Written by Kieron Gillen with art by Greg Land, Iron Man: Believe (Marvel, 2013; Gr 8 Up) kicks into gear when Tony receives an urgent message. Kidnapped and forced to reconstruct Extremis for sale on the black market, Maya Hansen manages to contact him before she is killed. Well aware of the potential danger, Iron Man is determined to track down—and shut down—each of the Extremis enhanciles (the doses contains a hidden and traceable power signature).

Storyline flashbacks and present-day action combine, as the hero’s quest leads him to a malignantly misguided modern-day King Arthur cult. The adventure continues in the home of a Colombian drug kingpin who has a surprisingly compassionate plan for utilizing the virus, then goes under Paris and into the Catacombs for a creepy encounter with hideous homemade demons. Iron Man reaches new heights in a vessel orbiting around Earth where an old friend plans to use Extremis to adapt the human body for deep-space travel. While bad guys abound, so do themes about dreaming big, envisioning the future, and taking on new challenges. The script is sharp and filled with intelligent dialogue as well as one-line zingers, and the slick artwork depicts a self-confident, suave, and square-jawed Stark along with an arsenal of spectacular armor suits, each with its own amazing capabilities

More Ironclad Epics

Set in Marvel’s Ultimate Universe, Nathan Edmondson and Matteo Buffagni’s Ultimate Comics: Iron Man (Marvel, 2013; Gr 8 Up) blasts into vibrant action right from page one, as the hero stops a weapons heist by halting a speeding train. The pace never slows as Tony tangles with the Mandarin (in this alternate realitya shrouded-in-mystery industrial group) and control of dangerous Stark defense satellites hangs in the balance. Flashbacks reveal details of Tony’s relationship with his father, gradually teasing out deep-buried secrets. Reckless and brazen, Tony drops witty remarks as he battles both foes and inner demons. The artwork’s dazzling colors and clean lines keep in step with the non-stop action. Film fans will enjoy a visit to this universe, where iconic characters are re-imagined.

In Iron Man: Season One (Marvel, 2013; Gr 10 Up), Howard Chaykin and Gerald Parel provide an updated version of the hero’s origin tale. Rather than the Cold War backdrop that defined the character’s 1963 comic book debut, or the deserts of the Middle East depicted in the movie franchise, this re-envisioning sets the cataclysmic events in the late 20^th century in a war-torn nation somewhere on the Asian subcontinent. Injured during an on-site visit to Chardistan, the defense industry mogul is kidnapped by terrorists (lead by Maouad Khouri, an old college friend) and forced to work with Professor Yin Sen to build a weapon. Of course, they come up with the Iron Man suit and an audacious plan for escape instead, one that leaves the encampment in ruins and, tragically, results in Yin Sen’s death.

As Tony slowly makes his way home, Stark Industries is besieged by corruption from within, placing the ever-honest Pepper in danger, and Khouri comes back from death’s door, missing several limbs but boosted up with his own armored suit and an insatiable hunger for vengeance. Chaykin strips away more romanticized versions of the protagonist to reveal a troubled, hard-drinking Stark, who gradually begins to feel guilt and remorse over the deadly consequences of his actions, develops a true sense of accountability, and experiences a moment of stunning clarity that sets his course for the future. Like the story, the artwork tends toward darker tones, with sepia hues and soft edges that mix gritty realism with brightly lit epiphanies. Compelling, contemporary, and multifaceted, Season One presents fresh insights into the character while reiterating the timeless qualities that have made Iron Man a decades-enduring hero.

For Younger Teens

Part of Marvel’s “All Ages” lineup, Iron Man (ABDO 2013; Gr 4-8) collects together five tales of the Golden Guardian’s capers told with a lighter touch. Spanning from Fred Van Lente’s “Heart of Steel” (an origin story telling how Iron Man is forged when Tony is captured by the terrorist group A.I.M.) to an adventure that pits the hero and other Avengers against the Mandarin and his incredible rings of power (and an immortal giant-size ant), the brisk-reading offerings are fueled by a satisfying blend of suspense and humor. Zippy dialogue abounds, as do comic beats. The skirmishes are vibrantly depicted in the clean-looking artwork, with plenty of fist-flinging, laser-lobbing, building-decimating action (but no blood). If you’re looking to fill out your graphic novel collection, “Heart of Steel” and a selection of other Iron Man tales in the “Marvel Age” series are available in durable, single-volume library editions from ABDO/Spotlight. Great choices for kids who like their comics heavy on humor, action, and imagination.

Publication Information

GAGE, Christos, et al. Iron Man 3: Prelude. illus. by Ramon Rosanas et al. Marvel. 2013. pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7851-6551-4.

ELLIS, Warren. Iron Man Extremis. illus. by Adi Granov. Marvel. 2013. pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7851-8378-5.

JAVINS, Marie. Iron Man Extremis. Marvel. 2013. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-0-7851-6518-7.

GILLEN, Kieron. Iron Man, Vol. 1: Believe. illus. by Greg Land. Marvel. 2013. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-0-7851-6833-1.

EDMONDSON, Nathan. Ultimate Comics: Iron Man. illus. by Matteo Buffagni. Marvel. 2013. pap. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7851-6617-7.

CHAYKIN, Howard. Iron Man: Season One. illus. by Gerald Parel. Marvel. 2013. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-0-7851-6670-2.

VAN LENTE, Fred, Jeff Parker, Paul Tobin, et al. Iron Man. illus. by Scott Koblish, James Cordeiro, et al. Marvel. 2013. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7851-6794-5.

Chadwick Boseman plays Robinson, who is signed to the Brooklyn Dodgers by the team’s forward- thinking general manager, Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford). Both men face a maelstrom of criticism, as Robinson encounters hostility from the public, the press, and even other ballplayers. Wanting to fight back but aware of the stakes, Robinson is determined to rely on his athletic abilities to win over fans, sway his teammates, and change the course of the future.

Kids can visit the movie’s website for a preview. It’s a captivating, inspiring, and important story, and young moviegoers will want to know more about Robinson’s groundbreaking accomplishments as well as his life and times. Recommend these books to readers to shine light on a watershed piece of American history, illustrate the role that individuals can play to bring about change, and encourage the next generation of ballplayers to dream big.

42: The Official Movie Novel.  Aaron Rosenberg, adapt. Scholastic. 2013. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-545-53753-7. Gr 3–6.

Film fans can relive the movie’s events and emotions through this fast-paced novelization, filled with crisp dialogue and game action. The difficult challenges Robinson faces on and off the field—racist taunts, day-to-day effects of segregation, threats of violence—are depicted, underscoring the intensity of the situation and emphasizing the depth of his commitment to his cause. Eight pages of full-color movie photos are included along with two archival images of Robinson.

Henry Aaron’s Dream. By Matt Tavares. illus. by author. Candlewick. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3224-3; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5820-5. Gr 3–5.

Growing up in segregated Alabama in the 1940s, Henry’s dream of entering the big leagues seemed way out of reach, until Jackie Robinson played his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Inspired and encouraged, the young athlete followed Robinson’s career closely, while slowly making his way to the majors and a spot on the Milwaukee Braves. Tavares’s lyrical narrative culminates in 1954 when the Braves played an exhibition game against the Dodgers, and Henry shared the field with his hero. Large, lush-hued watercolors illustrate this picture book biography, depicting the personalities and adding game-time thrills.

