HENKES, Kevin. Penny and Her Marble. illus. by author. 48p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Mar. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-06-208203-9; PLB $14.89. ISBN 978-0-06-208204-6. LC 2012000708.
PreS-Gr 2–In the latest installment in the series, the young mouse is pushing her doll’s stroller down the block when she spies a marble on her neighbor’s lawn. After furtively looking around, Penny drops it in her pocket and races home. At first she delights in her new treasure, enjoying how smooth it feels between her fingers and how fast it rolls across the floor, but then she is overcome with guilt for taking something that doesn’t belong to her. Henkes’s nuanced watercolor and ink illustrations capture the shame-filled mouse hiding behind curtains. As she continues to worry, she loses her appetite: “The oranges in the bowl looked like big orange marbles. The peas on her plate looked like little green marbles.” After a dream-filled night, Penny decides to put the marble back where she found it. When confronted by Mrs. Goodwin, Penny’s “cheeks were hot. She could not speak,” but her kind neighbor reassures her that she put the marble on the grass hoping someone would pick it up. Readers will empathize with Penny and her conflicted emotions. The short sentences with plenty of repetition and superb pacing make this title perfect for beginning readers. A treasure.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

 MESHON, Aaron. Take Me Out to the Yakyu. illus. by author. 40p. glossary. S & S/Atheneum. Feb. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4177-4; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4178-1. LC 2011050907.
K-Gr 2–A young boy compares and contrasts the game of baseball as it is played and enjoyed by fans in the United States and in Japan. He has the good fortune of experiencing the action in both countries. “My American pop pop takes me to watch baseball at the stadium./My Japanese ji ji takes me to watch yakyu at the dome.” Everything from transportation to and from the ballpark to snacks, souvenirs, and the appropriate cheers is included, as well as differences in the actual play. A glossary of both baseball and “Other Fun Words” is appended, as is an informative author’s note outlining other differences. The bright and cheerful acrylic illustrations feature shades of blue for the U. S. and reds for Japan, making it easy to distinguish between the two. The pages are nicely designed with clean lines and no clutter. A lively and enjoyable read for baseball fans, and a great choice for those compare-and-contrast lessons.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

 ROSENTHAL, Amy Krouse. Exclamation Mark. illus. by Tom Lichtenheld. 56p. Scholastic. Mar. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-43679-3.
Gr 1-5–Through a perfect pairing of clever design and tongue-in-cheek humor, Rosenthal and Lichtenheld effectively demonstrate the function of the exclamation mark (as well as the period and question mark) in this tale about a depressed punctuation mark that just doesn’t fit in. On an unadorned backdrop of lined paper, several periods and one exclamation mark are lined up in a row. Clearly, he stands out in a crowd. Like Elmer in David McKee’s classic tale, the exclamation mark struggles with his difference and tries to blend in. When the downcast punctuation meets a question mark who overwhelms him with inquiries, our hero finally finds his voice and tells the other to “Stop!” From there, he builds his confidence in making declarative statements and leaves the group “to make his mark.” Rosenthal shines in her play on words (“It was like he broke free from a life sentence”). Lichtenheld’s minimalist style is deceivingly simple; a curlicue or crumpled line, combined with an amazingly impressive circle with eyes and a mouth, is all that’s needed to convey emotion when the exclamation mark is “confused, flummoxed, and deflated.” This fun-to-read tale will find a ready home in language-arts lessons, reminding burgeoning elementary-age writers which punctuation personality belongs in which type of sentence–without the tedium that accompanies traditional grammar lessons. This one is a must-have!!!–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, Farmington Hills, MI

 SCHMID, Paul. Perfectly Percy. illus. by author. 40p. HarperCollins/Harper. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-180436-6. LC 2011030447.
PreS-K–Percy is a porcupine with a problem. He loves balloons, but when he plays with them, they meet an unfortunate end. Big sister Pearl offers a creative, albeit “not very practical,” solution of sticking marshmallows onto his quills. Determined to find a better way, Percy “thought things all day. He thought thoughts through the night.” Inspiration strikes at breakfast, and the following page shows the prickly fellow sporting a cereal bowl on his head as he happily runs along with his favorite toy. The simple sentences are invitingly conversational in tone (“What’s a little porcupine to do?”). Schmid’s winsome charcoal and pastel illustrations show a charming, roly-poly character with dots for eyes and a tiny dash for a mouth. Percy’s features droop when he looks at his “trezr” chest full of deflated balloons, but a proud smile appears when he comes up with his own idea. A good choice for toddler storytimes.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

 WELLS, Rosemary. Time-Out for Sophie. illus. by author. 32p. Viking. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-670-78511-7. LC 2012015263.
PreS–When Mama gives her young mouse a bowl of macaroni and cheese, the toddler tosses it on the floor. Sophie repeats the behavior with a second serving, earning a time-out. Then, while “helping” Daddy with the laundry, she throws the basket of folded clothing on the floor twice for another time-out. But when she grabs the glasses off Granny’s nose, the elderly mouse stops reading to Sophie and takes a time-out for herself with her eyes closed. Sophie gets the message, returns the spectacles, and is rewarded with a cozy read on the sofa. The last page shows her in the bathtub, creating more mischief, in typical toddler fashion. As in her “Max and Ruby” (Viking) and “Yoko” (Hyperion) books, Wells’s signature artwork is vivid and pleasingly simple, and the characters are endearing. Reminiscent of Noisy Nora (Dial, 1973), this is a charming addition.–Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT

 WRIGHT, Joanna. Bunnies on Ice. illus. by author. 32p. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-404-2. LC 2012001187.
PreS-Gr 1–This budding champion (a white snow bunny) loves to ice skate so much that she patiently waits for perfect conditions.  When the other bunnies are doing summer things, she is planning what she will do when the snow falls. She proceeds to wait through the fall as she dresses her scarecrow with a pair of skates. Then when the snow arrives and the conditions seem right, she heads for the ice with her family as her support team. She boasts about all the maneuvers she hasn’t quite perfected yet, all while proclaiming her champion status. After a rigorous workout of not-so-perfect figure eights and leaps, she rewards herself with après skate indulgences, including hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and a warm bath. After her busy day, this little bunny goes to bed, ready to try again tomorrow. Wright has created a charming and determined character. The youngster’s fortitude and enthusiasm are admirable even if she isn’t as accomplished as she makes out to be. The dark-outlined illustrations are painted in soft hues. This sweet story about a bunny who is determined to follow her dream is a great addition.–Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT

 DEFELICE, Cynthia. Nelly May Has Her Say. illus. by Henry Cole. 32p. Farrar/Margaret Ferguson. Mar. 2013.RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-39899-6. LC 2011018484.
PreS-Gr 3–Nelly May Nimble lives in a tiny house with her parents and her 12 brothers and sisters. One day she announces that it’s time to earn her own keep, so she ventures off to the hilltop home of Lord Ignasius Pinkwinkle to hire out her services. Lord Pinkwinkle agrees with one condition; the master of the house has special names for things, and Nelly must use those names when she speaks to him. At first, Nelly obliges, addressing Lord Pinkwinkle as “Most Excellent of All Masters,” and using his silly monikers, such as “long-legged limberjohns” for trousers and a “flaming pop-and-sizzle” for his fireplace. But when Lord Pinkwinkle’s “fur-faced fluffenbarker’s wigger-wagger” catches fire, Nelly has to wake him and announce the fire before the house burns down. Can she remember all those silly names before a catastrophe happens? Cole’s illustrations juxtapose Nelly’s homestead in the “Bottoms” and Lord Pinkwinkle’s “roof-topped castleorum” with deft humor and a folk styling that is sure to appeal to young readers. Nelly is spirited and clever, most surely not just another “fuzzy-dust-and-fooder” that his “Most Excellent Master” thinks she is. With one smart heroine and witty wordplay, this book, which is based on the English folktale “Master of All Masters,” will delight.–Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools

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The following titles are reviewed in the February print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

Fiction

ATINUKE . The No. 1 Car Spotter and the Firebird. illus. by Warwick Johnson Cadwell. 96p. Kane/Miller. 2012.pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-1-61067-052-4. LC 2010943436.

BAR-EL, Dan. Not Your Typical Dragon. illus. by Tim Bowers. 40p. Viking. Feb. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01402-6.

BEISER, Tim. Miss Mousie’s Blind Date. illus. by Rachel Berman. 24p. Tundra. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-77049-251-6; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-77049-363-6. LC 2011938763.

BOUDREAU, Hélène. I Dare You Not to Yawn . illus. by Serge Bloch. 32p. Candlewick. Mar. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5070-4.

BRANFORD, Anna. Violet Mackerel’s Remarkable Recovery. Bk. 2. illus. by Elanna Allen. 128p. (Violet Mackerel Series). S & S/Atheneum. Feb. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3588-9; pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3589-6; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3590-2. LC 2011023703.

BREEN, Steve. Pug & Doug. illus. by author. 32p. Dial. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3521-7.

BROUWER, Sigmund. Justine McKeen, Pooper Scooper . Bk. 3. illus. by Dave Whamond. 64p. (Orca Echos Series). Orca. 2012. pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-1-55469-931-5; ebook $4.99. ISBN 978-1-45980-317-6. LC 2011942591.

CLARK, Leslie Ann. Peepsqueak Wants a Friend! illus. by author. 32p. HarperCollins/Harper. Feb. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-06-207804-9.

CLAYTON, Dallas. An Awesome Book of Love! illus. by author. 56p. HarperCollins/Harper. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-211666-6.

COCCA-LEFFLER, Maryann. A Vacation for Pooch. illus. by author. 32p. Holt/Christy Ottaviano. Feb. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9106-9.

COFFELT, Nancy. Uh-Oh, Baby! illus. by Scott Nash. 40p. S & S/Aladdin. Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9149-6; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-7166-5. LC 2010029299.

CORBETT, Susannah. One Cool Cat! illus. by David Roberts. 32p. Trafalgar Square. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4052-3035-3.

COVELL, David. Rat and Roach Rock On! illus. by author. 40p. Viking. Feb. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01410-1. LC 2012015577.

DESMOND, Jenni. Red Cat Blue Cat. illus. by author. 40p. Blue Apple. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-60905-248-5.

DOBBINS, Jan. A Farmer’s Life for Me. illus. by Laura Huliska-Beith. 24p. score. w/CD. Barefoot. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-84686-790-3. LC 2012014538.

DON, Lari, retel. Never Trust a Tiger: A Story from Korea. Bk. 2. ISBN 978-1-84686-776-7.
–––– . The Tortoise’s Gift: A Story from Zambia. Bk. 1. ISBN 978-1-84686-774-3. LC 2011032859.
ea vol: illus. by Melanie Williamson. 48p. (Animal Stories). Barefoot. 2012. pap. $7.99.

EMPSON, Jo. Rabbityness. illus. by author. 32p. Child’s Play. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-84643-492-1.

HANNA, Virginie. Shelby the Flying Snail. tr. from French by Susan Allen Maurin. illus. by Amandine Piu. 32p.Auzou. 2012. pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-2-7338-1946-3.

HANSEN, Justin Larocca. Monster Hunter. illus. by author. 32p. Sky Pony. 2012. Tr ISBN 978-1-61608-968-9.LC 2012015602.

HANSON, Warren. It’s Monday, Mrs. Jolly Bones! illus. by Tricia Tusa. 32p. S & S/Beach Lane. Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-1229-3; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3621-3.

HARLEY, Bill. Lost and Found. illus. by Adam Gustavson. 40p. Peachtree. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-628-4. LC 2011020972.

HARRINGTON, Janice N. Busy-Busy Little Chick. 32p. glossary. Farrar. Feb. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-374-34746-8. LC 2012004871.

HIMMELMAN, John. Katie and the Puppy Next Door. illus. by author. 32p. Holt. Mar. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9484-8. LC 2012006323.

