BĂDESCU, Ramona. Pomelo’s Opposites. tr. from French by Claudia Zoe Bedrick. illus. by Benjamin Chaud. 120p. (Pomelo the Garden Elephant Series). Enchanted Lion. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-132-2.

K-Gr 3–Filled with whimsy, surprise, and pure fun, this French import extends the idea of opposites far beyond the basics. More than 100 pages are packed neatly into the small, square-shaped frame, with contrasting words and images facing on each spread. Many, but not all, feature Pomelo, a big-eyed, long-trunked pink elephant demonstrating each example. The book begins with fairly standard word pairs, but the art is anything but predictable. For example, “morning/evening” features identical scenes with the skies reversed. Further page turns lead to even more imaginative interpretations. The words stray from direct opposites in playful ways, such as “something”/“whatever” and “handsome”/“weird.” The cartoon drawings are often funny: one shows a red piece of food going “in” the elephant’s mouth, then coming out his opposite end, having turned brown after digestion. Some are thought-provoking: a flower losing its petals represents “fleeting,” then the same flower is captured in a painting for “permanent.” When the word pairs require an extra bit of stretching to fit as opposites, such as “on snailback”/“by turtle,” it’s in keeping with the creative, carefree tone that permeates the book. Rich vocabulary (“stalagmite,” “concave,” and “gastropod,” for example) and deceptively subtle visual interpretations make this a great choice for parent-child sharing and discussion, but solo children will have no problem immersing themselves in the clever, playful, and deftly imagined illustrations.–Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville Public Library, OR

BEST, Cari. Beatrice Spells Some Lulus and Learns to Write a Letter. illus. by Giselle Potter. 40p. Farrar/Margaret Ferguson. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-39904-7. LC 2012015337.

Gr 1-3–Once Beatrice figures out how to spell, she doesn’t want to stop. With the support of her grandma, she spells everywhere and anywhere. Around town she spends her time correcting the myriad spelling errors she finds. At school she tries to start a spelling club, but her friends aren’t interested. A disheartened Beatrice stops spelling for a whole week, until she comes up with a clever plan. She turns the class Show and Tell into Show and Spell, and then tells the class about her pet T-A-R-A-N-T-U-L-A Rose. Show and Spell takes the school by storm and soon Beatrice and her friends are spelling anywhere, at any time, and correcting errors together. Beatrice then writes a letter to Nanny Hannah, thanking her for giving her the spelling bug. This wordy picture book will introduce children not only to the joys of spelling but also to words like “lulu” and “crackerjack.” Potter’s folk-arty illustrations depict the story’s action and emotion well, but feel a little dated. This book will find a ready audience among the spelling crowd and might encourage others to join them.–Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

GRAHAM, Bob. The Silver Button. illus. by author. 32p. Candlewick. Oct. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6437-4. LC 2012947825.

PreS-Gr 2–In his inimitable, deceptively simple style, Graham celebrates what can happen in a single moment and reminds readers to pause and observe. The text begins before the title page: “At 9:59 on Thursday morning, Jodie drew a duck.” Next her baby brother takes his first step. As he does so, Graham cinematically pulls back farther and farther, showing other things happening at that instant: a jogger puffs by, a soldier hugs his mother, a blackbird finds a worm, a baby is born, and so on, until the story comes full circle. Jonathan falls down, Jodie tells her mother about his first step, and the clock strikes 10:00. Graham’s detail-filled ink and watercolor illustrations are in full force here. Initially, Jonathan fills the page, but rapidly the view pulls back, expanding the point of view: the jogger is seen through a window, the block from above, then a bird’s-eye view of the city, with the block, the hospital, and the beach visible, and finally a close-up of Mom hugging her baby boy. While the story is minimal, there is a lot to see and absorb. The detailed pictures bear repeated inspection, the characters are appealing, and the story is very child-oriented. This unusual offering will enhance collections and work equally well in classrooms or one-on-one. A worthwhile addition.–Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

HOLUB, Joan. Little Red Writing. illus. by Melissa Sweet. 36p. Chronicle. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-7869-2.

K-Gr 2–Written with wit, humor, and puns galore, this fractured fairy tale features Little Red, a pencil in search of a story. Given a writing assignment by her teacher Ms. 2, Little Red travels down the story path with a basket of red nouns looking for the kind of tale that will allow her to display bravery and fight evil, “because red is the color of courage. But what would a brave pencil do?” As she journeys around the school, she encounters action words at the gym, descriptive words at the library, etc., until she comes across a long tangly tail that is up to no good. Brave Little Red follows it into Principal Granny’s office where she comes upon the Wolf 3000, “the grumpiest, growliest, grindingest pencil sharpener ever made!” This is a book so rich in words and wry humor–written and visual–that one reading just isn’t enough. Imagine kids running to the dictionary to look up “bosky” and “tenebrous” after getting bogged down in the dark, descriptive forest (the school library) or poring over Sweet’s characteristically engaging watercolor, pencil, and collage illustrations for delicious details, such as the pencil school newspaper with the motto “We get to the point.” These pictures don’t merely enhance Holub’s clever text, they become a part of it through the use of layered papers upon which the dialogue is literally written in pencil. Little Red’s classmates run the gamut of childhood types, each distinguished by its individualized eraser. Creative and fun, this book works equally well for storytime or story writing. Pair it with Janet Stevens’s The Little Red Pen (Houghton, 2011) for the full gamut of school-supplies silliness.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

LUDWIG, Trudy. The Invisible Boy. illus. by Patrice Barton. 40p. further reading. Knopf. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-582-46450-3.

K-Gr 2–Brian feels invisible. His teacher hardly notices him, the other kids never invite him to play, and he eats lunch alone. But he loves to draw, so at recess, he creates comics about greedy pirates, battling space aliens, and superheroes with the power to make friends everywhere. One day, a new boy, Justin, joins the class. The other children make fun of him for eating Bulgogi, a Korean dish, but Brian slips him a friendly note. When it is time to find partners for a class project, Justin asks Brian to join him and another boy. Brian’s artistic talents come in handy, and finally he is no longer invisible. This is a simple yet heartfelt story about a boy who has been excluded for no apparent reason but finds a way to cope and eventually gains acceptance. Barton’s scribbly illustrations look like something Brian may have made. Pencil sketches painted digitally are set against lots of white space, and sometimes atop a background of Brian’s drawings on lined notebook paper. At the start of this picture book, Brian is shown in shades of gray while the rest of the world is in color, a visual reminder of his isolation. Color starts to creep in as he is noticed by Justin. Once he becomes part of the group, he is revealed in full color. The thought-provoking story includes questions for discussion and suggested reading lists for adults and children in the back matter. Pair this highly recommended book with Jacqueline Woodson’s Each Kindness (Penguin, 2012) for units on friendship or feelings.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

MACLACHLAN, Patricia. Snowflakes Fall. illus. by Steven Kellogg. 32p. Random. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-37693-8; lib. ed. $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97328-4; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98219-4. LC 2013008622.

PreS-Gr 3–A gentle picture book created as tribute to the victims of the 2012 shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. In his dedication, Kellogg expresses his hope that this book “celebrates the laughter, the playful high spirits, and the uniqueness of the children of Sandy Hook and of children everywhere.” And indeed, the image of falling snowflakes–“Flake/After flake/After flake/Each one a pattern/All its own–/No two the same–/All beautiful”–makes an affecting metaphor. MacLachlan’s lyrical and understated poem describes snowflakes swirling “together/Like the voices of children” to blanket backyards and sleeping gardens, rolling countryside, and the town’s familiar sites. Though a nighttime storm may bring shadows that “darken dreams,” morning always comes again, revealing a shining world and the opportunity to play outdoors. In springtime, “when the flowers bloom/The children remember the snowflakes/And we remember the children–/No two the same–/All beautiful.” Throughout, Kellogg’s paintings dazzle with brightly clad kids joyfully romping through winter scenes. As flowers bloom, some of the youngsters dance into a still-snowy sky, and the back endpaper shows a row of 20 snow angels taking flight from a moonlit hillside and soaring into the heavens. Accentuating the rebirth found in nature’s cycle, text and images depict the process of healing and renewal, the comfort of memory, and the power of hope. Adults can share this book to address tragic events, discuss grief and the recovery process, and remind children of the precious beauty of life.–Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

NAKAWAKI, Hatsue. Wait! Wait! tr. from Japanese by Yuki Kaneko. illus. by Komako Sakai. 24p. Enchanted Lion. 2013. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-138-4.

PreS–The nearly incidental minimalistic text (the titular refrain) serves as an outline for Sakai’s inspired illustrations, which capture tiny moments of a toddler’s exploration of the world. On the first page, the youngster chases a butterfly, to the words, “Wait! Wait!” On the next, the butterfly flies away, “fluttering up in the air.” And so it goes as the child discovers a lizard, some pigeons, and two cats, and finally is swung up onto Daddy’s shoulders, to the words, “Here we go!” The spare text gives the illustrations room to shine and a child’s imagination room to roam. The acrylic and oil pencil illustrations use simple lines and colors to capture both motion and emotion. The backgrounds are mostly white, with only the most important details sketched in, but the black of the pencil manages to give the earth and rocks and grass both texture and immediacy. The small details ground the illustrations in reality, and the blurred wings of the pigeons capture the movement in almost photographic reality. Sakai is a wizard with the medium, capturing the child’s emotions with simple lines and bringing the animals fully to life. The limited use of color and paint emphasizes the texture of the cats’ fur, the birds’ wings, and the flowers’ petals. Parents and toddlers will see themselves in these pages and delight in Sakai’s ability to bring them to life. A quiet gem.–Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

RASCHKA, Chris. Daisy Gets Lost. illus. by author. 32p. Random/Schwartz & Wade. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-449-81741-4; lib. ed. $20.99. ISBN 978-0-449-81742-1; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-449-81743-8.

PreS-Gr 2–The lovable pup from A Ball for Daisy (Random, 2011) is back. Nearly wordless like its predecessor, this evocative story depicts another misadventure in the park. While playing fetch with her human and her new blue ball, Daisy sees a squirrel. In typical doggie fashion, she merrily chases the critter into the woods and gets lost. Frantic, she howls and looks for the child while the youngster searches for her. The two find each other in the end, though Daisy is still eyeing that pesky squirrel. A clever mix of layouts–mostly full spreads, occasionally changing to two to eight panels across two pages–propels the action. As in his previous work, Raschka masterfully imbues his ink, watercolor, and gouache illustrations with a stunning range of emotions. With a few brushstrokes, he captures the excitement in the lolling canine tongue, the alarm and anguish of being lost, the relief and joy of the cozy reunion. Whether a cautionary tale or one familiar to any pet owner, this book is a must for Daisy fans everywhere.–Yelena Alekseyeva-Popova, formerly at Chappaqua Library, NY

WIESNER, David. Mr. Wuffles! illus. by author. 32p. Clarion. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-618-75661-2.

K-Gr 4–Mr. Wuffles ignores all his fancy cat toys. Still sporting price tags, they line the hallway as he strolls by. But resting quietly among the feathers, balls, and mice is a tiny metal spaceship, and this catches his attention. His playful batting knocks around the alien explorers inside, causing bumps but no injuries. The ship’s flying disks do not survive, however, and the aliens set out to explore the house and repair their craft. Barely escaping Mr. Wuffles’s claws, they dash behind the radiator and discover primitive art of the cat’s previous battles and make friends with the house’s insects. The bugs help the aliens repair the spaceship, avoid capture, and fly away. Nearly wordless, the story is told through pictures and the languages of the ants and aliens, depicted by dashes and symbols. The book is fairly complex, best suited for elementary students, who will enjoy decoding the aliens’ cryptographic alphabet. Wiesner humorously captures the curiosity and confusion of Mr. Wuffles and his human, who remains oblivious to the drama underfoot. The idea of a separate, tiny world next to ours makes a great premise, and Wiesner’s engaging art and lively pacing carry the day. Visual storytelling at its best.–Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR

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The following titles are reviewed in the September 2013 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

Preschool to Grade 4

ALBOROUGH, Jez. Nat the Cat’s Sunny Smile. illus. by author. 32p. websites. Kane Miller. Sept. 2013. RTE $12.99. ISBN 978-1-61067-177-4. LC 2012955332.

ANDERSEN, Hans Christian. The Snow Queen: A Retelling of the Fairy Tale. illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline. 40p. HarperCollins/Harper. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-220950-4. LC 2012011533.

ANDREWS, Julie & Emma Walton Hamilton. The Very Fairy Princess Sparkles in the Snow. illus. by Christine Davenier. 32p. (The Very Fairy Princess Series). Little, Brown. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-316-21963-1. LC 2012042576.

ARANT, Bruce. Simpson’s Sheep Won’t Go to Sleep! illus. by author. 32p. Peter Pauper Press. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4413-1359-1. LC 2013010074.

BARCLAY, Eric. Hiding Phil. illus. by author. 32p. Scholastic. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-46477-2. LC 2012049321.

BARCLAY, Eric. I Can See Just Fine. illus. by author. 32p. Abrams/Appleseed. 2013. RTE $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0801-5. LC 2012048270.

BARRETT, Judi. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 3: Planet of the Pies. illus. by Isidre Monés. 32p. S & S/Atheneum. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-9027-7; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-9028-4. LC 2012051345.

BEAN, Jonathan. Big Snow. illus. by author. 32p. Farrar. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-30696-0.

BEATY, Andrea. Rosie Revere, Engineer. illus. by David Roberts. 32p. Abrams. Sept. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0845-9.

BERNHEIMER, Kate. The Girl Who Wouldn’t Brush Her Hair. illus. by Jake Parker. 40p. Random/Schwartz & Wade. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86878-8; lib. ed. $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96878-5.ebook available. LC 2012006440.

BLACKABY, Susan. Brownie Groundhog and the Wintry Surprise. illus. by Carmen Segovia. 32p. Sterling. Oct. 2013. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-9836-8.

BOBER, Natalie S. Papa Is a Poet: A Story About Robert Frost. illus. by Rebecca Gibbon. 40p. bibliog. photos. Holt/Christy Ottaviano. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9407-7.

BROWN, Marc. Marc Brown’s Playtime Rhymes: A Treasury for Families to Learn and Play Together. illus. by author. 48p. Little, Brown. Oct. 2013. Tr $18. ISBN 978-0-316-20735-5.

CARLE, Eric. Friends. illus. by author. 32p. photos. Philomel. Nov. 2013. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-16533-7. LC 2012048850.

CASANOVA, Mary. One-Dog Sleigh. illus. by Ard Hoyt. 32p. Farrar. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-35639-2. LC 2012007581.

CATALANOTTO, Peter. Monkey & Robot. illus. by author. 64p. S & S/Atheneum/Richard Jackson Bks. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2978-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3060-0. LC 2012003044.

CHAPMAN, Lynne. Baby Can…Bounce! ISBN 978-1-4052-5831-9.

––––.Baby Goes…Baaaaa! ISBN 978-1-4052-5830-2.

ea vol: illus. by author. 24p. websites. Egmont USA. 2013. pap. $7.99.

CHAUD, Benjamin. The Bear’s Song. tr. from French. illus. by author. 32p. Chronicle. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4521-1424-8.

CHERNESKY, Felicia Sanzari. Pick a Circle, Gather Squares: A Fall Harvest of Shapes. illus. by Susan Swan. 32p. Albert Whitman. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-6538-4. LC 2013005186.

CHILD, Lauren. Maude: The Not-So-Noticeable Shrimpton. illus. by Trisha Krauss. 32p. Candlewick. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6515-9.

CLANTON, Ben. The Table Sets Itself. illus. by author. 40p. Walker. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-3447-1; lib. ed. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-3448-8. ebook available.

