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November 1, 2011

In this Article

Nonfiction

Fiction

ADLER, Victoria. Baby, Come Away. illus. by David Walker. unpaged. Farrar. Nov. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-30480-5. LC number unavailable.
PreS–Though there’s no shortage of books that delight in toddler love, this offering is destined to become a cherished favorite. Utterly charming paintings show a little boy being enticed away by a quartet of adorable animals, one after the other, each offering a scenario of how they’ll spend their time together. The bird wants baby to come away to her nest and munch on worms, the cat to a boat on a milky sea, the puppy to play outside and to chew on a bone, and the fish to an enchanting undersea grotto. Full of rhyme, alliteration, and playful wording, the text lends itself to group reading or one-on-one sharing equally well: “With a toe tap, finger snap, circle on the sand./An octopus will take your hand./A dance for you/And a dance for me.” The text has a songlike cadence that is a joy to read out loud, with the perfect amount of repeating refrains to tie sections together. Finally, day ends and baby returns to mama’s wide-open arms. The message of safety and unconditional love is reinforced as the baby is tucked into bed with the four friends looking on.–Anna Haase Krueger, Antigo Public Library, WI

ALEXANDER, Kwame. Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band. illus. by Tim Bowers. unpaged. chron. glossary. CIP. Sleeping Bear. 2011. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-688-0. LC 2010053709.
PreS-Gr 2–This delightful picture book explores the rich history of jazz via a story about a guitar-playing rooster who sets out to compete in the annual Barnyard Talent Show to find the farm’s best band. Rooster would like to join Thelonius Monkey’s crew, but the rules don’t permit zoo animals. Ella Finchgerald has a trio, but Rooster doesn’t scat. He decides to form his own band. “So, he went to see his cousin,/a pianist of great fame./And found him on the riverbank./Duck Ellington’s his name.” Duck, in top hat and bow tie, takes Rooster to the famed Cotton Club to hear Bee Holiday and other jazzy animals perform. Although the barnyard chicks “swoon” when Rooster’s group plays The Hen from Ipanema, not even an encore in “grand finale style” wins the band first prize. Still, shades-wearing Mules Davis’s comment, “That Rooster sure can play,” leads to a satisfying ending. The large illustrations are done in bold colors and have humorous, jazzy details. Notes on “Musicians, Characters, and Music” are included in the back matter. Children who enjoyed Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s Punk Farm (Knopf, 2005) will be taken with this one.–Keisha M. Miller, South Orange Public Library, NJ

ANDERSON, Brian. The Prince’s New Pet. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk. Dec. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-357-1. LC 2010036798.
K-Gr 3–Queen Perylene loved color and her kingdom was awash with it. When she died, her brokenhearted husband banned it because it reminded him too much of her. The kingdom is now gray and sad, and young Prince Viridian hates what it has become. On his birthday, as he sits eating a piece of gray cake, a gift floats down on a parachute and plops in the palace courtyard. To everyone’s surprise, a creature like no other leaps out of the sealed box. The soft and fluffy wooglefoof is every color of the rainbow. He is just what the prince longs for. The evil royal color catcher snatches up the creature and tosses him into the dungeon, and the prince soon follows. All’s well that ends well when the villain inadvertently causes an explosion of color. Fans of Tim Burton’s films will love the stylized artwork and the oh-so-dreary palette. To keep it visually interesting, Anderson plays with the design by adding insets that pop off the page despite the shared palette. Names like His Royal Grayness, the Baroness of Blah, and the Duchess of Humdrum contrast with King Cerulean and Prince Viridian. Careful readers will chuckle at the wordplay. They may also wonder who sent the package to the prince in the first place, and they will cheer when happiness is restored in the kingdom. Long live the wooglefoof!–Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

ARMAND, Glenda. Love Twelve Miles Long. illus. by Colin Bootman. unpaged. CIP. Lee & Low. 2011. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-60060-245-0. LC 2011014275.
K-Gr 2–As a young child, Frederick Douglass was separated from his mother and sent to live on another plantation. From this slight piece of history, Armand weaves a story that illuminates a mother’s love and amplifies the power of the human spirit. As historical fiction, the freedom exists to speculate on what Harriet Bailey would be thinking as, after working in the fields all day, she walks 12 miles at night to see her son. Harriet and Frederick go over the miles like a mantra: forgetting, remembering, listening, looking up and seeing, wondering, praying, singing, smiling, giving thanks, hoping, dreaming, and loving. Harriet shares her life with Frederick as she explains the importance of each mile. Without frames or white space, the spreads are completely infused with deep colors. Readers are in the night with Harriet and Frederick, almost as if nothing exists outside of their warmth. While the visual images are effective, the small font sometimes makes the text difficult to read. Although Harriet probably would not have had permission to leave her own plantation, this account is not about escape, tracking dogs, or slave hunters. As an ode to the love a mother has for her son, it is sweetly successful.–Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA

BAUER, Marion Dane. The Very Little Princess: Rose’s Story. illus. by Elizabeth Sayles. 128p. CIP. Random. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85692-1; PLB $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95691-1; pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85693-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89822-8. LC 2010030127.
Gr 2-4–Rummaging in the attic, Rose comes across a tiny china doll dressed like a princess and shoves it in her pocket. Her mother is sure that her careless, sloppy daughter will break the toy and is reluctant to let her have it. When she reaches for it, it falls from Rose’s hand and over the banister. Scrambling down the stairs, Rose finds that the doll is unhurt. The next day, she decides that taking it to school for show-and-tell will impress her classmates. She changes her mind, but her teacher insists that she participate. The child bolts from school, carrying the doll tightly in her sweaty hand. She is not prepared for her to wiggle and squeal to be released immediately. This is one demanding and prickly princess. Even more amazing, Rose discovers that her teenaged brother is well acquainted with the doll. He named her Regina when his mother gave her to him as a little kid. Sam relates how he played with her and got into fights about the doll. The story meanders on with Rose and Regina bickering back and forth, but neither one changing, and Regina wonders if Rose will ever learn to be responsible. These two characters are not likable enough to make readers want to know more about them. Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin’s “The Doll People” series (Hyperion) is a much better choice.–Nancy Baumann, University of Missouri-Columbia

BENJAMIN, Floella. My Two Grandads. illus. by Margaret Chamberlain. unpaged. Frances Lincoln. Nov. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-84780-060-2. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–As in My Two Grannies (Frances Lincoln, 2008), this blended family has a grandparent from Trinidad who loves calypso music and one from England who favors brass bands. Aston enjoys listening to Grandad Henry play his trumpet and Grandad Roy’s steel-drum music and practices on both instruments. When the band that was supposed to play at his school’s Summer Fair cancels, Aston asks his grandfathers if they can fill in. Both readily agree, but there is only time for one band. A compromise is worked out, and The Steel and Brass Musicmakers is a hit. Cheerful illustrations alternate between the grandfathers, then come together for two spreads that show the musicians and partygoers rejoicing, with musical notes swirling around them. The focus is always on the people and their instruments, while background details like living-room curtains and streets are suggested. Although the mild conflict is solved a bit too easily, this pleasant British import is a good choice for multicultural story programs.–Ma rtha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

BIGGS, Brian. Everything Goes: On Land. illus. by author. unpaged. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-06-195809-0. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–As they travel from their suburban home through busy city streets to pick up Mom at the train station, Henry and his dad observe bikes, cars and vans, motorcycles, RVs, service vehicles, and finally trains. This oversize book’s double-page cartoons bustle with visual pep. Following the busy street scenes, Dad explains a type of vehicle in depth. Henry learns basically how a motor works and what amenities an RV offers. There’s a continuing game for readers to find a bird wearing a hat. Fun and learning are ideally balanced in this engaging trek that will be revisited umpteen times before every tidbit of labeling, conversation, and oddity is discovered in this wealth of urban wheels.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

BJÖRKMAN, Steve. Dinosaurs Don’t, Dinosaurs Do. ISBN 978-0-8234-2355-2. LC 2010032832.
MCPHAIL, David. Boy, Bird, and Dog. ISBN 978-0-8234-2346-0. LC 2010029435.
MEISEL, Paul. See Me Run. ISBN 978-0-8234-2349-1. LC 2010029445.
ea vol: illus. by author. unpaged. (I Like to Read Series). CIP. Holiday House. 2011. RTE $14.95.
PreS-Gr 1–These books deftly combine text and art to create a positive experience for new readers. They are larger than typical easy readers, leaving plenty of room for uncluttered, colorful cartoon illustrations and clear, large fonts. The sequencing of events in the uncomplicated plots leads to satisfying conclusions. In the first book, Björkman uses repetitive text and playful pictures to introduce appropriate behavior. “Dinosaurs don’t run here” is demonstrated by a dismayed dinosaur in front of glassware falling from a china cabinet; opposite, “Dinosaurs do run here” shows two smiling creatures running through a playground. McPhail introduces the concept of up and down in the second title. “Boy saw Bird. Bird was up. Boy went up.” When Dog wants to join them in the tree house but can’t climb up, the boy comes down and solves the problem by hauling the pup up in a pail. And in Meisel’s fun See Me Run, a game of follow the leader gets a pack of dogs running through mud and water and then stopping to dig up a big skeletal surprise. The lines “I run and run./See them come./They come and come./Will they get me?/No, no, no!/We go and go” are accompanied by playful pups of every variety shown running through a park. These titles have similar-sounding vowels and consonants, popular sight words, and short, simple sentences with clear punctuation, making them successful entries in the beginning-reader canon.–Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

BLOOM, Suzanne. Feeding Friendsies. illus. by author. unpaged. Boyds Mills. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-529-4. LC 2011920695.
PreS–Three preschool friends cook up a creative garden party menu. Malik makes a “yummy mud pie,” Suki stirs a pot of soup “made from puddle water and pebbles, with a splash of raindrops,” and Dylan’s dessert features twigs and dandelions. The repeated refrain of “Will [s]he eat it?” is answered with, “Oh no, no, no.” Their concoctions are for the enjoyment of the chickadees, frogs, and worms. Bloom’s sunny, naive watercolor illustrations show the children joyfully playing in the dirt while a shaggy dog and a black cat watch with curiosity. After they work up a real appetite, Nana calls them for a picnic lunch. This celebration of imaginative, outdoor fun is a tasty treat.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

BONWILL, Ann. Naughty Toes. illus. by Teresa Murfin. unpaged. Tiger Tales. 2011. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58925-103-8; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-58925-430-5. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–Chloe can’t help comparing herself to her perfect ballerina sister, Belinda. She wants to wear a green leotard and red shoes, has trouble taming her unruly hair, is a fan of jazz hands, and a victim of “Naughty Toes.” Though her sister is cast as the fairy princess in the recital, Chloe gets her own version of satisfaction when a mentor realizes that she is better suited to ballet’s louder cousin–tap dance. The mixed-media illustrations are fun and free, capturing Chloe’s nature and attitude. Great as a read-aloud, for a guidance lesson on self-esteem, or even on sibling rivalry. –Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

BUZZEO, Toni. Penelope Popper Book Doctor. illus. by Jana Christy. unpaged. Upstart. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-60213-054-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–Penelope Popper wants to be a doctor. She likes to listen to her friends’ heartbeats, take their blood pressure, and check their reflexes. To her disappointment, not everyone is as enthusiastic as she is about doctoring. The librarian comes up with a great way to help the discouraged would-be physician. She suggests that Penelope learn how to be a book doctor and shows the little girl how to clean and repair damaged books. Penelope practices her new skills on the large classroom dictionary, impressing her classmates. Each of Ms. Brisco’s lessons is inspired by one of the rules of book care, the first of which is, “Wash your hands before reading a book.” When the classroom dictionary falls behind the radiator, Penelope employs her know-how to save it. Her teacher rewards her efforts with a badge engraved with the words, “Penelope Popper Book Doctor.” The upbeat narrative is further enlivened by cheerful illustrations depicting Penelope, an earnest girl with red hair and freckles, in her bright and pleasant classroom and school library. With its soft edges and palette of springtime colors, each painting reflects the positive tone of the story. Readers will cheer Penelope on in pursuit of her dream to have a medical career while they learn the importance of treating books with respect. Pair this delightful title with Gillian Shields’s Library Lily (Eerdmans, 2011).–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