HOBAN, Russell. Rosie’s Magic Horse. illus. by Quentin Blake. 40p. Candlewick. Feb. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6400-8.

HOWARD, Martin. Germs!: An Epic Tale on a Tiny Scale! illus. by Colin Stimpson. 32p. Trafalgar Square. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-84365-119-2.

IS THAT YOU, WOLF? illus. by Steve Cox. 22p. Barron’s. 2012. BD $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7641-6560-3. LC 2012931805.

JONES, Allan. The Ice Gate of Spyre. Bk. 2. illus. by Gary Chalk. 160p. (Six Crowns Series).HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-06-200633-2; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209842-9. LC 2012022888.

JORDAN, Mary Ellen. Lazy Daisy, Cranky Frankie. illus. by Andrew Weldon. 24p. Albert Whitman. Mar. 2013.Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-4400-6.

JUDGE, Lita. Red Hat. illus. by author. 40p. S & S/Atheneum. Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4232-0; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4233-7. LC 2012002600.

KAPLAN, Michael B. Betty Bunny Didn’t Do It. illus. by Stéphane Jorisch. 32p. Dial. Feb. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3858-4. LC 2012014367.

KIMURA, Ken. 999 Frogs. tr. from Japanese. illus. by Yasunari Murakami. 48p. NorthSouth. Mar. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4108-6.

KIRK, David. Oh So Tiny Bunny. illus. by author. 40p. Feiwel & Friends. Feb. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-250-01688-1.

KOOLEN, Maayken & Nickie Theunissen. The Kidnapping of Mona Lisa. tr. from Dutch. illus. by authors. 14p. Clavis. 2012. BD $16.95. ISBN 978-1-60537-139-9.

KRAUSE, Ute. Nick and the Nasty Knight. tr. from German by author. illus. by author. 32p. NorthSouth. 2012.Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4091-1.

LALLEMAND, Orianne. The Wolf Who Didn’t Want to Walk Anymore. tr. from French by Susan Allen Maurin. illus. by Eleonore Thuillier. 32p. Auzou. 2012. pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-2-7338-2149-7.

LANGE, Willem. The White-Footed Mouse. illus. by Bert Dodson. 32p. Bunker Hill. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59373-109-0.

LANGREUTER, Jutta. There’s No One I Love Like You. tr. from German by Rebecca Morrison. illus. by Stephanie Dahle. 32p. NorthSouth. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4126-0.

LARSEN, Andrew. Bye, Bye, Butterflies! illus. by Jacqueline Hudon-Verrelli. 32p. diags. maps. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2012. RTE $18.95. ISBN 978-1-55455-220-7. LC 20129011290.

LATIMER, Alex. Penguin’s Hidden Talent. illus. by author. 32p. Peachtree. 2012. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-629-1. LC 2011020996.

LODGE, Jo. Come and Play, Mr Croc: A Flap and Pop-Up Book. illus. by author. 18p. Trafalgar Square. 2012.Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-340-93118-9.

LUNDE, Stein Erik. My Father’s Arms Are a Boat. tr. from Norwegian by Kari Dickson. illus. by Oyvind Torseter. 32p. Enchanted Lion. Feb. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-124-7.

LYNN, Sarah. 1-2-3 Va-Va-Vroom!: A Counting Book. illus. by Daniel Griffo. 32p. Amazon. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6162-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6163-0. LC 2011036696.

MACCARONE, Grace. The Three Bears ABC: An Alphabet Book. illus. by Hollie Hibbert. 32p. Albert Whitman.Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-7823-0.

MACLACHLAN, Patricia. Nora’s Chicks. illus. by Kathryn Brown. 40p. Candlewick. Feb. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4753-7. LC 2012942387.

MAIER, Inger M. Ben’s Flying Flowers. illus. by Maria Bogade. 32p. Magination. 2012. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-1132-6; Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-1133-3. LC 2011040290.

MANUSHKIN, Fran. Big Brothers Are the Best. ISBN 978-1-4048-7137-3. LC 2011029604.
–––– . Big Sisters Are the Best. ISBN 978-1-4048-7138-0. LC 2011029605.
ea vol: illus. by Kirsten Richards. 24p. (Siblings Are the Best Series). Picture Window. 2012. PLB $21.32.

MARTIN, David. Peep and Ducky. illus. by David Walker. 32p. Candlewick. Feb. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5039-1. LC 2012942391.

MARTIN, Don, Magy Martin, & Paige Krabill. They Call Me Fat Zoe: Helping Children and Families Overcome Obesity. illus. by Kathy Voerg. 48p. (A Let’s Talk Book Series). New Horizon Pr. 2012. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-88282-377-5. LC 2011928852.

MASSINI, Sarah. Trixie Ten. illus. by author. 32p. Holt. Feb. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9520-3. LC 2012011487.

MIYANISHI, Tatsuya. Mr. Reaper. tr. from Japanese. illus. by author. 32p. Vertical. 2012. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-935654-28-5.

MORA, Pat. The Beautiful Lady: Our Lady of Guadalupe. illus. by Steve Johnson. 40p. Knopf. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86838-2; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96838-9; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-449-81706-3. LC 2011040784.

MULLARKEY, Lisa. TJ Zaps the Freeze Out: Stopping the Silent Treatment. Bk. 3. ISBN 978-1-61641-907-3.
–––– . TJ Zaps the New Kid: Stopping a Social Bully. Bk. 1. ISBN 978-1-61641-905-9.
–––– . TJ Zaps the One-Upper: Stopping One-Upping and Cell Phone Bullying. Bk. 2. ISBN 978-1-61641-906-6.
ea vol: illus. by Gary LaCoste. 80p. (TJ Trapper, Bully Zapper Series). further reading. glossary. websites. ABDO/Magic Wagon. 2012. PLB $27.07.

PEDERSEN, Laura. Unplugged: Ella Gets Her Family Back. illus. by Penny Weber. 32p. Tilbury. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-88448-337-3. LC 2012024397.

REIDY, Jean. All Through My Town. illus. by Leo Timmers. 32p. Bloomsbury. Mar. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-785-7; PLB $15.89. ISBN 978-1-61963-029-1.

REYNOLDS, Aaron. Pirates vs. Cowboys. illus. by David Barneda. 40p. Knopf. Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85874-1.

RIVARD, Émilie. Really and Truly. tr. from French by Sarah Quinn. illus. by Anne-Claire Delisle. 24p. Owlkids.2012. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-926973-40-1. LC 2011943507.

ROBERT, Na’ima B. Going to Mecca. illus. by Valentina Cavallini. 28p. glossary. Frances Lincoln. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-84780-153-1.

SCANLON, Liz Garton. Happy Birthday, Bunny! illus. by Stephanie Graegin. 32p. S & S/Beach Lane. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0287-4; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4553-6. LC 2011018590.

SHERMAN, Caroline. A Dog’s Life. illus. by Donald Wu. 24p. Amazon. 2012. RTE $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6200-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6201-9. LC 2011048165.

SIMON, Norma. All Kinds of Friends. illus. by Cherie Zamazing. 32p. Albert Whitman. Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-0283-9. LC 2012017376.

SINGER, Marilyn. Tallulah’s Toe Shoes. illus. by Alexandra Boiger. 48p. Clarion. Mar. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-48223-1.

SLEGERS, Liesbet. Fall Leaves. ISBN 978-1-60537-122-1.
–––– . Winter Snow. ISBN 978-1-60537-123-8.
ea vol: tr. from Dutch. illus. by author. 12p. Clavis. 2012. BD $5.95.

SLEGERS, Liesbet. Happy Easter! tr. from Dutch. illus. by author. 30p. Clavis. 2012. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-1-60537-114-6.

SMYTHE, Theresa. Chester’s Colorful Easter Eggs. illus. by author. 24p. Holt/Christy Ottaviano. Feb. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9326-1.

SNYDER, Laurel. The Longest Night: A Passover Story. illus. by Catia Chien. 40p. glossary. Random/Schwartz and Wade. Feb. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86942-6; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96942-3; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98781-6. LC 2011011009.

SPECK, Katie. Maybelle and the Haunted Cupcake. illus. by Paul Rátz de Tagyos. 64p. Holt. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9468-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4299-6399-2.

SPRINGSTUBB, Tricia. Phoebe & Digger. illus. by Jeff Newman. 32p. Candlewick. Mar. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5281-4. LC 2012942614.

STOEKE, Janet Morgan. Letting Go. illus. by author. 32p. (The Loopy Coop Hens Series). Dial. Feb. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3768-6.

THOMPSON, Lauren. Polar Bear Morning. illus. by Stephen Savage. 32p. Scholastic. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-439-69885-6.

TOLMAN, Marije & Ronald Tolman. The Island. tr. from Dutch. illus. by authors. 32p. Lemniscaat. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-9359-5419-4.

TRENC, Milan. Another Night at the Museum. illus. by author. 32p. Holt/Christy Ottaviano. Mar. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8948-6. LC 2011043473.

TRICE, Linda. Kenya’s Song. illus. by Pamela Johnson. 32p. Charlesbridge. Feb. 2013. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-846-9; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-847-6; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-589-3. LC 2012000787.

VAN GENECHTEN, Guido. Little Snowman Stan: Can’t We Share? tr. from Dutch. illus. by author. 30p. Clavis. 2012. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-60537-121-4.

WATSON, Tom. Stick Dog: A Really Good Story with Kind of Bad Drawings. illus. by author. 192p.HarperCollins/Harper. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-06-211078-7; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-0-06-211079-4. LC 2012019093.

YUNGER, Joshua. Hippo and Monkey. illus. by author. 48p. Bunker Hill. 2012. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-59373-107-6.

Nonfiction

ALBER, Merryl. And the Tide Comes In…: Exploring a Georgia Salt Marsh . illus. by Joyce Mihran Turley. 32p. diags. maps. Taylor Trade. 2012. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-9817700-5-5.

AZIZI, Sara, retel. The Knight, the Princess and the Magic Rock: A Classic Persian Tale. illus. by Alireza Sadeghiam. 32p. Wisdom Tales. 2012. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-937786-01-4.

BELLISARIO, Gina. Let’s Meet a Firefighter. illus. by Ed Myer. ISBN 978-0-7613-9025-1; ISBN 978-1-4677-0802-9; ISBN 978-1-4677-1046-6. LC 2012022479.
–––– . Let’s Meet a Librarian. illus. by Ed Myer. ISBN 978-0-7613-9027-5; ISBN 978-1-4677-0803-6; ISBN 978-1-4677-1047-3. LC 2012022460.
–––– . Let’s Meet a Police Officer. illus. by Cale Atkinson. ISBN 978-0-7613-9024-4; ISBN 978-1-4677-0804-3; ISBN 978-1-4677-1048-0. LC 2012010393.

HEOS, Bridget. Let’s Meet a Construction Worker. illus. by Mike Moran. ISBN 978-0-7613-9023-7; ISBN 978-1-4677-0799-2; ISBN 978-1-4677-1043-5. LC 2012019101.
–––– . Let’s Meet a Teacher. illus. by Kyle Poling. ISBN 978-0-7613-9026-8; ISBN 978-1-4677-0805-0; ISBN 978-1-4677-1050-3. LC 2012022481.
ea vol: 24p. (Cloverleaf Books-Community Helpers Series). further reading. glossary. index. websites. Millbrook. Feb. 2013. PLB $23.93; pap. $6.95; ebook $17.95.

BRAUNSTEIN, Leslie. I’m in Love with a Big Blue Frog. illus. by Joshua S. Brunet. 28p. discography. w/CD.Imagine/A Peter Yarrow Bk. Feb. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-936140-37-4.

BURLEIGH, Robert. Look Up!: Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer. illus. by Raúl Colón. 32p. bibliog. further reading. glossary. websites. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks. Feb. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-5819-2; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-81107.