COCCA-LEFFLER, Maryann. Theo’s Mood. illus. by author. 24p. Albert Whitman. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-7778-3. LC 2012049834.

CORDIER, Séverine & Cynthia Lacroix. A Day at the Farm. tr. from French by Sarah Quinn. illus. by authors. 48p. Owlkids. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-926973-76-0. LC 2012948721.

DODD, Emma. Cinderelephant. illus. by author. 32p. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-53285-3. LC 2012028907.

ESCOFFIER, Michaël. Me First! tr. from French by Claudia Zoe Bedrick. illus. by Kris Di Giacomo. 24p. Enchanted Lion. 2013. Tr $14. ISBN 978-1-59270-136-0.

FINCH, Mary. The Little Red Hen. illus. by Kate Slater. 32p. w/CD. Barefoot Books. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-84686-575-6; pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-84686-751-4.

FRASIER, Debra. Spike: Ugliest Dog in the Universe. illus. by author. 40p. S & S/Beach Lane. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-1452-5; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-8988-2. LC 2012025585.

GAY, Marie-Louise. Read Me a Story, Stella. illus. by author. 32p. (A Stella and Sam Book). Groundwood/House of Anansi. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-216-5.

GOLDMAN, Marcia. Lola Goes to Work: A Nine-to-Five Therapy Dog. 32p. Creston Books. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-939547-00-2.

HABER, Tiffany Strelitz. Ollie and Claire. illus. by Matthew Cordell. 40p. Philomel. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25603-5. LC 2011049771.

HAMBURG, Jennifer. A Moose That Says Moo. illus. by Sue Truesdell. 32p. Farrar. Oct. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-35058-1.

HARLEY, Bill. Charlie Bumpers vs. the Teacher of the Year. illus. by Adam Gustavson. 160p. Peachtree. Sept. 2013. Tr $13.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-732-8. LC 2013004850.

HARRIS, Robie H. When Lions Roar. illus. by Chris Raschka. 32p. Scholastic/Orchard. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-11283-3. LC 2012005622.

HEIDBREDER, Robert. Black and Bittern Was Night. illus. by John Martz. 32p. Kids Can. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-302-2.

HILLENBRAND, Will. Off We Go!: A Bear and Mole Story. illus. by author. 32p. Holiday House. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2520-4. LC 2012045823.

HORÁČEK, Petr. Animal Opposites: A Pop-Up Book. illus. by author. 20p. Candlewick. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6776-4. LC 2012950554.

KINGSBURY, Karen & Alex Smith. Go Ahead and Dream. illus. by Greg Banning. 32p. HarperCollins/Harper. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-168625-2. LC 2010015907.

KLEVEN, Elisa. Cozy Light, Cozy Night. illus. by author. 32p. Creston Books. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-939547-02-6.

LATIMER, Alex. Lion vs. Rabbit. illus. by author. 32p. Peachtree. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-709-0. LC 2012044982.

LEPP, Bil. The King of Little Things. illus. by David T. Wenzel. 32p. Peachtree. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-708-3. LC 2012032584.

LEWIN, Betsy. Thumpy Feet. illus. by author. 32p. Holiday House. Sept. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2901-1. ebook available. LC 2012045826.

LONDON, Jonathan. Here Comes Firefighter Hippo. illus. by Gilles Eduar. 32p. (A Little Hippo Story). Boyds Mills. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-968-1. LC 2013931089.

MACBETH, Janine. Oh, Oh, Baby Boy! illus. by author. 32p. Blood Orange Press. 2013. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-0-9853514-0-3.

MCBRATNEY, Sam. There, There. illus. by Ivan Bates. 40p. Candlewick/Templar. Sept. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6702-3. LC 2012954336.

MACCARONE, Grace. Princess Tales: Once Upon a Time in Rhyme with Seek-and-Find Pictures. illus. by Gail de Marcken. 32p. notes. Feiwel & Friends. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-312-67958-3.

MCDONALD, Megan. Ant and Honey Bee: A Pair of Friends in Winter. illus. by G. Brian Karas. 64p. Candlewick. Oct. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5712-3. LC 2012947754.

MACDONALD, Ross. Henry’s Hand. illus. by author. 48p. Abrams. Oct. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0527-4. LC 2012039257.

MCKISSACK, Patricia C. Ol’ Clip-Clop: A Ghost Story. illus. by Eric Velasquez. 32p. Holiday House. Oct. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2265-4. LC 2010029448.

MACLACHLAN, Patricia. You Were the First. illus. by Stephanie Graegin. 40p. Little, Brown. Sept. 2013. Tr $17. ISBN 978-0-316-18533-2. LC 2012039910.

MARCIANO, John Bemelmans. Madeline and the Old House in Paris. illus. by author. 48p. Viking. Oct. 2013. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-670-78485-1. LC 2012048417.

MAYER, Pamela. Don’t Sneeze at the Wedding. illus. by Martha Avilés. 32p. Kar-Ben. Sept. 2013. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-0428-1; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-0429-8; ebook $6.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1641-3. LC 2012029188.

MEYER, Joyce. Wonderfully Made. illus. by Mary Sullivan. 40p. (Everyday Zoo Series). Zonderkidz. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-310-72353-0.

MILGRIM, David. Some Monsters Are Different. illus. by author. 40p. Holt. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9519-7. LC 2012016355.

NEEMAN, Sylvie. Something Big. tr. from French by Claudia Zoe Bedrick. illus. by Ingrid Godon. 32p. Enchanted Lion. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-140-7.

NEUBECKER, Robert. Winter Is for Snow. illus. by author. 32p. Hyperion/Disney. Oct. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-7831-6.

PEARSON, Tracey Campbell. Elephant’s Story. illus. by author. 40p. Farrar/Margaret Ferguson. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-374-39913-9.

POTTER, Ellen. Strange but True. illus. by David Heatley. 227p. (Otis Dooda Series). Feiwel & Friends. 2013. Tr $13.99. ISBN 978-1-250-01176-3.

RAY, J. Hamilton. Squirrels on Skis. illus. by Pascal Lemaitre. 64p. (Beginner Books Series). Random. Sept. 2013. Tr $8.99. ISBN 978-0-449-81081-1; lib. ed. $12.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97152-5; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98141-8. LC 2012044919.

REDLICH, Ben. Who Flung Dung? illus. by author. 28p. Sky Pony. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-62087-543-8.

REYNOLDS, Aaron. Carnivores. illus. by Dan Santat. 40p. Chronicle. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-6690-3.

ROUSS, Sylvia A. & Shannan Rouss. A Watermelon in the Sukkah. illus. by Ann Iosa. 24p. Kar-Ben. 2013. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8118-1; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8119-8; ebook $6.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1642-0. LC 2012028984.

SCHACHNER, Judy. Bits & Pieces. illus. by author. 32p. Dial. Nov. 2013. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3788-4. LC 2012042083.

SEIBOLD, J. Otto. Lost Sloth. illus. by author. 32p. McSweeney’s McMullens. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-938073-35-9.

SHULEVITZ, Uri. Dusk. illus. by author. 32p. Farrar/Margaret Ferguson. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-374-31903-8.

SHULMAN, Mark. Ann and Nan Are Anagrams: A Mixed-Up Word Dilemma. illus. by Adam McCauley. 36p. Chronicle. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4521-0914-5.

SLACK, Michael. Elecopter. illus. by author. 32p. Holt/Christy Ottaviano. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9304-9.

SOMAN, David & Jacky Davis. Ladybug Girl and the Big Snow. illus. by David Soman. 40p. (Ladybug Girl Series). Dial. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3583-5. LC 2012033451.

STAVANS, Ilan. Golemito. illus. by Teresa Villegas. 32p. NewSouth Books. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58838-292-4.

STEAD, Philip C. Hello, My Name Is Ruby. illus. by author. 40p. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-809-5.

STEIN, David Ezra. Dinosaur Kisses. illus. by author. 32p. Candlewick. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6104-5. LC 2012954335.

STEIN, Peter. Toys Galore. illus. by Bob Staake. 32p. Candlewick. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6254-7. LC 2012947733.

STOOP, Naoko. Red Knit Cap Girl to the Rescue. illus. by author. 40p. Little, Brown/Megan Tingley. Nov. 2013. Tr $17. ISBN 978-0-316-22885-5. LC 2012041465.

SULLIVAN, Kate. On Linden Square. illus. by author. 40p. Sleeping Bear. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-58536-832-7. LC 2013004097.

SUNEBY, Elizabeth. Razia’s Ray of Hope: One Girl’s Dream of an Education. illus. by Suana Verelst. 36p. (CitizenKid Series). glossary. photos. websites. Kids Can. Sept. 2013. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-816-4.

SUROVEC, Yasmine. I See Kitty. illus. by author. 40p. Roaring Brook. Sept. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-862-0. LC 2012050306.

TIMMERS, Leo. Bang. tr. from Dutch. illus. by author. 48p. Gecko Press. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-877579-18-9.

VILLENEUVE, Anne. Loula Is Leaving for Africa. illus. by author. 32p. Kids Can. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-941-3.

VIVA, Frank. Young Frank, Architect. illus. by author. 40p. websites. Museum of Modern Art. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-87070-893-0. LC 2013935903.

WARD, Lindsay. Please Bring Balloons. illus. by author. 32p. Dial. Oct. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3878-2. LC 2012033588.

WELLS, Rosemary. Yoko Finds Her Way. illus. by author. 32p. Hyperion/Disney. Oct. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-6512-5.

WESTON, Carrie. What Noise Does a Rabbit Make? illus. by Richard Byrne. 32p. Andersen. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-2032-8; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-2038-0.

WOLF, Gita & Andrea Anastasio. Alone in the Forest. illus. by Bhajju Shyam. 40p. Tara Bks. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-81-923171-5-1.

YATES, Louise. Dog Loves Counting. illus. by author. 32p. Knopf. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-449-81342-3; lib. ed. $20.99. ISBN 978-0-449-81343-0.

YOUNG, Cybèle. Ten Birds Meet a Monster. illus. by author. 32p. Kids Can. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-955-0.

ZUCKER, Jonny. Game On: Mission 1. ISBN 978-1-4677-1207-1; ISBN 978-1-4677-1465-5; ISBN 978-1-4677-2051-9.

––––.Grave Danger: Mission 4. ISBN 978-1-4677-1210-1; ISBN 978-1-4677-1466-2; ISBN 978-1-4677-2054-0.

––––.In Deep: Mission 3. ISBN 978-1-4677-1209-5; ISBN 978-1-4677-1473-0; ISBN 978-1-4677-2053-3.

––––.Supersonic: Mission 2. ISBN 978-1-4677-1208-8; ISBN 978-1-4677-1482-2; ISBN 978-1-4677-2052-6.

ea vol: illus. by Ned Woodman. 144p. (Max Flash Series). Darby Creek. Nov. 2013. lib. ed. $27.93; pap. $7.95; ebook $20.95.

BUTTERWORTH, Chris. See What a Seal Can Do. illus. by Kate Nelms. 32p. index. websites. Candlewick. 2013. RTE $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6574-6. LC 2012947729.

K-Gr 2–A curious gray seal peers out from the cover, seeming to invite readers into its underwater world. Once inside, the book begins and ends with seals napping on the rocks. This sedentary behavior, the only one visible to earth-bound humans, gives these sea mammals a “lazy” reputation. In fact, as the illustrations go on to show, the seal is anything but. Once below the ocean’s surface, the creature’s streamlined body and adaptive features (which are described and explained) make it a master predator. The poetic text is full of alliteration, onomatopoeia, and vocabulary that will delight readers. (“A flump is a flop and a jump both together.”) Sentences in smaller type act as captions and add further detail, as do the illustrations on the endpapers and the information on the verso of the title page. The beautifully colored, full-spread illustrations portray the seal’s transformation from awkward land dweller to sinuous and powerful denizen of the deep. The below-water scenes masterfully evoke the murky ocean habitat and the singular seal’s steep descent to the bottom. From the irresistible cover to the closing “super-swimming underwater wonder,” the book will encourage readers to dive right in and see what a seal can do.–Carol S. Surges, formerly at Longfellow Middle School, Wauwatosa, WI

GUIBERSON, Brenda Z. The Greatest Dinosaur Ever. illus. by Gennady Spirin. 32p. bibliog. websites. Holt. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9625-5.

Gr 1-4–This book poses the question, “Who was the greatest dinosaur that ever lived?” Each beautifully illustrated page declares “I, —-, was the greatest of them all!” The succinct text describes the superlative characteristic (biggest herbivore, stongest teeth, fastest runner) of the species and offers the gross, interesting, and informative facts that dinosaur-obsessed readers want to know. Each name includes a pronunciation guide (exactly what adult readers want). The text includes a mix of familiar and obscure species including “the first dinosaur to say I was a bird,” the best parent, and the longest spikes. Every full-spread illustration, in oil paint on paper, shows the dinosaur in its richly depicted habitat. Observant children will learn as much from the detailed, painterly images of groups of animals moving together, hunting prey, and adapting to new environments as they will from the text. The dreamy quality of the art keeps these giant predators from being too scary. Whether read aloud or pored over individually, this book is sure to please anyone who has ever wondered about dinosaurs.–Leila Sterman, Chappaqua Library, NY

PINKNEY, Jerry. The Tortoise & the Hare. illus. by author. 40p. Little, Brown. Oct. 2013. Tr $18. ISBN 978-0-316-18356-7. LC 2012048426.

PreS-Gr 3–Following up on his superb rendition of The Lion & the Mouse (Little, Brown, 2009), Pinkney has created yet another stunning interpretation of a classic tale in this virtually wordless picture book. Endpapers establish the desert setting with a map of the course through the cacti and rocky region of the American Southwest. Tortoise and Hare, each sporting a bandana, are joined by their animal friends at the starting line for the famous race. Fox in his broad-brimmed hat gives them their marks, gets them set, and off they go as Hare bounds away, leaving Tortoise behind in a trail of dust. Pinkney uses watercolor, colored pencil, and pastel paintings to create vibrant characters that are in colorful contrast to the tans and natural browns of the desert. Long horizontal lines and Hare leaping off the page propel the story–and the race–ever forward. The limited text, used sparingly but extremely effectively, reinforces the theme of the story–that the journey is as important as the ultimate goal–and builds one word at a time: “slow,” “slow and,” “slow and steady” until finally the race is won to the cheers and high-fives of the supportive spectators. Pinkney takes care to show Tortoise overcoming challenges and Hare demonstrating good sportsmanship and healthy competition. An artist’s note explains the creative process and motivation for retelling the well-known tale. This spectacular success is certain to become a classic in its own right.–Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

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The following titles are reviewed in the September 2013 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

Preschool to Grade 4

ALOIAN, Molly. What Is Hearing? ISBN 978-0-7787-0970-1; ISBN 978-0-7787-0997-8. LC 2013004906.

––––.What Is Sight? ISBN 978-0-7787-0969-5; ISBN 978-0-7787-0996-1. LC 2013009067.

––––.What Is Smell? ISBN 978-0-7787-0971-8; ISBN 978-0-7787-0999-2. LC 2013009066.

––––.What Is Taste? ISBN 978-0-7787-0967-1; ISBN 978-0-7787-0972-5. LC 2013007631.

––––.What Is Touch? ISBN 978-0-7787-0968-8; ISBN 978-0-7787-0991-6.

ea vol: 24p. (Senses Close-Up Series). diag. further reading. glossary. illus. index. photos. websites. Crabtree. 2013. lib. ed. $22.60; pap. $7.95.

BARRETT, Judi. Grandpa’s Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Cookbook. illus. by Ron Barrett. 64p. ebook available. index. photos. S & S/Atheneum. 2013. Spiral $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4475-1. LC 2012045731.