CAMERON, Ann. Spunky Tells All. illus. by Lauren Castillo. 112p. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-374-38000-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4299-9535-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–Cameron has written another top-notch entry in the Julian and Huey series, this time from the brothers’ pup’s perspective. Who knows all of a family’s secrets? The dog, of course. Spunky lets readers in on all the details of the Bateses, right down to the complex smells of each family member. The tragedy is that even though he understands them, they don’t always understand him. They misinterpret Spunky’s off-the-wall behavior and deduce that they need another pet to help diffuse some of his energy. Enter Fiona, a purebred cat with an attitude. She and Spunky are at odds from the get-go, due to her egocentricity and skewed view of how the world works (for example, she thinks that if she puts Spunky’s food in the water puddles on the floor, wolves won’t come to the house). Even so, Spunky comes to the rescue when Fiona’s life is in danger, which knits the whole family closer together. Spunky joins the ranks of stellar animal narrators, on par with Harold, the dog from James Howe’s Bunnicula (Atheneum, 1979). Readers will be simultaneously tickled by his canine observations and moved by the profound connection between dog and family. Huey and Spunky’s shared dream is particularly poignant, and may very well move dog lovers to tears. Though the narrative doesn’t need embellishment, thickly outlined illustrations pepper the text, giving readers a visual reference for some of Spunky’s antics. A gem.–Amy Holland, Irondequoit Public Library, NY

CASANOVA, Mary. Utterly Otterly Night. illus. by Ard Hoyt. unpaged. CIP. S & S. Nov. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-7562-5. LC 2010026429.
PreS-Gr 2–In this second “Otterly” book, Little Otter urges his family out of their snow-covered den for some nighttime fun. As he zooms down the hills, he encounters a rabbit, plows under the snow beneath the reach of an owl, and even stops short of a towering moose’s hooves. But since he is a “big otter now,” he knows danger when he smells it. Sure enough, five wolves “[peer] out from piney shadows,/big teeth...big eyes…” looking hungrily right at him. “Heart bump-bumping,” Little Otter zigzags away to divert them from his family while he screams a warning. Of course, everyone makes it back to the den safely, and “all is right” on this “icily, dicily/…frightfully, delightfully,/utterly otterly night.” Youngsters will enjoy the irony of the parents’ initial warning to be alert to danger while it is left to the youngest family member to save everyone, and they will love repeating the delicious fabricated rhyming words, even though the inconsistent rhyme scheme may challenge adults reading aloud. The pen-and-ink cartoon illustrations, mostly spreads, depict a chubby-cheeked, grinning otter family playfully cavorting in their winter habitat. Watercolor washes, swirling lines, and cross-hatching convey the joyous, nonstop energy of the animals until a close-up of Little Otter, head raised, mouth wide open as he cries, “Danger!” heralds his life-and-death flight from the wolves’ grasp. Betty Tatham’s Baby Sea Otter (Holt, 2005) offers some factual information about these utterly adorable creatures. –Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

CATROW, David. Best in Show. Bk. 3. illus. by author. unpaged. (Max Spaniel Series). CIP. Orchard. 2011. PLB $6.99. ISBN 978-0-545-12277-1. LC 2010047442.
PreS-Gr 1–The hilarity of the artwork makes this easy reader shine. Max is getting ready to compete in a talent show with other canines. Diving, searching for sunken treasure, barking, and even shadow puppets make the lineup of talent and tricks. The short, simple sentences, only one or two per page, and daffy drawings are a bouncy mix that will have new readers turning the pages.–Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI

CELENZA, Anna Harwell. Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite. illus. by Don Tate. unpaged. w/CD. CIP. Charlesbridge. 2011. RTE $19.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-700-4. LC 2010023060.
Gr 2-5–When Ellington signs a record contract in 1960, he teams up with fellow musician Billy Strayhorn, and the two composers create a new spin on Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. The classical masterpiece is a holiday favorite and tinkering with something so well known is a bit risky. Ellington’s band is not keen on tackling it, but he is not dissuaded. Even the record executive is skeptical until he hears the band recording in the studio. This fictionalization of Ellington and Strayhorn’s daring collaboration is well told, and the illustrations convey the hip, cool feeling of the time. An author’s note provides more information, and a CD of the piece is included. Anyone who pops the CD in for a listen is sure to see Ellington as the jazz giant he was. Music teachers will love this package to compare and contrast versions of the Nutcracker, thereby helping children understand what the classical and jazz genres are. Pair it with Jack Prelutsky’s The Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns (Knopf, 2010) for more insight into interpreting another artist’s work.–Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

CHOLDENKO, Gennifer. A Giant Crush. illus. by Melissa Sweet. unpaged. CIP. Putnam. Dec. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24352-3. LC 2009040110.
K-Gr 3–Jackson, a young rabbit, has a giant crush on Cami, a bunny in his class, but he’s too shy to tell her he likes her. Instead, he leaves her a flower, candy, and a giant valentine. But when another boy also seems taken with her, Jackson suffers a crisis of confidence, until his best friend sets him straight. This sweet story addresses crushes in grade school terms, with the focus ultimately on the friendship of the two boys, which gives Jackson the wherewithal to pick up on Cami’s cues, and they “play two-person soccer all recess long.” Sweet’s watercolor, gouache, and mixed-media illustrations are sunny and expressive, and bring the characters and their world to life. The lighthearted pictures are a perfect match for the breezy text.–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

COMDEN, Betty & Adolph Green. What’s New at the Zoo? illus. by Travis Foster. unpaged. Blue Apple. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-60905-088-7. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–The animals in this appealing book cry, “Let us out!/Let us out!/The zoo is overloaded…/The population has exploded!” The words are actually the lyrics of a song from the 1960 Broadway musical Do Re Mi . The story was inspired by the overcrowding at the Central Park Zoo before the days of natural zoo habitats. “‘Ouch! You’re stepping on my POUCH!’/to the bear said the kangaroo./ ‘Oh! You’re stepping on my TOE!’/to the kangaroo said the gnu.” With fun lift-the-flap details and tummy-tickling rhymes, this book will appeal to fans of slapstick humor. The cartoon illustrations really bring the silliness to life. The only thing that is missing is the score, but some performances of this song can be found online. A great read-aloud with an interesting history and musical connection. –Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

DAVIS, Aubrey. Kishka for Koppel. illus. by Sheldon Cohen. unpaged. Orca. 2011. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-55469-299-6. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–In this Jewish retelling of the Grimm Brothers’ “Three Wishes,” Koppel finds a wish-granting meat grinder. The junk man and his wife, Yetta, dream of all the riches they’ll wish for, but inevitably they end up wishing for kishka (a kind of sausage), and subsequently wishing it onto and off Koppel’s nose. All ends well as the meat grinder points out how lucky they are to have each other (plus a delicious kishka). The naive, folksy cartoon illustrations are expressive and lend a lighthearted air with their varying perspectives and bright acrylic colors. The storytelling is lively and humorous. The Yiddish speech patterns will amuse readers familiar with that style but may pass over the heads of others. However, many modern children may be tripped up by unfamiliar concepts such as the job of junk man, the old-fashioned meat grinder, and kishka, described in the text as “stuffed sheep guts” and unappetizingly illustrated. These distractions may somewhat dilute the message of being happy with what you have.–Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children’s Library at Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

DE HAAS, Rick. Peter and the Winter Sleepers. tr. from Dutch. illus. by author. unpaged. NorthSouth. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4033-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–When a huge snowstorm hits, sounds of scratching bring Peter to the door of the lighthouse where he and his grandmother live. First one animal and then another is trapped in the deep snow and seeking shelter. Peter and Grandma invite them in, letting them sleep (except the nocturnal ones) in boxes set up along the stairs. Then a fox comes in, and he doesn’t want to leave even after the snow melts and the winter sleepers have left. The rest of the story is simply told, yet charming. The illustrations are also inviting, and characters have expressive faces and animated movements. The backgrounds include beautiful saturated colors and splatters of snowflakes. De Haas gives a sense of expansive space in the lighthouse compared to the cramped staircase as the animals pile in. The only flaw is a page on which Peter is referred to as Elmo (the character’s name in the Dutch edition), which is confusing. Terrific for an unusual twist on a snow storytime.–Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ

DYER, Sarah. Batty. illus. by author. unpaged. Frances Lincoln. Nov. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-84780-084-8. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–Batty is not the most popular animal in the zoo because all he is able to do is hang upside down. He tries to be like the other creatures, swimming and eating fish like the penguins, befriending the gorillas (who might have fleas), relaxing in the sun with the lions, and listening to the birds chatter in the tropical aviary. But the bat is just not cut out for any of these lifestyles and dejectedly flies home, where he is greeted by all those animals, hanging upside down on his trees. The underlying message is nothing new, but Dyer uses pencil and pastel illustrations to show the different parts of the zoo from Batty’s upside-down perspective. Readers are invited to turn the book over to see the world through his eyes, making the story fun and interactive. Pair this title with Kathi Appelt’s Bat Jamboree (Morrow, 1996) for bat-themed storytimes or Eric Carle’s The Mixed-Up Chameleon (Crowell, 1975) for a lesson in being comfortable in one’s skin.–Amy Commers, South St. Paul Public Library, MN

ESBAUM, Jill. Tom’s Tweet. illus. by Dan Santat. unpaged. CIP. Knopf. Nov. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85171-1; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95171-8. LC 2009017262.
K-Gr 2–Move over Sylvester and Tweety Bird: here is an odd couple that satisfies. Tom, a rather portly cat, spies a baby bird that he thinks will make a delicious treat. Disappointed by its lack of mass (“‘Dadburn it!’ said Tom. ‘You’re too skinny to eat’”), he turns tail in search of something more substantial. But little Tweet’s eyes fill with tears–not from fright, but from loneliness. And that’s when readers discover that Tom is a bit of a softie. Soon, instead of eating Tweet, he’s trying to return the youngster to its nest. When Mama Tweet’s vigorous attacks prevent him from reaching it, he builds a new one for the little bird. And readers know that it’s love when Tom catches a worm for Tweet’s dinner and feeds it to the little bird by mouth. This is a book with tongue-twisting dialogue but a smooth cadence. While Tweet has nothing to say other than, well, “tweet,” Tom’s explosive “tarnations” and “egads” reveal a character whose meow is worse than his might. The feline’s gargantuan figure, when compared to the scraggly Tweet, is a visual dynamic used for laughs throughout the book. And when the images are reversed, and readers are treated to a close-up of the distraught bird, with Tom’s backside reflected in his eyes, getting smaller as he stalks away, the contrast between the two characters makes the eventual realization of the friendship all the sweeter. Tom’s Tweet is a lot of fun and a joy to read.–Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

FEARNLEY, Jan. Arthur and the Meanies. illus. by author. unpaged. Egmont UK, dist. by IGP. 2011. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4052-5380-2. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–Arthur the elephant wants to play, but the monkeys, tiger, peacock, and cheetah tell him he is too big, too heavy, and his nose is too silly to join their games. Duck and Frog, though, are happy to have him splashing in puddles with them. When a rainstorm comes, all the other animals promise to play with Arthur later if he will stand still and shelter them. But when the sun comes out again, only Duck and Frog stick around. Arthur expresses his anger the elephant way: by spraying water all over those meanies, who then apologize and change their ways. Though the sunny ending may be a bit pat, the story addresses the shifting tides of childhood friendships in a direct and meaningful way. The pictures combine lovely watercolor and ink illustrations with fabric and paper designs that exude a rich Eastern feel.–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