CLAY, Kathryn. Farm Dogs. ISBN 978-1-4296-8651-8. LC 2011049861.
–––– . Goats. ISBN 978-1-4296-8649-5. LC 2011049978.
ea vol: 24p. (Farm Animals Series). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Capstone/Pebble Bks.2012. PLB $24.65.

DE CAPUA, Sarah. Serving on a Jury. ISBN 978-0-531-26042-5. LC 2012000628.
–––– . Voting. ISBN 978-0-531-26043-2. LC 2012000628.
ea vol: 48p. (A True Book Series). bibliog. chron. glossary. index. photos. websites. Children’s Press. 2012. PLB $29.

DE LA BÉDOYÈRE, Camilla. Great White Shark. ISBN 978-1-60992-370-9.
–––– . Hammerhead Shark. PLB $17.95. ISBN 978-1-60992-371-6.
ea vol: 24p. (Discover Sharks Series). photos. glossary. QEB. 2012. PLB $25.65.

FERRER, J. J. The Art of Stone Skipping and Other Fun Old-Time Games: Stoopball, Jacks, String Games, Coin Flipping, Line Baseball, Jump Rope, and More. 192p. illus. index. Imagine. Feb. 2013. pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-936140-74-9. LC 2012015052.

FRANKEL, Erin. Dare! Bk. 2. ISBN 978-1-57542-399-9. LC 2012006159.
–––– . Tough! Bk. 3. ISBN 978-1-57542-400-2. LC 2012006160.
–––– . Weird! Bk. 1. ISBN 978-1-57542-398-2. LC 2012006157.
ea vol: illus. by Paula Heaphy. 48p. (The Weird Series). Free Spirit. 2012. RTE $15.99.

GOSMAN, Gillian. I Have an Ear Infection. ISBN 978-1-4488-7413-2. LC 2011051401.
–––– . I Have Chicken Pox. ISBN 978-1-4488-7411-8. LC 2011049712.
–––– . I Have Pinkeye. ISBN 978-1-4488-7410-1. LC 2011049574.
–––– . I Have Strep Throat. ISBN 978-1-4488-7412-5. LC 2011050677.
ea vol: 24p. (Get Well Soon! Series). diags. photos. glossary. index. websites. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2012.PLB $22.60.

GRIMM, THE BROTHERS. Snow White and Rose Red: A Pop-Up Fairytale. illus. by Rachel Cloyne. 18p. Tango.2012. BD $19.99. ISBN 978-1-85707-881-7.

HARRIS, Trudy. The Royal Treasure Measure. illus. by Ivica Stevanovic. 32p. (Math Is Fun! Series). Millbrook.2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-6806-9. LC 2011045862.

HUGHES, Langston. Lullaby (For a Black Mother) . illus. by Sean Qualls. 32p. further reading. photos.Houghton Harcourt. Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-36265-6.

KRULL, Kathleen. Louisa May’s Battle: How the Civil War Led to Little Women. illus. by Carlyn Beccia. 48p. bibliog. further reading. maps. websites. Walker. Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-9668-4. LC 2012016633.

KVATUM, Lia. Saving Yasha: The Incredible True Story of an Adopted Moon Bear. 32p. further reading. maps. websites. National Geographic . 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-1051-5; PLB $25.90. ISBN 978-1-4263-1076-8.

LATHROP, Tom. The Misadventures of Don Quixote. illus. by Jack Davis. 32p. LinguaText. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-942566-58-1.

LEWIS, J. Patrick. World Rat Day: Poems About Real Holidays You’ve Never Heard Of. illus. by Anna Raff. 40p. Candlewick. Mar. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5402-3. LC 2012942612.

MACAULAY, David with Sheila Keenan. Jet Plane: How It Works. illus. by David Macaulay. 32p. Roaring Brook/David Macaulay Studio. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-764-7; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-767-8. LC 2011962160.

MORSE, Benjamin. The Oldest Bedtime Story Ever. Bk. 1. illus. by author. 80p. (The Bible Beautiful Series). further reading. notes. Orson. 2012. Tr $30. ISBN 978-0-9858135-0-5.

MOULD, Chris. Fangs ‘n’ Fire: Ten Dragon Tales . illus. by author. 96p. Trafalgar Square. 2012. pap. $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4449-0616-5.

NOVESKY, Amy. Imogen: The Mother of Modernism and Three Boys. illus. by Lisa Congdon. 32p. further reading. photos. websites. Cameron. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-937359-32-4.

PRELUTSKY, Jack. Stardines Swim High Across the Sky: and Other Poems. illus. by Carin Berger. 40p.HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Mar. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-201464-1; PLB $18.89. ISBN 978-0-06-201465-8. LC 2011025993.

ROSEN, Michael. Bananas in My Ears: A Collection of Silly Nonsense Stories, Poems, Riddles & Rhymes. illus. by Quentin Blake. 96p. Candlewick. 2012. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6248-6.

SAYRE, April Pulley. Here Come the Humpbacks! illus. by Jamie Hogan. 40p. Charlesbridge. Feb. 2013. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-405-0; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-406-7; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-586-2. LC 2012000785.

SHANNON, George. Who Put the Cookies in the Cookie Jar? illus. by Julie Paschkis. 32p. Holt. Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9197-7. LC 2012010162.

STONE, Tanya Lee. Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors?: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell. illus. by Marjorie Priceman. 40p. bibliog. photos. Holt/Christy Ottaviano. Feb. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9048-2. LC 2011043528.

YIM, Natasha. Sacajawea of the Shoshone. illus. by Albert Nguyen. 32p. (Thinking Girl’s Treasury of Real Princesses Series). bibliog. chron. maps. photos. reprods. Goosebottom. 2012. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-0-9845098-6-7. LC 2011941875.

Exclamation Mark (Rosenthal) ©2013 by Tom Lichtenheld

Preschool to Grade 4

BEAN, Jonathan. Building Our House. illus. by author. Farrar. 2013. p. 71.

DEFELICE, Cynthia. Nelly May Has Her Say. illus. by Henry Cole. Farrar/Margaret Ferguson. Mar. 2013. p. 92.

HENKES, Kevin. Penny and Her Marble. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Mar. 2013. p. 76.

MESHON, Aaron. Take Me Out to the Yakyu. illus. by author. S & S/Atheneum. Feb. 2013. p. 82.

ROSENTHAL, Amy Krouse. Exclamation Mark. illus. by Tom Lichtenheld. Scholastic. Mar. 2013. p. 85.

SCHMID, Paul. Perfectly Percy. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Harper. 2013. p. 85.

WELLS, Rosemary. Time-Out for Sophie. illus. by author. Viking. 2013. p. 90.

WRIGHT, Joanna. Bunnies on Ice. illus. by author. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. 2013. p. 90.

GRADES 5 & UP

CHENG, Andrea. Etched in Clay: The Life of Dave, Enslaved Potter and Poet. illus. by author. Lee & Low.2013. p. 117.

FORMAN, Gayle. Just One Day. Dutton. 2013. p. 102.

MURDOCH, Emily. If You Find Me. St. Martin’s Griffin. Mar. 2013. p. 110.

ROWELL, Rainbow. Eleanor & Park. St. Martin’s Griffin. Mar. 2013. p. 113.

SHEPHERD, Megan. The Madman’s Daughter. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. 2013. p. 113.

Reference

SNODGRASS, Mary Ellen. World Food: An Encyclopediaof History, Culture, and Social Influence from Hunter-Gatherers to the Age of Globalization. M.E. Sharpe. 2012. p. 68.

DVD

Hi! Fly Guy. Weston Woods. p. 51.

Show Way. Weston Woods. p. 52.

Cape Spin. Video Project. p. 52.

AUDIO

Barber of the Beasts. CD Universe. p. 59.

Bully Bystander, Bullied. CDBaby. p. 60.

Great Unexpected. Recorded Books. p. 54.

Necromancing the Stone. Recorded Books. p. 56.

Ozomatli Presents OzoKids. Hornblow Grouop/Megaforce Records. p. 61.

Path of Beasts. Listening Library. p. 57.

Personal Effects. Brilliance Audio. p. 57.

Sophia’s War. Recorded Books. p. 58.

We Are America. Live Oak Media. p. 58.

 HELQUIST, Brett. Grumpy Goat. illus. by author. 40p. HarperCollins/Harper. Jan. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-113953-6. LC 2012011522.
PreS-Gr 3–A gorgeously illustrated, simply told, and emotionally complex story about anger and grief. When a friendless, grumpy goat arrives at Sunny Acres, the other animals don’t know why he is so ornery and they try to befriend him. However, rebukes come swift and hard. Goat kicks, scowls, and stares at the ground. It is only when he finds a lone dandelion on a hill–painted full page, as majestically as a Van Gogh sunflower–that his anger starts to unravel. Meanwhile, Cow, the sheep, and the pigs are undeterred by his rudeness, demonstrating their power of perseverance and forgiveness, and he begins to accept their invitations. However, one fateful day Goat watches helplessly as his beloved flower blows away. Despondent and in a state of mourning, he is cared for by his friends, each in their own way. Understated writing with superb pacing and luminous and warm oil paintings using a vibrant brushwork style result in a story to ponder and pore over. The simple truths of the world’s beauty and friends’ loyalty are healing. Sharon Dennis Wyeth’sSomething Beautiful (Random, 1998), Philip C. Stead’s A Sick Day for Amos McGhee (Roaring Brook, 2010), and Arthur Geisert’s The Giant Seed (Enchanted Lion, 2012)–also featuring the heroism of the humble dandelion–would all pair stunningly.–Sara Lissa Paulson, The American Sign Language and English Lower School, New York City

 JEFFERS, Oliver. This Moose Belongs to Me. illus. by author. 32p. Philomel. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-16103-2.
K-Gr 2–Wilfred wants a pet, so when a moose just happens to wander by, the boy claims him as his own and dedicates a lot of time to teaching Marcel the rules of being a good one. They fill their days exploring the countryside and taking long walks. One day, however, Wilfred discovers that his moose might have a whole other life that he knows nothing about. He must figure out how to process this shocking discovery and decide if he can accept the fact that he must alter the boundaries of their friendship. With its classic story of friendship and witty text, this beautiful picture book will appeal to children. The fonts are mixed between standard type and words that appear to be handwritten. Speech bubbles appear on some pages as well, to give voice to Wilfred and several other characters. The illustrations are a combination of oil paint onto old linotype, painted landscapes, and technical enhancements. The characters are whimsical and bright, and the appealing landscapes carry readers along on this journey of two unlikely friends. This Moose Belongs to Mewill be adored by younger elementary students, particularly those who have longed to keep a wild animal as a pet.–Amy Shepherd, St. Anne’s Episcopal School, Middleton, DE

 MOORE, Eva. Lucky Ducklings . illus. by Nancy Carpenter. 32p. Scholastic/Orchard. Feb. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-439-44861-1.
PreS-Gr 1–This stunning book depicts an incident that took place in Montauk, Long Island (NY). Mama Duckling swims to shore one day, followed by her five offspring: Pippin, Bippin, Tippin, Dippin, and Little Joe. (Guess who’s the one who lags behind to watch a butterfly or check out a big red berry.) The homey village seems like a fine place for a walk–but for diminutive ducklings, there are unforeseen hazards. Luckily, there are also watchful, resourceful villagers to rescue the little creatures when they all fall through a storm drain in the street. The language is melodic: “The Duck family lived in a pretty pond in a green, green park, in a sunlit little town at the end of a long, long island.” It’s dramatic: “Mama Duck came running after him. ‘Whack! Whack! Whack!’ she cried. ‘Bring my babies back!’” It’s comically suspenseful: “Oh, dear! That could have been the end of the story. But it wasn’t, because….” Carpenter, a gifted and powerfully versatile illustrator, fills the book with beauty, humor, and a delicious variety of perspectives. Her style here has a sweet old-fashioned spirit–a touch of Robert McCloskey, but more visually arresting. Writer and artist have conspired to give children a sure-to-be classic that they’re sure to love.–Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