BARRY, Holly M. Helen Keller’s Best Friend Belle. illus. by Jennifer Thermes. 32p. Albert Whitman. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-3198-3.

BROCKET, Jane. 1 Cookie, 2 Chairs, 3 Pears: Numbers Everywhere. 32p. (Jane Brocket’s Clever Concepts Series). Millbrook. Oct. 2013. lib. ed. $26.60. ISBN 978-1-4677-0232-4; ebook $19.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1702-1. LC 2012049689.

BROOKS, Susie. Get Into Art People: Discover Great Art and Create Your Own! illus. by author. 32p. diag. glossary. index. photos. reprods. Kingfisher. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7534-7059-6.

DEMI. The Fantastic Adventures of Krishna. illus. by author. 44p. Wisdom Tales. 2013. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-937786-05-2.

FRANCINE, Gabriella with Solara Vayanian. Let’s Make a Difference: We Can Help Orangutans. (Save Coins for Causes).32p. photos. websites. Big Blue Marble. Oct. 2013. Tr $15. ISBN 978-1-938504-00-6. LC 2013930091.

GILANI, Fawzia. Snow White: An Islamic Tale. illus. by Shireen Adams. 44p. (Islamic Fairy Tales Series). glossary. The Islamic Foundation. 2013. Tr $14. ISBN 978-0-86037-526-5.

HARRIS, Robie H. What’s in There?: All About Before You Were Born. illus. by Nadine Bernard Westcott. 40p. (Let’s Talk About You and Me Series). Candlewick. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3630-2. LC 2008025455.

HUBER, Raymond. Flight of the Honey Bee. illus. by Brian Lovelock. 32p. index. Candlewick. Sept. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6760-3. LC 2013931462.

KOHUTH, Jane. Anne Frank’s Chestnut Tree. illus. by Elizabeth Sayles. 48p. (Step into Reading Series). photos. websites. Random. Sept. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-449-81255-6; lib. ed. $14.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97115-0; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97579-9; ebook $3.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98113-5. LC 2012034585.

KULLING, Monica. Making Contact!: Marconi Goes Wireless. illus. by Richard Rudnicki. 32p. (Great Idea Series). Tundra. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-77049-378-0. ebook available. LC 2012947610.

LEVINE, Sara. Bone by Bone: Comparing Animal Skeletons. illus. by T.S Spookytooth. 32p. further reading. glossary. websites. Millbrook. Oct. 2013. lib. ed. $26.60. ISBN 978-0-7613-8464-9. ebook available. LC 2012048894.

LUNDE, Darrin. Hello, Mama Wallaroo. illus. by Patricia J. Wynne. 28p. Charlesbridge. 2013. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-796-7; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-797-4; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-605-0. LC 2012024436.

O’CONNELL, Jennifer. The Eye of the Whale: A Rescue Story. illus. by author. 32p. Tilbury. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-88448-335-9. LC 2012031165.

PRELUTSKY, Jack. The Silver Moon: Lullabies and Cradle Songs. illus. by Jui Ishida. 48p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-201467-2. LC 2012038097.

QUATTLEBAUM, Mary. Jo MacDonald Hiked in the Woods. illus. by Laura J. Bryant. 32p. further reading. websites. Dawn. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58469-334-5; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-1-58469-335-2. LC 2013009249.

ROCKWELL, Anne. Hey, Charleston!: The True Story of the Jenkins Orphanage Band. illus. by Colin Bootman. 32p. bibliog. Carolrhoda. Nov. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5565-6; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8843-2. LC 2010001525.

RUSCH, Elizabeth. Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World. illus. by Oliver Dominguez. 40p. bibliog. diag. further reading. notes. Candlewick. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5855-7. LC 2012954334.

RUSCH, Elizabeth. Volcano Rising. illus. by Susan Swan. 32p. bibliog. diag. further reading. glossary. websites. Charlesbridge. 2013. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-408-1; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-409-8; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-616-6. LC 2012000793.

THOMSON, Sarah L. Ancient Animals: Terror Bird. illus. by Andrew Plant. 32p. further reading. websites. Charlesbridge. 2013. RTE $12.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-398-5; pap. $5.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-399-2; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-610-4. LC 2012029366.

TONER, Jacqueline B. with Claire A. B. Freeland. What to Do When It’s Not Fair: A Kid’s Guide to Handling Envy and Jealousy. illus. by David Thompson. 96p. diag. Magination. Sept. 2013. pap. $15.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-1341-2. LC 2013005781.

WINTER, Jonah. JFK. illus. by AG Ford. 32p. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen. Nov. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-176807-1.

Fiction

BĂDESCU, Ramona. Pomelo’s Opposites. tr. from French by Claudia Zoe Bedrick. illus. by Benjamin Chaud. (Pomelo the Garden Elephant Series). Enchanted Lion. p. 112.

BEST, Cari. Beatrice Spells Some Lulus and Learns to Write a Letter. illus. by Giselle Potter. Farrar/Margaret Ferguson. p. 114.

GRAHAM, Bob. The Silver Button. illus. by author. Candlewick. Oct. p. 120.

HOLUB, Joan. Little Red Writing. illus. by Melissa Sweet. Chronicle. Oct. p. 122.

KNOWLES, Jo. Living with Jackie Chan. Candlewick. Sept. p. 160.

LAFLEUR, Suzanne. Listening for Lucca. Random/Wendy Lamb. p. 146.

LAKE, Nick. Hostage Three. Bloomsbury. Oct. p. 160.

LUDWIG, Trudy. The Invisible Boy. illus. by Patrice Barton. Knopf. Oct. p. 125.

MACLACHLAN, Patricia. Snowflakes Fall. illus. by Steven Kellogg. Random. Oct. p. 126.

NAKAWAKI, Hatsue. Wait! Wait! tr. from Japanese by Yuki Kaneko. illus. by Komako Sakai. Enchanted Lion. p. 128.

O’BRIEN, Annemarie. Lara’s Gift. Knopf. p. 147.

RASCHKA, Chris. Daisy Gets Lost. illus. by author. Random/Schwartz & Wade. Oct. p. 129.

SALERNI, Dianne K. The Caged Graves. Clarion. p. 164.

SLOAN, Holly Goldberg. Counting by 7s. Dial. p. 148.

WIESNER, David. Mr. Wuffles! illus. by author. Clarion. Oct. p. 135.

Graphic Novels

LEWIS, John & Andrew Aydin. March. Bk. 1. illus. by Nate Powell. (March Series). Top Shelf. p. 171.

Nonfiction

BUTTERWORTH, Chris. See What a Seal Can Do. illus. by Kate Nelms. Candlewick. p. 174.

FREEDMAN, Russell. Angel Island. Clarion. Oct. p. 182.

GREENBERG, Jan & Sandra Jordan. The Mad Potter: George E. Ohr, Eccentric Genius. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. Oct. p. 184.

GUIBERSON, Brenda Z. The Greatest Dinosaur Ever. illus. by Gennady Spirin. Holt. Oct. p. 176.

LEWIS, Catherine. Thrice Told Tales: Three Mice Full of Writing Advice. illus. by Joost Swarte. S & S/Atheneum. p. 185.

MARKLE, Sandra. The Case of the Vanishing Honeybees. Millbrook. Oct. p. 186.

MONTGOMERY, Sy. The Tapir Scientist. photos by Nic Bishop. (Scientists in the Field Series). Houghton Harcourt. p. 188.

PINKNEY, Jerry. The Tortoise & the Hare. illus. by author. Little, Brown. Oct. p. 178.

From the Adult Books 4 Teens blog

LBARRY, Max. Lexicon. Penguin. (July 17 post)

FAGAN, Jenni. The Panopticon. Hogarth/Crown. (July 25 post)

ZAMBRANO, Mario Alberto. Lotería. HarperCollins. (July 25 post)

DVD

Constitution USA with Peter Sagal. PBS Dist. p. 63.

Nelson Mandela. Weston Woods. p. 63.

Audio

Hero on a Bicycle. By Shirley Hughes. Brilliance Audio. p. 69.

Oblivion. By Anthony Horowitz. Recorded Books. p. 71.

Out of This Place. By Emma Cameron. Brilliance Audio. p. 71.

Recess. Performed by Justin Roberts. Justinroberts.org. p. 76.

Shadow and Bone. By Leigh Bardugo. Brilliance Audio. p. 72.

Twelve Kinds of Ice. By Ellen Bryan Obed. Recorded Books. p. 74.

Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library (Rosenstock)
©2013 by John O’Brien

GOLDSTONE, Bruce. That’s a Possibility!: A Book About What Might Happen. 32p. illus. photos. Holt. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8998-1.

K-Gr 4–As he did in Great Estimations (Holt, 2006), Goldstone takes a mathematical concept and makes it easily understandable for children and great fun as well. Using a question/answer format, he explains possibility, impossibility, probability, improbability, and certainty. Each concept is accompanied by photographs that are not only sharp and clear, but that also employ colors that make the pictures really pop. Varying sizes and fonts add interest, and the subjects that Goldstone has chosen to illustrate the concepts have a great deal of child appeal. The pages featuring combinations have adorable Squidgy the Bear dressed in the 100 outfits made possible by his possessing 10 shirts and 10 pairs of pants. It’s “bearly possible” to predict which outfit he will wear because of the 1 in 100 odds. This book will be a boon to teachers working with these concepts, and it will attract browsers as well. A first purchase.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

For all the latest reviews in this subject area and more, check out our new Book Verdict site! Book Verdict is fully accessible to all users, though certain content and functionality are only available to subscribers.To log in to your account, click here. To view the new subscription options, Get Started With Book Verdict ProToday.Don’t know if you have an account with us? It’s easy to check and verify your email, or create a new account.

The following titles are reviewed in the August 1, 2013 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

Preschool to Grade 4

ADLER, David A. Things That Float and Things That Don’t. illus. by Anna Raff. 32p. Holiday House. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2862-5. LC 2012045827.

ALLAN, Nicholas. Picasso’s Trousers. illus. by author. 32p. reprods. Red Fox. 2013. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-099-49536-9.

ARGUETA, Jorge. Tamalitos: Un poema para cocinar/A Cooking Poem. tr. from Spanish by Elisa Amado. illus. by Domi. 32p. Groundwood/Tigrillo. 2013. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-300-1.

BLEIMAN, Andrew. Hello, Mommy ZooBorns! 24p. (Ready-to-Read Series). S & S/Spotlight. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4382-2; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4383-9. ebook available. LC 2012020354.

CELENZA, Anna Harwell. Saint-Saëns’s Danse Macabre. illus. by JoAnn E. Kitchel. 32p. w/CD. Charlesbridge. Aug. 2013. RTE $19.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-348-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-612-8. LC 2012024575.

CLAYTON, Sally Pomme. Greek Myths: Stories of Sun, Stone and Sea. illus. by Jane Ray. 78p. bibliog. index. maps. Frances Lincoln. 2013. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-84780-227-9.

COHN, Scotti. On the Move: Mass Migrations. illus. by Susan Detwiler. ISBN 978-1-60718-616-8; ISBN 978-1-60718-628-1; ISBN 978-1-60718-640-3.

LORD, Michelle. Nature Recycles: How About You? illus. by Cathy Morrison. ISBN 978-1-60718-615-1; ISBN 978-1-60718-627-4; ISBN 978-1-60718-639-7.

ea vol: 32p. websites. Sylvan Dell. 2013. Tr $17.95; pap. $9.95; ebook $9.99.

CORNELL, Kari. Awesome Snacks and Appetizers. ISBN 978-0-7613-6642-3; ISBN 978-1-4677-1717-5. LC 2012048903.

––––.Slurpable Smoothies and Drinks. ISBN 978-0-7613-6639-3; ISBN 978-1-4677-1715-1. LC 2012048904.

––––.Terrific Veggies on the Side. ISBN 978-0-7613-6640-9; ISBN 978-1-4677-1716-8. LC 2012048909.

ea vol: photos by Brie Cohen. 32p. (You’re the Chef Series). chart. diag. further reading. glossary. illus. index. websites. Millbrook. Sept.2013. lib. ed. $26.60; ebook $19.95.

FENTON, Corinne. Queenie: One Elephant’s Story. illus. by Peter Gouldthorpe. 24p. Candlewick. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6375-9. LC 2012947255.

FLATT, Lizann. Sizing Up Winter. illus. by Ashley Barron. 32p. (Math in Nature Series). Owlkids. Sept. 2013. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-926973-82-1. LC 2012954723.

GATES, Valerie. The Other Colors: An ABC Book. photos by Ann Cutting. 56p. Sky Pony. 2013. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-62087-537-7. LC 2012040716.

GERBER, Carole. Spring Blossoms. illus. by Leslie Evans. 32p. Charlesbridge. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-412-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-594-7. LC 2012000791.

GIEBINK, Bruce. Minnesota Bug Hunt. 32p. Minnesota Historical Society Press. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-87351-865-9. LC 2012044590.

HILL, Laban Carrick. When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop. illus. by Theodore Taylor III. 32p. bibliog. chron. websites. Roaring Brook. Aug. 2013. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-540-7.

HIMMELMAN, John. Noisy Frog Sing-Along. illus. by author. 32p. Dawn. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58469-339-0; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-1-58469-340-6. LC 2013009691.

KALMAN, Bobbie. Baby Carnivores. ISBN 978-0-7787-1010-3; ISBN 978-0-7787-1015-8.

––––.Baby Rodents. ISBN 978-0-7787-1009-7; ISBN 978-0-7787-1014-1.

ea vol: 24p. (It’s Fun to Learn About Baby Animals Series). diag. glossary. illus. index. photos. Crabtree. 2013. lib. ed. $22.60; pap. $7.95. ebook available.

KAVIN, Kim. Native Americans: Discover the History & Cultures of the First Americans with 15 Projects. illus. by Beth Hetland. 128p. (Build It Yourself Series). chart. chron. diag. glossary. index. map. websites. Nomad. 2013. Tr $21.95. ISBN 978-1-61930-175-7; pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-61930-170-2.

KING, Martin Luther III. My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. illus. by AG Ford. 32p. HarperCollins/Amistad. Aug. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-028075-8; lib. ed. $18.89. ISBN 978-0-06-028076-5.

MORDEN, Daniel. Demeter and Persephone. Bk. 1. 40p. ISBN 978-1-84686-834-4. LC 2012020208.

––––. Orpheus and Eurydice. Bk. 3. 40p. ISBN 978-1-84686-784-2. LC 2012011236.

––––.Theseus and the Minotaur. Bk. 2. 64p. ISBN 978-1-84686-782-8.

ea vol: illus. by Carole Hénaff. (Greek Myths Series). bibliog. diags. maps. Barefoot. 2013. pap. $7.99.

NELSON, Steve & Jack Rollins. Frosty the Snowman. illus. by Wade Zahares. 28p. w/CD. Imagine/A Peter Yarrow Bk. Nov. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-62354-012-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-671-5. LC 2012046363.

ODE, Eric. Sea Star Wishes: Poems from the Coast. illus. by Erik Brooks. 32p. Sasquatch. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-57061-790-4.

OWEN, Cheryl. Gifts for Kids to Make. 128p. (The Craft Library Series). index. photos. Hamlyn. 2013. pap. $12.99. ISBN 978-0-600-62515-5.

PELLETIER, Mia. Avati: Discovering Arctic Ecology. illus. by Sara Otterstätter. 48p. glossary. map. Inhabit Media. 2013. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-927095-13-3.

ROSENSTOCK, Barb. Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library. illus. by John O’Brien. 32p. bibliog. notes. Boyds Mills/Calkins Creek. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-932-2. LC 2013931061.