FERNANDES, Eugenie. Kitten’s Winter. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Kids Can. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-343-5. LC C2011-900081-4.
PreS-Gr 2–This journey through the snowy woods follows a kitten as it runs to its cozy home, passing many forest animals along the way. Bear is hibernating, Otter catches a fish, and other creatures are engaged in various winter activities. Each spread shows animals performing the action of the text, such as “Turtle burrows,/Beaver naps,” with the next spread completing the rhyme, e.g., “Raccoon dozes,/Woodpecker taps.” The large, clean pictures make this small square book easy to share with a group, though children will surely enjoy looking at the small details up close. The realistic scenes are created from a mixed-media collage composed of self-hardening clay and acrylic paint, among other materials. A fine seasonal selection.–Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

GAY, Marie-Louise. Caramba and Henry. illus. by author. unpaged. Groundwood. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-097-0. LC C2011-900510-7.
K-Gr 2–Caramba bemoans the birth of his little brother in this sequel to Caramba (Groundwood, 2005). He at least thought that Henry would be like him, an oddball, a non-flyer, not like all the rest of the cats that fly. A bit of jealousy sets in with scenes of a pensive Caramba peering off a cliff, his dream of having, “A brother to collect caterpillars with./A brother who would love his cheese omelets” no longer viable. Reality hits when he rides his bike back home to the howling, screaming, yelling Henry hurling his cheese omelet, who is now learning to fly. His friend Portia tries to help. His mother, sympathetic but undaunted in her attempts at creating a bond between the two, asks Caramba to look after Henry as he is learning to fly, a dangerous venture for the felines in this fantastic, seaside world. After many attempts indoors and out, they go for a walk and practice flying with Henry attached to a line, like a kite. But with his wiggles and tugs, he slips away into the twilight sky. In the gentle but cinematic, whimsical, and expressive watercolor and pastel paintings, children venture along a heroic rescue and a change of heart. Told with poetic economy and fantastic details like, “He whirled his tail like a tiny egg-beater,” this is a heartwarming tale of love and bravery prevailing over the slippery slope into sibling rivalry.–Sara Lissa Paulson, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City

GEORGE, Lindsay Barrett. That Pup! illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Greenwillow. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-200413-0. LC 2010012641.
PreS-Gr 1–Children love puppies and squirrels. Drop those two ubiquitous characters into a natural fall setting, and you get the idea behind this bright picture book, told from the perspective of the dog’s owner. The use of gouache gives a clean, exquisitely bright quality to the close-ups of nature that proceed page after page. A spirited golden retriever smells acorns and has great fun digging them up in a sunflower garden, a pumpkin patch, under an apple tree, until she comes upon a squirrel, confronting her in a nearly wordless spread. Leading up to that point, young viewers and listeners will notice with anticipation the squirrel’s presence getting closer and closer. The squirrel wants to know what the pup is doing digging up the 10 acorns purposely hidden for winter. Instead of quarreling, the puppy suggests, “We can play a new game,/It’s called Put Back the Acorn.” An endearing spread shows them doing just that. Young readers will pore over the details in these simple, realistic illustrations, full of love for the natural world, and will find themselves reflected in the playful, cooperative story line.–Sara Lissa Paulson, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City

GROGAN, John. Trick or Treat, Marley! illus. by Richard Cowdrey. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-185755-3. LC 2010017841.
K-Gr 1–In this picture book, Marley is up to some new tricks. While Cassie, Baby Louie, and their mother are decorating the house for a party, the pup manages to get his head stuck in a pumpkin, pop the balloons, and tear streamers into confetti. His next stop–the doghouse. He is granted a second chance at attending the party by Dad, but Marley is Marley and he gets into plenty of mischief again, including eating candy, which makes him sick. When it’s time to go trick-or-treating, he stays behind and holds the basket for the kids who come to visit Cassie’s house. The colorful illustrations are awash with energy. On one spread, as the pumpkin comes apart after Marley smashes into a wall, he looks as if he’s about to jump off the page and into readers’ laps. Purchase if other books in this series are popular, or to add to Halloween collections.–Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NY

HARPER, Charise Mericle. Henry’s Heart. illus. by author. unpaged. charts. diags. Holt/Christy Ottaviano Bks. Nov. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8989-9. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–Henry and his body are a team. His eyes and heart keep track of his activities to make sure he is getting enough exercise and eating the proper foods. When his heart feels that he is in love with a brown-haired girl, his eyes tell a different story. He has fallen for a little brown puppy. “Broken-hearted” when his father says no to adopting it, Henry slides into a slump. No exercise, no appetite, just sadness. Eyes and heart know something is wrong. So does Mom. She takes him to the doctor, who has a chat with the boy. A prescription is given, but Henry notices that Mom drives right past the pharmacy. Instead, his dad arrives with a puppy. A clever mix of fiction and nonfiction, this story weaves facts about the heart, healthy eating, and exercise into the narrative through conversations between Henry’s heart and eyes. Humorous cartoon illustrations and charts about eating, feelings, and things that make a heart beat faster are also informative. This clever book is an excellent choice for storyhours and primary-grade classrooms.–Nancy Baumann, University of Missouri-Columbia, MO

HAYES, Karel. The Summer Visitors. illus. by author. unpaged. Down East. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-89272-918-0. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–In this companion to Hayes’s Winter Visitors (Down East, 2007), a family of four arrives at their summer home ready to relax. But, a bear family–mama, papa, and two cubs–enjoys a parallel life of sorts. They steal naps in comfy beds as well as snacks, surreptitiously play with the children’s toys, enjoy the summer fireworks, have a picnic a few steps away, and even ride in the family sailboat. But the bears are always careful to stay out of the family’s sight. Like the earlier title, the book is almost wordless. The humorous illustrations, done in pen and ink, cleverly highlight the puzzled family’s expressions. Children will enjoy being in on the joke as they watch the bears’ antics. A fine vacation choice, especially for one-on-one sharing.–Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA

HILTON, Perez. The Boy wtih Pink Hair. illus. by Jen Hill. unpaged. Penguin/Celebra. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-451-23420-9. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–The Boy with Pink Hair “was just born that way! A special boy, different from the rest.” His loving parents encourage his interest in cooking and even build him a tree-house kitchen. At school, he encounters a Boy with a Bad Attitude, who tells him he looks really weird. Fortunately, A Girl with Ponytails offers him her friendship. The Boy with Pink Hair invites his new friend home, where she is impressed with his tree-house kitchen and praises the delicious pink food he whips up for her. When the principal’s plans for a special parent luncheon are spoiled because the stove is not working, the Girl offers the culinary services of her pal. The whole class, even the Boy with the Bad Attitude, helps to prepare a delicious pink lunch. The food is a hit, and the young protagonist gains instant popularity and success. He realizes that because he “followed his own special dream and was happy to be just who he was,” he has made a difference. Quirky cartoon illustrations in vivid colors add a little sparkle to the unsubtle text. Although the conflict and convenient resolution are somewhat implausible, the message of self-acceptance and tolerance is heartfelt. However, the failure to give the characters individual names lends a distant and impersonal air to the narrative. More engaging treatments of the same themes include Susan DeBell’s Miranda Peabody and the Magnificent Friendship March (YouthLight, 2008) and Leo Lionni’s classic, Swimmy (Pantheon, 1963).–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Boston, MA

HODGKINSON, Leigh. Introducing Limelight Larry. illus. by author. unpaged. Tiger Tales. 2011. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58925-102-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Larry the peacock doesn’t want any of the other animals in his story so he makes up excuses when they ask to be included. (“This book is not called Limelight Larry for nothing, you know.”) He tells Mouse, “There is no room for you on that page.” Bird won’t be as funny as he is, and Elephant just isn’t needed. Larry loses control of his story, though, when Wolf arrives on the page, dragging behind her props from a scary forest, and Bear interrupts the dialogue with a tea party. Larry is upset because he is sure that readers will have forgotten about him. To grab their attention, he spreads his tail feathers in a dazzling display of color. There is a message about sharing in this book, but Larry’s sneaky behavior on the last page reminds kids he still wants to be number one in their eyes. Hodgkinson’s illustrations incorporate words with decorative typefaces and include a spread with a vibrant blue foil overlay. A storytime about birds and books will be illuminated by Limelight Larry. –Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada

JULES, Jacqueline. Freddie Ramos Zooms to the Rescue. Bk. 3. illus. by Miguel Benitez. 78p. (Zapato Power Series). CIP. Albert Whitman. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-9482-7. LC 2010031131.
Gr 2-3–Freddie Ramos receives a pair of goggles to add to his superhero garb. Now armed with his magic shoes, wristband, and goggles, all he needs is a job, so when a purple squirrel shows up at school, Freddie knows that only Zapato Power can help him find out why the animal is such an odd color. In the process he inadvertently averts a train crash. The story is punctuated with action-packed cartoons and superhero-worthy action words scrawled across the page, giving the book appeal to reluctant readers and children just getting into chapter books. Fans of the previous titles will appreciate this continuation.–Sarah Townsend, Norfolk Public Library, VA

KELLY, Katy. Melonhead and the Undercover Operation. illus. by Gillian Johnson. 256p. CIP. Delacorte. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73659-6; PLB $15.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90618-0; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98292-7. LC 2010039057.
Gr 3-6–In his third adventure, Adam “Melonhead” Melon and his friend and fellow FBI Junior Special Agent, Sam, believe that a neighbor is one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted criminals. The boys take their investigation very seriously, working undercover, doing surveillance, taking notes in their evidence log, and snapping photographs of the person of interest, nicknamed the Chameleon. While carrying out the investigation, Melon is bound by his parents’ rules, including his mom’s “Remind-O-Rama” that reminds him what he shouldn’t do. Now his dad has added the Melon Family Guidelines for Life that tell him what he should. Melon interprets the guidelines loosely, especially, “When in Doubt, Ask an Adult.” The secondary characters stem from Kelly’s previous novels, and readers who start with this book might be missing some backstory, but the humorous nature of Melonhead and Sam’s investigation is sure to be a hit among middle-grade readers. Short chapters and frequent pencil drawings make this an ideal choice for reluctant readers. In addition, fans of Clementine and Stink will recognize a spark of inadvertent mischievousness in Melonhead.–Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH

KINNEY, Jessica. The Pig Scramble. illus. by Sarah S. Brannen. unpaged. Islandport. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-934031-61-2. LC 2011925634.
Gr 1-3–August is County Fair time in New England, and Clarence, the youngest of three brothers, is looking forward to the Pig Scramble, which involves 10 children and one wily piglet. His brothers never caught one, and now they’re too old to participate. For once, Clarence thinks that he can be the best, winning the contest and the pig. The story and illustrations match perfectly–they are both timeless and evocative of yesteryear. Brannen’s watercolors are detailed and set up the older (bigger)/younger (smaller) brother dynamic from the title page. Clarence is always struggling to do what Robby and Ricky do easily. The illustrations are many sizes, keeping the story flowing, and Brannen’s pigs are bristly, adorable, and full of life. Display this story during fair season or with other books about families for a winning combination.–Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ

KIRK, Katie. Eli, No! illus. by author. unpaged. Abrams. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-8964-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–Eli is a mischievous dog. From overeating to chasing squirrels, the refrain of “Eli, no!” will get children joining in. The final “Of course, Eli, yes!” will reassure kids that, like the pup, they are loved even when they aren’t perfectly behaved. There is a retro feel to the minimalist, bold illustrations that match the simple rhyming story. Amusing details like a fat belly on Eli when he overeats and a one-armed teddy bear when he “doesn’t play nice” make this a fun read-aloud for small groups and lapsits.–Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