Jackie Robinson: American Hero. By Sharon Robinson. Scholastic. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-56915-6; pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-545-54006-3.Gr 2–4.

The author’s accessible overview of her father’s life combines lively writing with an appealing assortment of ballpark and family snapshots. Brief chapters cover topics chronologically and conclude with a look at Robinson’s legacy as an athlete, family man, and equal- rights advocate. Explanations about the particulars of the time period, such as Jim Crow laws, are smoothly integrated into the easy-to-follow narrative, and unfamiliar terms are bolded in the text and defined in a glossary. The book’s large font and open layout will hit home with newly confident readers.

The Story of the Negro Leagues. By Bo Smolka. ISBN 978-1- 61783-510-0; ISBN 978-1-61480-125-2. The Negro Leagues’ Integration Era. _________. ISBN 978 -1-61783-509-4; ISBN 978-1-1480-124-5.
Great Hitters of the Negro Leagues. By Paul Hoblin. ISBN 978-1-61783-507-0; ISBN 978-1-61480-122-1.
Great Pitchers of the Negro Leagues. _________. ISBN 978-1-61783-508-7; ISBN 978-1-61480-123-8. ea vol: (The Negro Baseball Leagues Series). ABDO. 2013. PLB $22.95; ebook $22.95. Gr 4–8.

This series incorporates clearly written narratives, primary quotes, and a handsome layout packed with archival photos. Smolka recounts The Story of the Negro Leagues from their birth in the 1920s through their crowd-pleasing heyday to their decline after the color line was broken, while Integration Era focuses more closely on Robinson and other individuals who followed his difficult path. Both titles make sound connections to historical and social issues while also highlighting the talents, personalities, and fast-paced playing styles of the athletes. Kids who want to know more about the league’s legendary players such as slugger Josh Gibson and hurler Satchel Paige will enjoy dipping into Hoblin’s Great Hitters and Great Pitchers. Biographical profiles mix amazing on-the-field accomplishments with entertaining anecdotes, all with an eye to the issues of the times. Solid choices for baseball buffs, these books will also support a variety of curriculum subjects.

Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America. By Sharon Robinson. Scholastic. 2004. pap. $6.99. ISBN 9780439678759. Gr 4–8.

Robinson chronicles the life of her father, describing not only his younger years and boundary-breaking experiences, but also his post-baseball career as a corporate businessman, work as a civil rights activist, and role as community leader. Though the book remains endearingly personal in tone, incorporating family anecdotes and insights, the author also presents lucid background about historical issues and events. The numerous illustrations include family snapshots, ballpark images, reproductions from magazines and newspapers, and love letters written by Robinson to his wife. An intimate and inviting tribute.

Play Ball, Jackie! By Stephen Krensky. illus. by Joe Morse. Millbrook. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-822-59030-9. Gr 2–5.

Robinson’s historic Major League debut is described from the perspective of a young Dodgers devotee who watches from the grandstands with his father. Though some fans greet the rookie with heckling and hostility, his perseverance, skill, and all-out effort soon win over Matty, who leaves the stadium proudly wearing an “I’m for Jackie” button. The chiseled, sepia-hued illustrations explode with kinetic game-time action, powerful emotion, and details that colorfully establish the setting. This rousing fictional tale concludes with a historical note and photos.

Teammates. By Peter Golenbock. illus. by Paul Bacon. Houghton Harcourt. 1990. Tr $17. ISBN 9780152006037; pap. $6.99. ISBN 9780152842864; ebook $6.99. ISBN 9780547545592. K–Gr 6.

After providing a succinct overview of segregated society in the 1940s, the vast differences between life in the Negro Leagues and the Majors, and Jackie Robinson’s valiant first steps toward integration, Golenbock zooms in on a game played in 1947 against the Reds in Cincinnati. When local fans began to yell “terrible, hateful things” at Robinson, Dodgers shortstop Pee Wee Reese decided to “take a stand.” He walked over to his teammate and put his arm around his shoulder, a simple gesture that spoke volumes. Airy watercolors are interspersed with black-and-white historical photos, adding depth and detail to a pivotal moment.

Testing the Ice: A True Story about Jackie Robinson. By Sharon Robinson. illus. by Kadir Nelson. Scholastic. 2009. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-05251-1. Gr 1–4.

Robinson’s charming childhood memoir paints a portrait of a loving father whose life was defined by courage and caring for others. After the family moved to a wooded property in Connecticut in 1955, Jackie often fielded questions from the wide-eyed neighborhood children about his entry into Major League Baseball. However, for young Sharon, her father’s bravery was truly brought home by a much more personal moment: when the Robinson offspring and their friends wanted to go ice skating on the frozen lake in their backyard, Dad readily stepped onto the surface to test the ice and ensure its safety—even though he couldn’t swim. Nelson’s rich-hued oil paintings command the eye to convey dramatic scenes of Robinson’s career and cozy interludes shared with loved ones.

We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball. By Kadir Nelson. illus. by author. Hyperion. 2008. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-7868-0832-8. Gr 3–Up.

“We are the ship; all else is the sea.” In this book titled after a quote from Rube Foster, founder of the Negro National League, Nelson takes on the voice of an elderly player from the past. Comfortable as a worn-in baseball shoe, flavored with nostalgia, the text unwinds like an oral history, providing lots of fervor but never stinting on the facts. Well-organized chapters cover all of the bases, introducing the athletes and their audacious style of play while also touching upon challenges faced in a segregated society. Showcased on single pages and full spreads, the stunning paintings match the sparkle of the narrative, providing realistic images of these unsung heroes that glow with blazing courage and cool self- confidence. An excellent and engaging overview.

When Jackie and Hank Met. By Cathy Goldberg Fishman. illus. by Mark Elliott. Marshall Cavendish. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6140-1. Gr 1–4.

This picture book presents side-by-side profiles of Robinson and Hank Greenberg, one of the first Jewish players in the Major League, both of whom possessed a love of the game, encountered prejudice on the field and off, and were determined to prove that baseball was “about talent, not about color or religion.” The geographical distance separating the two men is emphasized throughout the story (they were born 1000 miles apart, served on different continents during WW II, etc.), making all the more compelling the moment when they finally met (Jackie slid hard into Hank at first base during a 1947 Dodgers vs. Pirates game, resulting not in a fistfight, but a friendship). Stately paintings illustrate the text, which ends with biographical notes, chronologies, and resources.

Citizen Scientists: Be a Part of Scientific Discovery from Your Own Backyard. By Loree Griffin Burns. photos. by Ellen Harasimowicz. Holt. Trade $19.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9062-8; pap. $12.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9517-3.

Gr 3-6–Explaining that anyone–even kids–can contribute to nature studies, Burns encourages youngsters to get outdoors and explore. Chapters describe real scientific experiments that invite involvement: monarch-tagging in fall, counting bird species in winter, frog-watching in spring, and ladybug-spotting in summertime. The enthusiastic text offers interesting background, provides how-to instructions for participants, and explains how their efforts fit into broader research projects that reveal much about our world. Crystal-clear photos show young scientist hard–and happily–at work. Resource lists and Internet sites for organizations that sponsor projects are appended. An engaging, informative, and action-inspiring book for children, parents, and educators.

The Eagles Are Back. By Jean Craighead George. illus. by Wendell Minor. Dial. 2013. Trade $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3771-6.