SAYRE, April Pulley. Let’s Go Nuts!: Seeds We Eat. photos by author. 32p. S & S/Beach Lane. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-6728-6. ebook available.

SCHWARTZ, David M. Rotten Pumpkin: A Rotten Tale in 15 Voices. photos by Dwight Kuhn. 32p. glossary. Creston Books. Aug. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-939547-03-3.

SILVERBERG, Cory. What Makes a Baby. illus. by Fiona Smyth. 36p. Seven Stories. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-60980-485-5. LC 2013001628.

The Three Little Pigs. illus. by Emily Bolam. 32p. (A Story House Book). Boxer Bks. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-907152-67-2.

How to Train a Train (Eaton)
©2013 by John Rocco.

Fiction

BERRY, Julie. All the Truth That’s in Me. Viking. Sept. p. 109.

BLACK, Holly.The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. Little, Brown. Sept. p. 109.

BROWN, Peter. Mr. Tiger Goes Wild. illus. by author. Little, Brown. Sept. p. 66.

COOPER, Elisha. Train. illus. by author. Scholastic/Orchard. Oct. p. 69.

COUSINS, Lucy. Peck, Peck, Peck. illus. by author. Candlewick. Aug. p. 70.

DICAMILLO, Kate. Flora & Ulysses. illus. by K. G. Campbell. Candlewick. Sept. p. 96.

EATON, Jason Carter. How to Train a Train. illus. by John Rocco. Candlewick. Sept. p. 72.

EDINGER, Monica. Africa Is My Home: A Child of the Amistad. illus. by Robert Byrd. Candlewick. Oct. p. 97.

GERSTEIN, Mordicai. The First Drawing. illus. by author. Little, Brown. Sept. p. 74.

HARRINGTON, Karen. Sure Signs of Crazy. Little, Brown. p. 100.

HEST, Amy. When Charley Met Grampa. illus. by Helen Oxenbury. Candlewick. Sept. p. 76.

KITTSCHER, Kristen. The Wig in the Window. HarperCollins/Harper. p. 102.

KURTZ, Chris. The Adventures of South Pole Pig. illus. by Jennifer Black Reinhardt. Houghton Harcourt. p. 80.

LAROCHELLE, David. Moo! illus. by Mike Wohnoutka. Walker. Sept. p. 80.

NESS, Patrick. More Than This. Candlewick. Sept. p. 114.

PARK, Linda Sue. Xander’s Panda Party. illus. by Matt Phelan. Clarion. Sept. p. 86.

QUICK, Matthew. Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock. Little, Brown. Aug. p. 115.

ROWELL, Rainbow. Fangirl. St. Martin’s Griffin. Sept. p. 115.

RUBIN, Adam. Secret Pizza Party. illus. by Daniel Salmieri. Dial. Sept. p. 89.

TWOHY, Mike. Outfoxed. illus. by author. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks. Sept. p. 91.

VANCE, Alexander. The Heartbreak Messenger. Feiwel & Friends. p. 106.

Nonfiction

GOLDSTONE, Bruce. That’s a Possibility! Holt. p. 122.

RUSCH, Elizabeth. Eruption! (Scientists in the Field Series). Houghton Mifflin. p. 129.

SAMPSON, Sally. ChopChop: The Kids’ Guide to Cooking Real Food with Your Family. S & S. Aug. p. 129.

SANDLER, Martin W. Imprisoned: The Betrayal of Japanese Americans During World War II. Walker. Aug. p. 129.

From the Adult Books 4 Teens Blog

KINDT, Matt. Red Handed. First Second. (June 10 post)

DISCLAFANI, Anton. The Yonahlossee Riding Camp forGirls. Riverhead. (June 17 post)

WALLS, Jeannette. The Silver Star. Scribner. (June 18 post)

DVD

LMNO Peas. Weston Woods. p. 50.

Last Flight of Petr Ginz. First Run Features. p. 51.

AUDIO

Anna and the Cupcakes. Performed by The Bari Koral Family Rock Band. Bari Koral. p. 58.

Deep Sea Diver. Performed by Recess Monkey. Recess Monkey. p. 58.

Doll Bones. By Holly Black. Listening Library. p. 53.

I Like Everything About You (Yes I Do!). Performed by Crosspulse Percussion Ensemble. Crosspulse Media. p. 59.

Joshua Dread. By Lee Bacon. Listening Library. p. 55.

Listen to the Birds: An Introduction to Classical Music. The Secret Mountain.p. 59.

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild (Brown)
©2013 by Peter Brown

BROWN, Peter. Mr. Tiger Goes Wild. illus. by author. 48p. Little, Brown. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-316-20063-9.

K-Gr 2–Mr. Tiger lives in a perfectly fine world of prim and proper ladies and gentlemen. One day, the stiff suits, dainty teas, and Victorian manners begin to bore him… and he has a very wild idea. This “it’s okay to be different” story stands out from other picture books on the topic thanks to Brown’s delightfully clever illustrations and masterful compositions. From the tiger-striped cover that begs to be petted to the ingenious pops of bright orange (Brown’s new signature color?) amid muted browns and grays, the award-winning illustrator does not disappoint. Children will appreciate Mr. Tiger’s transformation and the way his friends eventually accept his (and their own) uniqueness. Several wordless spreads encourage audience participation while subtle visual clues gently build his character. A full spread featuring the newly liberated Mr. Tiger au naturel is delivered with pitch-perfect comedic timing and is guaranteed to inspire wild giggles. Sure to be an instant read-aloud classic in classrooms and libraries.–Kiera Parrott, Darien Library, CT

COOPER, Elisha. Train. illus. by author. 40p. glossary. Scholastic/Orchard. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-38495-7.

PreS-Gr 2–Starting at a city terminal, Cooper takes readers on a commuter train that clatters out of a metropolis. At a suburban stop, the perspective shifts to a larger passenger train traveling between cities, jumps to a freight train slowly creeping across the Great Plains, then an overnight train, and finally a sleek high-speed train. The artist’s characteristic muted watercolor and pencil illustrations are sketchlike yet very detailed. Transitions between busy cityscapes and serene panoramic vistas, outsides of stations and insides of train cars, and the refrain of “passengers off, passengers on” perfectly capture the feeling of riding the rails. No “choo-choo” noises here–“As the train leaves, it sounds like the da dum da dum of a beating heart. Then silence.” Through the richness of the prose, not only the sounds but also the smells of the trains come to life–“grease and rust and burnt toast.” As the author’s note reveals, Cooper mixed many real-life details with a few fictional ones, such as a futuristic San Francisco depot at the end of the story. The longer text and somewhat stylized illustrations make the book most suitable for a one-on-one perusal with sophisticated young train aficionados but it is a wonderful foray into the “train books” category and a distinguished addition to most collections.–Yelena Alekseyeva-Popova, formerly at Chappaqua Library, NY

COUSINS, Lucy. Peck, Peck, Peck. illus. by author. 32p. Candlewick. Aug. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6621-7. LC 2012947728.

PreS-Gr 1–Cousin’s signature style is back in this enchanting picture book about a baby woodpecker. On the opening page, the bird is learning how to peck a tree. The little guy soon gets carried away and pecks not just through a tree, but also through a hat, a mat, tennis rackets, and a jacket. This book takes readers through an entire house from the front door to the bathroom. In the kitchen, “I peck, peck, peck/an eggplant,/a tangerine,/a butter dish,/a nectarine,/a green bean,/a sardine,/and seventeen jelly beans.” Invoking memories of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, there are also small cutout circles on each page. They grow more numerous as the woodpecker gets more and more carried away. With the detailed illustrations done in thick, dark lines and rhymes that flow easily, this book begs to be shared at storytime.–Brooke Rasche, La Crosse Public Library, WI

EATON, Jason Carter. How to Train a Train. illus. by John Rocco. 48p. Candlewick. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6307-0. LC 2012947747.

PreS-Gr 1–From Thomas the Tank Engine to The Little Engine That Could, kids love personified trains, so it’s not such a huge chug forward to imagine one as a pet. But how do you select, train, and care for your pet engine? Written as a guidebook for new owners, this amusing title incorporates language usually associated with pet ownership and child rearing. “It’s only natural that you’ll want to take home all the trains, but don’t just grab the first one you see. Take your time and choose one that’s right for you.” Juxtaposing sensible tips with the absurdity of a huge pet locomotive creates a text that is at once believable and preposterous. “A warm bath can help calm a nervous train…and few trains can resist a good read-aloud.” But what really makes this concept roar down the track are the entrancing digitally colored illustrations that perfectly capture the expressiveness and playfulness of the pet trains. Whether illustrating the new pet going for a “walk,” performing a trick, or enjoying a playdate with other pet vehicles, the artist has so cleverly incorporated facial features onto the various engines that their distinct personalities shine through, as does the obvious affection children feel for their new pets. Additionally, the large-scale, saturated colors, and comic details of these pictures give young readers a boxcar full to look at and appreciate. From the appealing cover to the final moonlit scene of a boy and his pet steam engine happily chugging down the track, this book is sure to be popular with train and pet lovers alike.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

GERSTEIN, Mordicai. The First Drawing. illus. by author. 40p. Little, Brown. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-20478-1.

K-Gr 3–In this compelling picture book, Gerstein invites children to travel back in time more than 30,000 years to a cave in what is now southern France. Using thickly applied acrylics and rough strokes of black ink, he creates a prehistoric setting complete with a community of early humans, giant woolly mammoths, and one inquisitive caveboy. Told in second-person narrative, the text asks readers to put themselves in the mindset of the boy surrounded by wide-open skies, plush drifting clouds, and a great diversity of flora and fauna. A true artist, the child sees more than the surface appearance of his world. Gerstein’s illustrations of rocks, clouds, and shadows cleverly conceal animal shapes that both readers and the protagonist are compelled to discover. At first, the other cave dwellers are dismissive. Then the youngster does something unprecedented: he picks up a burnt stick and begins drawing on the walls. For his fellow early humans, this first taste of art is scary and disconcerting. “Magic!” the boy’s father exclaims. It is, in fact, the world’s first drawing. An author’s note provides background on the real-life drawings in the Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc cave and the discovery of a human footprint belonging to an eight-year-old child. Pair this title with Emily Arnold McCully’s The Secret Cave (Farrar, 2010) to extend the lesson and learn about the 1940 discovery of the caves in southern France.–Kiera Parrott, Darien Library, CT

HEST, Amy. When Charley Met Grampa. illus. by Helen Oxenbury. 32p. Candlewick. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5314-9. LC 2012954329.

PreS-Gr 2–In a satisfying follow-up to Charley’s First Night (Candlewick, 2012), Grampa, who admits that he is uncertain about getting to know Henry’s puppy, is coming to visit and to meet Charley. The boy and puppy wait for him at the train station while snow gently covers the tracks and the town. Upon his arrival, the large gentleman and the tiny puppy size each other up while Grampa inquires, “…are you friendly or fierce?” When the wind picks up and Grampa’s cap flies away, Charley takes off into the white world and it’s feared that he’s lost in the snow. But the diminutive dog saves the day by bringing the cap back, thus revealing he’s both friendly and fierce in his determination, ensuring their burgeoning bond. Charley is pure joy with fur and will surely bring a smile to young readers. Charming, detailed pencil and watercolor illustrations feature framed, softly hued scenes both cozy and frigid. This is a tender story about the warm affection between a grandfather and his grandson. A real winner.–Maryann H. Owen, Children’s Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI

KURTZ, Chris. The Adventures of South Pole Pig: A Novel of Snow and Courage. illus. by Jennifer Black Reinhardt. 288p. Houghton Harcourt. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-63455-5.

K-Gr 4–Her name is Flora, and she’s a pig. She’s curious and longs to explore beyond the perimeters of the pigpen. She dreams of going to Antarctica with the sled dogs on the farm and becoming a sled pig. When she is put in a crate onboard a ship, she sees the expedition as an opportunity while the crew views her as potential pork chops. Then they are shipwrecked and readers will root for spunky Flora as she discovers just how brave and needed she can be. Simple black-line drawings add a welcoming charm. Told in the voice of a seasoned storyteller, this novel has chapters that will work perfectly for sharing aloud with younger children or as a read-alone for more competent readers. Flora will encourage every listener to dream of being their best self. Move over Wilbur and Babe, there’s a new pig in town.–Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego

LAROCHELLE, David. Moo! illus. by Mike Wohnoutka. 40p. Walker. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-80273-409-9; lib. ed. $17.89. ISBN 978-0-8027-3410-5.

PreS-Gr 2–There are only a handful of words in this book; the most important one is “Moo.” Punctuation, repetition, and rhythm give it multiple meanings as readers turn the pages, which are joyfully illustrated with splashy gouache primary colors. It is hard to imagine a more expressive cow than this title’s cartoon bovine. On the first page, the cow has a contented, peaceful moo. Turn a page, and she has an inquisitive, “Moo?” when she sees a car for sale; soon enough, she’s on a joyride up and down the hillsides. The cow is the focus of each bright, borderless spread, and some pages include comedic close-ups of her face. The word “moo” appears on most spreads in a variety of font sizes, from tiny to gigantic, depending on the emotion of the moment. Children will laugh at the use of type and the artful arrangement of letters to convey action and sound. For example, when the cow drives off a cliff, her moo arcs up and then loops down, indicating the rise and fall of her bellow. For many children, this book will be their first introduction to punctuation. Even the very young will see how exclamation points and dashes can create a choppy, nervous feeling when the cow is confronted by a police officer. This book is bold, original, and funny, and should be part of every picture-book collection.–Jess deCourcy Hinds, Bard High School Early College, Queens, NY

PARK, Linda Sue. Xander’s Panda Party. illus. by Matt Phelan. 40p. Clarion. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-55865-3. LC 2012039662.

PreS-Gr 1–In this charming story that celebrates friendship and inclusion, Xander wants to throw a party, but since he’s the zoo’s only panda, he invites all of the bears. Then Koala tells him that she’s a marsupial, not a bear. After much thoughtful bamboo-nibbling, Xander opens his party to all mammals. But Rhino won’t come without his bird, and then the reptiles request an invitation, and the little panda doesn’t know what to do. A new friend pitches in, and the party goes “from grand to even grander” as the whole zoo is invited. As a last surprise, a new panda, Zhu Zi, arrives to complete the celebration, “What a party! What a ball! Lots of new friends, tall and small!” The ink and watercolor illustrations add dashes of personality to the animals–the rhino scowls as his bird cheerfully waves from atop his horn–and touches of humor, as when Xander blends in with a crowd of penguins. The cartoonlike animals have wonderfully expressive faces, so even the wordless pages convey the panda’s feelings. The upbeat, mostly rhyming text provides a surprising amount of information about animal families and species without tripping up the pace. The author’s note gives information that expands on facts mentioned in the book, like the symbiotic relationship between the oxpecker and the rhino. Perfect for young animal lovers and a great read-aloud for storytime.–Marian McLeod, Darien Library, CT

RUBIN, Adam. Secret Pizza Party. illus. by Daniel Salmieri. 40p. Dial. Sept. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3947-5. LC 2012025360.