KIT, Katy. Rosa and the Water Pony. Bk. 1. illus. by Tom Knight. 96p. (Mermaid Mysteries). Albert Whitman. 2011. Tr $13.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-5088-5; pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-5089-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–Mermaid friends Jasmine, Sula, and Melody support Rosa’s suggestion that they enter the Midsummer Carnival Competition. With the hope of winning a pearl necklace, they decide to use their magic to turn a sea horse into a water pony. Rosa’s cousin Coral swims in and is invited to join them. Her talents for casting spells and stunt riding outshine Rosa’s efforts, and Rosa abruptly leaves the group. When the friends meet to practice with the pony in the morning, neither Rosa nor the animal is there and a search ensues. Surprises unfold as they are found, and the friends reconcile and win the competition. The allure of mermaid culture, a large font, and frequent line drawings welcome children who are ready to take the plunge from beginning readers to this transitional chapter book, and they will be looking for the second installment in this series.–Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

LAWSON, Dorie McCullough. Tex. photos by author. unpaged. CIP. Trafalgar Square. 2011. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-57076-501-8. LC 2011014775.
PreS-Gr 1–Through full-color photographs, each one accompanied by a short sentence or phrase, Lawson tells the story of Luke, a boy who becomes “Tex” in his dreams each night. He has all sorts of ranch duties like riding horses, digging irrigation trenches, checking the fence, and riding the tractor, and he relaxes for a bit in the pasture. The full-page photos will delight all cowhand enthusiasts. While the book is a little lengthy for reading in a group setting, it would be fun to share one-on-one. A great addition for most collections, Tex will be especially welcomed in communities with ranching families.–Amy Commers, South St. Paul Public Library, MN

LONG, Ethan. The Book That Zack Wrote. illus. by author. unpaged. Blue Apple. 2011. pap. $11.99. ISBN 978-1-60905-060-3. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Clever packaging distinguishes this cumulative tale told in the style of “This Is the House That Jack Built.” Long’s retelling takes the form of a student notebook, wherein “Zack” has written and illustrated the type of narrative one might expect from an imaginative but irreverent elementary-age child. It all starts with “the pig that OINKED” and the fox that scares him, continuing through a chain of creatures that kiss, bite, squish, cook, lasso, and kick one another until a giant purple monster (revealed to be Zack himself) eats all of the animals in the sequence before him. A large foldout page depicts his overextended belly, as in “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.” A cardboard and tape cover (unfortunately ill-suited to the rigors of library circulation) and lined pages establish the look of a school notebook. Cartoon figures with sharp teeth and bulging eyes, imperfect crayon marks that go outside the lines, and hand-written text complete the conceit. However, Long’s practiced hand at conveying emotion through body language and at visually directing readers’ eyes across the pages in time with the narrative indicate a more mature artist at work. A removable mini notebook is included with instructions to create one’s own story. The fact that libraries will be unable to circulate the book with the attached notebook will likely stunt some of the appeal. Order for introductions to creative-writing units and as an additional purchase for picture-book collections, making sure to tape the binding.–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

LOWES, Sarah, retel. The Snow Queen. illus. by Miss Clara. 64p. Barefoot. 2011. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-84686-662-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-5–This illustrated chapter book for “confident readers” retells Andersen’s classic fairy tale about Kay’s abduction by the coldhearted Snow Queen and Gerda’s quest to bring him home. Lowes’s retelling departs in many small ways from the original text, leaving out the religious messages and several of the references to death or violence, editing out mention of Lapp and Finnish identities, and bringing the Snow Queen back at the end to meet her demise. The narrative is readable and flows smoothly, though Gerda’s interest in seeking Kay in the river will seem strange given the lack of reference to his potential drowning. Unfortunately, the Nordic flavor of the original is somewhat lost in both the text and illustrations. The book design has a romantic vintage feel, and the figures in Miss Clara’s sculpted-paper scenes wear top hats, skirted jackets, and high collars more reminiscent of Victorian England. However, elementary readers unfamiliar with the original are unlikely to mind these details. For a truer version, refer patrons to Michael Hague’s Favorite Hans Christian Andersen Fairytales (Holt, 1982). Order Lowes’s solid fantasy adventure as an additional purchase for chapter-book collections.–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

LUDWIG, Trudy. Better Than You. illus. by Adam Gustavson. unpaged. CIP. Knopf. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-58246-380-3; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-1-58246-407-7. LC 2010033224.
Gr 1-3–Focusing on a subject not often written about for children, Ludwig’s story may be helpful to youngsters dealing with braggarts. Tyler and Jake are friends, but lately Jake boasts that he can do everything better than Tyler. Tyler doesn’t feel good about himself when he’s around Jake and wonders why he should even try to get better at basketball or math, for instance, as Jake is always going to best him. When Tyler opens up to his uncle and explains why he’s so unhappy, Uncle Kevin explains that some people are like puffer fish that make themselves look bigger than they really are; this can sometimes backfire as the larger they get, the more they push people away. That Tyler talks to an adult and then finds a friend with whom he can share and learn new skills are positive and satisfying elements to the story. Well-executed paintings are appealing and portray the characters’ emotions clearly. The book offers information for adults, including a foreword, an author’s note, questions for discussion, and a recommended reading list.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

MACCARONE, Grace. Miss Lina’s Ballerinas and the Prince. illus. by Christine Davenier. unpaged. Feiwel & Friends. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-312-64963-0. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Miss Lina and her nine spirited ballerinas are back. This time a boy wants to join the troupe. The girls all relish the thought of doing arabesques, pirouettes, promenades, and other moves with a princelike fellow gracefully supporting, turning, and tipping them. When Tony arrives at the studio, though, he is shy and not sure how he feels about being the only guy. His reaction is to dance extravagantly across the floor and out the door. Miss Lina orders the girls to retrieve him, but they refuse after watching his dramatic display. However, they dance their way to the street and off to the zoo, where they meet Tony once again. Witnessing his dancing prowess as he moves among the animal cages, they decide to give the “non-princely boy” a second chance. With a setting in France and the use of rhyme and rhythm, one can’t help but notice the similarities between Miss Lina’s determined ballerinas and Ludwig Bemelmans’s Madeline. Davenier’s pencil and watercolor illustrations display continuous movement and a predominance of pink; each page will make readers smile as they pore over the characters’ expressive faces and priceless body language. Terminology and pronunciation are included in the back matter. Miss Lina and her students are sure to become favorites of young balletomanes.–Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT

MCCUE, Lisa. Quiet Bunny & Noisy Puppy. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Sterling. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-8559-7. LC 2010046776.
PreS-K–One snowy day, Quiet Bunny wakes up eager to play. His friends, however, are getting ready for the long winter. Bear cub is about to hibernate, the pond ducks have migrated, and the bullfrog is asleep deep beneath the ice. Then a noisy puppy bounds out from a snowdrift and initiates an offer to play. Quiet Bunny considers it as he looks over Noisy Puppy’s physical characteristics. A brief visit from Owl comes with a lesson about friendship and acceptance, leaving the two young animals ready to frolic all winter long. As the snow melts, birds return, and Noisy Puppy must return to work on the farm. Soon enough, Noisy Puppy finds Quiet Bunny the following winter. The illustrations of the animals are as warm and fuzzy as the book’s message. The full-spread paintings and well-paced text make this a good selection for group sharing.–Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

MACLACHLAN, Patricia. Lala Salama: A Tanzanian Lullaby. illus. by Elizabeth Zunon. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. Nov. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4747-6. LC 2010040465.
PreS–In a tiny Tanzanian settlement of thatched-roof huts located on a sandy beach and in the verdant hills rising from it, a young mother recounts to her baby, in lilting text, the story of their day. Together they saw the sunrise; watched Baba clean his small boat; gathered water at the stream; hoed the fields; and cooked over a fire on the beach. They passed monkeys, zebras, and beautiful birds as they carried a basket of food for Baba to take out on his boat at night, and now they sit on a blanket under the stars as Mama sings her baby to sleep. The refrain, “Lala salama” (Swahili for “sleep peacefully”), is repeated throughout the short text. Bold hues of green, blue, and orange predominate in lovely two-page scenes painted in oils on watercolor paper that give them all a textured look. In her folk-art style, Zunon shows women carrying bundles and baskets on their heads; fishing boats waiting in the rosy pink sunrise at water’s edge; children at wash boxes on the beach; the colorful cloth in Mama’s wrapped skirt, and the brightly patterned kanga cloth that she uses to carry her baby on her back as she works. This is a soothing bedtime book–a rhythmic lullaby that can be used to lull a little one to sleep and, perhaps, to inspire parents to create a story of their own baby’s day, as well.–Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

MANDEL, Peter. Jackhammer Sam. illus. by David Catrow. unpaged. CIP. Roaring Brook. Nov. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-034-1. LC 2010036341.
PreS-Gr 3–In the mold of Kate and Jim McMullan’s I Stink (HarperCollins, 2002), this is an oversize, onomatopoeia-filled vision of the construction worker who wields the jackhammer. The constant “atta-ratta-tatta” rhythm of the rhyming text matches the frenetic energy of Catrow’s comical illustrations, full of scratchy lines and people so caricatured that they border on the grotesque. Jackhammer Sam brags about the power his percussive drill gives him as he sends people, baby carriages, even cars and buildings flying into the air, and he presents himself as a tall-tale hero: “My hammer drilled a giant’s tooth” and “broke th’ break of day.” Sam is a caricature himself, with a big belly that he rests on his jackhammer while reading a book. With its ceaseless rhythm, the story begs to be read aloud, making this a useful book for community helpers, city, and noise themes.–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

MANUSHKIN, Fran. Many Days, One Shabbat. illus. by Maria Monescillo. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2011. RTE $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5965-1; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6080-0. LC 2011001126.
PreS–A contemporary Jewish family prepares for Shabbat (the Sabbath) in this spare, simple story. Four words on each spread follow the same format: “One morning. Many kisses”; “One house. Many rooms”; One flower. Many pedals” as the digitally enhanced watercolors pleasantly depict a boy and his parents cleaning their house, polishing the candlesticks, picking flowers, kneading dough, making decorations, getting dressed, welcoming guests, lighting the Sabbath candles, passing around slices of the braided challah, and saying goodnight. Head coverings are absent; the traditional blessings over the candles, bread, and wine are not mentioned; and the special meal appears to consist only of soup and bread. The absence of an author’s note limits the book’s audience to families already familiar with the rituals and customs of Shabbat. Those looking for more direction will find Michelle Shapiro Abraham’s Shabbat Shalom! (URJ Press, 2003), Cathy Goldberg Fishman’s On Shabbat (S & S, 2001), and Miriam Nerlove’s Shabbat (Albert Whitman, 1998) more satisfying.–Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

MARTIN, David. Little Bunny and the Magic Christmas Tree. illus. by Valeri Gorbachev. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. 2011. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3693-7. LC 2010043154.
PreS-Gr 1–It’s Christmas Eve, and Little Bunny, disgruntled at being the smallest member of the family, falls asleep under the tree. During the night, he awakens to find that all the ornaments have come alive; shrinking himself down to their size, he plays with them all night long. Though they invite him to stay and play with them forever, he hears his family waking up on Christmas morning and decides that his place is with them. Though Gorbachev’s ink-and-watercolor illustrations are warm and lively, the story rambles on before coming to an anticlimactic finish. Cute, but not likely to warrant a “read it again!”–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