Gr 2-5–Set years ago when bald eagles teetered on the brink of extinction, their eggs made fragile by DDT in the food chain, this tale focuses on the efforts of a boy determined to bring about a better future. Working with a ranger, the youngster diligently watches over an egg transported from Alaska with hopes that a local eagle couple will adopt it and raise it as their own. His careful stewardship pays off, and before long an eaglet is soaring with her parents through blue skies. Stunning paintings and a lively narrative blend information with inspiration, demonstrating that youngsters can make important contributions to caring for the natural world.

Frog Song. By Brenda Z. Guiberson. illus. by Gennady Spirin. Holt. 2013. Trade $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9254-7.

K-Gr 4–“A frog song is a celebration of clean water, plants, and insects to eat.” From the trilling strawberry poison dart frog of the Costa Rican rain forest to the Australian desert-dwelling water-holding frog, lusciously illustrated spreads depict 11 amazingly diverse species from across the globe. Each larger-than-life amphibian is shown in its natural habitat, and the lyrical, onomatopoetic text re-creates the frog’s distinctive song, describes how its young are nurtured and raised and touches upon the importance of water in its lifecycle. Additional facts are provided at book’s end, along with an author’s note pointing out environmental issues that place frogs in danger.

Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle. By Claire A. Nivola. illus. by author. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. 2012. Trade $17.99. ISBN 978-0-374-38068-7.

Gr 1-5–Referring to the ocean as “the blue heart of the planet,” this intrepid scientist has descended 3000 feet in a one-person-spherical bubble, plunged to seafloor in an aqua suit, frolicked with whales, spent two weeks in a deep-sea station, and more, in her insatiable quest for knowledge about the sea and its inhabitants. Sprinkled with primary quotes, the expressive text and delicately detailed marine-hued illustrations introduce the life and work of a dedicated environmentalist while engendering in readers an appreciation for the mysteries and wonders of the underwater world she has spent her life studying.

Leopard & Silkie: One Boy’s Quest to Save the Seal Pups. By Brenda Peterson. photos. by Robin Lindsey. Holt. 2012. Trade $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9167-0.

K-Gr 3–Simple text and crisp full-color photos depict the adventures of Leopard, a fuzzy spotted seal pup born on a Pacific Northwest shore, and Miles, the young volunteer who has been trained by the organization Seal Sitters to patrol the beach and protect the mammals from over-enthusiastic human observers and other dangers (an older pup named Silkie eventually joins Leopard). Information about these animals and conservation efforts are deftly woven into the narrative, which places Miles front and center as a take-action role model for young environmentalists.

Mossy. By Jan Brett. illus. by author. Putnam. 2012. Trade $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25782-7.

PreS-Gr 3–In this picture book, the carapace of an eastern box turtle becomes host to a flourishing garden of moss, ferns, and wildflowers. Just as Mossy catches the eye of a handsome male, she is plucked up by Dr. Carolina and placed in a viewing pavilion in her museum. It takes the naturalist’s young niece Tory to realize that the turtle is sad, and the two find a clever way to return Mossy home to Lilypad Pond while still satisfying museum visitors. Lushly colored and meticulously detailed, Brett’s exquisite artwork provides an Edwardian-era backdrop for the action and reveals the full-bloom glories of the outdoor setting. Elegant borders highlight plot elements and abound with precise field-guide-style renderings of flora, fauna, and more.

My First Day. By Steve Jenkins & Robin Page. illus. by Steve Jenkins. Houghton Harcourt. 2013. Trade $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-73851-2.

PreS-Gr 2–This enchanting volume provides a look at the actions and behaviors of 22 animal newborns. Each simple vignette is told in the featured creature’s first-person voice and paired with a stunning cut-paper collage portrait of the infant, often posed with parent. A sea otter dozes contentedly on its floating mother’s belly; a carefully camouflaged tapir hides in the underbrush while its mother forages; a Darwin’s frog hops out of its father’s mouth, having been kept safe in as a tadpole in a special throat pouch; a just-hatched leatherback turtle goes it alone and makes a beeline for the ocean. Fascinating tidbits and eye-catching images point out the amazing diversity of animal life and help youngsters forge a connection to all living things.

Nature’s Patchwork Quilt: Understanding Habitats. By Mary Miché. illus. by Consie Powell. Dawn. 2012. Trade $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58469-169-3.

Gr 2-4–Comparing the interdependence of Earth’s plants and animals to a stitched-together quilt, this lovely picture book briefly introduces a variety of biomes along with related concepts and terminology (“niche,” “food web,” “biodiversity,” etc.). The artwork neatly reflects the book’s approach, as colorful scenes of forest, desert, ocean, and other habitats are surrounded by smaller patterned shapes showing close-up details of each environment’s plants and animals (along with a fun-to-find young nature explorer). Two pages of activities and teaching tips are appended. An accessible and discussable first look at ecology.

Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World. By Laurie Lawlor. illus. by Laura Beingessner. Holiday House. 2012. Trade $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2370-5.

Gr 2-4–Charmingly illustrated and vibrantly written, this picture-book biography offers a concise look at a groundbreaking environmentalist whose work spurred a movement. Beginning with Carson’s childhood passion for rambling outdoors, the narrative touches upon personal and professional challenges alike, including an adventure-packed but obstacle-filled career during a time when there were few female biologists, her struggles to support her family, the fortitude needed to face off against the powerful chemical industry, and the 1962 publication of her eye-opening Silent Spring.

Saving Lives & Changing Hearts: Animal Sanctuaries and Rescue Centres. By Rob Laidlaw. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2013. Trade $19.95. ISBN 978-1-55455-212-2.

Gr 4-8–Illustrated throughout with full-color photos, this book profiles facilities around the world dedicated to rescuing and caring for animals in need. Included are a donkey sanctuary in Canada, a reserve for elephants in California, a bear rescue center in China, an avian adoption organization in Minnesota, the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Congo, and much, much more. Filled with instances of heartbreak and hope, Laidlaw’s text clearly defines the important role of these safe havens, introduces the caring individuals who work to protect wildlife, and underscores the responsibilities of humans to ensure that all creatures are treated with kindness and respect.

Looking for more Earth Day selections perfect for classroom use or independent readers? Check out “Backyard Science: Books for Young Explorers.”

Nearing the end of a five-year-mission, Jack spends his time on the surface doing his job, exploring the relics of a bygone era, and avoiding the deadly threat of alien ambush. However, when he rescues a beautiful woman from a crash-landed spacecraft, Jack unexpectedly finds himself thrust into circumstances that place him in grave danger, causing him to question everything he knows about the past and his society—as well as himself, which may very well impact the future of mankind. The cast also includes Olga Kurylenko, Andrea Riseborough, Melissa Leo, and Morgan Freeman. Teens can access video previews, a photo gallery, and the latest news at the official website.

The Future of Earth: Great Reads for Movie Fans

Update your collections with a selection of novels that prophesize an often earth-shattering (sometimes literally), tantalizingly thought-provoking, and always page-turning future for our planet and humankind. Ranging from no-holds-barred dystopian epics to environmental disaster sagas to classic sci-fi with a modern twist, these selections are revved up with romance, suspense, and fast-paced adventure. In addition to trying these titles out on movie viewers, consider recommending them to satisfy Hunger Games fans, launching a discussion group about the role and dysfunctions of society, or assembling a display of cautionary tales for Earth Day.