Gr 1-4–Raccoon, paws and nose pressed plaintively to the glass, stares longingly into a pizza parlor. His nemesis, the Pizza Man, chases him off with a broom, and an unseen narrator rhapsodizes, “Ah, pizza… So beautiful, you could hang it on the wall of a museum. So convenient you could eat it in the bathtub.” Raccoon reappears looking forlorn, and the narrator suggests a pizza party at Raccoon’s house–a secret pizza party because, “When you make something secret, you make it special. Regular handshake: Boring. Secret handshake: Booyah!” Wearing stilts and a trench coat, Raccoon absconds with a stolen pizza only to discover an enormous SECRET PIZZA PARTY happening nearby. Unfortunately, he is unable to play it cool and blows his disguise as he rolls around in a pizza-induced frenzy. He flees from the broom-wielding mob (led by the Pizza Man), but his armload of pizza and giant grin prove that he has no regrets. Because the narrator converses directly with Raccoon, listeners are aligned with him and identify with the roguish creature. The skillful gouache-and-ink compositions are full of sly details and visual humor. It’s hard not to giggle at scenes like the lanky pizza man with angry eyebrows and a handlebar mustache rolling out dough while glaring at a “Wanted” poster featuring the raccoon. With a casually diverse cast of characters, Secret Pizza Party is a sure hit for primary-grade kids, who will appreciate the subtle humor and absurdity.–Anna Haase Krueger, Ramsey County Library, White Bear Lake, MN

TWOHY, Mike. Outfoxed. illus. by author. 40p. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-7392-8; ebook available. LC 2012026356.

K-Gr 2–If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck…but wait, this white-feathered yellow-billed bird is barking like a dog, slobbering like a dog, chewing up socks like a dog. What gives? That’s what Fox wants to know after he inadvertently grabs a duck out of the henhouse intent on enjoying a chicken dinner. But maybe a duck will do? Clever duck manages to avoid the cookpot by declaring, “You are mistaken, sir. I am NOT a DUCK!” and adopting a variety of classic doggy behaviors such as wagging her tail and peeing on the carpet. Finally, Fox relents and takes the “dog” back to the farm where she belongs, only to find a surprise in the house that blows the lid off the whole ruse. The hilarious illustrations sketched with marker and colored pencil are designed like large comic book panels and have a real slapstick appeal that is perfectly suited to the comedic text. Kids will love being in on the joke, and the large word bubbles make reading easy even for beginners. Don’t be outfoxed. Get quacking and buy this book.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

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The following titles are reviewed in the August 1, 2013 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

Preschool to Grade 4

ARNOSKY, Jim. Little Burro. illus. by author. 32p. Putnam. Sept. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25519-9. LC 2012048875.

BAKER, Keith. My Octopus Arms. illus. by author. 40p. ebook available. S & S/Beach Lane. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5843-7. LC 2012040636.

BECKER, Kate M. My Dream Playground. illus. by Jed Henry. 32p. websites. Candlewick. Aug. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5531-0. LC 2012947706.

BELLONI, Giulia. Anything Is Possible. tr. from Italian by William Anselmi. illus. by Marco Trevisan. 32p. Owlkids. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-926973-91-3.

BIEDRZYCKI, David. Me and My Dragon: Scared of Halloween. illus. by author. 32p. Charlesbridge. Aug. 2013. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-658-0; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-659-7; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-608-1. LC 2012024438.

BLOOM, Suzanne. Fox Forgets. illus. by author. 32p. Boyds Mills. Oct. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-996-4. LC 2013931086.

BOLDT, Claudia. You’re a Rude Pig, Bertie! illus. by author. 32p. NorthSouth. Aug. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4152-9.

BRAUN, Sebastien. Who’s Hiding? illus. by author. 16p. Candlewick. 2013. Board $6.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5932-5. LC 2012947250.

BRENNAN-NELSON, Denise. He’s Been a Monster All Day! illus. by Cyd Moore. 32p. Sleeping Bear. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-158536-827-3.

BROWN, James. Farm. illus. by author. 16p. Candlewick. 2013. Board $6.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5931-8. LC 2012947249.

BROWN, Sam. Sometimes I Forget You’re a Robot. illus. by author. 32p. Dial. Oct. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3825-6. LC 2012033591.

BUNTING, Eve. Big Bear’s Big Boat. illus. by Nancy Carpenter. 32p. Clarion. Sept. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-618-58537-3. LC 2012003974.

BUNTING, Eve. Frog and Friends: Outdoor Surprises. Bk. 5. illus. by Josée Masse. 48p. (I Am a Reader!: Frog and Friends Series). Sleeping Bear. 2013. Tr $9.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-807-5; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-1-58536-808-2. LC 2012040718.

CALLEN, Sharon. Duck Pond Fun. illus. by Susy Boyer. ISBN 978-1-4333-5445-8.

––––.Max. illus. by Constanze von Kitzing. ISBN 978-1-4333-5452-6.

––––.Seb’s Train. illus. by Pat Reynolds. ISBN 978-1-4333-5446-5.

CLARKE, Ella. When I Grow Up. illus. by Claire Chrystall. ISBN 978-1-4333-5448-9.

EDWARDS, Amelia. Carousel Colors. illus. by Lucie Billingsley. ISBN 978-1-4333-5447-2.

––––. Playground Friends. illus. by Holli Conger. ISBN 978-1-4333-5449-6.

REID, James. Across the Sea. illus. by Bettina Guthridge. ISBN 978-1-4333-5451-9.

WU, Nicholas. The Bears’ Story by Baldwin B. Bear. illus. by Annie White. ISBN 978-1-4333-5491-5.

ea vol: 12p. Teacher Created Materials. 2013. pap. $4.99.

CALLIER, Marie-Isabelle. No, No, NO! tr. from French. illus. by Annick Masson. 32p. Magination. 2013. Tr ISBN 978-1-4338-1311-5; pap. ISBN 978-1-4338-1312-2. LC 2012043775.

CHARLES, Veronika Martenova. It’s Not About the Diamonds! ISBN 978-1-77049-328-5. LC 2012945431.

––––.It’s Not About the Straw! ISBN 978-1-77049-326-1. LC 2012945435.

––––. It’s Not About the Tiny Girl! ISBN 978-1-77049-329-2. LC 2012945430.

ea vol: illus by David Parkins. 64p. (Wonder Tales Series). Tundra. 2013. pap. $5.95. ebook available.

COLATO LAÍNEZ, René. Señor Pancho Had a Rancho. illus. by Elwood Smith. 32p. glossary. Holiday House. Sept. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2632-4. ebook available. LC 2012007672.

COLLINS, Suzanne. Year of the Jungle. illus. by James Proimos. 40p. Scholastic. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-42516-2. LC 2012015346.

CORDEROY, Tracey. Whizz! Pop! Granny, Stop! illus. by Joe Berger. 32p. Candlewick/Nosy Crow. Aug. 2013. RTE $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6551-7. LC 2012954333.

CORDIER, Séverine. A Day at School. tr. from French by Sarah Quinn. illus. by Cynthia Lacroix. 48p. Owlkids. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-926973-95-1. LC 2013930497.

CRAIG, Jenny. I Believe in Genevieve. illus. by Wendy Edelson. 40p. Regnery Publishing. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-62157-085-1.

D’AMICO, Carmela. Suki & Mirabella. illus. by Steven D’Amico. 32p. Dial. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3740-2. LC 2012017681.

DAVIES, Stephen. Don’t Spill the Milk! illus. by Christopher Corr. 32p. Andersen Press. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-2028-1; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-2034-2.

DESROSIERS, Sylvie. Hocus Pocus Takes the Train. illus. by Rémy Simard. 32p. Kids Can. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-956-7.

DODD, Emma. Baby and Me. illus. by author. 16p. Candlewick/Nosy Crow. Aug. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6544-9. LC 2012947259.

DURAND, Hallie. Mitchell Goes Bowling. illus. by Tony Fucile. 40p. Candlewick. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6049-9. LC 2012947730.

ELLIOTT, Laura Malone. Thanksgiving Day Thanks. illus. by Lynn Munsinger. 32p. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-000236-7.

ELSCHNER, Géraldine. Where Is the Frog?: A Children’s Book Inspired by Claude Monet. tr. from French by Agathe Joly. illus. by Stéphane Girel. 32p. reprods. Prestel. Oct. 2013. RTE $14.95. ISBN 978-3-7913-7139-9.

EMINA, Peter. Lyra and the Adventure of the Flying Fish. illus. by Alice Ridley. 42p. Phoenix Yard. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-907912-01-6.

EMPSON, Jo. Never Ever. illus. by author. 32p. Child’s Play. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-84643-552-2.

EULATE, Ana. Life Is Beautiful! tr. from Spanish by Jon Brokenbrow. illus. by Nívola Uyá. 28p. Cuento de Luz. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-84-15619-26-0.

FREEDMAN, Claire. Pirates Love Underpants. illus. by Ben Cort. 32p. S & S/Aladdin. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-8512-9; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-8513-6.

FULLERTON, Alma. Community Soup. illus. by author. 32p. Pajama Press. Aug. 2013. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-927485-27-9.

GORBACHEV, Valeri. Catty Jane Who Loved to Dance. illus. by author. 32p. Boyds Mills. Sept. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-982-7. LC 2013932842.

HARTT-SUSSMAN, Heather. Noni Is Nervous. illus. by Geneviève Côté. 24p. Tundra. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-77049-323-0. LC 2012934218.

HASSETT, Ann & John Hassett. Come Back, Ben. illus. by author. 32p. (I Like To Read Series). Holiday House. Sept. 2013. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2599-0. ebook available. LC 2011049310.

HENRY, Jed. Good Night, Mouse! illus. by author. 32p. Houghton Harcourt. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-98156-7.

HENRY, Steve. Happy Cat. illus. by author. 32p. (I Like To Read Series). Holiday House. Sept. 2013. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2659-1. ebook available. LC 2012006579.

HILTON, Nette. Woolly Jumpers. illus. by Emma Quay. 150p. Kane Miller. 2013. pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-1-61067-050-0. LC 2012943271.

ISADORA, Rachel. Old Mikamba Had a Farm. illus. by author. 40p. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. Oct. 2013. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25740-7.

JOHNSTON, Tony. The Cat with Seven Names. illus. by Christine Davenier. 36p. Charlesbridge. Aug. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-381-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-602-9. LC 2012024434.

JONELL, Lynne. Grasshopper Magic. illus. by Brandon Dorman. 112p. (A Stepping Stone Book). Random. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87084-2; lib. ed. $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97084-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97469-3. LC 2011053002.

JOYNER, Andrew. Boris Gets a Lizard. illus. by author. 80p. (Boris Series). ISBN 978-0-545-48446-6; ISBN 978-0-545-48447-3; ISBN 978-0-545-48783-2. LC 2012034232.

LUBAR, David. Meltdown Madness. illus. by Matt Loveridge. 96p. (Looniverse Series). ISBN 978-0-545-49603-2; ISBN 978-0-545-49604-9; ISBN 978-0-545-49686-5. LC 2012035575.

MAY, Kyla. Coco: My Delicious Life. illus. by author. 96p. (Lotus Lane Series). ISBN 978-0-545-49615-5; ISBN 978-0-545-44514-6; ISBN 978-0-545-49681-0.

NEES, Susan. Class Pets. illus. by author. 80p. (Missy’s Super Duper Royal Deluxe Series). ISBN 978-0-545-49610-0; ISBN 978-0-545-43852-0; ISBN 978-0-545-54010-0. LC 2012035575.

ea vol: Scholastic/Branches. Bk. 2. 2013. RTE $15.99; pap. $4.99; ebook $4.99.

JULES, Jacqueline. What a Way to Start a New Year!: A Rosh Hashanah Story. illus. by Judy Stead. 24p. Kar-Ben. Aug. 2013. lib. ed. $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8116-7; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8117-4; ebook $6.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1640-6. LC 2012027927.

KELLY, John. The Pig on the Hill. illus. by author. 48p. Cameron. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-937359-39-3. LC 2013932040.

KINGSBURY, Karen. Always Daddy’s Princess. illus. by Valeria Docampo. 32p. Zonderkidz. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-310-71647-1.

KIRK, Daniel. Library Mouse: Home Sweet Home. illus. by author. 40p. glossary. photos. Abrams. Sept. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0544-1. LC 2012039261.

KLISE, Kate. The Show Must Go On! Bk. 1. illus. by M. Sarah Klise. 160p. (Three-Ring Rascals Series). Algonquin. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-61620-244-6.

KOPONEN, Libby. Mmm… Let’s Eat! illus. by Betsy Thompson. 32p. Blue Apple. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-60905-292-8.

KRAUSE, J. R. with Maria Chua. Poco Loco. illus. by authors. 32p. glossary. Amazon. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4778-1649-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4778-6649-8.

KRAUSE, Ute. No Ordinary Family. tr. from German by Nicholas Miller. illus. by author. 32p. NorthSouth. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4149-9.

KRULIK, Nancy. Be Careful What You Sniff For. Bk. 1. illus. by Sebastien Braun. 128p. (Magic Bone Series). Grosset & Dunlap. 2013. pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-448-46399-5.

LIN, Grace. Ling & Ting Share a Birthday. illus. by author. 48p. Little, Brown. Sept. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-316-18405-2. LC 2012040965.

LITHGOW, John. Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo. illus. by Leeza Hernandez. 40p. w/CD. S & S. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-6743-9; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-6744-6. LC 2012013516.

LOEWEN, Nancy. Baby Wants Mama. illus. by Deborah Melmon. 24p. Amazon. 2013. RTE $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4778-1651-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4778-6651-1.

LONDON, Jack. White Fang. adapt. by Arsene Lutin. tr. from French by Susan Allen-Maurin. illus. by Antoine Guilloppe. 40p. Auzou. 2013. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-2-7338-2145-9.

LUTHARDT, Kevin. When Edgar Met Cecil. illus. by author. 32p. Peachtree. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-706-9. LC 2012032335.

MACK, Jeff. Ah Ha! illus. by author. 40p. Chronicle. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4521-1265-7.

MADER, C. Roger. Lost Cat. illus. by author. 32p. Houghton Harcourt. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-547-97458-3. LC 2012041891.

MARLOWE, Sara. No Ordinary Apple: A Story About Eating Mindfully. illus. by Philip Pascuzzo. 36p. Wisdom Publications. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-61429-076-6. ebook available. LC 2012030217.

MARSHAK, Samuil. The Circus and Other Stories. tr. from French by Stephen Capus. illus. by Vladimir Lebedev. 76p. Tate. 2013. Tr $26.95. ISBN 978-1-84976-102-4.

MARTIN, Emily. Downpour. illus. by Mara Shaughnessy. 32p. Sky Pony. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-62087-545-2. ebook available.

MATHESON, Christie. Tap the Magic Tree. illus. by author. 40p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-06-227445-8. LC 2013001035.

MAY, Kyla. Kiki: My Stylish Life. (Lotus Lane Series). ISBN 978-0-545-49613-1; ISBN 978-0-545-44512-2; ISBN 978-0-545-49680-3.

NEES, Susan. Picture Day. (Missy’s Super Duper Royal Deluxe Series). ISBN 978-0-545-49609-4; ISBN 978-0-545-43851-3; ISBN 978-0-545-54009-4. LC 2011041464.

ea vol: Bk. 1. illus. by author. 96p. Scholastic/Branches. 2013. RTE $15.99; pap. $4.99; ebook $4.99.

MESSNER, Kate. Sea Monster and the Bossy Fish. illus. by Andy Rash. 40p. Chronicle. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4521-1253-4.

MILLS, Claudia. Kelsey Green, Reading Queen. Bk. 1. illus. by Rob Shepperson. 128p. (Franklin School Friends Series). Farrar/Margaret Ferguson. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-374-37485-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-374-37488-4. LC 2011027870.

MOUNDLIC, Charlotte. The Bathing Costume, or the Worst Vacation of My Life. tr. from French by Claudia Zoe Bedrick. illus. by Olivier Tallec. 64p. Enchanted Lion. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-141-4.

NOBLE, Trinka Hakes. The Legend of the Jersey Devil. illus. by Gerald Kelley. 32p. Sleeping Bear. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-58536-837-2. LC 2013004093.

NORMAN, Kim. If It’s Snowy and You Know It, Clap Your Paws! illus. by Liza Woodruff. 24p. Sterling. Oct. 2013. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4549-0384-0. LC 2012014460.