MASSENOT, Veronique. Journey on a Cloud: A Children ’ s Book Inspired by Marc Chagall. illus. by Élise Mansot. ISBN 978-3-7913-7057-6.
–––– . The Great Wave: A Children’s Book Inspired by a Woodcut by Hokusai. illus. by Bruno Pilorget. ISBN 978-3-7913-7058-3.
ea vol: tr. from French by Cynthia Hall Stephanskirchen. unpaged. (Pictures That Tell Stories: Art for Children Series). Prestel. 2011. Tr $14.95. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-4–Journey on a Cloud is based on Chagall’s Bride and Groom with Eiffel Tower. The story takes a village dreamer on a trip around the world by cloud, ultimately leading him to his true love. The Great Wave is based on Hokusai’s woodcut The Great Wave off Kanagawa. It tells the story of a couple who receive a baby from the sea’s waves. The child is troubled by his odd origins until he realizes the importance of his love for his adopted parents. Each book is illustrated in a style reminiscent of the artist, and the stories incorporate common folktale elements from Japanese and European culture, respectively. Back matter includes a reproduction of the original artwork and a question-and-answer page about the artist and his work. While the works of Hokusai and Chagall are indeed inspiring, and the idea of expanding their reach through storytelling is sound, these tales fall somewhat flat. Despite the use of common folk tropes, they lack the elemental power of time-tested folklore, instead wandering aimlessly and leaving too many loose ends and unanswered questions. The stories are fanciful but pointless and do little to convey the messages of the original works of art. Art teachers may find them useful as points of focus on Hokusai and Chagall, but they are not strong as literature.–Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children’s Library at Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

MELLING, David. Don ’ t Worry, Douglas! illus. by author. unpaged. Tiger Tales. 2011. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-58925-106-9. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Douglas the lovable bear returns. This time he receives a special wool hat from his father. He runs outside to show his friends and, in his excitement, it unravels. The sheep wind the yarn into a ball and try to reshape it, but it looks ungainly. Cow uses her fashion style, to no avail. Bird tries to make a nest out of it, but that doesn’t fly. When it begins to rain, Rabbit attempts to plug up his burrow with it. Finally, Douglas decides to be honest and tell his father what happened. Dad understands and saves the day by giving his own big green hat to Douglas, which he will soon grow into. The final spread shows the sheep and the rabbit modeling various humorous chapeaus: the Best Friends Hat, the Weather Hat, and so forth. Bright illustrations in bold colors reflect Douglas’s moods. For example, in one spread he looks appropriately bewildered, surrounded by the sheep, when they realize that yards of wool are strung throughout the trees and branches like spaghetti. When a sheepish Douglas shows up at home holding the ball of wool, his parents maintain a quiet look of surprise– the kind that doesn’t make their cub feel worse about his mishap. Melling successfully communicates the theme of honesty with compassion. Well done.–Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NY

MELTZER, Amy. The Shabbat Princess. illus. by Martha Avilés. unpaged. CIP. Lerner/Kar-Ben. 2011. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5142-9; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5106-1. LC 2010020302.
Pres-Gr 1–The Talmud compares the Jewish Sabbath to a queen whose arrival changes a home into a palace. When Rosie’s mother explains this concept to her, the girl decides that she wants to be the Shabbat Princess. She puts on her fanciest dress, finest jewelry, and sparkly tiara and persuades her parents to polish the silver wine goblet, replace the plain brass candlesticks with shiny crystal ones, and trade the ordinary napkin covering the challah for a glittery, sequined scarf. After reciting the blessings and enjoying a delicious meal, the family agrees that the Shabbat Princess has transformed their dinner into a royal banquet. The detailed illustrations, with a heavy dose of pink and purple, depict the warmth and love of this cheerful, contemporary family. Jewish girls who love all things related to princesses, especially fans of Pinkalicious and Fancy Nancy, will delight in this endearing story. It also gives parents and educators the opportunity to discuss the important Jewish values of welcoming guests and using beautiful objects to enhance observances, explained briefly in an author’s note. –Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

MENG, Cece. I Will Not Read This Book. illus. by Joy Ang. unpaged. CIP. Clarion. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-04971-7. LC 2010043175.
PreS-Gr 1–A small pajama-clad boy refuses to read before bedtime. He stalls by flossing his teeth, feeding his fish, and even cleaning under his bed, until declaring, “Reading is hard…and sometimes there are words I don’t know”–a sentiment that should resonate with reluctant readers everywhere. “I will not read this book...AND YOU CAN’T MAKE ME.” The escalating scenarios get progressively outlandish, starting with “I will not read this book even if you hang me upside down,” and ending with “I will not read this book even if you hang me upside down by one toe over a cliff while tickling my feet in a rainstorm with lightning above and sharks down below and a dragon comes along...and...there’s a speeding train coming toward us and I sneeze and...YOU DROP ME.” The boy finally gives in, but only if his mother will read with him. Ang’s digitally rendered, crisp cartoon-style illustrations effectively convey the expressions on the boy’s oversize face, ranging from stubbornness to alarm to joy. Layouts alternate between copious white space and full-page treatments with occasional humorous details. This book might not convince reluctant readers that reading is not scary, and it isn’t a celebration of books like Barbara Bottner’s Miss Brooks Loves Books (And I Don’t) (Knopf, 2010). It does suggest that sharing a book with a parent can be reassuring, and its cheerful use of imagination makes for an enjoyable read.–Yelena Alekseyeva-Popova, Chappaqua Library, NY

MORTIMER, Rachael. The Three Billy Goats Fluff. illus. by Liz Pichon. unpaged. Tiger Tales. 2011. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58925-101-4. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–A hot mug of beetle juice and a bedtime story are just two of the things that will give grumpy Mr. Troll some solace. But in order to attain his sweet dreams, he needs to get to sleep, and this is impossible with three billy goats crossing over his bridge twice a day. He grows increasingly unhappy with every trip-trap. Angrily, he hollers, “I’m a Troll with a very sore head. Stop trip-trapping over my bed!” Finally, Mother Goat gets an idea–she knits booties for each of her kids. In the end, Mr. Troll is fluffed with a blanket and earmuffs, offering him the quiet he wants so badly; his dreams are filled with fluff–fluffy clouds, fluffy toads, and fluffy beetle juice. Pichon demonstrates the troll’s movements in bright color with acrylics, while Mortimer offers easy-to-read detail. Sadly, though, the author has turned this classic into mush and fluff, eliminating everything that makes the original story so memorable and enjoyable.–Keisha M. Miller, South Orange Public Library, NJ

MOUNDLIC, Charlotte. The Scar. illus. by Olivier Tallec. unpaged. Candlewick. Nov. 2011. RTE $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5341-5. LC 2010042792.
K-Gr 3–This book about loss and grief is all honesty, and the story is very much from a child’s egocentric perspective. A boy is angry when his mother tells him that she is going away forever, and he yells at her that she shouldn’t have had a kid if she were going to leave. When she dies, he worries that she never taught his father how to make toast properly. He feels the loss deeply but cannot put it into philosophical terms. He tries to capture his mother’s smell by keeping the windows closed in the hot summer weather and thinks that by scraping his knee he will hear her voice saying, “It’s just a scratch, my little man.” When his grandmother points out that his mother will always be with him in his heart, he likes to run so he can feel his heart beating and know she is with him. One morning he wakes to find that his scrape has scabbed over and healed, much like his grief. The artwork, primarily red, focuses on the child throughout as he works through his feelings. The last page is particularly soothing as he puts his hand over his heart, feels it beating, and lets it lull him to sleep. This is an important addition to the canon of books on death for young children, showing beautifully how a child interprets the loss he is experiencing but has trouble naming. Libraries will want to have this title on hand for those children who need it.–Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

NELSON-SCHMIDT, Michelle. Cats, Cats! ISBN 978-1-61067-042-5. LC 2010941502.
–––– . Dogs, Dogs! ISBN 978-1-61067-041-8. LC 2010941501 .
ea vol: illus. by author. unpaged. Kane/Miller. 2011. pap. $5.99.
PreS-Gr 1–These appealing books join an already crowded field of stories about two popular pets. They are deceptively simple but actually serve several audiences. After initially establishing that cats or dogs are everywhere, each title presents nine different types. However, it is not introducing breeds; it is introducing characteristics. Timid, nosy, stubborn, sad–these are animals as defined by a set of descriptors that children might recognize in themselves. A mirror at the end of each book, inviting children to look into it and determine which cat or dog they are like, makes the comparison explicit. Text set against plenty of white space, with a few sophisticated words to challenge youngsters, make these good choices for emerging readers. The bright, crisp illustrations are cheerful and attractive and will call out to children who want to look at playful pictures of cats and dogs. These books are also useful as introductions to adjectives, with the art adroitly reinforcing the texts. All in all, these are versatile titles that should find a home in most collections.–Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

NIELSEN, Jennifer A. Elliot and the Pixie Plot. Bk. 2. illus. by Gideon Kendall. 192p. (The Underworld Chronicles Series). Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-4020-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–All fifth-grader Elliot Penster thinks he has to worry about is the upcoming school science fair now that his involvement in the Goblin War is over, and he has been made King of the Brownies. But he is dragged back to the Underworld and into the middle of a potential fight between the Pixies and Fairies and given dangerous tasks to complete by both groups. These involve the evil Demon Kovol, his smelly socks, fearsome Shadow Men, hazardous gripping mud, and a Shapeshifter that wants to take his place in his family. Elliot completes his mission and even arranges peace between the two groups, but there is still the looming problem of an angry Kovol to be solved. This is a fast-moving, humorous fantasy with commentary from an omnipresent narrator. Buy it where Elliot and the Goblin War (Sourcebooks, 2010) is popular or for readers who enjoy their fantasy with a spoonful of silly names and a cheeky narrator. Many references to the previous book pop up so it should be read first.–Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

NOLAN, Dennis. Sea of Dreams. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-470-7. LC 2010037815.
PreS-Gr 4–With a seagull watching, a young brown-skinned girl in a bathing suit builds a sandcastle with several round turrets. After she leaves at dusk, the tide comes in, a tower light illumines, and tiny inhabitants, perhaps three generations of a family, appear in a window and escape into the sea as the castle crumbles. The watercolors are so deeply and expertly layered that the art looks like oil, and rendered so accurately, it almost looks real. Children will be intrigued by the interconnections in this wordless fantasy about survival. A young boy is tossed from the boat, rides a sea horse, and is rescued by mermaids, and the small people moor in a cove after a tumultuous night at sea. One spread shows a close-up of the figures (shorter than starfish arms) unloading the cargo among tide-pool shells, seaweed, and sea urchins, and the next zooms out to show the seagull’s nest on the rocks and one small person feeding a baby gull. Next morning the girl creates a second, imperfect castle built with an eye to the waves. Red skies harbor good tidings for this night’s inhabitants. Children will love to pore over the illustrations, compare the two castles, the night skies, and the two views of the rocky cove, and wonder whether the new castle will withstand the night’s waves.–Sara Lissa Paulson, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City

OCEANAK, Karla. Cahoots: An Aldo Zelnuck Comic Novel. Bk. 3. illus. by Kendra Spanjer. 160p. Bailiwick. 2011. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-934649-08-4; ebook $7.99. ISBN 978-1-9346-49-19-0. LC 2010941365.
Gr 2-5–Aldo is a technophile who enjoys playing online sim games. His latest favorite is “Farm Town,” which is ironic because a trip to an actual farm is what his parents have planned for their family vacation. This means trading in their electronics for hay baling and butter making but it also seems as though Aldo’s twin cousins have it in for him. Are they in cahoots about something? A blend of a graphic novel and a journal, this series can be used for building a glossary of words with the same initial letter. This “C” volume, which comes on the heels of Artsy-Fartsy (2009) and Bogus (2010, both Bailiwick) brings in “cockamamie,” “cagey,” “calligraphy,” and “clomping.” Featured words have an asterisk in the text and are defined in the gallery at the back. This gimmick does not get in the way of the enjoyment of the story. An extra bonus is a feature on the word “cryptophasia,” also known as “twin speak.” This book will appeal to kids not yet ready for the middle-school life portrayed in Jeff Kinney’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series (Abrams) but who have aged out of the irreverent potty humor of Dav Pilkey’s “Captain Underpants” series (Scholastic).–Kathleen Meulen Ellison, Sakai Intermediate School, Bainbridge Island, WA