It’s Tomorrow—Time for a New Pair of Genes

The year is 2051, and due to the devastating effects of global warming the majority of Americans now live in two massive government-controlled States. Though encouraged to emigrate, a handful of misfits choose to eke out an existence in the mostly deserted wasteland between. The few teenagers who remain have been gathered in a mostly deserted school, relying on their handheld Tablets to access classroom lectures transmitted from the States. Surrounded by derelict buildings and a growing sense of unease, Faith Daniels feels as though she is being watched, but focuses on her relationships with old-pal Liz, a geeky and brilliant 13-year-old named Hawk, and the hunky but dangerous Wade. The suspense builds until another classmate, the quietly cute Dylan, reveals to her that she has a Pulse (HarperCollins, 2013; Gr 9 Up), a mutation-caused ability to move objects with her mind, and helps her learn to control her power. Though she can now fly through the air unaided, a series of heart-wrenching events and revelations soon leave her reeling, and she finds herself not only in danger, but also embroiled in a war that will pit Faith and her new allies against the forces of evil (see the next volume in this new trilogy). Patrick Carman bundles X-Men-esque elements, intriguing dystopian details, burgeoning romance and lustful vengeance, and boulder-flinging battles into this absorbing thriller.

Also set on a similarly afflicted Earth where the remaining population scrapes out a living as radiation and ocean levels continue to rise, Kevin Emerson’s Lost Code (2012; Gr 8 Up) begins in a summer camp, of all places. Teenager and ordinary guy Owen Parker, a poor wastelander from the Yellowstone Hub, has won a drawing for a spot at Camp Eden, a manmade paradise nestled within one of the five biodomes that serve as home to the rich and privileged. On his second day there, Owen almost drowns, somehow surviving underwater unscathed for an astounding 10 minutes. As his body begins to change in unexpected ways (he develops gills) and he endures typical summer camp challenges (bullies and bug juice), Owen falls in with a group of also extraordinary allies (including hot lifeguard Lilly), learns that the adult staff is involved in biological experimentation, and finds out just how dire is the balance of life on Earth. And if that’s not enough, he also discovers that he is the descendant of a highly advanced ancient race, and must unlock the code in his own genes to set right long-ago wrongs and save all of humanity. Ambitious, adventure-packed, and exceedingly readable, the first book in the “Altanteans” series keeps readers rapt with well-drawn characterizations, a deftly imagined plot that reveals mystery after mystery like ripples from a skimming stone, and a likable protagonist who grows in confidence as he sticks a toe—timidly at first—into the depths of heroism and first love. Book Two, The Dark Shore (all HarperCollins) is scheduled for release in May.

In Malinda Lo’s near-future sci-fi thriller Adaptation (Little, Brown, 2012; Gr 8 Up), 17-year-old Reese and her debate-team partner, David, are on their way home from a competition when a series of plane crashes—oddly and inexplicably caused by birds—bring travel to a halt. Opting to rent a car, the two are involved in a serious accident near a covert government facility in the Nevada desert and receive top-secret medical treatment that leaves them physically recovered…but different. Reese returns home but is plagued by strange dreams, possesses a new ability to heal almost instantly and a heightened sense of perception, and is perhaps being followed by men in black suits. Meanwhile, the emotionally uptight teen, who has zero experience with dating, meets—and falls hard for—a magnetic skater-girl named Amber, while still feeling a strong attachment to David. As events unfold at a rapid pace, Lo weaves a tale that blends elements of conspiracy theory, alien encounters, and genetic experimentation with whirlwind romance, pulse-pounding action, and reader-dazzling writing. The ending is both satisfying and surprising, leaving plenty of room for a planned sequel.

Alien Nation

Brian Falkner’s The Assault (Random House, 2012; Gr 7 Up) blasts into action as Recon Team Angel—consisting of six teenage soldiers—launches from a high-altitude F-35 stealth bomber and soars to the Australian Outback below. The year is 2030, and most of Earth has been conquered by the alien Bzadian, with only the Americas still remaining free. Physically modified to look like “Pukes,” Lieutenant Chisnall and his international squad have been inserted deep behind enemy lines to gather intel on a secret alien project. Danger-fraught and difficult from the get go, their mission becomes even more harrowing when Chisnall discovers that one of them is a traitor. Streamlined storytelling, rapid-fire dialogue, high-octane action, and seamlessly deployed military tech and protocol fuel this engrossing sci-fi adventure.

It’s eight years since Earth was conquered by a race known as the Assembly, most adults are either dead or have succumbed to the Tone (a telepathic signal broadcast across the planet the effects individuals once they reach their twenties and turns them into obedient zombies), and everyone else is just trying to survive in a world plagued by powerful gangs and roving alien patrols. A resolute loner and one of the few who are immune to the Tone, 20-year-old Holt Hawkins is a bounty hunter who also has a price on his own head. To clear his debts, he is determined to capture Mira, a Freebooter skilled in alchemying artifacts from the Strange Lands into magic-like machines, but when their paths cross—and he finds himself impressed by and attracted to her—his resolve begins to waver. He gets further tied down when he rescues eight-year-old Zoe from a crashed Assembly ship, a girl who can’t remember her past but possesses uncanny knowledge about the aliens. As they make their way to Midnight City (Thomas Dunne, 2012; Gr 8 Up) with their enemies in hot pursuit, it soon becomes clear that Zoe just might be the key to saving the human race. The first in a series, J. Barton Mitchell’s novel provides lots of meaty world building along with complex and likable characters, reader-grabbing action, and delightful touches of humor and romance. Also available in audio format from Blackstone Audio.

Up Above and Down Below

Born on the Moon, Jamey Barlowe suffers from Lunar Birth Deficiency Syndrome, a condition that leaves him crippled on Earth and dependent on his mobility unit. The teen finds himself making an unexpected return to his birthplace, when his father awakens him on the night of his 16^th birthday and sends he and his sister off in a shuttle for their own safety. The President has died, and Vice President Shapar has been sworn into office and is using her power to hunt down and imprison political opponents, including Dr. Barlowe, part of the International Space Consortium that runs the lunar colony and oversees the mining of vital resources. Worried and wanting to help, Jamey discovers that given the Moon’s low gravity, he has no physical disability, and enthusiastically jumps into training as a member of the Lunar Search and Rescue squad. When Shapar’s political pressure turns to military threat, Jamey and his fellow Rangers will become vital to the survival of the colony. In Apollo’s Outcasts (Pyr, 2012; Gr 7 Up), political intrigue, a believably wrought futuristic society, and outer-space adventures are perfectly balanced with teen angst and girl woes (the President’s courageous and attractive daughter is among the refugees). Allen Steele packs the narrative with fascinating science-based details—everything from the specifics of going to the bathroom at zero gravity, to the solar reflectors used to power the outpost, to a talking moonsuit with an interface programmed to emulate Arthur C. Clarke.

Located deep beneath the ruins of New York, a city ravaged by sickness and war, the Enclave (2011; Gr 8 Up) is the only home that 15-year-old Deuce has ever known. Years of hard work and training have paid off, and she has left her “brat”-hood behind to assume the role of Huntress, a warrior who ventures out into the midnight tunnels to bring back meat and stave off the violent and cannibalistic Freaks that threaten her people. Paired with Fade, a mysterious boy from the outside who has never been truly accepted, she begins to see that the ways of her strictly controlled society—ruled by coldhearted elders—might not only be wrong, but may also be placing the entire community in danger. Infused with gritty realism and no-nonsense attitude, Deuce’s first-person narration completely embroils readers in the confines of her world, making the unforeseen dangers and amazing revelations that she discovers when she ventures above ground all the more astounding. Dark yet brimming with hope, gripping and thought-provoking, and painted with a rich emotional palette, Ann Aguirre’s novel is riveting; have the sequel, Outpost (2012, both Feiwel and Friends), ready to go. Also available in audio format.