 VIVA, Frank. A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouse. illus. by author. 40p. Toon Bks. 2012. RTE $12.95. ISBN 978-1-935179-19-1. LC 2011049499.
PreS-Gr 2–From the endpapers, Mouse asks the timeless question of many young travelers, “Are we there yet?” Inspired by Viva’s experiences traveling to Antarctica aboard a Russian research ship, the oblong picture book offers basic facts about the region (it is cold and penguins live there, for instance), while Mouse tries to figure out when it will finally be time to go home. Viva’s illustrations employ only primary colors, white, black, and gray, but in the best way. Every bit of space is used to tell the story, which is perfectly suited for storytimes, reading aloud, or even reader’s theater. The text is simple enough for fairly new readers to tackle, and interesting. Picture clues are used to help with some of the vocabulary words. This book begs to be shared again and again. Pair it with one of Mo Willems’s “Elephant & Piggie” books (Hyperion) and bring on the giggles. Outstanding.–Amy Commers, South St. Paul Public Library, MN

 BROWN, Don. Henry and the Cannons: An Extraordinary True Story of the American Revolution. illus. by author. 32p. bibliog. Roaring Brook. Jan. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-266-6. LC 2012013450.
Gr 1-4–As the American Revolution was getting underway, George Washington knew he needed cannons to defeat the British. Unfortunately, he was camped outside British-held Boston, and the nearest big guns were 300 miles away at Fort Ticonderoga, New York. They were thought to be impossible to retrieve, until Henry Knox agreed to try. Brown employs a light touch in telling this exciting true story. Moving 120,000 pounds of artillery in winter involved dragging the pieces, sailing, sledding, and even retrieving them from freezing water when the ice broke under their weight. Readers will be fascinated by the various methods employed to keep the cannons moving, including poles, ropes, and chains to help the sleds scale steep heights. Amazingly, Knox and his group arrived without losing a single piece of weaponry. Quotations integrated into the text are not directly attributed, but a bibliography is included. Watercolor illustrations are given weight by black outlines. A palette of blues, whites, and browns reinforces the winter tone. Full spreads interspersed with panels vary the pace and allow for certain images to be spotlighted. A nicely composed three-panel page shows the changing weather (clear to rain to snow) as Knox begins his quest. This entertaining tale will be great to use along with studies of George Washington and the Revolutionary War.–Lucinda
Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA

 BRYANT, Jen. A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin. illus. by Melissa Sweet. 40p. further reading. notes. photos. reprods. websites. Knopf. Jan. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86712-5; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96712-2. LC 2012003209.
Gr 3-6–Born in 1888, grandson of a slave, Pippin loved to draw from an early age. He painted “…every day scenes in natural colors; then he added a splash of red.” His classmates often begged, “Make a picture for us, Horace!” When he was in the eighth grade, he quit school and went to work. From rail yard to farm to hotel to factory, his workmates echoed the request, “Make a picture for us….” And when he enlisted in World War I, his fellow soldiers also entreated him to draw. “The war brought out all the art in me.” But a bullet to the shoulder rendered his right arm useless and he was unable to find work due to his injury. Still, his drive to draw remained. One day, “using his good arm to move the hurt one, he scorched lines into the wood” to create a picture. With practice, his weak arm improved enough to allow him to paint, and paint he did. N.C. Wyeth recognized his talent and arranged for him to have a one-man exhibit. Today his work hangs in museums all over the country. Bryant’s meticulously researched, eloquent text makes this a winning read-aloud, while Sweet’s vibrant, folksy illustrations, rendered in watercolor, gouache, and mixed media, portray the joys and hardships of the man’s life, using his trademark palette…with just a splash of red. Quotations from his notebooks, letters, and interviews are effectively woven into the pictures.–Barbara Auerbach, PS 217, Brooklyn, NY

 HALPERIN, Wendy Anderson. Peace. illus. by author. 40p. S & S/Atheneum. Jan. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-689-82552-1; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-6787-3.
Gr 3 Up–A beautiful book with rich watercolor artwork. Most of the paintings are spreads in a nontraditional layout, with sections sometimes divided into shapes by the meandering text. The book is about peace and how it can be achieved: in the world, in the country, in the city, in one’s school, and within oneself. The layout makes it a challenge to read aloud to a group. Many quotes from various people are included, with a running narrative on each page, beginning with “For there to be peace in the world…,” on the first page, followed by “…there must be peace in nations” on the next. Each spread incorporates the words of others to support the running circular narrative. For example, “Anger dwells only in the bosom of fools.–Albert Einstein” is followed by “What you do not want done to you, do not do to others.–Confucius.” This lovely, uplifting title is meant to be pored over and could be used as a starting point for important discussions about bullying, racism, nonviolence, and many other topics.–Mary Hazelton, formerly at Warren & Waldoboro Elementary Schools, ME

 JENKINS, Steve & Robin Page. My First Day. illus. by Steve Jenkins. 32p. Houghton Harcourt. Jan. 2013.RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-73851-2.
PreS-Gr 2 –Another winner from this talented creative team. Jenkins’s trademark cut-paper collages are up to their usual standard, which is to say they are outstanding, as he captures 23 different newborns on their first day of life. Some of the animals are familiar, such as giraffes and penguins, while others are more exotic, such as a sifaka, a muntjac, and a blue wildebeest. A few simple, clearly written sentences describe the wide variety of things that these youngsters can or cannot do upon entering the world. Children should find the information intriguing as they learn about capybaras that can swim and dive when only a few hours old and how mother zebras memorize the pattern of stripes on their babies so they can recognize them among the thousands of others in the herd. The striking depictions of mother and child set against full-bleed colored backgrounds or clean white space should make for many return readings. Additional information on each animal is included in the back matter. A first purchase for most libraries.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

 MARKEL, Michelle. Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909. illus. by Melissa Sweet. 32p. bibliog. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. Feb. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-180442-7.
K-Gr 3–This picture-book biography of Clara Lemlich, a spitfire who fought hard for better working conditions, is an engaging, informative introduction to her activism as well as to the deplorable state of the U.S. garment industry in the early 1900s. Ukrainian-born Lemlich came to the United States with her parents to escape the Kishinev pogrom of 1903, only to be thrust into another appalling nightmare: the American shirtwaist factories. She began on a small scale to encourage her coworkers to strike, but at a union meeting, when even men wouldn’t call for a walkout, she rose and shouted to the large gathering that the time for a strike was now, inspiring tens of thousands of women to leave their stations in the factories. Markel’s style is clean and clear, making Lemlich’s story accessible to a young audience. Readers are treated to solid information with a buoyant message about standing up for what is right. Sweet has created an outstanding backdrop for Markel’s text with a vibrant collage of watercolor, gouache, blank dress-pattern paper, bookkeeping pages, stitches, and fabric pieces. This spirited account concludes with additional material on the garment industry and a solid bibliography. A first purchase.–Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR

 MERCHANT, Natalie, adapt. Leave Your Sleep: A Collection of Classic Children’s Poetry. illus. by Barbara McClintock. 48p. photos. w/CD. Farrar/Frances Foster. 2012. RTE $24.99. ISBN 978-0-374-34368-2. LC 2011047064.
K-Gr 3–In 2010, Merchant released a successful album of 30 classic children’s poems that she set to music. Nineteen of these poems are now brought together in this anthology consisting of a delightful range of American and British poets from Ogden Nash and Edward Lear to Rachel Field and Jack Prelutsky. The jaunty selections feature horses, elephants, dancing bears, and wonderfully empowered children. McClintock’s detailed paintings bring inviting color and fun to the verses in both spot art and full spreads. A full-length CD of the recordings is included, making this a feast of enchanting sounds, words, and visuals–a magnificent package for any poetry collection. Back matter includes photographs of the poets included, credits and more information about the poems and the music.–Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

 WERNER, Sharon & Sarah Forss. Alphasaurs and Other Prehistoric Types. illus. by authors. 56p. Blue Apple.2012. Tr $22.99. ISBN 978-1-60905-193-8.
K-Gr 4 –Each page is dedicated to a different dinosaur, from allosaurus to zuniceratops. On each one, readers will find the reptile’s name, pronunciation, a wealth of fascinating facts (presented in a fun way with plenty of alliteration), and eye-catching illustrations. The text is delivered in short captions, but is chock-full of the kinds of facts and comparisons that will leave a lasting impression on young readers. Twenty-seven prehistoric lizards are covered–both those that are familiar and many lesser known, but equally fascinating. The illustrations were boldly created by typography. The featured dinosaurs are made up solely of an arrangement of their first letters, both capital and lower case. The many foldout pages are beautifully done and add to the overall appeal and excitement of the book. The font varies in style, size, and color, creating even more visual interest. Many libraries have alphabet books in abundance, but this is one not to miss.–Amy Shepherd, St. Anne’s Episcopal School, Middleton, DE

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The following titles are reviewed in the January 1 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

Fiction

ANDREWS, Julie & Emma Walton Hamilton. The Very Fairy Princess Follows Her Heart. illus. by Christine Davenier. 32p. (Very Fairy Princess Series). Little, Brown. Jan. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780316185592.

AUSTIN, Mike. Monsters Love Colors. illus. by author. 40p. HarperCollins/Harper. Feb. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-06-212594-1.

BAKER, Ken. Old MacDonald Had a Dragon . illus. by Christopher Santoro. 32p. Amazon. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6175-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6243-9. LC 2011036607.

BANIA, Michael. Kumak’s River: A Tall Tale from the Far North. illus. by author. 32p. Alaska Northwest. 2012.Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-88240-886-6; pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-88240-887-3. LC 2012019726.

BRACKEN, Beth. The Little Bully. illus. by Jennifer A. Bell. ISBN 978-1-4048-6795-6. LC 2011029540.

JONES, Christianne. Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker. illus. by Richard Watson. ISBN 978-1-4048-6796-3.
ea vol: (Little Boost Series). Picture Window. 2012. 32p. PLB $22.65.

BRAMSEN, Carin. Hey, Duck! illus. by author. 40p. Random. Jan. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86990-7; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96990-4. LC 2012001880.

BRYANT, Megan E. Alphasaurus. ISBN 978-1-4521-0748-6.
––––.Colorasaurus. ISBN 978-1-4521-0814-8.
––––.Countasaurus. ISBN 978-1-4521-0747-9.
––––. Shapeasaurus. ISBN 978-1-4521-0815-5.
ea vol: illus. by. Luciana Navarro Powell. 20p. Chronicle. 2012. BD $9.99.

BUNTING, Eve. Frog and Friends: Frog’s Flying Adventure. Bk. 4. illus. by Josée Masse. 48p. (I Am a Reader! Series). Sleeping Bear. 2012. Tr $9.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-805-1; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-1-58536-806-8.

CHAIKIN, Miriam. Hardlucky: The Story of a Boy Who Learns How to Think Before He Acts. illus. by Gabriel Lisowski. 40p. Sky Pony. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-61608-963-4.

CUMMING, Hannah. The Red Boat. illus. by author. 28p. Child’s Play. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-84643-493-8.

DEMAS, Corinne. Here Comes Trouble! illus. by Norah Z. Jones. 40p. Scholastic. Jan. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-35906-1.

EDWARDS, Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton. Little Bo in London: The Ultimate Adventure of Bonnie Boadicea. illus. by Henry Cole. 112p. (Little Bo Series). HarperCollins/Julie Andrews. 2012. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-06-008911-5. LC 2010013685.

FORD, Bernette. Princess Puppy. illus. by Sam Williams. 32p. Scholastic/Cartwheel. Jan. 2013. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-545-45006-5.

FOWLER, Gloria. Color . illus. by Alexander Girard. 58p. photos. AMMO. 2012. BD $14.95. ISBN 978-1-9344-2977-8.