OFFILL, Jenny. 11 Experiments That Failed. illus. by Nancy Carpenter. unpaged. CIP. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-84762-2; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95762-8; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98384-9. LC 2009045096.
K-Gr 2–Beginning with a question followed by a hypothesis, an exuberant budding scientist follows what she believes to be logical steps in proving her theories in, alas, 11 experiments that fall short of expectations. Each of her tests includes a “What You Need” and “What to Do” list and concludes with “What Happened.” From attempting to confirm that children can live on a snow and ketchup diet to sending a message in a bottle to the sea via the toilet, this enthusiastic child in her white lab coat, pink rubber gloves, and safety goggles has a never-give-up attitude, much to her mother’s distress. Intriguing pen-and-ink and digital media illustrations are inventive themselves as they take readers through the various steps toward unfulfilled promise and sometimes unmitigated disaster. One humorous vignette appears in both this title and in this team’s 17 Things I’m Not Allowed to Do Anymore (Random, 2006): the same dog with the same long tongue licking food off the table. Though this book should come with a caution label: “Do NOT read this book to children who may perform these experiments,” kids and adults will get a kick out of it.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

PETERSEN, David. Snowy Valentine. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. Nov. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-06-146378-5. LC 2009027197.
PreS-Gr 2–Jasper Bunny, a dapper hare dressed in a three-piece suit and scarf, heads out of his snow-covered house in search of the perfect valentine for his wife, Lilly. At his first stop, he happens upon seven porcupine children knitting a scarf for their mother, but quickly realizes that he can’t knit. Trudging on, Jasper finds that while a box of chocolate-covered flies is the perfect gift for Miriam Frog to give to her husband, “it’s definitely not something…Lilly would enjoy!” After a brief visit to Everett Raccoon’s peddler wagon, Jasper finds himself at Fox’s door and barely avoids becoming rabbit stew. Wet and despairing, he describes his failed plans to a wise cardinal who shows him that he has already made the perfect gift. Jasper rushes home to Lilly, who loves the heart his determined footprints have drawn across the valley. Petersen’s whimsical, full-bleed illustrations with Victorian-pattern details add warmth and gentle humor to the story. The raccoon’s posture and expression give readers all the information necessary to hear exactly how he might speak to Jasper, and the bunny’s expressive ears show the earnestness of his journey. Adults and children alike will smile when, along with Jasper, they discover his gift to Lilly. The timeless quality of the theme and perfect cast of supporting characters make this valentine story a head (or at least two rabbit ears) above the rest.–Jenna Boles, Washington-Centerville Public Library, OH

PFISTER, Marcus. Snow Puppy. illus. by author. unpaged. NorthSouth. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4031-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-2–Rascal has to stay home while his owner, Sophie, and her family go shopping. He notices white specks falling from the sky and is intrigued. He turns the doorknob by himself and is soon outside. Spying something “small and brown,” the pup chases after a rabbit and gets momentarily stuck in a rabbit hole. By the time he finally wiggles his way free, he realizes that he is cold, hungry, and lost. Rascal follows a scent and finds himself in a clearing where a man is eating a bologna sandwich. The kind stranger gives him a bite, warms him with blankets, and takes Rascal with him to town to sell the Christmas trees he has chopped down. At the lot, Rascal is surprised to hear a familiar voice and is soon in Sophie’s arms. The gentle, bright illustrations are the best part of this story. The canine protagonist has big eyes and looks very cuddly, and the snow and woods scenes are suitably lush. This is an overly sweet story, but kids will probably enjoy it.–Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

PLOURDE, Lynn. Only Cows Allowed! illus. by Rebecca Harrison Reed. unpaged. CIP. Down East. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-89272-790-2. LC 2008051824.
K-Gr 2–A truckload of cows arrives at the barn of a first-time farmer. The animals are pleased with the accommodations, move in, and post “Only Cows Allowed” signs all around. A flock of chickens comes along and is turned away. But the poultry prove their worth by laying eggs and the farmer allows them to stay. Predictably, some horses and cats come along as well. All are turned away by the cows, but still stay on the farm. Then a bus full of pigs, sheep, goats, and geese comes along. They hustle into the barn, despite protestations from the cows, and all give birth. The farmer then decides that all the newborns are cause for a party, so he brings cake, confetti, and bubblegum and all the animals dance and celebrate. The unhappy cows leave the barn and move into the farmer’s house and post the “Only Cows Allowed” sign. The watercolor illustrations enforce the tongue-in-cheek mood of the book. Four-legged animals walk around on two feet, a pig stands in defiance with one hoof on its hip. The browns, greens, and yellows enhance the earthy atmosphere of the farm. This book is preposterous from start to finish, but rather fun.–Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

RACZKA, Bob. Fall Mixed Up. illus. by Chad Cameron. unpaged. CIP. Carolrhoda. 2011. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-4606-7; ebook $13.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-6215-9. LC 2009038922.
PreS-Gr 2–Text and illustrations depict mixed-up imagery of autumn, as in “Apples turn orange./Pumpkins turn red./Leaves float up/into blue skies overhead.” Soft-focus illustrations with occasional sharp collage elements show the zany world described by each verse. The last line of the book invites readers to go back and find “all the things that aren’t right,” but most of the errors have already been pointed out by the text. The mix-ups are silly and not particularly witty, and the book does nothing to evoke the feeling of the season or to shed light on any of its symbols. This is a gimmick book that will not bear repeated readings. With so many fall books available, it can easily be skipped.–Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children’s Library at Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

RAYNER, Catherine. Solomon Crocodile. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Farrar. Dec. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-374-38064-9. LC 2010045855.
PreS-K–In this charming story, a bored crocodile wants to play. Sadly, his attempts to rustle up some fun are met with increasing annoyance from his fellow river inhabitants. Frogs call him a nuisance; dragonflies, a pest; storks, a pain; and the hippos bellow that he’s “nothing but trouble!” Solomon slinks away until he hears somebody else creating chaos. With a “Snap!” he encounters another crocodile. The last spread shows the happy “Double Trouble” team jumping out in unison, while the rest of the animals flee. The theme of a lonely creature seeking a friend is hardly a novel one, but Rayner imbues it with new life through her delightfully energetic illustrations and perfect interplay of text and image. Variations in font size emphasize actions and sounds–verbs such as “stalk,” “shakes,” and “bugs” are increased slightly as compared to the rest of the text, and the final “SNAP!” and “DOUBLE TROUBLE!” are extra large. Animals display a great range of expressions, from sleepy storks, to grumpy hippos, to very sly crocodiles. The juxtaposition of a roaring hippo with an extremely startled Solomon is priceless. Sedately pastel backgrounds allow the speckled crocodile to pop, creating a contrast with the sleepiness of the river setting. Sharp zigzags of the crocodiles’ teeth and back are reminiscent of the creature from Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile (Knopf, 1978), but are full of mischief instead of malice. The brevity of this story lends itself to a young audience, but would not preclude older kids enjoying it as well.–Yelena Alekseyeva-Popova, Chappaqua Library, NY

ROOP, Peter & Connie Roop. Down East in the Ocean: A Maine Counting Book. illus. by Nicole Fazio. unpaged. Down East. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-89272-709-4. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–This rhyming counting book features animals associated with the Maine seashore, but that can also be found on many other beaches. Each spread tells a mini story of parent and offspring while introducing the concept of counting. For example, one mother seal says, “Swim,” and her one little seal says, “I swim” in a call-and-response format that is used for every number. All of the fish, marine mammals, crabs, and birds look as if they’re smiling, even the fierce three ospreys and six eagles. The five faceless jellyfish somehow manage to look as if they’re tumbling through the water for fun as they obey their mother’s request to float, and even the eight squirting mussels look filled with joy. This is an engaging way to learn numbers and a great beach book. Music notations are included at the end to put the verses to song.–Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

ROSE, Naomi C. Tashi and the Tibetan Flower Cure. illus. by author. unpaged. Lee & Low. 2011. RTE $18.95. ISBN 978-1-60060-425-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-4–Tashi is very close to her grandfather, who has been ill for two weeks. Popola seems sad and lonely for his village in Tibet and tells Tashi about how sick people would sit downwind from flowers so that pollen would blow over them and bring healing. Determined to make the flower cure work, Tashi first tries blowing daisies over him while he sleeps, and then visits a nursery. Popola insists that the flower cure won’t work in the U.S., “without the magic of our land and people,” but slowly a community builds around the family as they visit the nursery and Popola improves both in health and spirit. With a blend of detail and expressionism, the rich, jewel-toned paintings do a wonderful job of supplementing the text. The emotions Tashi feels–hope, discouragement, worry, and joy–are shown not just on her face but through her whole body as well. This heartwarming story is full of details and images that show what life might be like for a Tibetan-American child. Any second- or third-generation immigrant family will relate to the blending of two cultures, and all readers will relate to Tashi’s concern, fear, and desire to help.–Anna Haase Krueger, Antigo Public Library, WI

ROSLONEK, Steve. The Shape Song Swingalong. illus. by David Sim. unpaged. w/CD. Barefoot. Nov. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-84686-671-5. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Roslonek, songwriter, musician, and creator of SteveSongs, has put his original tune into book form. “The Shape Song” is described as a swing along, and it does really swing when used with the accompanying CD. The idea is that everyone who creates something, whether at work, play, art, or music, begins with the basic shapes of line, circle, square, and triangle. The action follows four children who draw objects using shapes, including skyscrapers, cars, boats, and a party in the park. As Roslonek demonstrates the shapes with his body in the video CD, children will find themselves singing along with the catchy melody and receiving reinforcement of the basic concepts. The vibrant illustrations created in gouache, acrylics, and pastels are full of detail and motion. The song and book end with the idea that everyone makes shapes in the day but also in the night when they dream. Children will soon add The Shape Song to their list of favorites and will begin to see the world in a new way. They will also be inspired to make their own creations using what they’ve learned.–Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT

ROSS, Fiona. Chilly Milly Moo. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. 2011. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5693-5. LC 2010051446.
Gr 1-3–This fun story sports dynamic, exaggerated digital illustrations akin to woodcuts in their texture and line. Clad in a knit hat and boots, Milly Moo is shunned by her bovine friends because she can’t make milk. While the other cows bask and boast in the sun, getting ripe for milk making, Milly Moo complains about always being too hot. Finally, one chilly morning, she discovers what she needs to produce a treat that’s even better than milk. The tone is informal and quirky, and the cows’ dialogue appears in oversize speech bubbles. The homey typeface follows the lines of the wood-planked barn walls, floorboards, and rafters. The perspectives are always a hoot. Young listeners and readers will be as slack-jawed as the rotund, full-bearded farmer when they discover what comes out of Milly Moo. This book conveys explicitly and humorously the message that differences should be accepted without pride or envy. Recommend it for the surprise factor and the blend of old-timey aesthetics and moral.–Sara Lissa Paulson, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City

SCHIMEL, Lawrence. Let’s Go See Papá! tr. from Spanish by Elisa Amado. illus. by Alba Marina Rivera. unpaged. CIP. Groundwood. Nov. 2011. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-106-9. LC C2011-902087-4.
Gr 1-3–A young girl waits by the telephone every Sunday for a call from Papá. He left “one year, eight months and twenty two days” ago to find work in the United States. He is always in her thoughts and she writes to him in a notebook every day. When Papá asks her and Mamá to join him, she is thrilled to be reunited, but also sad to leave her abuela and friends. Rivera’s pencil, crayon, and watercolor illustrations capture the daily details of a loving extended family. Photographs, postcards, and drawings are pinned to the girl’s bedroom walls and a calendar shows the days crossed off and big red circles around Sundays. The feelings of missing a loved one are realistically conveyed and will resonate with children.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