NUMEROFF, Laura. Nighty-Night, Cooper. illus. by Lynn Munsinger. 32p. Houghton Harcourt. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-40205-5. LC 2012041892.

OLDLAND, Nicholas. Up the Creek. illus. by author. 32p. (Life in the Wild Series). Kids Can. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-894786-32-4.

ORAM, Hiawyn. Filbert, the Good Little Fiend. illus. by Jimmy Liao. 32p. Candlewick. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5870-0. LC 2012947256.

OUD, Pauline. Having a Party with Lily and Milo. tr. from Dutch. illus. by author. 30p. Clavis. 2013. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-60537-129-0.

PAQUETTE, Ammi-Joan. Ghost in the House. illus. by Adam Record. 32p. Candlewick. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5529-7. LC 2012943659.

PAQUETTE, Ammi-Joan. Petey and Pru and the Hullabaloo. illus. by Joy Ang. 40p. Clarion. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-544-03888-2. LC 2012038874.

PARISH, Herman. Amelia Bedelia’s First Library Card. illus. by Lynne Avril. 32p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209512-1. LC 2012028700.

PEARSON, Susan. Slugger. illus. by David Slonim. 32p. Amazon. 2013. RTE $14.99. ISBN 978-1-477816417. ebook available.

––––.Performance. ISBN 978-1-84643-487-7.

––––.School. ISBN 978-1-84643-491-4.

––––.School Trip. ISBN 978-1-84643-489-1.

––––.Sports Day. ISBN 978-1-84643-488-4.

ea vol: illus. by Jan Lewis. 24p. (First Time Series). Child’s Play. 2013. pap. $5.99.

PERLOV, Betty Rosenberg. Rifka Takes a Bow. illus. by Cosei Kawa. 32p. Kar-Ben. Sept. 2013. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8127-3; ebook $6.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1648-2. LC 2012028985.

PLECAS, Jennifer. Olive’s Perfect World: A Friendship Story. illus. by author. 32p. Philomel. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25287-7.

POLACCO, Patricia. The Blessing Cup. illus. by author. 48p. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks. Aug. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5047-9; ebook available. LC 2012023596.

PRELLER, James. Home Sweet Horror. Bk. 1. illus. by Iacopo Bruno. 112p. (Scary Tales Series). Feiwel & Friends. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-250-01886-1; pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-1-250-01887-8.

REED, Lynn Rowe. Fireman Fred. illus. by author. 32p. (I Like To Read Series). ebook available. Holiday House. Sept. 2013. RTE $14.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2658-4. LC 2012000017.

ROBBERECHT, Thierry. I Can’t Do Anything! tr. from French. illus. by Annick Masson. 32p. Magination. 2013. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-1309-2; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-1310-8. LC 2012043771.

ROBINSON, Michelle. Ding Dong! Gorilla! illus. by Leonie Lord. 32p. Peachtree. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-730-4. LC 2012048851.

ROSENTHAL, Eileen. Bobo the Sailor Man! illus. by Marc Rosenthal. 40p. S & S/Atheneum. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4443-0; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4444-7. LC 2012040456.

ROSS, Tony. Drat That Cat! illus. by author. 32p. Andersen Press. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-2030-4; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-2036-6.

ROSS, Tony. I Want a Sister! illus. by author. 32p. (A Little Princess Story). Andersen Press. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-2047-2; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-2048-9.

SCHNEIDER, Josh. Bedtime Monsters. illus. by author. 32p. Clarion. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-544-00270-8. LC 2012036483.

SCHWARTZ, Amy. Dee Dee and Me. illus. by author. 32p. Holiday House. Oct. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2524-2. LC 2012016565.

SCOTT, Brandon James, adapt. The Big Pet Story. illus. by adapter. 36p. (Justin Time Series). Immedium. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-59702-041-1. LC 2012043249.

SHANNON, George. Turkey Tot. illus. by Jennifer K. Mann. 32p. Holiday House. Oct. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2379-8. LC 2011022103.

SLEGERS, Liesbet. Kevin Goes to the Hospital. tr. from Dutch. illus. by author. 30p. (Kevin and Katie Series). Clavis. 2013. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-60537-125-2.

SPARKES, Ali. Ant Attack. Bk. 4. ISBN 978-0-7613-9202-6; ISBN 978-1-4677-0713-8; ISBN 978-1-4677-1124-1. LC 2012026635.

––––.Fly Frenzy. Bk. 2. glossary. ISBN 978-0-7613-9200-2; ISBN 978-1-4677-0711-4; ISBN 978-1-4677-1122-7. LC 2012026632.

––––.Grasshopper Glitch. Bk. 3. ISBN 978-0-7613-9201-9; ISBN 978-1-4677-0712-1; ISBN 978-1-4677-1123-4. LC 2012026634.

––––.Spider Stampede. Bk. 1. glossary. ISBN 978-0-7613-9199-9; ISBN 978-1-4677-0710-7; ISBN 978-1-4677-1121-0. LC 2012026631.

ea vol: illus. by Ross Collins. 104p. (S.W.I.T.CH. Series). further reading. websites. Darby Creek. 2013. lib. ed. $27.93; pap. $7.95; ebook $20.95.

SPELMAN, Cornelia Maude. When I Feel Worried. illus. by Kathy Parkinson. 24p. (The Way I Feel Series). Albert Whitman. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-8893-2. LC 2013005185.

SPERRING, Mark. Dino-Baby. illus. by Sam Lloyd. 32p. Bloomsbury. Oct. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-61963-151-9; lib. ed. $15.89. ISBN 978-1-61963-152-6. LC 2013002688.

STOUT, Shawn K. Penelope Crumb Finds Her Luck. illus. by Valeria Docampo. 224p. (Penelope Crumb Series). Philomel. Sept. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-399-16254-1.

STURUP, Signe. Circles of Round. illus. by Winnie Ma. 40p. Simply Read. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-927018-18-7.

SUTTON, Benn. Hedgehug’s Halloween. illus. by Dan Pinto. 40p. HarperCollins/Harper. Aug. 2013. RTE $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-196104-5.

TAYLOR, Sean. Robot Rumpus! illus. by Ross Collins. 32p. Andersen Press. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-2031-1; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-2037-3.

VALIANT, Kristi. Penguin Cha-Cha. illus. by author. Random. Aug. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87072-9; lib. ed. $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97072-6; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98095-4. LC 2012016265.

VAMOS, Samantha R. Alphabet Trucks. illus. by Ryan O’Rourke. 32p. Charlesbridge. Aug. 2013. RTE $14.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-428-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-600-5. LC 2012024404.

VAN LIESHOUT, Elle & Erik Van Os. How Much Does the Gray in an Elephant Weigh? tr. from Dutch. illus. by Alice Hoogstad. 32p. Lemniscaat. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-935954-27-9.

VAN STRAATEN, Harmen. The Snowman’s Wish. tr. from Dutch by Andrew Rushton. illus. by author. 32p. NorthSouth. Sept. 2013. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4144-4.

WADSWORTH, Ginger. Yosemite’s Songster: One Coyote’s Story. illus. by Daniel San Souci. 32p. Yosemite Conservancy. Aug. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-930238-34-3. LC 2012952115.

WALLACE, Nancy K. Claim to Fame. ISBN 978-1-61641-912-7; ISBN 978-1-61480-550-2. LC 2012029413.

––––.The Mystery of the Golden Key. ISBN 978-1-61641-915-8; ISBN 978-1-61480-553-3. LC 2012027943.

––––.Out to Lunch. websites. ISBN 978-1-61641-916-5; ISBN 978-1-61480-554-0. LC 2012029483.

ea vol: illus. by Amanda Chronister. 80p. (Abby and the Claim to Fame Series). ABDO/Magic Wagon. 2013. lib. ed. $27.07; ebook $18.95.

WATTS, Bernadette. Will You Be My Friend? illus. by author. 32p. NorthSouth. Aug. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4117-8.

WHAMOND, Dave. Oddrey and the New Kid. illus. by author. 32p. Owlkids. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-926973-90-6. LC 2013930983.

WHEELER, Lisa. Dino-Wrestling. illus. by Barry Gott. 32p. Carolrhoda. Oct. 2013. lib. ed. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-0212-6; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1616-1. LC 2012049251.

WHITE, Kathryn. Ruby’s Baby Brother. illus. by Miriam Latimer. 32p. Barefoot. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-84686-864-1; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-1-84686-950-1. LC 2012020205.

WOLFF, Ashley. Baby Bear Counts One. illus. by author. 40p. S & S/Beach Lane. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4158-3; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4159-0. LC 2012020202.

WOOD, Audrey. The Birthday Queen. illus. by Don Wood. 32p. Scholastic/Blue Sky. Sept. 2013. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-41474-6.

YOUNG, Judy. Tuki and Moka: A Tale of Two Tamarins. illus. by Jim Madsen. 32p. Sleeping Bear. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-58536-795-5. ebook available.

ZIEFERT, Harriet. What Is Part This, Part That? illus. by Tom Slaughter. 40p. Blue Apple. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-60905-309-3.

Sophie’s Squash (Miller)
©2013 by Anne Wilsdorf

BECKER, Aaron. Journey. illus. by author. 40p. Candlewick. July 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6053-6. LC 2012947264.
Gr 1-4–In this auspicious debut picture book, a lonely girl escapes the boredom of a sepia-toned world by drawing a doorway to a magical realm. Harkening back to Crockett Johnson’s Harold, this child uses a red crayon and a lot of imagination to venture across a Venice-like kingdom, fly among a fleet of steampunk airships, and take off on a magic carpet ride. When an act of compassion and bravery lands the heroine in a cage, it’s her magic crayon and a bit of help from a new friend that save the day. This captivating wordless story has all the elements of a classic adventure: unknown lands, death-defying stunts, and a plucky lead. Finely detailed pen-and-ink line drawings combine with luminous washes of watercolor to create a rich and enchanting setting. Becker builds a sense of suspense by varying colorful full-page spreads with smaller vignettes that feature the girl and her red crayon surrounded by ample white space. The final page shows the youngster and her new friend riding a tandem bicycle pointing onward. Endpapers spotlight all manner of transportation: ships, trains, cars, and even space shuttles. The strong visual narrative makes this an appealing choice for a wide range of ages. By the turn of the last page, children will immediately begin imagining the next adventure.–Kiera Parrott, Darien Library, CT

DAYWALT, Drew. The Day the Crayons Quit. illus. by Oliver Jeffers. 32p. Philomel. July 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25537-3. LC 2012030384.
K-Gr 2–In this delightfully imaginative take on a beloved childhood activity, a young boy’s crayons have had enough. Fed up with their workload and eager to voice their grievances, they pen letters to Duncan detailing their frustrations. Energetic and off-the-wall, the complaints are always wildly funny, from the neurotically neat Purple (“If you DON’T START COLORING INSIDE the lines soon… I’m going to COMPLETELY LOSE IT”) to the underappreciated White (“If I didn’t have a black outline, you wouldn’t even know I was THERE!”). Daywalt has an instinctive understanding of the kind of humor that will resonate with young children, such as Orange and Yellow duking it out over which of them represents the true color of the sun or Peach’s lament that ever since its wrapper has fallen off, it feels naked. Though Jeffers’s messily scrawled crayon illustrations are appropriately childlike, they’re also infused with a sophisticated wit that perfectly accompanies the laugh-out-loud text; for example, a letter from Beige, in which he bemoans being tasked with drawing dull items like turkey dinners, is paired with an image of the crestfallen crayon drooping over beside a blade of wheat. Later on, Pink grumbles about constantly being passed over for less-feminine colors while the opposite page depicts a discomfited-looking pink monster and cowboy being derided by a similarly hued dinosaur. This colorful title should make for an uproarious storytime and may even inspire some equally creative art projects.–Mahnaz Dar, Library Journal

HENKES, Kevin. The Year of Billy Miller. illus. by author. 240p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-226812-9; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-226813-6; ebook ISBN 978-0-06-226815-0. LC 2012050373.
Gr 1-3–The beginning of a new school year brings anxious moments for Billy Miller, a typical second grader at Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary School in a small Wisconsin town. His new teacher, Ms. Silver, uses chopsticks to hold her hair in place and know-it-all Emma Sparks is unfortunately one of his desk mates. Just as a school year is divided into quarters, the book is divided into four parts–”Teacher,” “Father,” “Sister,” and “Mother”–each offering a new perspective on Billy’s personality and development through his interactions with these well-developed characters. He begins the school year with a lump on his head from a family-vacation incident and navigates glitter homework fiascos, canceled sleepover plans, and sibling annoyances as readers see the year unfold through funny and often poignant situations. Billy himself might have been daunted by a book with more than 200 pages, but eager young readers will find this a great first chapter book to share or read solo.–Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH

MILLER, Pat Zietlow. Sophie’s Squash. illus. by Anne Wilsdorf. 40p. Random/Schwartz & Wade. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97896-7; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97897-4. LC 2012006438.
K-Gr 2–“Good friends are hard to find,” says Sophie to her best buddy, Bernice. This must be so, because Bernice is a farmers’ market squash. The fruit is supposed to be for supper, but all bets are off when Sophie gives it a face and a name. The two friends are inseparable, visiting the library and other squash at the market, practicing somersaults on the hill…and every night Sophie gives Bernice a baby bottle and tucks her into a cradle. (“Well, we did hope she’d love vegetables,” Sophie’s mother observes.) Countless stories exist about girls’ exploits with their dolls or stuffed animals. Few, if any, feature healthy produce. But the tale of Sophie and Bernice is charming and even suspenseful as the title character reluctantly realizes that her squash will not last forever. Miller’s sweet and lively story is perfectly matched by Wilsdorf’s expert ink and watercolor illustrations. With lessons on life, love, and vegetable gardening, this tale will be cherished by children, and their parents will be happy to read it to them often.–Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

KELLER, Laurie. Bowling Alley Bandit. illus. by author. 128p. (The Adventures of Arnie the Doughnut). Holt/Christy Ottaviano. 2013. Tr $13.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9076-5.
Gr 2–4–Arnie the doughnut returns in a “who-donut” chapter book that will appeal to fans of Dav Pilkey’s “Captain Underpants” (Scholastic) and Lincoln Peirce’s “Big Nate” (HarperCollins) series. Iced with chocolate and covered with sprinkles, the “doughnut dog” catches readers up-to-date since he debuted in his own picture book, Arnie the Doughnut (Holt, 2003). The first chapter recaps how he became a doughnut dog and beloved friend to Mr. Bing, who instead of eating Arnie decides to adopt him as his pet. Readers then follow adventures that occur during Arnie’s favorite Tuesday-night outings to the bowling alley with Mr. Bing and his buddies. Comic-style drawings fill the pages, providing abundant humor and tons of spoofy comedy for reluctant readers. Children will stay engaged as Arnie and friends try to discover why Mr. Bing keeps throwing gutter balls during the tournament when he usually is a high-scoring bowler. Does the opposing team, the Yada-Yadas, have something to do with it? With zany, quirky characters (talking pizza, break-dancing bowling pins, animated shoes) and a fast-paced, silly story line, the book will have readers looking for Arnie and Mr. Bing’s next adventure.–Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI

SEEGER, Laura Vaccaro. Bully. illus. by author. 40p. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. Aug. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-630-5. LC 2012012991.
PreS-Gr 2–On the cover, bold black lines on an angry tomato-red background depict the scowling title character. Seeger sets the emotional tone from the very start: this is one mean bull. Front endpapers offer a clue to his behavior as readers see a larger, adult bull shout, “Go away!” The rejected little guy hangs his head, and, as many real-life bullies do, turns his hurt into anger. When he comes upon a group of animals who want to play, he puffs himself up in a near-identical pose to his adult counterpart and shouts, “No!” He proceeds to insult them with literal names (“CHICKEN!” “PIG!”) that lend a bit of levity and humor to an otherwise serious story. With each insult, the bull’s bravado makes him larger and larger, filling and then expanding outside the frame of the pages. Children will recognize and respond to this powerful visual depiction of rage. By the time he yells “YOU STINK!” at the skunk, only his two giant front hooves and enormous snout are visible. When the bull is finally forced to confront what he has become, viewers see him deflate like an overinflated balloon and become small. Again, Seeger lightens the mood with this touch of cartoon whimsy. Spare text and simple drawings allow the antibullying message to come across clearly without being heavy-handed or didactic. The arc of the bull’s experience engenders discussion and encourages the quest for satisfying solutions.–Kiera Parrott, Darien Library, CT

WISSINGER, Tamera Will. Gone Fishing. illus. by Matthew Cordell. 120p. bibliog. glossary. Houghton Harcourt. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-547-82011-8. LC 2012032796.
Gr 1-4–This novel in verse successfully builds a story filled with anticipation, family humor, and sibling rivalry. Wissinger adroitly uses a variety of poetic forms to express nine-year-old Sam’s excitement about an upcoming outing with his father: “Hip-hip, hooray!/It’s fishing day./Yo-ho yippee!/Just Dad and me.” To Sam’s consternation, his annoying little sister decides that she wants to go, too. She packs for the trip by filling Sam’s tackle box with her toys. “Where’s my stringer?/Something’s wrong!/The princess doll does not belong!” Sam is even more despondent when her singing helps her catch a handful of fish even before he has caught one. The trip vastly improves when he lands a sizable catfish, leading Lucy to gush with pride for him. “You caught one Sam!/Lucy scoots close to me./A big one, too!/I didn’t even look/when she caught/her first fish./But she cheered for me/Maybe I was wrong/about bringing her along.” Teachers will appreciate the seamless introduction to different poetic forms including rhyming lists, concrete poems, ballads, and haiku. Wissinger deftly plies her craft to ensure that the use of poetry enhances the readability of the story. She includes a “Poet’s Tackle Box” to complete this solid introduction to poetic form. Cordell’s whimsical line drawings complement the poetry by capturing the adventurous spirit and humor that this story demands. Hearing it aloud, children will appreciate the rollicking tale and the lyrical verse, while young readers will be able to enjoy the book independently. This book might inspire some to pursue an interest in fishing, but it will surely encourage all of them to delve into the world of poetry.–Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale, NY

WOODSON, Jacqueline. This Is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration. illus. by James Ransome. 32p. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. Aug. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-23986-1.
K-Gr 3–A utilitarian rope–now a toy, now a clothesline, now a fastening cord–ties together this lyrical multigenerational story of one family’s experience leaving the South for greater opportunities up North. Woodson’s text and Ransome’s warm, lived-in oils begin in the sweet expanse of South Carolina, the rich rural landscape contrasted with the busy, populous images of the family’s new stone-and-concrete neighborhood in Brooklyn. Every page turn reveals the titular phrase again, but the repetition does not weary as the family thrives and evolves in great leaps and short steps. Significant episodes like the arrival of a baby or the beginning of college unfold in meaningful text and blend with fine splashes of humor; one surprisingly dynamic and evocative spread shows a teenager’s room–Prince poster on the wall, Michael Jackson albums scattered on the bed–and the shadow of a mischievous younger brother dashing down the hallway with the rope, needed for “some crazy game that little boys play.” An author’s note offers a brief familial history as well as a few lines about the Great Migration and supports the text as a resounding affirmation of the journey made by more than six million African Americans in search of change. With characteristic grace and a knack for the right detail, Woodson and Ransome have provided a pleasing portrait of one loving family in the midst of a movement.–Robbin E. Friedman, Chappaqua Library, NY

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

Preschool to Grade 4 Fiction

ASQUITH, Ros.Letters from an Alien Schoolboy. illus. by author. 192p. Sky Pony. 2013. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-62087-536-0.

BERGER, Samantha.Crankenstein. illus. by Dan Santat. 40p. Little, Brown. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-12656-4.

BEST, Cari. When We Go Walking. illus. by Kyrsten Brooker. 32p. Amazon. 2013. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4778-1648-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4778-6648-1.

BÉZIAT, Julien. Mäko. tr. from French by Evan Jones. illus. by author. 36p. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2013. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-55455-275-7.

BROCKENBROUGH, Martha. The Dinosaur Tooth Fairy. illus. by Israel Sanchez. 32p. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine. July 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-24466-4. LC 2012013235.

AKIYAMA, Bruce & Ken Scarborough. Campfire Stories. ISBN 978-0-547-97024-0; ISBN 978-0-547-97021-9.
––––.So You Want to Be a Dog? ISBN 978-0-547-97483-5; ISBN 978-0-547-97018-9.
ea vol: 96p. (Martha Speaks Series). glossary. Houghton Harcourt. 2013. Tr $14.99; pap. $5.99.

BUZZEO, Toni. But I Read It on the Internet! illus. by Sachiko Yoshikawa. 32p. (A Mrs. Skorupski Story). websites. UpstartBooks. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-60213-062-3.

BYRNE, Richard. Penguins Can’t Fly! illus. by author. 32p. Barron’s. 2013. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4380-0254-5. LC 2012943294.

BYUN, You. Dream Friends. illus. by author. 32p. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25739-1. LC 2012011082.

CABATINGAN, Erin. Musk Ox Counts. illus. by Matthew Myers. 40p. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-798-2. LC 2012046936.

CALLEN, Sharon. Anna Goes to Zambia. illus. by Bettina Guthridge. ISBN 978-1-4333-5495-3.
––––.Safari Camp. illus. by Jane Wallace-Mitchell. ISBN 978-1-4333-5494-6.
CARTHEW, Mark. Speak Up! illus. by Annie White. ISBN 978-1-4333-5496-0.
EDWARDS, Amelia. It’s Good Enough to Eat! illus. by Mike Brownlow. ISBN 978-1-4333-5493-9.
WEAVER, Jo. Paul Bunyan: A Very Tall Tale. illus. by Loretta Krupinski. ISBN 978-1-4333-5497-7.
ea vol: 20p. (Fiction Readers Series). Teacher Created Materials. 2013. pap. $4.99.

CORDEROY, Tracey. I Want My Mommy! illus. by Alison Edgson. 32p. Tiger Tales. 2013. RTE $12.95. ISBN 978-1-58925-130-4.

CRUM, Shutta. Dozens of Cousins. illus. by David Catrow. 32p. Clarion. July 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-618-15874-4. LC 2012005010.

DAVIES, Katie. The Great Dog Disaster. illus. by Hannah Shaw. 208p. (The Great Critter Capers Series). S & S/Beach Lane. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4517-8; ebook ISBN 978-1-4424-4519-2. LC 2012041868.

DAVIES, Nicola. Escape from Silver Street Farm. illus. by Katharine McEwen. 65p. (Silver Street Farm Series). Candlewick. 2013. RTE $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6133-5. LC 2012942620.

DEAN, James. Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach. illus. by author. ISBN 978-0-06-211073-2; ISBN 978-0-06-211072-5. LC 2012952453.
LIN, Amy Hsu. Splat the Cat: A Whale of a Tale. illus. by Robert Eberz. ISBN 978-0-06-209024-9; ISBN 978-0-06-209022-5. LC 2012949618.
ea vol: 32p. (I Can Read! Series). HarperCollins/Harper. 2013. Tr $16.99; pap. $3.99.

DEAN, James. Pete the Cat: Pete’s Big Lunch. ISBN 978-0-06-211070-1; ISBN 978-0-06-211069-5.
––––.Pete the Cat: Play Ball! ISBN 978-0-06-211067-1; ISBN 978-0-06-211066-4.
ea vol: illus. by author. 32p. (I Can Read! Series). HarperCollins/Harper. 2013. Tr $16.99; pap. $3.99.

DICMAS, Courtney. Harold Finds a Voice. illus. by author. 32p. Child’s Play. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-84643-550-8.

DIPUCCHIO, Kelly. Crafty Chloe: Dress-Up Mess-Up. illus. by Heather Ross. 40p. websites. S & S/Atheneum. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2124-0. LC 2011042345.

DOWNER, Ann. Shark Baby. illus. by Shennen Bersani. 32p. Sylvan Dell. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-622-9; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-634-2; ebook $9.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-646-5.

DRUMMOND, Ree. Charlie the Ranch Dog: Where’s the Bacon? illus. by Diane deGroat. 32p. (I Can Read! Series). HarperCollins/Harper. July 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-221909-1; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-221908-4. LC 2012949619.

DUNBAR, Joyce. Puss Jekyll Cat Hyde. illus. by Jill Barton. 32p. Frances Lincoln. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-84780-369-6.

EMBERLEY, Ed. Nighty Night, Little Green Monster. illus. by author. 32p. Little, Brown. Aug. 2013. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-316-21041-6.

FARLEY, Brianne. Ike’s Incredible Ink. illus. by author. 32p. Candlewick. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6296-7. LC 2012947261.

FEDER, Jane. Spooky Friends. illus. by Julie Downing. 40p. (Spooky Friends Series). Scholastic. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-47815-1; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-545-47816-8. LC 2012014786.

FORD, Bernette. No More Biting for Billy Goat! illus. by Sam Williams. 32p. Boxer Bks. 2013. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-907967-31-3.

FOX, Mem. Good Night, Sleep Tight. illus. by Judy Horacek. 32p. Scholastic/Orchard. Aug. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-53370-6.

GEORGE, Patrick. I Hear…. ISBN 978-1-908473-07-3.
––––.I See…. ISBN 978-1-908473-04-2.
––––.I Smell…. ISBN 978-1-908473-05-9.
ea vol: illus. by author. 36p. Trafalgar Square. 2013. RTE $12.99.

GERARDI, Jan. The Little Recycler. illus. by author. 16p. (Teenie Greenies Series). Random. 2013. BD $6.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86172-7. LC 2012001910.

HALL, Marcellus. Everyone Sleeps. illus. by author. 32p. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25793-3. LC 2012023258.

HARDY, Edward. Where Is Fred? illus. by Ali Pye. 32p. Egmont USA. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4052-5402-1; pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4052-5403-8.

HODGMAN, Ann. That’s My Mommy! illus. by Laura Logan. 22p. Tiger Tales. 2013. BD $8.95. ISBN 978-1-58925-645-3.

JAMES, Helen Foster. Grandma Loves You! illus. by Petra Brown. 32p. Sleeping Bear. July 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-58536-836-5. LC 2013002582.

JOYNER, Andrew. Boris on the Move. Bk. 1. 80p. illus. by author. (Boris Series). ISBN 978-0-545-48442-8; ISBN 978-0-545-48443-5; ISBN 978-0-545-48782-5. LC 2012034254.
LUBAR, David. Stranger Things. Bk. 1. 96p. illus. by Matt Loveridge. (Looniverse Series). ISBN 978-0-545-49601-8; ISBN 978-0-545-49602-5; ISBN 978-0-545-49685-8. LC 2012024838.
ea vol: Scholastic/Branches. 2013. Tr $15.99; pap. $4.99; ebook $4.99.

KASZA, Keiko. My Lucky Birthday. illus. by author. 32p. Putnam. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25763-6. LC 2011037119.

KLEIN, Adria. Sammy Saw and the Campout. ISBN 978-1-4342-4022-4; ISBN 978-1-4342-4234-1. LC 2011049284.
––––.Sophie Screwdriver and the Classroom. ISBN 978-1-4342-4021-7; ISBN 978-1-4342-4235-8. LC 2011049285.
ea vol: illus. by Andy Rowland. 32p. (Tool School Series). Stone Arch. 2013. PLB $21.32; pap. $5.95.

KURTZMAN-COUNTER, Samantha. When Miles Got Mad. 30p. illus. The Mother Company. 2013. RTE $12.95. ISBN 978-0-615-69965-3. LC 2012949929.

LEE, Mark. 20 Big Trucks in the Middle of the Street. illus. by Kurt Cyrus. 32p. Candlewick. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5809-0. LC 2012943654.

LEHRHAUPT, Adam. Warning: Do Not Open This Book! illus. by Matthew Forsythe. 40p. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3582-7; ebook ISBN 978-1-4424-3583-4. LC 2012014432.

LIU, Julia. Gus, the Dinosaur Bus. tr. from Chinese by Jamie White. illus. by Bei Lynn. 32p. Houghton Harcourt. July 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-547-90573-0.

LLOYD, Jennifer. The Best Thing About Kindergarten. illus. by Qin Leng. 36p. Simply Read Books. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-897476-82-6.

LOBEL, Anita. Lena’s Sleep Sheep: A Going-to-Bed Book. illus. by author. 24p. Knopf. Aug. 2013. Tr $10.99. ISBN 978-0-449-81025-5; PLB $14.99. ISBN 978-0-449-81026-2; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-449-81027-9. LC 2012028378.

LUCAS, David. The Skeleton Pirate. illus. by author. 30p. Candlewick. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6107-6. LC 2012942674.

MACLACHLAN, Patricia. The Truth of Me. 128p. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen. Aug. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-06-199859-1; PLB $15.89. ISBN 978-0-06-199860-7.

MAHY, Margaret. The Green Bath. illus. by Steven Kellogg. 40p. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine. July 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-20667-9.

MAIZES, Sarah. On My Way to Bed. illus. by Michael Paraskevas. 40p. Walker. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-2366-6; RTE $17.89. ISBN 978-0-8027-2367-3. LC 2013001363.

MANCEAU, Édouard. Windblown. tr. from French by Sarah Quinn. illus. by author. 32p. websites. Owlkids. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-926973-77-7. LC 2012945653.

MINOR, Wendell. How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow? illus. by author. 32p. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. Aug. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24684-5.

Monster, Be Good! illus. by Natalie Marshall. 24p. Blue Apple. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-1-60905-314-7.

MONTIJO, Rhode. Gum Girl!: Chews Your Destiny. illus. by author. 128p. Hyperion/Disney. July 2013. RTE $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-5740-3.

MOSER, Lisa. Cowboy Boyd and Mighty Calliope. illus. by Sebastiaan Van Doninck. 40p. Random. Aug. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87056-9; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97056-6; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98079-4. LC 2012025379.

MYRACLE, Lauren. Penguin Problems. illus. by Jed Henry. 128p. (The Life of Ty Series). Dutton. 2012. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42264-8.

OHORA, Zachariah. No Fits, Nilson! illus. by author. 32p. Dial. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3852-2. LC 2012021514.

Peppa Pig and The Muddy Puddles.32p. illus. Candlewick. 2013. RTE $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6523-4. LC 2012942611.

PERL, Erica S. King of the Zoo. illus. by Jackie Urbanovic. 40p. Scholastic/Orchard. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-46182-5.

PIPPIN-MATHUR, Courtney. Maya Was Grumpy. illus. by author. 32p. Flashlight. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-9362611-3-0. LC 2012946228.

PRITCHETT, Andy. Stick! illus. by author. 32p. Candlewick. Aug. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6616-3. LC 2012947824.

RANSOM, Candice. Iva Honeysuckle Meets Her Match. illus. by Heather Ross. 192p. (Iva Honeysuckle Series). Hyperion/Disney. 2013. RTE $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-3514-2. LC 2012035111.

ROBINSON, Nicola L. The Monster Machine. illus. by author. 32p. Pavilion. 2013. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-84365-200-7.

ROCK, Brian. The Deductive Detective. illus. by Sherry Rogers. 32p. Sylvan Dell. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-613-7; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-625-0; ebook ISBN 978-1-60718-637-3. LC 2012030120.