GAIMAN, Neil. Chu’s Day. illus. by Adam Rex. 32p. HarperCollins/Harper. Jan. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-201781-9.

GIFF, Patricia Reilly. Fiercely and Friends: The Big Something. illus. by Diane Palmisciano. 40p.Scholastic/Orchard. 2012. PLB $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-43369-3; Tr $6.99. ISBN 978-0-545-24459-6. LC 2011016759.

HEALD, Robin. Pat, Roll, Pull: A Challah Braiding Story. illus. by Erin Taylor. 32p. Hachai. 2012. PLB $10.95. ISBN 978-1-929628-64-3. LC 2011916175.

HEILBRONER, Joan. A Pet Named Sneaker. illus. by Pascal Lemaitre. 48p. (Beginner Books Series). Random.Jan. 2013. Tr $8.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97580-5; PLB $12.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97116-7; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98112-8. LC 2011047340.

HENRY, Jed. Cheer Up, Mouse! illus. by author. 32p. Houghton Harcourt. Jan. 2013. RTE $12.99. ISBN 978-0-547-68107-8.

JIANG, Ji-li. Red Kite, Blue Kite. illus. by Greg Ruth. 32p. Hyperion/Disney. Jan. 2013. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-2753-6.

KINCH, Devon. Pretty Penny Makes Ends Meet. illus. by author. 40p. Random. Jan. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86737-8; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96735-1; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98128-9.

LEATHERS, Philippa. The Black Rabbit. illus. by author. 40p. Candlewick. Jan. 2013. Tr $14. ISBN 978-0-7636-5714-7. LC 2012942317.

LONG, Heather. Max & Milo Go to Sleep! illus. by Ethan Long. 32p. S & S/Aladdin. Jan. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5143-8.

MACKALL, Dandi Daley. There’s a Baby in There! illus. by Carlynn Whitt. 32p. Amazon. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6191-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6193-7. LC 2011034875.

MCPHAIL, David. Ben Loves Bear. illus. by author. 22p. Abrams Appleseed. Jan. 2013. BD $8.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0386-7.

MANUSHKIN, Fran. Big Girl Panties. illus. by Valeria Petrone. 24p. Random/Robin Corey. 2012. BD $7.99. ISBN 978-0-307-93152-8.

MARSHALL, Linda Elovitz. The Passover Lamb. illus. by Tatjana Mai-Wyss. 32p. Random. Jan. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-307-93177-1; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97106-8; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98107-4. LC 2011052092.

MAYHEW, James. Ella Bella Ballerina and The Nutcracker. illus. by author. 32p. Barron’s. 2012. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7641-6581-8.

MLYNOWSKI, Sarah. If the Shoe Fits. Bk. 2. 166p. (Whatever After Series). Scholastic. Jan. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-545-41567-5; ebook $14.99. ISBN 978-0-545-50465-2.

OLANDER, Johan. My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III. illus. by author. 61p.Amazon. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6173-9. LC 2011036697.

PFISTER, Marcus. The Yellow Cab. tr. from German by Rebecca Morrison. illus. by author. 32p. NorthSouth. Mar. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4111-6.

RENNERT, Laura. Royal Princess Academy: Dragon Dreams. illus. by Melanie Florian. 102p. Dial. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3750-1; pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-1424-2510-7.

RENOULT, Armelle. Basil Becomes a Big Brother . tr. from French by Susan Allen Maurin. illus. by Claire Frossard. 32p. Auzou. 2012. pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-2-7338-2143-5.

ROBBERECHT, Thierry. Superhero School. tr. from Dutch. illus. by Philippe Goossens. 30p. Clavis. 2012. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-1-60537-140-5.

ROSS, Gary. Bartholomew Biddle and the Very Big Wind. illus. by Matthew Myers. 96p. Candlewick. 2012. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4920-3.

SEVEN, John. A Year with Friends. illus. by Jana Christy. 32p. Abrams Appleseed. Jan. 2013. RTE $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0443-7.

SPERRING, Mark. The Shape of My Heart. illus. by Alys Paterson. 32p. Bloomsbury. Jan. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-962-2.

STURGES, Judy Sue Goodwin. Construction Kitties . illus. by Shari Halpern. 32p. Holt/Christy Ottaviano. Feb. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9105-2. LC 2011043537.

THEMERSON, Stefan. The Table That Ran Away to the Woods. tr. from Polish. illus. by Franciszka Themerson. 20p. Tate. 2012. Tr $10.95. ISBN 978-1-84976-057-7.

THOMPSON, Colin. Free to a Good Home. illus. by author. 32p. Trafalgar Square. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-74166-319-8.

THOMSON, Sarah L., retel. Cinderella. illus. by Nicoletta Ceccoli. 32p. Amazon. 2012. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6170-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6171-5. LC 2011034873.

VAN GENECHTEN, Guido. Ricky’s Birthday. tr. from Dutch. illus. by author. 30p. Clavis. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-60537-119-1.

WYETH, Sharon Dennis. The Granddaughter Necklace. illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline. 32p. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine. Jan. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-08125-2. LC 2011038933.

YACCARINO, Dan. Doug Unplugged. illus. by author. 40p. Knopf. Feb. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86643-2.

ZIEFERT, Harriet. The Princess and the Peas and Carrots. illus. by Travis Foster. 40p. Blue Apple. 2012. Tr ISBN 978-1-60905-250-8.

Nonfiction

BROCKET, Jane. Circles, Stars, and Squares: Looking for Shapes. photos by author. 32p. (Jane Brocket’s Clever Concepts Series). Millbrook. 2012. RTE $25.26. ISBN 978-0-7613-4611-1; ebook $18.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-7260-8. LC 2011050199.

BROWN, Calef. We Go Together!: A Curious Selection of Affectionate Verse. illus. by author. 40p. Houghton Harcourt. Jan. 2013. RTE $9.99. ISBN 978-0-547-72128-6.

COMDEN, Betty, Adolph Green, & Carolyn Leigh. Flying to Neverland with Peter Pan: A Lyrical Journey with Songs from the Broadway Musical. illus. by Amy June Bates. 40p. Blue Apple. 2012. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-1-60905-249-2.

CUNNINGHAM, Kevin. Reading Maps. ISBN 978-0-531-26006-7; ISBN 978-0-531-26237-5. LC 2012000692.

TAYLOR-BUTLER, Christine. Understanding Diagrams. ISBN 978-0-531-26008-1; ISBN 978-0-531-26239-9.LC 2012004797.
––––.Understanding Charts and Graphs. ISBN 978-0-531-26009-8; ISBN 978-0-531-26240-5. LC 2012002643.
ea vol: 48p. (A True Book). charts. chron. diags. further reading. glossary. index. maps. photos. websites. Children’s Press. 2012. PLB $29; pap. $6.95.

CURTIS, Andrea. What’s for Lunch?: How Schoolchildren Eat Around the World. illus. by Sophie Casson. 40p. glossary. Red Deer. 2012. pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-0-88995-482-3.

DEMI. Columbus. illus. by author. 64p. map. Amazon. 2012. RTE $19.99. ISBN 9780761461678. LC 2011036019.

DIVAKARUNI, Chitra Banerjee, retel. Grandma and the Great Gourd: A Bengali Folktale . illus. by Susy Pilgrim Waters. 32p. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. Mar. 2013. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-378-6. LC 2012001392.

FARMER, Jaqueline. Valentine Be Mine. illus. by Megan Halsey. 32p. photos. Charlesbridge. Jan. 2013. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-389-3; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-390-9; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-467-4. LC 2011049504.

GERBER, Carole. Seeds, Bees, Butterflies, and More!: Poems for Two Voices. illus. by Eugene Yelchin. 32p.Holt. Feb. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9211-0. LC 2012011490.

GREENWOOD, Mark. The Greatest Liar on Earth: A True Story. illus. by Frané Lessac. 32p. Candlewick. 2012.RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6155-7.

HULBERT, Laura. Who Has This Tail? illus. by Erik Brooks. 44p. Holt. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9429-9.

KAUFMAN, Elliott. Alphabet Everywhere . 64p. index. Abbeville. 2012. RTE $14.95. ISBN 978-0-7892-1115-6.LC 2011053027.

LESYNSKI, Loris. Crazy About Soccer! illus. by Gerry Rasmussen. 48p. Annick. 2012. PLB $22.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-422-9; pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-421-2.

MIRON, Marie-Charlotte & Mélanie Perez. My Little Handbook of Experi ments: Sciences, Water and Light, Ecology. tr. from French by Susan Allen Maurin. illus. by Vincent Hubert. 144p. glossary. Auzou. 2012. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-2-7338-2147-3.

NELSON, Kadir. Nelson Mandela. illus. by author. 40p. bibliog. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen. Jan. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-178374-6; PLB $18.89. ISBN 978-0-06-178376-0.

O’BRIEN, John. Look…Look Again! illus. by author. 64p. Boyds Mills. 2012. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-894-3. LC 2012936283.

OROZCO, Rebeca. It’s Our Nature. illus. by Menena Cottin. 24p. Tundra. 2012. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-77049-283-7.

OWEN, Ruth. Easter Sweets and Treats. ISBN 978-1-4488-8084-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-8131-4. LC 2012009781.
––––. Halloween Sweets and Treats. ISBN 978-1-4488-8079-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-8126-0. LC 2012009216.

RANDALL, Ronne. Thanksgiving Sweets and Treats. ISBN 978-1-4488-8082-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-8129-1. LC 2012006774.
ea vol: 32p. (Holiday Cooking for Kids! Series). photos. glossary. index. websites. Windmill. 2012. PLB $26.50; pap. $11.75.

REGAN, Lisa. Ballet Dancer. ISBN 978-1-4488-8091-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-8150-5. LC 2012005288.
––––. Magician. ISBN 978-1-4488-8094-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-8153-6. LC 2012001528.
––––. Movie Star. ISBN 978-1-4888-8095-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-8154-3. LC 2012052810.
––––. Pop Star. ISBN 978-1-4488-8096-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-8155-0. LC 2012001529.
ea vol: 32p. (Stage School Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. Windmill. 2012. PLB $25.25; pap. $10.

SAUNDERS, Tom. I Want to Go to the Moon. illus. by Cynthia Nugent. 32p. w/CD. Simply Read. 2012. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-897476-56-7.

SHEPHERD, Jodie. A Day with Doctors. ISBN 978-0-531-28950-1; ISBN 978-0-531-29250-1. LC 2012013354.
––––.A Day with Librarians. ISBN 978-0-531-28952-5; ISBN 978-0-531-29252-5. LC 2012013357.
––––.A Day with Paramedics. ISBN 978-0-531-28954-9; ISBN 978-0-531-29254-9. LC 2012013358.
ea vol: 32p. (Rookie Read About Community Series). index. photos. websites. Children’s Press. 2012. PLB $23; pap. $5.95.

STONES, Brenda & Thea Feldman. Where Animals Live. ISBN 978-0-7534-6877-7; ISBN 978-0-7534-6878-4.
––––.Where We Live. ISBN 978-0-7534-6901-9; ISBN 978-0-7534-6902-6.
ea vol: 32p. (Kingfisher Readers). glossary. photos. Kingfisher. 2012. PLB $12.99; pap. $3.99.

THOMSON, Sarah L., adapt. Around the Neighborhood: A Counting Lullaby. illus. by Jana Christy. 32p. score.Amazon. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6164-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6165-4. LC 2011034872.

WADE, Mary Dodson. No Year of the Cat. illus. by Nicole Wong. 32p. Sleeping Bear. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-785-6. LC 2012007692.

WARD, Jennifer. There Was an Old Pirate Who Swallowed a Fish. illus. by Steve Gray. 32p. Amazon. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6196-8; ebook $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6197-5. LC 2011036695.

ZEPHANIAH, Benjamin. When I Grow Up. 28p. illus. Frances Lincoln. 2012. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-1-84780-059-6.