Love and Armageddon

Aria has lived her entire life nestled within the domed city of Reverie, adventuring only in a virtual world and living in fear of the outer wastelands and the deadly Aether storms that flash across the skies. Living on the outside, Peregrine and his tribe have learned to survive harsh environmental conditions, leading a hand-to-mouth existence and showing the signs of genetic mutation with unusually heightened senses. Raised in startlingly different worlds and taught to hate one another, “Dweller” and “Savage” are thrown together when Aria is cast out of the dome and Perry’s nephew is seized by its inhabitants. As they form an uneasy alliance to survive the hazards and horrors of the surface, they gradually forge a bond of friendship that evolves into something more. A well-plotted and skillfully crafted dystopic adventure, Veronica Rossi’s Under the Never Sky (2012; Gr 7 Up) is also imbued with lovely and lyrical writing, unforgettable characters, and a life-affirming message about the power of love. The story continues in Through the Ever Night (2013, both HarperCollins).

Marie Lu’s Legend (2011; Gr 8 Up) features another pair of equally star-crossed lovers. The United States has split into two warring nations and in the Republic, day-to-day life differs greatly for the privileged elite and the government-oppressed poor. Wealthy, accomplished, and dutiful, 15-year-old June is the top student at her university and headed for a high-ranking position. Day, also 15, born in the slums of Los Angeles, is the country’s most-wanted criminal and has become a hero of the people for his acts of disobedience and ability evade capture. Believing that he is responsible for the murder of her brother, June is sent out to apprehend Day, going under cover to root him out, while Day is determined to use any means possible to get his hands on the medicine that will save his family from the plague. As events unfold and secrets are revealed—and distrust and hatred transform into admiration and affection—the two eventually learn that they are not in fact enemies, and band together to face a greater foe. Told in alternating voices, this impossible-to-put-down book is packed with genuine emotion, gripping suspense, and breathless adventure. Teens will fly through the pages, and then return to the library to demand the sequel, Prodigy (2013, both Putnam).

Publication Information

CARMAN, Patrick. Pulse. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. 2013. Tr $17.99. 9780062085764; ebook $10.99. ISBN 9780062085788.

EMERSON, Kevin. Lost Code. “Atlantians” Series: Bk. 1. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. 2012. Tr $17.99. 9780062062796; pap. $9.99. 9780062062802 (available Apr. 2013); ebook $10.99. 9780062062819.

LO, Malinda. Adaptation. Little, Brown. 2012. Tr $17.99. 9780316197960; ebook $9.99. 9780316214469.

FALKNER, Brian. The Assault. Random House. 2012. Tr $17.99. 978037586946-4; PLB $20.99. 9780375969461; ebook $10.99. 9780375983511.

MITCHELL, J. Barton. Midnight City. “Conquered Earth” series. Thomas Dunne/St. Martin’s Griffin. 2012. Tr $17.99. 9781250009074.

STEELE, Allen. Apollo’s Outcasts. Pyr/Prometheus Bks. 2012. Tr $16.95. 9781616146863.

AGUIRRE, Ann. Outpost. Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan. 2011. Tr $16.99. 9780312650087; pap. $9.99. 9780312551377; ebook. $9.99. 9781429950367; Unabridged CD. $29.99. 9781427211200.

ROSSI, Veronica. Under the Never Sky. HarperCollins. 2012. Tr $17.99. 9780062072030; pap. $9.99. 9780062072047; ebook $2.99. 9780062072054.

LU, Marie. Legend. Putnam. 2011. Tr $17.99. 9780399256752; ebook $10.99. 9781101545959; Unabridged CD. $25.95. 9781611760088; pap. $9.99. (Apr. 2012). 9780142422076.

The books clearly depict and celebrate differences, while underscoring universal commonalities. In addition to inspiring investigation of and reflection about their own family’s cultural roots, these offerings can be shared with students to explore a tapestry of world cultures, foster understanding and cultivate empathy for others, and steer kids toward becoming responsible and informed citizens of a global community.

Families and Festivals

In What We Wear: Dressing Up Around the World (Charlesbridge, 2012; PreS-Gr 3), Maya Ajmera, Ellise Hofer Derstine, and Cynthia Pon pair simple text with stunning photos of children around the world engaged in an array of activities. Attractively arranged spreads are organized into broad categories that highlight universal similarities (“Dressing up means celebrating who we are…and what we believe”) while the assembled photos colorfully depict the many different ways that this can be achieved (a Japanese girl in a cherry-red kimono, a young musician in a traditional Scottish bagpiper’s uniform, an American cowboy in Western dress, etc.). Familiar-seeming images (students in school uniforms from the United Kingdom or face-painted kids from Panama playing pretend) alternate with images of kids in traditional cultural clothing.

This visually appealing and joyfully upbeat book ends with a map and activity suggestions. Have your students discuss, write about, or illustrate the clothing that they wear for school, playing sports, special occasions, etc. and make comparisons to the youngsters in the book. Divide students into groups to choose a photo and find out more about that particular country/culture by researching using an online database such as World Book Online or Britannica Online School Edition. Have the groups compile a report to present to the class.

Using the same eye-pleasing format, Ajmera, Pon, and Victoria Dunning describe the basic necessities required for nurturing Healthy Kids (Charlesbridge, 2013; Gr 1-4). Once again, the simple text and thematic spreads emphasize how children across the globe are alike, requiring nutritious food, clean water, good hygiene, safe homes, proper medical care, exercise, and a supportive family and community. Meanwhile, the sparkling photos show the many different ways that these goals are accomplished—two girls wash hands with water from a pitcher in Afghanistan, a family poses in front of a yurt in China, schoolchildren brush teeth in Tonga, helmet-wearing kids bicycle in Botswana, a smile is shared between a Syrian father and son, and much, much more.

An appended section delves more deeply into each component and suggests ways that youngsters can help “all kids become healthy” in their own communities and beyond. Have your students look through the text to extract and summarize the important factors. Discuss the ways that they practice healthy habits at home and at school. Consider creating a list of basic rights for kids with your students. Results can be compared to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child presented in child-friendly language by UNICEF Canada.

George Ancona invites readers to Come and Eat! (Charlesbridge, 2011; Gr 1-4) with a photo essay that introduces different eating habits, foods, and celebrations around the world. A smorgasbord of customs and cultures are covered in this clearly written offering. For example, the author explains that people in India use two fingers and a thumb to eat, Tibetans sip soup directly from the bowl, and Nigerians scoop up fufu (made from ground cassava root), roll it into a ball, and use it to pick up foods and sauces in serving bowls. One spread depicts the wonders of the tortilla, “ancient bread of the Mexicans,” that can “serve as a plate, a spoon, even a napkin” (Ancona recommends using the very last piece to wipe one’s mouth after eating).