RYLANT, Cynthia. Mr. Putter & Tabby Drop the Ball. illus. by Arthur Howard. 44p. Houghton Harcourt. Sept. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-15-205072-6.

SCILLIAN, Devin. Memoirs of a Hamster. illus.by Tim Bowers. 32p. Sleeping Bear. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-58536-831-0. LC 2012033693.

SHANNON, David. Bugs in My Hair! illus. by author. 32p. Scholastic/Blue Sky. Sept. 2013. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-14313-4. LC 2012042220.

SHANNON, George. A Very Witchy Spelling Bee. illus. by Mark Fearing. 32p. Houghton Harcourt. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-15-206696-3.

SITTNER, Nechama. What Did Pinny Do?: An Upsherin Story. illus. by Tova Leff. 32p. glossary. Hachai. 2013. PLB $12.95. ISBN 978-1-929628-72-8. LC 2012921267.

SLONIM, David. Patch. illus. by author. 32p. Roaring Brook. July 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-643-5.

SMITH, Alex T. Claude in the City. illus. by author. 96p. Peachtree. 2013. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-697-0. LC 2012028081.

SMITH, Peter. Monsieur Albert Rides to Glory. illus. by Bob Graham. 32p. Allen & Unwin. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-74237-680-6.

SOBRINO, Javier. Night Sounds. tr. from Spanish by Elisa Amado. illus. by Emilio Urberuaga. 36p. Groundwood. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-332-2.

STEFFENSMEIER, Alexander. Millie and the Big Rescue. tr. from German. illus. by author. 40p. (Millie’s Misadventures Series). Walker. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-3402-0.

SULLIVAN, Dana. Ozzie and the Art Contest. illus. by author. 32p. Sleeping Bear. July 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-58536-820-4.

TABBY, Abigail. The KnitWits Make a Move! illus. by Lee Wildish. 32p. S & S/Little Simon. Aug. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5342-5; ebook ISBN 978-1-4424-5343-2. LC 2012040111.

TOBIN, Jim. The Very Inappropriate Word. illus. by Dave Coverly. 40p. Holt/Christy Ottaviano. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9474-9. LC 2012021084.

ULUADLUAK, Donald. Kamik: An Inuit Puppy Story. illus. by Qin Leng. 32p. Inhabit Media. 2013. pap. $10.95. ISBN 978-1-9270-9511-9.

UNGERER, Tomi. Fog Island. illus. by author. 48p. Phaidon. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7148-6535-5.

WATSON, Stephanie. The Wee Hours. illus. by Mary GrandPré. 40p. Hyperion/Disney. Aug. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-4038-2.

WATT, Mélanie. Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping. illus. by author. 32p. Kids Can. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-894786-86-7.

WILLEMS, Mo. A Big Guy Took My Ball! illus. by author. 64p. (Elephant & Piggie Series). Hyperion/Disney. 2013. RTE $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-7491-2. LC 2012010899.

YOLEN, Jane. Romping Monsters, Stomping Monsters. illus. by Kelly Murphy. 32p. Candlewick. July 2013. RTE $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5727-7. LC 2012943655.

YOUNG, Jessica. My Blue Is Happy. illus. by Catia Chien. 32p. Candlewick. Aug. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5125-1. LC 2012950616.

YUM, Hyewon. This Is Our House. illus. by author. 40p. Farrar/Frances Foster. Aug. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-37487-7.

ZIEFERT, Harriet. Goodnight Underwear. illus. by Todd H. Doodler. 36p. (Bear in Underwear Series). Blue Apple. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-1-60905-363-5.

Digger, Dozer, Dumper (Vestergaard)
©2013 by David Slonim

FLOCA, Brian. Locomotive. illus. by author. 64p. diags. maps. notes. S & S/Atheneum/Richard Jackson Bks. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9415-2; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-8522-8.
Gr 3-5–It all started with “a new road of rails/made for people to ride” where “covered wagons used to crawl.” Almost 150 years ago–just after the Civil War–the completion of the transcontinental railway radically changed both this country’s landscape and the opportunities of its people. The book traces the advent of cross-country train travel, focusing on an early trip from Omaha to Sacramento. As in Moonshot (2009) and Lightship (2007, both S & S), Floca proves himself masterful with words, art, and ideas. The book’s large format offers space for a robust story in a hefty package of information. Set in well-paced blank verse, the text begins with a quick sketch of “how this road was built” and moves abruptly to the passengers on the platform and the approaching train. The author smoothly integrates descriptions of the structure and mechanics of the locomotive, tasks of crew members, passing landscapes, and experiences of passengers. Simply sketched people and backgrounds, striking views of the locomotive, and broad scenes of unpopulated terrain are framed in small vignettes or sweep across the page. Though a bit technical in explaining engine parts, the travelogue scheme will read aloud nicely and also offers absorbing details for leisurely personal reading. Substantial introductory and concluding sections serve older readers. There’s also a detailed explanation of the author’s efforts and sources in exploring his subject. Train buffs and history fans of many ages will find much to savor in this gorgeously rendered and intelligent effort.–Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

PINKNEY, Andrea Davis. Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song. illus. by Brian Pinkney. 40p. chron. discography. further reading. Little, Brown. Aug. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-316-07013-3. LC 2012005499.
Gr 2-4–As in Sit-In (Little, Brown, 2010), the Pinkneys present important figures and a pivotal moment during the Civil Rights Movement in a fresh and visually compelling manner. Readers are invited to follow a path and a dove throughout–both images being rich in multiple meanings. The narrative starts with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s upbringing, which trained him to speak the gospel. Rendered in cool blues and greens, the fluid watercolor and ink compositions are less about capturing a likeness than conveying the charisma and soul of this preacher. Mahalia Jackson is portrayed in warm oranges and reds. (When together, purples envelope the pair.) Readers learn that she sang the gospel, from church choirs to recordings, and performances for presidents. Overlaid with ribbons of key words and rounded lines suggesting ripples from the characters’ auras, the pictures provide emotional content for the author’s smart and stylized descriptions. This fascinating new lens for children on the often-depicted “Dream” speech during the March on Washington reveals how Jackson’s powerful voice stilled the crowds for King’s: “She rolled her brass and butter with a MIGHTY DOSE OF THUNDER.” Author and artist indicate how, in the call-and-response manner so familiar to both, it was Jackson who admonished King to, “TELL THEM ABOUT YOUR DREAM, MARTIN!” Ideas and fervor build and important phrases appear in bold colors. Historical context and artistic inspirations wrap up this informative approach to the two icons and the effect of their partnership on history.–Wendy Lukehart, District of Columbia Public Library

VESTERGAARD, Hope. Digger, Dozer, Dumper. illus. by David Slonim. 32p. Candlewick. Aug. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5078-0. LC 2012947724.
PreS-Gr 2–These delightful, finely crafted, informative, fun verses can serve as Common Core exemplar texts while satisfying truck and poetry fans. Each rig’s function is described with great care and attention to language with seamless rhymes, alliteration, and assonance gracing the selections. Nothing seems forced about Vestergaard’s rhymes; they’re smooth and sure, and easy to set to memory: “After the asphalt’s dumped and spread/in sticky, long black lines,/the road must cure. You can be sure…/Steamroller’s close behind….” About the cherry picker, Vestergaard writes, “The picker pauses in the sky,/plucks its target,/then…/gently, slowly, gracefully, sets it down again,” and in a tour-de-force ending: “digger, dozer, dumper, grader/backhoe, roller, excavator/….” Each poem is presented on a spread with lighthearted acrylic and charcoal illustrations that often include a girl and two boys of various hues and a yellow hard-hat-wearing pup, as well as the rigs themselves with hints of personification in their headlight eyes. There are 16 machines in all: garbage truck, forklift, street sweeper, and so on. The cartoon children are depicted operating the machines, but the final illustration reverses the relationship of object to child; suddenly the children are quite big and their trucks are small and handheld. This book is intelligent and informative, with craft, rhythm, great art, and entertainment.–Teresa Pfeifer, The Springfield Renaissance School, Springfield, MA

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

Preschool to Grade 4 Nonfiction

CLAFLIN, Willy. The Bully Goat Grim: A Maynard Moose Tale. illus. by James Stimson. 32p. glossary. w/CD. August Little Folk. 2013. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-087483-952-4. LC 2012008626.

COLEMAN, Janet Wyman. Eight Dolphins of Katrina: A True Tale of Survival. illus. by Yan Nascimbene. 40p. bibliog. photos. Houghton Harcourt. Aug. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-71923-8.

CUMMINS, Julie. Flying Solo: How Ruth Elder Soared into America’s Heart. illus. by Malene R. Laugesen. 32p. bibliog. further reading. websites. Roaring Brook. July 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-509-4. LC 2012029743.

DEMIR, Cengiz. Tales from Nasreddin Hodja. tr. from Turkish by Serdar Aşlar. illus. by Öznur Kalendar. 144p. Tughra Books. 2013. pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-1-59784-285-3.

FORD, Bernette. reteller. Little Red Riding Hood. illus. by Tom Knight. 32p. (A Story House Book Series). Boxer Bks. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-907967-38-2.

GORDON, Nick. Army Night Stalkers. ISBN 978-1-60014-874-3. LC 2012032062.
––––. Marine Corps Force Recon. ISBN 978-1-60014-875-0. LC 2012032050.
––––.Marine Expeditionary Units. ISBN 978-1-60014-876-7. LC 2012032984.
ea vol: 24p. (Epic: U.S. Military Series). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Bellwether Media. 2013. PLB $22.95.

HAMILTON, John. A-10 Thunderbolt II. ISBN 978-1-61783-685-5. LC 2012946022.
––––.AC-130H/U Gunship. ISBN 978-1-61783-686-2. LC 20129945705.
––––.B-52 Stratofortress. ISBN 978-1-61783-687-9. LC 2012945706.
––––.F-22 Raptor. ISBN 978-1-61783-688-6. LC 2012945865.
––––.UH-60 Black Hawk. ISBN 978-1-61783-689-3. LC 2012045707.
ea vol: 32p. (Xtreme Military Aircraft Set 2 Series). glossary. index. photos. ABDO. 2013. PLB $27.07.

HENEGHAN, Judith. Love Your Cat. ISBN 978-1-4777-0184-3. LC 2012026234.
––––.Love Your Dog. ISBN 978-1-4777-0185-0. LC 2012026233.
––––.Love Your Hamster. ISBN 978-1-4777-0186-7. LC 2012026641.
––––.Love Your Rabbit. ISBN 978-1-4777-0187-4. LC 2012026642.
ea vol: 32p. (Your Perfect Pet Series). glossary. index. photos. websites. Windmill. 2013. PLB $25.25.

HOLLAND, Mary. Ferdinand Fox’s First Summer. 32p. Sylvan Dell. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-614-4; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-626-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60718-638-0. LC 2012030121.

JOSLIN, Mary. reteller. The Lion Classic Wisdom Stories. illus. by Christina Balit. 128p. Lion Children’s Books. 2013. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-7459-6369-3.

KIM, Young-Ah. Some Days Are Lonely. tr. from Korean. illus. by Ji-Soo Shin. 32p. Magination. 2013. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-1287-3; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-1288-0. LC 2012035886.

LEPPANEN, Debbie. Trick-or-Treat: A Happy Haunter’s Halloween. illus. by Tad Carpenter. 40p. S & S/Beach Lane. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3398-4; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3399-1. LC 2012004906.

LEWIN, Ted. What Am I? Where Am I? illus. by author. 32p. (I Like to Read Series). Holiday House. Sept. 2013. RTE $14.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2856-4. LC 2012039289.

LYON, George Ella. Planes Fly! illus. by Mick Wiggins. 40p. S & S/Atheneum/Richard Jackson Bks. July 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5025-7; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5026-4. LC 2012030310.

MINOR, Florence. If You Were a Panda Bear. illus. by Wendell Minor. 32p. further reading. glossary. websites. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen. July 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-195090-2.

NUNES, Shiho S. Chinese Fables: “The Dragon Slayer” and Other Timeless Tales of Wisdom. illus. by Lak-Khee Tay-Audouard. 64p. Tuttle. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8048-4152-8. LC 2012029059.

OWEN, Ruth. Arctic Foxes. ISBN 978-1-4777-0222-2; ISBN 978-1-4777-0240-6. LC 2012026936.
––––.Beluga Whales. ISBN 978-1-4777-0221-5; ISBN 978-1-4777-0239-0. LC 2012026640.
––––.Musk Oxen. ISBN 978-1-4777-0219-2; ISBN 978-1-4777-0237-6. LC 2012020685.
––––.Puffins. ISBN 978-1-4777-0224-6; ISBN 978-1-4777-0242-0.
––––.Snowy Owls. ISBN 978-1-4777-0223-9; ISBN 978-1-4777-0241-3.
––––.Walruses. ISBN 978-1-4777-0220-8; ISBN 978-1-4777-0238-3. LC 2012025846.
ea vol: 32p. (Polar Animals: Life in the Freezer Series). further reading. glossary. index. maps. photos. websites. Windmill. 2013. PLB $25.25; ebook $25.25.

PIVEN, Hanoch. Let’s Make Faces. illus. by author. 40p. S & S/Atheneum. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-1532-4; ebook ISBN 978-1-4424-8186-2.

POLISAR, Barry Louis. Something Fishy. illus. by David Clark. 32p. glossary. Rainbow Morning Music. 2013. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-0-938663-53-9.

ROSE, Deborah Lee & Susan Kelly. Jimmy the Joey: The True Story of an Amazing Koala Rescue. photos by Susan Kelly. 32p. further reading. maps. websites. National Geographic. July 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-1371-4; PLB $25.90. ISBN 978-1-4263-1372-1.

SHAPIRO, David. Tool. Time. Twist.: A Brief History of Tools Through Time. illus. by Christopher Herndon. 48p. Craigmore Creations. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-9844422-7-0.

WEGERIF, Gay. Up Close. illus. by author. 30p. Abrams/Appleseed. 2013. BD $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0391-1.

WHEELER, Jill C. Dav Pilkey. ISBN 978-1-61783-577-3; ISBN 978-1-61480-724-7. LC 2012946383.
––––.Rick Riordan. ISBN 978-1-61783-578-0; ISBN 978-1-61480-725-4. LC 2012946385.
––––.Yuyi Morales. ISBN 978-1-61783-576-6; ISBN 978-1-61480-723-0. LC 2012946367.
ea vol: 24p. (Children’s Authors Series). glossary. index. photos. reprods. websites. ABDO. 2013. PLB $17.95; ebook $17.95.

WILD, Margaret. The Dream of the Thylacine. illus. by Ron Brooks. 32p. photos. Trafalgar Square. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-74237-383-6.

WINTERS, Kari-Lynn. Buzz About Bees. 32p. charts. diags. further reading. glossary. illus. index. maps. photos. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2013. RTE $19.95. ISBN 978-1-55455-202-3.

WORTH, Bonnie. Hark! A Shark!: All About Sharks. illus. by Aristides Ruiz. 48p. (The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library Series). further reading. glossary. illus. Random. 2013. Tr $8.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87073-6; PLB $12.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97073-3. LC 2011048247.

WRIGHT, Danielle, ed. Korean Nursery Rhymes: Wild Geese, Land of Goblins and Other Favorite Songs and Rhymes. tr. by Jenny Wang Medina, Binna Lee et al. illus. by Helen Acraman. 32p. w/CD. Tuttle. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8048-4227-3. LC 2012029066.

YOLEN, Jane. Wee Rhymes: Baby’s First Poetry Book. illus. by Jane Dyer. 112p. index. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks. 2013. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-4898-8. LC 2012015136.