Elementary and Middle School

BRANSFORD, Nathan. Jacob Wonderbar and the Interstellar Time Warp. illus. by C. S. Jennings. 262p. Dial.Feb. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3703-7. Gr 4-6

D’LACEY, Chris & Jay D’Lacey. Rain & Fire. 304p. Scholastic/Orchard. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-41453-1. LC 2012014374. Gr 5-8 A companion guide to the Last Dragon Chronicles . Gr 5-8

FREDERICK, Heather Vogel. Wish You Were Eyre. 464p. (The Mother Daughter Book Club Series). S & S.2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3064-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4423-4199-9. Gr 6-9

FRIEDMAN, Laurie. Mallory and Mary Take New York. Bk. 19. illus. by Jennifer Kalis. 152p. Darby Creek. Mar. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-6074-2; ebook $11.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-0962-0. LC 2012019008. Gr 3-5

GUTMAN, Dan. Miss Kraft Is Daft! Bk. 7. illus. by Jim Paillot. 112p. (My Weirder School Series).HarperCollins/Harper. Jan. 2013. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-204215-6. Gr 2-3

GUTMAN, Dan. You Only Die Twice. Bk. 3. 289p. (The Genius Files Series). HarperCollins/Harper. Feb. 2013.Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-182770-9; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-182771-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-220284-0. Gr 5-8

HOLUB, Joan & Suzanne Williams. Pandora the Curious. Bk. 9. 256p. (Goddess Girls Series). S & S/Aladdin. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5975-5; pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4935-0; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4936-7. Gr 3-6

IRWIN, Bindi & Chris Kunz. Bindi: Behind the Scenes: The Wildlife Games. 192p. Trafalgar Square. Feb. 2013.pap. $11.99. ISBN 978-1-86471-839-3. Gr 3-6

KAIN, P.G. Dramatic Pause. Bk. 3. 288p. (Commercial Breaks Series). S & S/Aladdin. 2012. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9788-7; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9791-7. LC 2012948208. Gr 5-8

KESSLER, Liz. Emily Windsnap and the Land of the Midnight Sun. Bk. 5. illus. by Natacha Ledwidge. 272p.Candlewick. Feb. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5824-3. Gr 4-6

KINNEY, Jeff. The Third Wheel. Bk. 7. illus. by author. 224p. (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series). Abrams/Amulet.2012. Tr $13.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0584-7. Gr 4-8

LASKY, Kathryn. Star Wolf. Bk 6. 246p. (Wolves of the Beyond Series). Scholastic. Jan. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-27962-8. LC 2012029320. Gr 4-6

MCCLINTOCK, Norah. Change of Heart. Bk. 7. 218p. ISBN 978-0-7613-8317-8; ISBN 978-1-4677-0701-5; ISBN 978-1-4677-0963-7.
–––– . In Too Deep. Bk. 8. 224p. ISBN 978-0-7613-8318-5; ISBN 978-1-4677-0702-2; ISBN 978-1-4677-0964-4.
ea vol: (A Robyn Hunter Mystery). Darby Creek. Mar. 2013. Tr $27.93; pap. $8.95; ebook $20.95. Gr 6 Up

MCDONALD, Megan. Stink and the Freaky Frog Freakout. Bk. 8. illus. by Peter H. Reynolds. 160p. Candlewick.Feb. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6140-3; pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6422-0. Gr 1-3

MATT AND DAVE. Yuck’s Fart Club. illus. by Nigel Baines. S & S. 112 p. Jan. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-8153-4; pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-8152-7; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-8154-1. LC 2012027627. Gr 3-4

PILKEY, Dav. Captain Underpants and the Revolting Revenge of the Radioactive Robo-Boxers. Bk. 10. illus. by author. 224p. Scholastic. Jan. 2013. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-545-17536-4. LC 2012944030. Gr 3-6

RIORDAN, Rick. The Mark of Athena. Bk. 3. 608p. (The Heroes of Olympus Series). Hyperion/Disney. 2012.Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-4060-3. LC 2012017264. Gr 5-9

SELFORS, Suzanne. Smells Like Pirates. Bk. 3. 384p. (Smells Like Dog Series). Little, Brown. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-20596-2. LC 2012028738. Gr 4-7

SMITH, Roland. I, Q: Kitty Hawk. Bk. 3. 230p. (I, Q Series). Sleeping Bear. 2012. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-605-7; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-604-0. Gr 5-8

SNIEGOSKI, Tom. Quest for the Spark. Bk. 3 . illus. by Jeff Smith. 288p. (Bone Series). Scholastic/Graphix.Jan. 2013. Tr $22.99. ISBN 978-0-545-14105-5; pap. $10.99. ISBN 978-0-545-14106-2. LC 2012025128. Gr 4-8

High School

CHIMA, Cinda Williams. The Crimson Crown. Bk. 4. 598p. (Seven Realms Series). Hyperion/Disney. 2012.RTE $18.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-4433-5. LC 2011053079. Gr 8 Up

CONRAD, Lauren. Starstruck. 294p. (A Fame Game Novel). HarperCollins/Harper. 2012. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-207980-0. Gr 5 Up

CREMER, Andrea. Rise. 388p. Philomel. Jan. 2013. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-399-15960-2. LC 2012012263. Gr 10 Up The continuation of the series that began with Nightshade and Wolfsbane .

DESTEFANO, Lauren. Sever. Bk. 3. 384p. (The Chemical Garden Trilogy). S & S. Feb. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0909-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0913-2. LC 2012015702. Gr 9 Up

EDWARDS, Eve. The Rogue’s Princess. Bk. 3. 272p. (The Lacey Chornicles) Delacorte. Jan. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74093-7; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98976-6; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98339-9.Gr 9 Up

ESTEP, Jennifer. Crimson Frost. 384p. (A Mythos Academy Novel). Kensington/KTeen. Jan. 2013. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7582-8146-3. Gr 9 Up

FITZPATRICK, Becca. Finale. 464p. (The Hush, Hush Saga). S & S. 2012. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2667-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2669-6. Gr 9 Up

GODBERSEN, Anna. The Lucky Ones. 374p. (A Bright Young Things Novel). HarperCollins/Harper. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-196270-7. Gr 9 Up

KINCY, Karen. Foxfire. Bk. 3. 297p. (An Other Novel). Flux. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7387-3057-8. LC 2012019102. Gr 9 Up

LACKEY, Mercedes & Rosemary Edghill. Sacrifices. Bk. 3. 304p. (Shadow Grail Series). Tor. Apr. 2013. Tr $21.99. ISBN 978-0-7653-2852-0; pap. $21.99. ISBN 978-0-7653-1763-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4299-9719-5. Gr 7-10

LORE, Pittacus. I Am Number Four: The Lost Files: The Legacies. 416p. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-221110-1.
–––– . The Rise of Nine. 416. Feb. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-197458-8.
ea vol: (I Am Number Four Series). HarperCollins/Harper. Gr 7 Up

MOORE, Stephanie Perry & Derrick Moore. Settle Down/Be Real. Bk. 4. 310p. ISBN 978-1-61651-887-5.
–––– . Shake It/Got Pride. Bk. 5. 309p. ISBN 978-1-61651-888-2.
–––– . Yell Out/Do You. Bk. 3. 336p. ISBN 978-1-61651-886-8.
ea vol: (Lockwood Lions Series). Saddleback. 2012. pap. $14.95. Gr 7 Up

SCHREIBER, Ellen. Full Moon Kisses. 224p. (A Full Moon Novel). HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. Jan. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-198653-6. LC 2012949623. Gr 7 Up

SHEPARD, Sara. Ali’s Pretty Little Lies. 292p. Jan. 2013. ISBN 978-0-06-223336-3. LC 2012950661.
–––– . Burned. 324p. 2012. ISBN 978-0-06-208192-6. LC 2012949622.
ea vol: (Pretty Little Liars Series). HarperCollins/HarperTeen. Tr $17.99. Gr 9 Up

SHIELDS, Gillian. Destiny. 374p. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-200041-5. Gr 7-10 The conclusion to the series that began with Immortal , Betrayal ,
and Eternal .

SMITH, Alexander Gordon. Execution. Bk. 5. 352p. (Escape from Furnace Series). Farrar. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-36224-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-374-32239-7. LC 2012004870. Gr 7-10

SMITH, L. J. Destiny Rising. Vol. 3. 394p. (The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters Series). HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-201773-4.
Gr 9 Up

TANIGAWA, Nagaru. The Indignation of Haruhi Suzumiya. tr. from Japanese by Paul Starr. 224p. Little, Brown.2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-316-03900-0; pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-316-03899-7. LC 2012013848. Gr 7 Up

 HANLON , Abby. Ralph Tells a Story. illus. by author. 32p. Amazon. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6180-7; ebook $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6182-1. LC 2011036608.
K-Gr 3–Ralph’s teacher says that stories are everywhere. His fellow students have no trouble finding them, telling them, and writing them down. However, Ralph’s paper stays blank. Great storytelling examples surround him. Enticing bits of the other children’s stories appear in speech bubbles around the room, while pieces of paper display their invented spelling. These are everyday occurrences, told and received enthusiastically. “Then Grandma gave me a cup of coffee and said, ‘Don’t tell your mother.’” “After that, I decided to hide my Halloween candy in my bed.” Ralph’s struggle comes to a climax when he’s asked to tell the whole class his story. He drags himself to the front of the rug. His heart thumps. What happens next restores his self-confidence and introduces him to his own abundance of adventures. The watercolor and colored-pencil pictures are engaging, varied, and beautifully suited to the text. Ralph’s tips and numerous book titles, found at the end of this story, are an inspiration. Pair this book with Tad Hills’s Rocket Writes a Story (Random, 2012) for an excellent introduction to writing. A splendid debut.–Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

 LOGUE , Mary. Sleep Like a Tiger. illus. by Pamela Zagarenski. 40p. Houghton Harcourt. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-64102-7.
PreS-Gr 1–The common theme of a child not ready for bed receives fresh treatment here. When a young girl repeatedly declares that she is not sleepy, her parents remain calm. She dutifully dresses in pajamas and washes up. After climbing into bed, she again proclaims that she is wide awake and questions her parents about how things in the world go to sleep. They patiently respond by describing the sleeping habits of familiar animals. After they kiss her goodnight and turn out the light, the child incorporates her parents’ descriptions of the various animals into her nighttime routine. Like the strong tiger, she, too, falls fast asleep. The narrative flows well as the mood becomes increasingly tranquil. There is much dialogue in the first portion of the story. These conversations between daughter and parents are realistic. Young listeners will identify with the child’s desire to remain awake. Zagarenski’s stylized artwork shines with interesting details. For instance, the family is portrayed as royalty. The artist’s distinctive spreads are a combination of digitally created art and mixed-media paintings on wood. The artist incorporates many patterns into the characters’ clothing, rooms, blankets, and pillows. Her attention to detail can be found again on the endpapers where primitive circuslike train cars, a tiger riding proudly atop one of them, appear in sunlight and later in moonlight. The dust jacket depicting the sleeping youngster curled up beside a dozing tiger ushers in the gentle and calm mood of this memorable picture book.–Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH

 OBED , Ellen Bryan. Twelve Kinds of Ice. illus. by Barbara McClintock. 64p. Houghton Harcourt. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-618-89129-0.
Gr 3-6–The coming of winter in the rural north brings ice. The first ice “came on the sheep pails…a skim of ice so thin that it broke when we touched it.” Gradually as the weather grows colder, the ice becomes field ice, “short-lived but glorious…,” stream ice, black ice from “water shocked still by the cold before the snow.” The ice and its activities continue until finally it becomes only fond memories as the narrator and her family enjoy never melting “Dream Ice,” the kind that can be skated on until the first ice came again, “a skim so thin, it broke when we touched it.” The brief, lyrical vignettes evoke each and every sense as readers share the cold, feel the bumps on ice, see the creation of “oozing yellow sun spots” as ice melts, and hear music at the skating party and the noise of children playing hockey. Delicate pen-and-ink illustrations enhance the action, emotions, and humor of each short description of ice and frosty goings-on. Regardless of where readers spend their winters, they are sure to enjoy sharing the author’s memories of the season in Maine in this brief but unforgettable volume.–Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at District of Columbia Public Library