The book ends with a look at special occasions: a Polynesian luau, potato pancakes for Hanukkah, buns served for Saint Lucia’s Day in Sweden, and more. The colorful photos provide clear examples while conveying the pleasures of enjoying a favorite dish or spending time with loved ones. The connection between food and family traditions, and the way that a shared meal becomes an opportunity to forge bonds and “celebrate life” with others, both shine through. With your students investigate favorite dishes and eating habits in your households, write an essay or draw a picture, and make comparisons to the cultural practices exhibited in the book. Compile a classroom cookbook with a recipe contributed by each student, or host a family food day.

Jacqueline K. Ogburn’s Little Treasures: Endearments from Around the World (Houghton Mifflin, 2011; PreS-Gr 4) assembles “sweet and silly names” for loved ones in 14 different languages. The picture book begins with English terms such as the traditionally American “sunshine,” British “poppet,” and Australian “possum.” Names in other languages are presented in translation along with the actual term and a phonetic pronunciation guide (as well as non-Western characters if applicable). Aglow with familial affection, the endearments are simply delightful, from the French “my flea” (ma puce), to the Arabic “beloved” (habibi), Chinese “little mischievous pea” (xiao pie dou), Ethiopian Amharic-speakers’ “my bubble of joy” (yeinay filiklik), and Argentinean “little candy” (caramelito).

Chris Raschka’s exuberant mixed-media artwork depicts a lovely variety of children and families, and though the characters are delineated in similar broadly abstract shapes, each is individualized with a few quick strokes of detail. Charmingly childlike, the illustrations emphasize the text’s message that all of these youngsters are cherished and loved, no matter if they are called halipupu (“hug bunny” in Finnish), lapochka (“little paw” in Russian), or mera lal (“my ruby” in Hindi). Have your students discuss the pet names that are used in their own households. Ask younger children to make self-portraits with the term featured as title; older kids can write a story about a favorite memory involving their loved ones.

Japanese photographer Takashi Owaki visited 55 countries over a three-year-period, querying the children that he met with, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Thirteen of the answers are presented in Dreams Around the World (One Peace, 2012; K-Gr 4). Each spread pairs a winsome full-page photo of the featured boy or girl with a page that includes the individual’s name and age; country, city, and flag; sought-after occupation in large text; a brief paragraph about how Owaki met the youngster; and three more captioned snapshots showing the child in his or her home setting often interacting with family and friends.

Mengue from Senegal wants to be a dancer “because dancing makes her happy,” Malaysian Udayakumar seeks to become a pilot to visit other countries, and Angelica from the Philippines aspires to become a doctor and help others. Throughout, the writing tone is understated and respectful of each child. Readers will catch an intriguing glimpse into the unique day-to-day lives of these international dreamers, while also discovering that they have much in common with kids across the globe. Your students can answer the author’s question as well by writing a paragraph and/or drawing a picture, discuss why they are interested in this profession, and make comparisons with the kids featured in the book.

Word and Image

Toni Buzzeo’s vivid verses go Inside the Books (Upstart, 2012; K-Gr 3) to pay homage to libraries and readers around the world. Beginning with the United States, an amazing range of libraries spanning every continent are introduced: a donkey-pulled cart in Ethiopia; a beach-going wheelbarrow in Blackpool, England; the small community gathering place that serves Esperanza Station in the Antarctic; and more. Each glimpse at a realistic place is followed by a whimsical look at the storytelling wonders that a particular country’s books might hold (e.g., “A wooden skiff/or sailing ship/with fearless captain/and brave crew” for Bangladesh).

Filled with flowing lines and precise details, Jude Daly’s soft-hued artwork effectively depicts the particulars of each amazing bastion of books, and the magical sense of possibility that stirs a child’s imagination. Each example features an open tome with a map and brief intro to the locale, and begins with the lines, “I love to look/inside the books.” This offering makes a wonderful discussion starter for contemplating the role of libraries and universal love of reading. Have your students use the refrain as a prompt to write their own poem about the marvels to be found within a book’s pages.

When two students begin to exchange drawings and letters as part of a classroom pen pal project, they discover that though they live in different countries—America and India—they still have much in common. In Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw’s Same, Same but Different (Holt, 2011; K-Gr 3), simple text and lovely color-saturated artwork reveal similarities and contrasts between the boys’ two worlds. Elliot lives in a city where “the sun hides behind buildings as tall as the sky” and motor vehicles crowd the streets. The sun is particularly hot in Kailash’s village, where “Peacocks dance under trees shaped like umbrellas,” and there is also traffic (though it consists more of animal-drawn carts and pedestrians than cars).

The comparisons range from concrete to abstract, and readers are encouraged to identify aspects unique to each lifestyle while appreciating the universality of shared interests and affections. Best friends by book’s end, the boys conclude that they are “Different, different but the same.” Consider linking into the global community of learners by partnering your class with a class in another country for a collaborative project or initiating email exchanges between students by utilizing a website such as ePals: Global Community.

School

Susan Hughes begins Off to Class (Owl Kids, 2011; Gr 2-5) by pointing out that according “…to UNICEF, there are more than 100 million children around the world who have never been to school,” indicates some of the myriad causes, and then highlights “incredible and unusual” real-life schools designed to beat the odds. Striking spreads focus on a particular establishment with an outline map pinpointing the locale, vibrant large-size full-color photos, captioned snapshots, fact boxes, and text arrayed beneath clear subtitles. First-person accounts penned by actual students are scattered throughout.

The first chapter deals with environmental problems and concerns and the importance of building schools sustainably. Among the examples included here are the boat schools of Bangladesh’s Chalanbeel Region (monsoons and climate change have resulted in the flooding of numerous buildings); a remote village the Amazon rainforest that upgraded their primary facility to high school level and beyond by bringing in solar panels and computer equipment and linking to Brazil’s online learning program via Internet; and the sense of normalcy created by the tent schools erected in Haiti immediately after the 2010 earthquake.

A section on overcoming invisible barriers (social attitudes and beliefs) highlights a school in Nepal that welcomes students and staff no matter their social caste, a Kenya boarding school that offers Maasai fathers dowries so their daughters can attend, a facility in Honduras that also provides abandoned children a home, and more. Focusing on kids who need their schools to be flexible, the final chapter describes traveling teachers who serve Siberia’s nomadic indigenous peoples, a made-of-bamboo school that can be taken down and reassembled to follow migrant workers in Thailand, a special cart designed to captivate and educate the street children of Cartagena, Columbia, and others.

The book makes fascinating reading, and the upbeat narrative and successful projects cited allow youngsters to learn about the various challenges faced by kids around the world (gender inequality, social and/or economic differences, the results of natural disasters or climate change) in a format that is forthright, immediate, and ultimately uplifting and empowering. Students can cite examples from the text to show the ways that these schools meet the needs of their communities, and then expand the discussion to their own schools. Have kids brainstorm positive ways that they can effect change in their own learning environments.

Zoom in on a particular—and particularly revealing—aspect of the school day with Andrea Curtis’s What’s for Lunch: How Schoolchildren Eat Around the World (Red Deer Pr., 2012; Gr 2-5). Each featured locale is presented on a cleanly designed spread. Text about the country’s mealtime practices, eating habits, and the role of the school in the community appears on the left-hand side along with a cartoon illustration. An up-close photo of the meal by Yvonne Duivenvoorden is presented on the right, with numbered pointers providing additional details about the food and interesting cultural tidbits.