SCHMID, Paul. Hugs from Pearl. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. Nov. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-06-180434-2. LC 2010015906.
PreS-K–Pearl loves to give hugs, which leaves her friends at school in a prickly predicament. Tired of hearing, “Ouch! Thanks, Pearl. Ouch!” from her classmates, the youngster wonders, “What’s a friendly little porcupine to do?” After unsuccessfully investigating several options to soften her quills, including pincushions, a long bath, and a quill cut, Pearl is quite dejected. Then she notices bees happily buzzing around some thorny roses, and she has a flash of inspiration. With a little alteration to her mother’s special rose-print pillowcase, Pearl soon has the perfect solution. With his simple pastel and charcoal illustrations set against pale green and blue pages, Schmid brings just the right touch of sweetness to this charming tale. Though rendered with an uncomplicated ease, rosy-faced Pearl is endearingly expressive in her body language, and readers won’t help but respond to her anxiously crooked mouth as she ponders her dilemma, her industriously stuck-out tongue as she tries to address it, and her jubilantly closed eyes as she savors her success. This porcupine is perfectly lovable, and her proactive endeavors to solve a problem thrust on her by nature set a good example for children encountering their own struggles. This warmhearted story will fit right into storytimes and one-on-one reading sessions at home.–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

SCHOETTLER, Joan. Good Fortune in a Wrapping Cloth. illus. by Jessica Lanan. unpaged. glossary. CIP. Shen’s. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-885008-40-4. LC 2011001702.
Gr 2-4–Ji-su, a girl in 18th-century Korea, is devastated when her mother is selected to sew for the king. It is an honor for the family, but it means a life apart, and Eomma has no choice in the matter. Ji-su is determined to learn to sew bojagi–wrapping cloths–as skillfully as her mother so that she will also work at the palace. Descriptive language and stunning watercolor paintings show the seasons passing as Ji-su works toward her goal. With a masterful eye for color and skillful use of perspective, Lanan brings the text to life and adds depth to Ji-su’s emotions. When Ji-su presents her bojagi to the sewing master, the low perspective makes the men seem to tower over her, and readers feel her trepidation and the importance of the moment. Densely packed with Korean customs and vocabulary, the writing is nuanced and evocative: “Eomma and Ji-su held each other like threads in a seam.” There is a glossary, but without some familiarity with Korean culture, it is difficult to infer the meaning of some words. Although the complexity of this book may limit its appeal for general audiences, Good Fortune is a treasure for libraries serving Korean populations.–Anna Haase Krueger, Antigo Public Library, WI

SCHUBERT, Ingrid & Dieter Schubert. The Umbrella. illus. by authors. unpaged. Lemniscaat. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-9359-5400-2. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–A small black dog with a red umbrella guides this wordless trip through all the Earth’s climates. He starts out at home, where he’s taken aloft by an autumn wind. His first stop is above the clouds, with familiar shapes visible in the fluffy whiteness. Then he’s off to Africa where giraffes, hippos, zebras, and other creatures lounge near a great waterfall. The elephants save the dog from a group of crocodiles and send him on his way. The ocean and all of its colorful inhabitants are the next stop. After a visit, he’s launched again by a whale spout, off to the land of the big turtles and the rainforest. A huge bird escorts him out for the next adventure. This time it’s to the land of snow and ice where seals and polar bears greet him. After this� visit, he swirls around in the sky for a while, along with the crescent moon and swooping bats. This wind takes him back to his home and lands him on the ground. The final endpapers show a cat getting ready to pick up that red umbrella. While adults will be able to name specific locales and animals, young readers will just see the beauty of the various habitats and share the dog’s excitement. The illustrations easily tell the story; there’s no need for words. The paintings excel at showing the different landscapes and depicting movement. What a great journey! –Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

SCHUBERT, Leda. The Princess of Borscht. illus. by Bonnie Christensen. unpaged. CIP. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk. Nov. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-515-5. LC 201004520.
K-Gr 3–Grandma, hospitalized for pneumonia, complains to Ruthie about the dreadful food and asks for homemade borscht. With no recipe to guide her, the girl gets conflicting advice from neighbors who claim to be Empress, First Lady, and Tsarina of Borscht. Ruthie cobbles ingredients together and adds her own touch–some dill–just because it smells good. Queen of Borscht Grandma declares the soup delicious, and Ruthie names herself Princess of Borscht. All seems happily settled–until Grandma requests noodle pudding for the next day. Most young readers will likely agree with Ruthie’s Dad that beet soup is “yucky,” but they will admire Ruthie’s pluck in taking on the challenge of cooking it. The warm relationship between Ruthie and her grandmother is appealing, and the arguing neighbors lend humor to the story. The sketchy illustrations have a folksy charm, and the faces are expressive, conveying subtleties such as worry, annoyance, and pride. Speech patterns, names, and the menu itself imply that the characters are Jewish, although this is never stated in the text; in any case, the tale of competing cooks and grandmother/grandchild love is universal. –Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children’s Library at Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

SHANNON, Molly. Tilly the Trickster. illus. by Ard Hoyt. unpaged. Abrams. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0030-9. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–Hoyt provides an energetic visual accompaniment to Shannon’s picture-book debut. Tilly plays inventive, mostly harmless, but relentless tricks on family and friends. She devises short-term pranks like boring a hole in her father’s paper cup and giving her flamboyantly dressed music teacher a fireball instead of homemade strawberry candy. (Steam shoots out of the woman’s ears.) The child gets sent to the principal’s office, where she winks at readers and offers “Yippee! “Hooray! No school!” in thought bubbles when she is sent home. Her parents send her to her room to think about her behavior; “Life is so dreadfully boring without tricks,” she concludes. Large, playful fonts accent key words like “mischief,” “yuck,” “naughty,” and “tickled.” The inked watercolors clearly announce her verve and cunning, and the dismay of those ridiculed. Tides shift when Tilly makes her brother a toothpaste-filled Oreo and he spits it out on her favorite red shoes and gets a stomachache. As she reflects on the consequences of tricks, especially one directed at her, she concurs with her family, “No more tricks…”; and with a page turn she adds, “…until tomorrow.” This book is useful as a discussion starter, but there is no clear indictment here of tricks at the expense of others. Rather, the contrary.–Sara Lissa Paulson, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City

SHASKAN, Stephen. A Dog Is a Dog. illus. by author. unpaged. Chronicle. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-7896-8. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–A dog is a dog, of course–unless it is something else. This book begins with the illusion of a dog that is really a cat in disguise, or perhaps a squid, or maybe even a moose. The ruse continues throughout the story as readers learn characteristics of each animal before it sheds its skin to reveal another creature beneath. The tale travels full circle when the last animal unmasked is actually the pup that began the story, proving that a dog is really a dog. Children will be delighted and surprised at these creatures’ transformations. Short, concise sentences perfectly match their accompanying illustration. Listeners will enjoy the lively rhythm of the text, and rhyming words encourage them to anticipate which animal may appear before the page is turned. The digitally rendered art is big, bold, and playful. Imaginative portrayals of the animals include the dog ice skating, the squid getting stuck in a bottle, and the moose wearing a headlamp to find his way in the fog. Shaskan has created a fun, fanciful tale that will engage young listeners during storytime or a lap reading.–Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT

SOMAN, David & Jacky Davis. The Amazing Adventures of Bumblebee Boy. illus. by David Soman. unpaged. Dial. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3418-0. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–“Bum Ba BUM BUMM!” Sam, aka Bumblebee Boy–featured in two of the popular “Ladybug Girl” books–now has a story all to himself…or does he? In Soman’s terrific watercolor and fine-line illustrations, rife with dramatic perspectives, he is just about to defeat Greenbeard the Pirate…Fire Dragon…Giganto, the Giant Saber-Toothed Lion…when he is yanked back into living-room reality by his little brother. “‘I play now?’” asks the small blond boy in a star-and-comet sleepsuit, “‘…I am soup hero too!’” Even children who are sibling-free will get the message and the fun in this engaging tale about brothers, imagination, frustration, and cozy compromise.–Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

SRINIVASAN, Divya. Little Owl’s Night. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Viking. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01295-4. LC 2010049513.
PreS-K–Little Owl–almost overly cute, with huge green eyes–loves the night forest. He flutters around and observes the activities of his nocturnal neighbors. White-faced possums waddle by, bright-eyed beavers chomp on trees against the backdrop of the round moon, crickets chirp, frogs croak, and Little Owl takes it all in. Eventually he returns home, where Mama tells him his favorite story: how night becomes day. “The moon and stars fade to ghosts…the sky brightens from black to blue, blue to red, red to gold….” However, Little Owl does not hear or see it; he is fast asleep. Many young listeners will meet the same pleasant fate by way of this eye-catching, lilting, and reassuring book.–Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

TABACK, Simms. Simms Taback’s Farm Animals. illus. by author. unpaged. Blue Apple. 2011. BD $12.99. ISBN 978-1-60905-078-8. LC number unavailable.
PreS–Six grinning animals hide beneath the folded pages of this oversize board book. In large, child-friendly print, Taback introduces each creature with the question, “Who am I?” and provides a clue (“I have a feathery tail”) on the opposite page. As children lift the overlays, more of the illustration and a second clue (“I crow when the sun comes up”) are revealed. Beneath the last flap, which opens into a four-page foldout, the animal proclaims its identity (“I am a rooster”). A pig, a rooster, a goat, a cow, a sheep, and a donkey are highlighted in the beguiling guessing game. The simple, boldly outlined and brightly colored illustrations portray each animal standing against a monochromatic sky ranging in color from yellow to blue to purple. The pages are constructed of sturdy card stock, allowing small fingers to practice unfolding and re-folding the flaps. An amusing and instructive story.–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

VAN GENECHTEN, Guido. Ricky Is Brave. illus. by author. unpaged. Clavis. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-60537-097-2. LC number unavailable.
PreS–In this sixth tale about Ricky, the bunny decides to spend a hot summer night outside in a tent, as it will be cooler than his bed. This is his first night alone, so both parents separately ask him if he’s “brave enough to sleep outside all alone,” and he assures them that he’s not afraid. Ricky takes his bedding, a flashlight, his superhero cape, and carrots. After entertaining himself with the flashlight until the batteries wear out, he tries to fall asleep. Unfamiliar sounds keep him awake and wary, so he uses two spare carrots to plug his ears, thus making him unaware that his parents have come to check on him. He hears nothing, but sees huge shadows looming over his tent, making him run out screaming about a “night monster.” Ricky’s parents console him and the child quickly rediscovers his bravery while safely snuggled between them in the tent. There’s not much new here, but fans of the previous titles may enjoy another Ricky adventure.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

WALSH, Joanna. The Biggest Kiss. illus. by Judi Abbot. unpaged. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks. Dec. 2011. RTE $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2769-3. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–“Kisses on noses,/kisses on toes-es./Sudden kisses when you least supposes” starts this endearing selection. The text goes on to describe myriad creatures who deliver and receive a variety of kisses in their own unique ways. The engaging rhymes are perfectly complemented by the colorful, whimsical illustrations. A wonderful cuddle-up-and-read choice.–Debbie Lewis, Alachua County Library District, FL

WARWICK, Dionne & David Freeman Wooley. Little Man. illus. by Fred Willingham. unpaged. w/CD. CIP. Charlesbridge. 2011. RTE $19.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-731-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-306-6. LC 2010023523.
Gr 1-3–This success story, based on Wooley’s city childhood, includes striking portraits in pastels and airbrush. A boy whom everyone calls Little Man explains his passion for drums in detail, including the fact that neighbors and some family mock his amateur ability (Grandma uses earplugs). He aspires to music lessons across town but cannot afford a bike for transportation. Little Man babysits and does chores, but it’s not enough. Only Dad’s encouragement keeps his spirits up. Practice leads to confidence, and when Little Man performs at a block party, the crowd dances and cheers, and then people put money in a hat that’s passed around. Little Man has finally earned enough for a bike. A CD of Warwick reading the book is included, her mellow tones adding to the pleasure of the tale. It also offers Wooley’s demo of various drums and accessories, sure to pique the interest of young musicians.–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