 SMITH , Lane. Abe Lincoln’s Dream. illus. by author. 32p. Roaring Brook. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-608-4.
Gr 2-5–A picture book that transforms the 16th president from a seemingly austere, severe figure into a sympathetic character. A young African American girl named Quincy encounters the ghost of Abe Lincoln on a school tour of the White House. He tells the child about a recurring dream in which he is sailing a ship on a stormy sea, unsure of where he’s heading. (The afterword explains that the president reported having this nightmare several times, including the evening before his assassination.) In an attempt to cheer him, Quincy reassures Lincoln that the state of the nation has vastly improved since his presidency, and the two take flight on a whirlwind tour. Dynamic spreads of the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, and an American flag planted on the Moon–digitally rendered in oil painting and pen-and-ink–reflect Quincy’s assertion that “‘overall the founding fathers would be proud of our progress.’” The dark palette and parchmentlike background give the book a traditional feel, but Smith adds a sense of whimsy through his creative use of fonts and the witty tone of the narrative. Despite the cartoonish style, Lincoln is fully humanized: visible pen marks that indicate wrinkles and bags under his eyes suggest his anguish over the state of the union, while his penchant for corny jokes (“‘Ghosts are no good at telling fibs….You can see right through them’”) will endear him to readers. Pair this picture book with Maira Kalman’s Looking at Lincoln (Penguin, 2012) to give students a portrait of the man that transcends mere facts.–Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal

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The following titles are reviewed in the December 1 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

Fiction

ABBOTT, Tony. The Startling Story of the Stolen Statue. Bk. 2. illus. by Colleen Madden. 96p. (Goofballs Series). Egmont USA. 2012. Tr $13.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-165-5; pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-341-3.

AGEE, Jon. The Other Side of Town. illus. by author. 32p. Scholastic/diCapua. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-545-16204-3. LC 2011935782.

AMANN, Jürg. Ten Birds: Read Aloud Rhymes to Bend and Break. tr. from German by David Henry Wilson. illus. by Helga Gebert. 32p. NorthSouth. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4100-0.

BADESCU, Ramona. Pomelo Explores Color. tr. from French by Claudia Zoe Bedrick. illus. by Benjamin Chaud. 120p. (Pomelo the Garden Elephant Series). Enchanted Lion. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-126-1.

BAGULEY, Elizabeth. Pigeon Poop. illus. by Mark Chambers. 32p. Good Books. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-56148-769-1. LC 2012000187.

BAKER, Ken. Cow Can’t Sleep. illus. by Steve Gray. 24p. Amazon. 2012. RTE $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6198-2; ebook $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6199-9. LC 2011036606.

BECKER, Helaine. AlphaBest: The Zany, Zanier, Zaniest Book About Comparatives and Superlatives. illus. by Dave Whamond. 32p. Kids Can. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-715-0.

BOURNE, B. B. Everything Goes: Henry Goes Skating. illus. by Simon Abbott. 32p. (My First I Can Read Series). HarperCollins/Harper. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-195821-2; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-195820-5. LC 2011938182.

BRANFORD, Anna. Violet Mackerel’s Brilliant Plot. illus. by Elanna Allen. 103p. S & S/Atheneum. 2012. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3585-8; pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3586-5; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3587-2. LC 2011022584.

BRENNAN-NELSON, Denise. Maestro Stu Saves the Zoo. illus. by Tim Bowers. 32p. glossary. Sleeping Bear.2012. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-802-0. LC 2012007575.

BURLEIGH, Robert. Flight of the Last Dragon. illus. by Mary GrandPré. 32p. Philomel. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25200-6. LC 2011042930.

CARTER, David A. A Snowy Day in Bugland. Level 1. 24p. (Ready-to-Read Series). S & S/Spotlight. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3895-8; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3894-1; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3896-5.

CHAPMAN, Jane. I’m Not Sleepy! illus. by author. 32p. Good Books. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-56148-765-3.

CLINE-RANSOME, Lesa. Light in the Darkness: A Story About How Slaves Learned in Secret. illus. by James E. Ransome. 40p.Disney/Jump at the Sun. Jan. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-142313495-4.

COFER, Judith Ortiz. The Poet Upstairs. illus. by Oscar Ortiz. 32p. Piñata. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55885-704-9. LC 2012012709.

CONWAY, David. The Great Fairy Tale Disaster. illus. by Melanie Williamson. 32p. Tiger Tales. 2012. RTE $12.95. ISBN 978-1-58925-111-3.

CRUMMEL, Susan Stevens. Sherlock Bones and the Missing Cheese. illus. by Dorothy Donohue. 40p.Amazon. 2012. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6186-9; ebook $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6187-6. LC 2011032178.

DE EULATE, Ana A. The Sky of Afghanistan. tr. from Spanish by Jon Brokenbrow. illus. by Sonja Wimmer. 24p.IPG. 2012. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-84-15503-04-0.

DEGROAT, Diane. Gilbert and the Lost Tooth. ISBN 978-0-06-125214-3; ISBN 978-0-06-125216-7.

KANN, Victoria. Pinkalicious: Soccer Star. ISBN 978-0-06-198965-0; ISBN 978-0-06-198964-3. LC 2011940619.
ea vol: illus by. author. HarperCollins/Harper. 2012. 32p. Tr $16.99; pap. $3.99.

DON, Lari. Orange Juice Peas! illus. by Lizzie Wells. 32p. Floris. 2012. pap. $11.95. ISBN 978-0-86315872-8.

EARNHARDT, Donna W. Being Frank. illus. by Andrea Castellani. 32p. Flashlight. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-9362611-9-2. LC 2012932503.

FAGAN, Cary. Mr. Zinger’s Hat. illus. by Dusan Petricic. 32p. Tundra. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-77049-253-0.

FERBER, Brenda A. The Yuckiest, Stinkiest, Best Valentine Ever. illus. by Tedd Arnold. 32p. Dial. Dec. 2012.RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3505-7.

FUSCO, John. Little Monk and the Mantis: A Bug, a Boy, and the Birth of a Kung Fu Legend. illus. by Patrick Lugo. 32p. Tuttle. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8048-4221-1.

GUION, Melissa. Baby Penguins Everywhere! illus. by author. 32p. Philomel. Dec. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25535-9. LC 2012002318.

HEST, Amy. The Reader. illus. by Lauren Castillo. 32p. Amazon. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6184-5; ebook $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6185-2. LC 2011046914.

ITSY BITSY SPIDER. illus. by Richard Egielski. 12p. S & S/Atheneum. 2012. BD $19.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9895-2.

JANISCH, Heinz. Why Is the Snow White? tr. from German by Rebecca K. Morrison. illus. by Silke Leffler. 32p.NorthSouth. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4092-8.

KRAUS, Jeanne. Get Ready for Jetty: My Journal About ADHD and Me. illus. by Sandra Kimbell. 96p. photos.Magination. 2012. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-1197-5; Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-1196-8. LC 2012019115.

LALLEMAND, Orianne. The Wolf Who Wanted to Change His Color. tr. from French by Susan Allen Maurin. illus. by Eleonore Thuillier. 32p. Auzou. 2012. pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-2-7338-1945-6.

LAURENT, Karine. Coo Is in Love. tr. from French by Susan Allen Maurin. illus. by Stephanie Alastra. 32p. (My Little Picture Books Series). Auzou. 2012. pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-2-7338-1244-0.

LAWLER, Janet. Snowzilla. illus. by Amanda Haley. 32p. Amazon. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6188-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-07614-6190-6.

LEYSEN, An & Louise Leysen. The Princess Who Could Not Sleep. tr. from Dutch. illus. by authors. 30p. Clavis. 2012.RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-1-60537-132-0.

LOVELL, Patty. Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon! illus. by David Catrow. 32p. Putnam. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0399-25406-2. LC 2011017587.

MACLACHLAN, Patricia. The Boxcar Children Beginning: The Aldens of Fair Meadow Farm. illus. by Tim Jessell. 144p. (Boxcar Children Series). Albert Whitman. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780807566169.

MCGUIRK, Leslie. The Moogees Move House. illus. by author. 32p. Candlewick. 2012. RTE $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5558-7.

MOSER, Lisa. Railroad Hank. illus. by Benji Davies. 40p. Random. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86849-8; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96849-5.

MURPHY, Mary. A Kiss Like This. illus. by author. 32p. Candlewick. Dec. 2012. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-61823.

NORAC, Carl. Big Bear Little Brother. illus. by Kristin Oftedal. 32p. Trafalgar Square. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-230-01684-2.

OELSCHLAGER, Vanita. Farfalla: A Story of Loss and Hope. illus. by Kristin Blackwood. 40p. Vanita Books.2012. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-9832904-0-7; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-0-9832904-3-8.

O’LEARY, Sara. When I Was Small. illus. by Julie Morstad. 32p. Simply Read Books. 2012. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-897476-38-3.

PACOVSKA, Kvĕta. The Sun Is Yellow. tr. from German. illus. by author. Tate. 2012. RTE $24.95. ISBN 978-1-84976-064-5.

PARATORE, Coleen. Big. illus. by Clare Fennell. 32p. Little Pickle Pr. 2012. RTE $18.95. ISBN 978-0-9829938-5-9.

PEARSON, Susan. We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt. illus. by S. D. Schindler. 32p. Amazon. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6307-8.

PRYOR, Katherine. Sylvia’s Spinach. illus. by Anna Raff. 32p. Readers to Eaters. 2012. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-9836615-1-1. LC 2012938413.

RICHMOND, Marianne. I’m Not Tired Yet! illus. by author. 32p. Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-6878-6.

ROCK, Brian. With All My Heart. illus. by Samantha Chaffey. 24p. Tiger Tales. 2012. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-589256484.

RULE, Rebecca. The Iciest, Diciest, Scariest Sled Ride Ever! illus. by Jennifer Thermes. Islandport. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-934031-88-9. LC 2012934445.

SALZANO, Tammi. One Windy Day. illus. by Hannah Wood. 24p. Tiger Tales. 2012. BD $8.95. ISBN 978-1-58925-875-4.

SCHACHNER, Judy. Skippyjon Jones Cirque de Olé. illus. by author. 32p. w/CD. Dial. 2012. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3782-2. LC 2012012075.

SCOTTON, Rob. Splat Says Thank You! illus. by author. 40p. HarperCollins/Harper. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-197874-6.

SHAW, Nancy. Elena’s Story. illus. by Kristina Rodanas. 32p. (Tales of the World Series). glossary. Sleeping Bear. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-528-9. LC 2012005761.

SILEO, Frank J. Sally Sore Loser: A Story About Winning and Losing. illus. by Cary Pillo. 32p. Magination.2012. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-1189-0; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-1190-6. LC 2012009429.

SMITH, Brooke. Roger the Rat Is on the Loose! Bk. 1. illus. by Alli Arnold. 88p. (Mimi and Maty to the Rescue! Series). Sky Pony. 2012. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-62087-252-9.

SPINELLI, Jerry. Third Grade Angels. illus. by Jennifer A. Bell. 134p. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-545-38772-9; ebook $15.99. ISBN 978-0-545-46960-9.

STAAKE, Bob. Look! Another Book! illus. by author. 48p. Little, Brown. Dec. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780316204590.

STEGGALL, Susan. Red Car, Red Bus. illus. by author. 32p. Frances Lincoln. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-84780-184-5.

SURPLICE, Holly. About a Bear. illus. by author. 32p. Tiger Tales. 2012. Tr $9.95. ISBN 978-1-58925-112-0.