Students will notice that these repasts range greatly in their nutritional value, variety of food types, and abundance. For Tokyo, Japan, where manners and cleanliness are an important part of the meal, rice, fish, and miso soup are served on a blue sectioned tray along with chopsticks. For Nantes, France, an appetizingly arranged assortment of healthy dishes and mention of children taking taste-education classes reflect the culture’s appreciation for food. A Styrofoam container overfilled with pepperoni pizza, corn, and canned fruit represents government-subsidized meal in Roswell, NM, and raises questions about obesity rates among American children.

The challenges facing children living in the Dadaab refugee camps near the Kenya-Somalia border are vividly brought to life with the image of a single cup of porridge provided by the World Food Progamme, while the plight of youngsters in a village outside of Kandahar, Afghanistan, is summarized with a photo of a single WFP high-energy biscuit. In Lucknow, India, the scoop of dal served on a small blackboard covered with a sheet of loose-leaf paper, may be the only meal the children eat all day.

Also included are summations about school children who have taken on food issues and brought about change, as well as specific ideas for how kids and adults can go about “Reclaiming School Lunch.” This accessible book can inspire a wide range of discussion and research projects about particular countries and cultural practices; the effects of war, displacement, and natural disasters; worldwide poverty; the global food industry; and more.

The Common Core State Standards below are a sampling of those references in the above books and classroom activities:

RI. K.1. With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
W. K.1. Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose opinion pieced in which they tell a reader the topic or the name of the book they are writing about and state an opinion or preference about the topic or book.
W. K.7. Participate in shared research and writing projects.
RI. 1.1. Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
W. 1.7. Participate in shared research and writing projects.
SL. 1.2. Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud….
RI. 2.1. Ask and answer such questions about who, what, where, when, why and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
W. 2.2. Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definition to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section.
W. 2.7. Participate in shared research and writing projects.
RI. 3.1. Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
RI. 3.7. Use information gained from illustrations…and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text.
W. 3.1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
W. 3.3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events….
W. 3.7. Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.
SL. 3.4. Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant descriptive details….
RI. 4.1. Refer to details and example in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
W. 4.1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
W. 4.3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events….
W. 4.7. Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
SL. 4.4. Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes….

Basho and the River Stones. By Tim Myers. illus. by Oki S. Han. Marshall Cavendish. 2004. Trade $16.95. ISBN 978-0761451655.

Gr 1-4–Fooled by a wily fox into relinquishing his share of a cherry tree’s fruit, Japan’s most revered poet pens a haiku about the experience, an eloquent and affecting verse that prompts the now-ashamed trickster to set things right. Starring 17^th-century writer Matsuo Basho, this original story about the power of poetry reads like a folktale and is illustrated with detail-rich watercolors in shimmering hues.

Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys. By Bob Raczka. illus. by Peter H. Reynolds. Houghton Mifflin. 2010. Trade $14.99. ISBN 978-0-547-24003-9; ebook $14.99. ISBN 978-0-547-76945-5.

K-Gr 3–Whether kite-flying, stone-skipping, leaf-piling, or snowball-lobbing, a group of exuberant youngsters convey the outdoor pastimes, changing moods, and kid-loving essence of each season. Raczka’s amusing poems, wrought from accessible language and everyday images, pair perfectly with Reynolds’s lithe adventure-filled illustrations to create an enchanting volume that will captivate boys–as well as girls.

The Cuckoo’s Haiku and Other Birding Poems. By Michael J. Rosen. illus. by Stan Fellows. Candlewick. 2009. Trade $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3049-2.

Gr 3 Up–In this nature lover’s delight, vivid verses and color-splashed artwork spotlight 24 common North American birds. There’s a flock of trumpeting splash-landing Canada geese, a pair of windowsill-nesting mourning doves, and a tree-trapezing kingfisher in search of prey. The imagination-stirring haiku are presented against stunning seasonal vistas that show the birds in their environments and expand upon the poems’ imagery, while close-ups and field notes provide additional detail.

The Hound Dog’s Haiku and Other Poems for Dog Lovers. By Michael J. Rosen. illus. by Mary Azarian. Candlewick. 2011. Trade $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4499-4.

Gr 2-6–Filled with tail-wagging panache, these eye-and-ear-pleasing portraits showcase the physical characteristics, personalities, and perennial pastimes of 20 canine breeds. Whether describing a Parson Russell terrier “elbow-deep in dirt,” a dozing Pembroke Welsh corgi soaring across “cloud pillows,” or a “staccato sniffing” bloodhound, the dynamic verses and textured woodcuts root out essential canine elements–applicable to purebred and mutt alike–and entrance readers with clever wordplay and inventive imagery.

I Haiku You. By Betsy Snyder. illus. by author. Random House. 2012. Trade $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86750-7; Library Edition $12.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96750-4;ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98126-5.

K-Gr 3–Sweet-as-pie poems and cheerful sherbet-hued artwork celebrate ordinary moments, depicting instances of affection between family members and friends, favorite pastimes exuberantly shared, and enthusiasm for everything from snow angels to “sunshine” lemonade. Accessible and heartfelt, this small volume makes a fine starting point for reading and writing haiku.

If Not for the Cat. By Jack Prelutsky. illus. by Ted Rand. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2004. Trade $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-059677-4.

Gr 1-4–Spare words and vibrant illustrations harmonize to introduce 17 different animals, both wild and domestic. Each beguiling selection touches upon its subject’s core while also posing a riddle about its identity: “If not for the cat,/And the scarcity of cheese,/I could be content.” The creatures–a mouse huddled in its hidey hole, a parrot posing playfully on a perch, or a rattler ready to pounce–are portrayed on glorious color-drenched spreads that echo each poem’s tone, from whimsical to majestic.

One Leaf Rides the Wind: Counting in a Japanese Garden. By Celeste Davidson Mannis. illus. by Susan Kathleen Hartung. Puffin. 2005. pap. $6.99. ISBN 9780142401958.

PreS-Gr 2–From one swirling leaf to ten carved stone lanterns, a winsome kimono-wearing youngster explores the marvels of a traditional Japanese garden. Each item is introduced with an accessible poem, depicted in the jewel-toned artwork, and placed in context by a brief descriptive paragraph. Infused with an air of tranquility and quiet discovery, this book makes a fitting first look at haiku and Japanese culture.

Wabi Sabi. By Mark Reibstein. illus. by Ed Young. Little, Brown. 2008. Trade $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-11825-5.

Gr 2-5–A Kyoto cat goes on a quest across Japan to discover the meaning of her “hard to explain” name, questioning other animals and learning much about herself and the mysteries of nature along the way, and finally begins to understand the wonder of Wabi Sabi: “Simple things are beautiful.” A lyrical narrative, evocative haiku poems, and exquisite collage artwork make this complex concept of Japanese culture accessible to young readers.

Won Ton: A Cat Tale told in Haiku. By Lee Wardlaw. illus. by Eugene Yelchin. Holt. 2011. Trade $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8995-0.

Gr 2-5–In terse first-person verse, a tough-talking charcoal-gray stray describes how he is plucked from the shelter, adjusts to the surprises and comforts of a new home, and finally reveals his true name to his cherished new boy (it’s Haiku, of course). Wardlaw’s series of senryu (similar in form to the traditionally nature-themed haiku, but focusing on the “foibles of human nature”–or, here–cat nature) unfold with flawless rhythm and heartfelt emotion and Yelchin’s endearing paintings are packed with personality.

The Year Comes Round: Haiku through the Seasons. By Sid Farrar. illus. by Ilse Plume. Albert Whitman. 2012. Trade $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-8129-2.

K-Gr 3–Expressive verses and delicately detailed artwork provide striking snapshots of the ever-changing mysteries of nature. Month by month, the commonplace becomes breathtakingly magical as frost artfully decorates a windowpane, “…rain bursts/dandelions from the earth like/countless little suns,” and “Like tiny fallen/stars, fireflies quietly blink/their secrets at dusk.” Readers will pause over each and every spread of this handsome volume, which is both understated and awe-inspiring.

Able to Play: Overcoming Physical Challenges. By Glenn Stout. (Good Sports Series). Houghton/Sandpiper. 2012. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-547-41733-2; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-0-547-82283-9.

Gr 3-6—Well-written and fast-reading profiles introduce four individuals who overcame physical disabilities to make their dream of playing in the major leagues a reality: Mordecai Brown, who pitched his way into the Hall of Fame despite having lost most of his finger in a childhood accident; third-baseman Ron Santo, who played almost his entire career with type 1 diabetes; one-armed hurler Jim Abbott, who pitched a no-hitter for the New York Yankees in 1993; and deaf outfielder Chris Pride, veteran of 11 successful seasons. Play-by-play action blends with personal trials and triumphs in this uplifting and informative look at gutsy athletes who are true role models.

Becoming Babe Ruth. By Matt Tavares. illus. by author. Candlewick. 2013. RTE. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5646-1.

Gr 1-4—Tavares’s lively narrative and glowing sepia-toned paintings zoom in on George Herman Ruth’s early years, introducing a tomato-throwing troublemaker who landed in a Baltimore reform school at age seven, and was taken under the wing of the baseball-whacking Brother Matthias who helped him hone his skills. Later on, earning big-league fame as the Sultan of Swat, Ruth never forgot his roots, and when tragedy struck Saint Mary’s School, he proved that his heart was just as big as his bat. An entrancing introduction to an iconic figure.

Brothers at Bat: The True Story of an Amazing All-Brother Baseball Team. By Audrey Vernick. illus.by Steven Salerno. Clarion. 2012. RTE. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-38557-0; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-82285-3.

K-Gr 3—Set during the 1930s and ‘40s, this charmer spotlights the history of the Acerras, a baseball-loving family with 16 children, 12 of them boys who formed their own semi-pro team in New Jersey with their father as coach. Over the course of an incredible 14-year career, the siblings faced many ups and downs, including small-town stardom and hardships spanning from injury to war-time service, but always stuck together. Illustrated with stunning tinged-with-nostalgia artwork, this enjoyable tale of brotherly camaraderie pairs entertaining baseball feats with plenty of heart.

Just as Good: How Larry Doby Changed America’s Game. By Chris Crowe. illus. by Mike Benny. Candlewick. 2012. RTE. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5026-1.

Gr 1-4—Crowe introduces an unsung hero, the first African American player to sign with the American League 11 weeks after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the National League. Just 11 weeks after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier by joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, Larry Doby signed with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first African American player in the American League. Crowe conveys this important bit of history through the eyes of a young boy, recently banned from his Little League team because of his race, who remains glued to the radio along with his dad as the action of a 1948 World Series game unfolds and Doby proves indisputably that African-American players are equal to anyone on the field. The first-person narrative adds immediacy and intimacy to the tale, and the expansive acrylic paintings effectively depict the action and emotion, both inside the ballpark and out.

Miracle Mud: Lena Blackburne and the Secret Mud that Changed Baseball. By David A. Kelly. illus. by Oliver Dominguez. Millbrook. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8092-4; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1052-7.

Gr 2-4—In this lushly illustrated, blithely told picture book, readers meet an early 20^th-century player who earned a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame not for his fielding or hitting abilities, but for devising a clever solution to a longstanding problem. For years, players had tried numerous ways to break in shiny and slick brand-new balls, everything from soaking them in dirty water to rubbing them with spit and tobacco juice, with disappointing—and often stinky—results. While visiting a fishing hole near his New Jersey home, Lena stepped in gooey mud, an experience that led to an epiphany…and a new business packaging and selling Baseball Rubbing Mud, still used in ballparks today.

Poem Runs: Baseball Poems and Paintings. By Douglas Florian. illus. by author. Houghton Harcourt. 2012. RTE.$16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-68838-1; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-68843-5.

Gr 2-6—Florian hits the sweet spot with 15 dynamic offerings filled with bounce-to-first rhythms and ear-pleasing wordplay. Amusing first-person poems convey a kid’s-eye perspective, introducing a lineup that includes a long-ball-hitting superstar (“Our slugger can zing/Each pitch you may hurl./And one other thing:/Our slugger’s a girl”), a day-dreaming “Right Fielder” (“They say I’m lazy./But I know how/To pick a daisy”), and an ace “Pitcher” (“I’m the scourge of all hitters,/The starter of slumps./I make batters bitter,/Turn bats into stumps”). A grand-slam read-aloud, vibrantly illustrated with exuberant summer-hued paintings.

Something to Prove: The Great Satchel Paige vs. Rookie Joe DiMaggio. By Robert Skead. illus. by Floyd Cooper. Carolrhoda. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-6619-5; ebook $12.95. 978-1-4677-0954-5.

Gr 2-4—In 1936, the New York Yankees decided to test the potential of their latest prospect, a skinny 21-year-old named Joe DiMaggio, and called in the best pitcher in the country. Though a true marvel on the mound, Negro-League-star Satchel Paige was excluded from the majors “because of the color of his skin.” When DiMaggio (backed by a lineup of professional sluggers) and Paige (leading a “gang of semi-pro pickup players”) faced off in a ballpark in California, both men had something important to prove. Suspenseful play-by-play action, delightfully descriptive language, and dynamic artwork speckled with infield dirt and honest emotion introduce two of the game’s greatest players, while shining light on the injustices of segregation.

Take Me Out to the Yakyu. By Aaron Meshon. illus. by author. Atheneum. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4177-4; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4178-1.

K-Gr 2—An obsessed-with-baseball boy excitedly describes attending games with his two grandfathers on opposite sides of the world—Pop Pop in America and Ji Ji in Japan—and the many differences and similarities in cultural traditions that go along with the experience. The book’s straightforward text, clean design, and sky-bright acrylic illustrations touch upon transportation, souvenirs and snacks, variations in game play, and more, while conveying an appealingly childlike enthusiasm that transcends national borders. A list of English/Japanese words is appended, along with a brief history of baseball in both countries.

You Never Heard of Willie Mays?! By Jonah Winter. illus. by Terry Widener. Random/Schwarz and Wade. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86844-3; PLB  $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96844-0; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98782-3.

Gr 1-4—Dreaming of being the next Joltin’ Joe, a boy from Alabama relied on boundless talent and dogged perseverance to make his way to the majors, where he electrified the slumping NY Giants and eventually proved to a TV-watching America that a black player really could be “…like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Joe DiMaggio all rolled into one.” Winter’s folksy text fairly hums as he describes one “jaw-droppin’” play after another. Beginning with a striking lenticular cover image of the Say Hey Kid swinging for the stands, Widener’s dusky artwork depicts game action along with Mays’s hard-playing grit. A real winner and worthy companion to You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?! (Random, 2009).