TIMMERS, Leo. The Magical Life of Mr. Renny. tr. from Dutch by Bill Nagelkerke. illus. by author. 36p. Gecko Pr. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-8775-7920-2.

TSIANG, Sarah. The Stone Hatchlings. illus. by Qin Leng. 32p. Annick. 2012. PLB $19.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-433-5; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-432-8.

WHAMOND, Dave. Oddrey. illus. by author. 32p. Owlkids. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-926973-45-6; ebook $11.95. ISBN 978-1-926973-52-4. LC 2011943509.

YOON, Salina. Do Cows Meow? ISBN 978-1-4027-8956-4.
––––. Do Crocs Kiss? ISBN 978-1-4027-8955-7.
ea vol: illus. by author. (A Lift-the-Flap Book). Sterling. 2012. BD $9.95.

Fiction

ALLGOR,Marie. Endangered Desert Animals. ISBN 978-1-4488-7423-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-7496-5. LC 2011051875.
––––. Endangered Forest Animals. ISBN 978-1-44887424-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-7497-2. LC 2011052946.
––––. Endangered Grassland Animals. ISBN 978-1-4488-7425-5; ISBN 978-1-4488-7498-9. LC 2012000385.
––––. Endangered Ocean Animals. ISBN 978-1-4488-7420-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-7493-4. LC 2011046911.
––––. Endangered Rain Forest Animals. ISBN 978-1-4488-7422-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-7495-8. LC 2011050665.
––––. Endangered Tundra Animals. ISBN 978-1-4488-7421-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-7494-1. LC 2011049573.
ea vol: 24p. (Save Earth’s Animals! Series). maps. photos. glossary. index. websites. Rosen/PowerKids Pr.2012. PLB $22.60; pap. $8.25.

ANCONA, George. It’s Our Garden: From Seeds to Harvest in a School Garden. 48p. further reading. websites.Candlewick. Jan. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5392-7.

ARCHER, Mandy. Digger to the Rescue. ISBN 978-1-60992-229-0.
––––. Fire Truck Is Flashing. ISBN 978-1-60992-228-3.
––––. Race Car Is Roaring. ISBN 978-1-60992-231-3.
––––. Tractor Saves the Day. ISBN 978-1-60992-230-6.
ea vol: illus. by Martha Lightfoot. 24p. (Busy Wheels Series). QEB. 2012. PLB $25.65.

BREDESON, Carmen & Lindsey Cousins. Can You Find These Birds? ISBN 978-0-7660-3977-3. LC 2011026420.
––––. Can You Find These Bugs? ISBN 978-0-7660-3976-6. LC 2011014495.
––––. Can You Find These Flowers? ISBN 978-0-7660-3976-6. LC 2011014457.
––––. Can You Find These Rocks? ISBN 978-0-7660-3979-7. LC 2011028394.
––––. Can You Find These Seashells? ISBN 978-0-7660-3978-0. LC 2011031132.
ea vol: 24p. (All About Nature Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. Enslow Elementary.2012. PLB $21.26.

CABRERA, Jane. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. illus. by author. 32p. Holiday House. 2012. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2519-8.

CAROLAN, Terry & Joanna Carolan. A President from Hawai’i. illus. by Elizabeth Zunon. 24p. glossary. maps. photos. Candlewick. 2012. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5230-2; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6282-0. LC 2011048107.

CURTIS, Jennifer Keats with Mary Birney, et al .Animal Helpers: Wildlife Rehabilitators. 32p. photos. Sylvan Dell. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-671-7; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-672-4; ebook $9.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-673-1.

EMERY, William. Kodoku. illus. by Hanae Rivera. 32p. Heyday. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59714-173-4. LC 2011032355.

ERNST, Lisa Campbell. How Things Work in the House. illus. by author. 40p. diags. Blue Apple. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-160905189-1.

GRIMM, The Brothers. Sleeping Beauty. tr. from German. illus. by Maja Dusíková. 32p. NorthSouth. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4087-4.

HOFFMAN, Mary, retel. The Twelve Dancing Princesses. illus. by Miss Clara. 64p. (Classic Fairy Tales Series).Barefoot. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-84686-838-2.

KALZ, Jill. My First Mandarin Chinese Phrases. illus. by Daniele Fabbri. 32p. (Speak Another Language! Series). charts. further reading. glossary. websites. Picture Window. 2012. PLB $25.99. ISBN 978-1-4048-7155-7; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-4048-7246-2. LC 2011027193.

KASTER, Pam. Molly the Pony: A True Story. 48p. (My Readers. Level 2 Series). 48p. photos. Square Fish.2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-250-00433-8; ebook $3.99. ISBN 978-0-312-61121-7. LC 2011030860.

LEAR, Edward. The Owl and the Pussycat: And Other Nonsense. illus. by Robert Ingpen. 192p. reprods.Trafalgar Square. 2012. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-9571483-0-7.

MAGBY, Meryl. Lobsters. ISBN 978-1-4488-7396-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-7623-5. LC 2011044711.
––––. Sea Anemones. ISBN 978-1-4488-7401-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-7628-0. LC 2011051476.
––––. Sea Urchins. ISBN 978-1-4488-7400-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-7627-3. LC 2011049572.
ea vol: 24p. (Under the Sea Series). maps. photos. glossary. index. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2012. PLB $22.60; ebook $22.60.

MEBANE, Jeanie. Animal Hibernation. ISBN 978-1-4296-8266-4; ISBN 978-1-4296-9310-3. LC 2012002130.
––––. Animal Migration. ISBN 978-1-4296-8267-1; ISBN 978-1-4296-9306-6. LC 2012002118.
ea vol: 24p. (Learn About Animal Behavior Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites.Capstone. 2012. PLB $24.65; pap. $6.95.

MICHÉ, Mary. Nature’s Patchwork Quilt: Understanding Habitats. illus. by Consie Powell. 32p. further reading.Dawn. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58469-169-3. LC 2011048064.

MY TOURIST GUIDE TO THE PREHISTORIC WORLD . 64p. charts. chron. diags. illus. index. maps. photos. DK.2012. RTE $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7566-9283-4.

PINKNEY, Jerry, adapt. Puss in Boots. illus. by adapter. 40p. Dial. 2012. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-1642-1. LC 2011038789.

PITTAU, Francesco & Bernadette Gervais. Birds of a Feather. tr. from French. illus. by authors. 18p. Chronicle.2012. RTE $24.99. ISBN 978-1-452-11066-0.

ROOP, Peter & Connie Roop. Tales of Famous Animals. illus. by Zachary Pullen. 112p. bibliog. index. maps. photos. Scholastic. Dec. 2012. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-43029-6.

SNYDER, Betsy. I Haiku You. illus. by author. Random. Dec. 2012. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86750-7. LC 201008884.

WHITT, Kelly Kizer. Solar System Forecast. illus. by Laurie Allen Klein. 32p. Sylvan Dell. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-523-9; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-532-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60718-541-3.

WOOD, Alix. Amazing Animals at Night. ISBN 978-1-4488-8102-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-8165-9. LC 2012007003.
––––. Amazing Animal Camouflage. ISBN 978-1-4488-8097-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-8166-6. LC 2011051690.
––––. Amazing Animal Partners. ISBN 978-1-4488-8101-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-8164-2. LC 2011052811.
ea vol: 24p. (Wow! Wildlife Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. Windmill. 2012. PLB $22.60; pap. $8.25.

YORK, M. J., retel. Chicken Little. illus. by Teri Weidner. ISBN 978-1-61473-213-6. LC 2012932695.
––––. The Little Red Hen. illus. by Laura Freeman. ISBN 978-1-61473-214-3. LC 2012932805.
––––. The Three Billy Goats Gruff. illus. by Molly Idle. ISBN 978-1-61473-215-0. LC 2012932806.
––––. The Three Little Pigs. illus. by Laura Ferraro Close. ISBN 978-1-61473-216-7. LC 2012932815.
ea vol: 24p. (Children’s Favorite Stories Series). The Child’s World. 2012. PLB $27.07.

ZIEFERT, Harriet. Robin, Where Are You? illus. by Noah Woods. 40p. Blue Apple. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-160905192-1.

Adapting any children’s classic to a new format is tricky. Purists will scream it’s not the original; others will be delighted to discover a new way to enjoy an old favorite, or, when it’s been out-of-print for a while, appreciate the opportunity to have access to the story once again. The good news is, we aren’t being asked to choose between formats.

Dorothy Kunhardt’s Pat the Bunny (Random House Digital) and Crockett Johnson’s Harold and the Purple Crayon (Trilogy Studios) are examples digital stories that can stand side-by-side with their print counterparts. Pat the Bunny offers a non-linear version of the tale, with delightful, age-appropriate interactivity built in. No scratchy Daddy’s face to feel here, but children can use their fingers to move a sled, pop bubbles, or paint.

For generations, children have wanted to borrow Harold’s crayon and reproduce his meandering lines on the page; in the app they are actually encouraged to do it. And when this boy sets sail on the ocean, children watch as waves rock his boat and seagulls fly overhead.

Like these digital versions, the Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight Moon can be appreciated as an app. Is it the same as the print? No. Will preschoolers be able to enjoy both? Most likely.

On Goodnight Moon’s (Loud Crow Interactive; PreS-K; $4.99 iOS, $2.99 Android) opening screen, a copy of the book appears against pastel bed covers, a plush stuffed rabbit, and some not-too-subtle advertising for add-on purchases (Goodnight Moon ABC and Goodnight Moon 123). A tap to the jacket and the book opens as the background becomes a deep-blue sky filled with twinkling stars. A double-page spread of the story covers only half the screen, so images and text are somewhat reduced in size.

The digital version retains the rich palette of Clement Hurd’s original illustrations, and there are loads of enchanting animations, sound effects, and interactive elements: flickering flames in the bedroom fireplace, a cow that jumps over the moon, a giggling rabbit, stars that dissolve on touch, and the opportunity to inscribe the book with child’s name and/or photo. But there are also features and games that may not be intuitive, or of interest to kids: a mouse hunt, a sticker collection (more for purchase), and a spy glass that enlarges only a small portion of an image or text while obscuring the rest of it.

The narration is evenly paced and soothing, and a gentle piano tune plays throughout (the volume is adjustable). To advance the text, a long swipe is best; a short one may trigger more interactivity, which can frustrate children.

Parents are likely to be turned off by the add-ons (though the pitch can be locked down), but kids who love this story will enjoy seeing it on the screen with animation. While the interactivity will engage them, the extras are just that.—Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal

The next app is classic Don Freeman.

In Don Freeman’s 1973 picture book, Flash the Dash (Children’s Press), readers meet a lazy dachshund and his partner, Sashay. At first, it’s Sashay who does odd jobs about town to keep them in treats and liverwurst, but eventually she convinces her reluctant mate to do his share. Flash finds a job as a telegram delivery dog, “gets his wiggle on,” and enjoys his work (and smart-looking cap). Due to his speed, he earns his nickname.

However, as the seasons change and spring arrives, the dachshund begins to ignore his duties and is soon found napping in fields and under trees. During one sleepy detour, a telegram floats away. A woman discovers it, notes it is addressed to Flash, and reads it to him. When Flash learns Sashay has had puppies, he gets “the message.”

In the app version (Auryn, Inc. $3.99; PreS–Gr 2) children can read the story or listen to the mellow narration. “Auto Play” allows for a hands-off experience as the text is read karaoke-style (each word is highlighted in red as it’s spoken), with automatic page turns. Children can also choose to customize the narration by recording their own version of the story. Items on the page such as tree and sidewalk are named when tapped in all operating modes.

Freeman’s original gold-toned illustrations are bright, clear, and appealing. This out-of-print picture book will be enjoyed by a new generation in digital. A free, “lite” version is available to sample.—Morgan Doane, Kent District Library, East Grand Rapids, MI