WILLEMS, Mo. Happy Pig Day! illus. by author. 60p. (An Elephant & Piggie Book). Hyperion. 2011. Tr $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-4342-0. LC 2010034326.
PreS-Gr 3–Beginning readers will delight in this funny tale. Gerald and Piggie are celebrating “The day of the pig” with pig songs, pig dances, pig food, pig games, and friends wishing one another “oinky, oink oink,” which is “pig for Happy Pig Day!” Gerald the elephant seems genuinely interested in this celebration until Piggie’s friends start speaking “pig” and he feels left out. The animated characters convey emotion and humor; masterful use of white space and comic-style text bubbles will inspire repeated readings. Another hit for Willems.–Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI

THE WIZARD OF OZ: A SCANIMATION BOOK. scanimation by Rufus Butler Seder. unpaged. (A Scanimation® Book). Workman. 2011. BD $14.95. ISBN 978-0-7611-6373-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–A glittery red cover and 10 illustrations that change thanks to a “scanimation®” technique (meaning that they slide back and forth while being viewed through an acetate screen of vertical bars) provide a superficial glamour to this gift item that wears off after a few moments. The pictures are redrawn scenes from the film, and the facing text for each is likewise a line of dialogue (“I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!”) plus a pedestrian action summary along the lines of “During the tornado, Dorothy watches through the window as her unfriendly neighbor, Miss Gulch, transforms into the Wicked Witch of the West.” So closely spaced are the bars on the plastic screens that the silhouettes and other figures can hardly be made out from any angle, so even the ephemeral pleasures of making the pictures change by moving the card-stock pages back and forth are diluted. Consider, if you must, for display, but Robert Sabuda’s pop-up version of the classic (Little Simon, 2001) is just one of many worthier options.–John Peters, formerly at New York Public Library

YOUNG, Cybèle. A Few Blocks. illus. by author. unpaged. Groundwood. 2011. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-0-88899-995-5. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Young explores the emotional physics of space and time. Ferdie and his older sister should be setting out for school, but he doesn’t want to go. “Not now,” he says. “Maybe never.” But Viola coaxes him into his superfast cape and rocket-blaster boots and off they fly from their room into a fantastic pastel collage in which the ordinary landscape takes the shape of adventure. The unique illustrations are actually photographs of the artist’s three-dimensional paper sculptures with copperplate etching. Bits of ordinary on-the-way-to-school landscape–stairways, rooftops, lawn chairs, trucks, garages–appear in the shapes of dragons, sailing ships, and forests of twisted trees. While the plot is interesting, especially when Viola runs out of imaginings and energy, the pictures are what make this book extraordinary. Read it to one child or a very small group so that listeners can discover the intricate worlds within worlds of Young’s art.–Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

Nonfiction

BAILER, Darice. Donkeys. ISBN 978-0-7614-4875-4; ISBN 978-1-60870-617-4. LC 2010033889.
–––– . Prairie Dogs. ISBN 978-0-7614-4876-1; ISBN 978-1-60870-618-1. LC 2010016033.
REBMAN, Renee C. Rats. ISBN 978-0-7614-4877-8; ISBN 978-1-60870-619-8. LC 2010016034.
ea vol: 48p. (Animals Animals Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2011. PLB $29.93; ebook $29.93.
Gr 3-5–Each book features full-color photographs that often capture moments in the animals’ natural environment that are rarely seen by humans. The accompanying captions add enriching facts to the main texts, as seen in the close-up photo of a donkey’s face. Taken from a ground-level perspective, the low angle emphasizes the size of its ears while the supporting caption reads, “A donkey’s ears are large in order to help the animal hear sounds from far away.” With a blend of descriptive details and historical facts, the well-organized chapters focus on everything from anatomy to habitats to special survival and communication skills; they keep readers’ attention from start to finish. Color-blocked sidebars include unusual “Did You Know” facts ranging from why and when rats were first considered to be pets in the 1800s to how the donkey became the mascot of the Democratic Party to why prairie dogs are associated with the American buffalo as symbols of the American West. The appropriateness of these titles for both research and general-interest reading make them quality additions for most collections.–Cathie Bashaw Morton, Millbrook Central School District, NY

BENOIT, Peter. The BP Oil Spill. ISBN 978-0-531-20630-0; ISBN 978-0-531-28999-0. LC 2010045927.
––––. The Hindenburg Disaster. ISBN 978-0-531-20626-3; ISBN 978-0-531-28995-2. LC 2010045931.
––––. The Krakatau Eruption. ISBN 978-0-531-20628-7; ISBN 978-0-531-28997-6. LC 2010045930.
––––. The Titanic Disaster. ISBN 978-0-531-20627-0; ISBN 978-0-531-28996-9. LC 2010045932.
ea vol: 48p. (A True Book: Disasters Series). map. photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Children’s Press. 2011. PLB $28.; pap. $6.95.
Gr 3-5–Benoit provides unbiased information that is on target for the intended audience. The main texts flow nicely and encourage the books to be read continuously, not piecemeal like research texts. A lot of the facts are given in comparison to other events, these disasters easier to comprehend. However, the inclusion of the metric measurements in parentheses is sometimes distracting, particularly in Krakatau Eruption. The true/false questions at the beginning of the books help guide readers into the topic. The photographs and reproductions enhance the texts. In Oil Spill, the photos are realistic and well chosen to show that current events can be examined as critically as historical events. In Titanic Disaster, the sequence depicting the ship breaking explicitly shows how a 66,000-ton vessel could just snap in half. Captions provide extra detail, and the inclusion of arrows helps readers decode them and see the relationship between the main text and images. Well-conceived books worthy of purchase.–Catherine Brenner, Bethlehem Public Library, Delmar, NY

DAYTON, Connor. Balers. ISBN 978-1-4488-4949-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-5048-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-5305-2. LC 2010049480.
–––– . Cultivators. ISBN 978-1-4488-4950-5; ISBN 978-1-4488-5050-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-5306-9. LC 2010050139.
–––– . Harvesters. ISBN 978-1-4488-4948-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-5046-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-5304-5. LC 2010048479.
–––– . Milking Machines. ISBN 978-1-4488-4945-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-5040-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-5301-4. LC 2010050071.
–––– . Planters. ISBN 978-1-4488-4947-5; ISBN 978-1-4488-5044-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-5303-8. LC 2010048104.
–––– . Tractors. ISBN 978-1-4488-4946-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-5042-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-5302-1. LC 2010048083.
ea vol: 24p. (Farm Machines Series). photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2011. PLB $21.25; pap. $8.25; ebook $21.25.
K-Gr 1–Oversimplification, inaccuracies, and misleading statements doom this series. Much of the equipment and machinery is of foreign origin and not likely to be found in the U.S. The one or two sentences of text on each spread are of such controlled vocabulary that statements are often meaningless, or at best incomplete. Milking Machines excludes some major concepts when it takes the milk from the cooling tank to the table, completely skipping transport, pasteurization, and homogenization. The three- to four-word photo glossaries are worthless. The postage-stamp-size pictures are far too small to be of any value. Cultivators and Planters use the same photo to define different words. Major errors crop up in the photos. In Baler, the text describes the bale as being wrapped (it does not explain that the wrap is a plastic net), but the bale shown in another photo is obviously tied in twine. Concerning Cultivators, a cultivator, by definition, is an implement used to loosen the soil around growing plants. If one accepts that premise, seven of the eight pictures are not cultivators. Harvesters features a combine that is supposed to be harvesting a crop, but it is in a stubble field. Each title concludes with an index whose entries seem to be arbitrarily chosen–simple words such as “mud,” “sizes,” “farmer,” “cow,” etc. These books do not deserve even initial consideration.–Eldon Younce, Anthony Public Library, KS

FROMER, Liza & Francine Gerstein. My Achy Body. ISBN 978-1-77049-204-2. LC C2010-907304-5.
–––– . My Messy Body. ISBN 978-1-77049-202-8. LC C2010-907305-3.
–––– . My Noisy Body. ISBN 978-1-77049-201-1. LC C2010-907306-1.
–––– . My Stretchy Body. ISBN 978-1-77049-203-5. LC C2010-907308-8.

ea vol: illus. by Joe Weissmann. 24p. (Body Works Series). glossary. CIP. Tundra Books. 2011. Tr $12.95.
Gr 2-3–Achy Body discusses bruises, scrapes, broken bones, stomach- and earaches, and sore throats. Messy Body covers tears, sweat, earwax, snot, pee, poo, and vomit. The third title addresses burps, hiccups, farts, sneezes, and coughs. The last one focuses on how we grow and includes hair, nails, muscles, bones, and growing pains. The texts have a consistent voice, although no one title has any significant amount of detail. The writing is generally clear, although at times readers may think that basic information is missing. For example, the stomachaches section of Achy Body does not mention vomiting, although that is likely to be the first thing youngsters in this age group would think of. And Messy Body does not specifically mention a virus or stomach flu as a possibility for the symptom. Each spread ends with fun facts and/or a true-false question, and the cartoon illustrations are colorful but not particularly informative. The books have no tables of contents or indexes.–Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL

GIBBONS, Gail. It’s Snowing! illus. by author. unpaged. map. CIP. Holiday House. 2011. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2237-1. LC 2010029570.
PreS-Gr 3–Written in the style of Gibbons’s Hurricanes! and Tornadoes! (both Holiday House, 2009), this book grabs the intended audience with stylized bright drawings and short blocks of text. It addresses what happens when it snows and covers cloud formation, ice crystals, and snowflakes; a simplified map illustrates worldwide snowfall regions. Ways in which snow falls to the ground, such as sleet, flurries, and a storm, are also discussed. Pictures show children playing, building snowmen, and making snow angels. There are tips about staying warm and preparing for a snowstorm, and a simple project on viewing a snowflake close up. Back matter mentions Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley, the first person believed to have taken a picture of a snowflake, and the Great Blizzard of 1888. Libraries will want this as a general purchase for weather units.–Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI

GLASER, Linda. Not a Buzz to Be Found: Insects in Winter. illus. by Jaime Zollars. 32p. CIP. Millbrook. Nov. 2011. PLB $25.26. ISBN 978-0-7613-5644-8; ebook $18.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8042-9. LC 2011001148.
PreS-K–Glaser gives 12 well- and lesser-known examples of how insects survive in adverse winter climates, illustrated by Zollars in brilliantly colorful, full-page paintings. Monarch butterflies migrate to warmer climes while woolly bear caterpillars take a sleeplike refuge “under a blanket of snow or leaves.” Ladybugs, bees, mourning cloak butterflies, praying mantises, Common Pondhawk dragonflies, ants, gallflies, field crickets, a bald-faced hornet queen, and black swallowtail butterflies round out the featured creatures as the book shows the many different ways they protect themselves from the cold. The text ends with short informative paragraphs about each insect, accompanied by a larger painting of it. A lovely way to spin science and literature into a curriculum for youngest readers.–Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

GOULD, Margee. Giant Plants. ISBN 978-1-4488-4990-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-5377-9. LC 2010052217.
–––– . Meat-Eating Plants. ISBN 978-1-4488-4988-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-5375-5. LC 2010047870.
–––– . Poisonous Plants. ISBN 978-1-4488-4989-5; ISBN 978-1-4488-5376-2. LC 2010050512.
–––– . Prickly Plants. ISBN 978-1-4488-4991-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-5378-6. LC 2010053141.
ea vol: 24p. (Strangest Plants on Earth Series). photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2011. PLB $21.25; ebook $21.25.
Gr 3-4–These colorful introductions have bright, full-color photographs that are detailed enough to enable identification in the field, especially of such common poisonous plants as poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Giant Plants includes not only the tallest and most massive plants, but also those with giant odors. One of the illustrations for the corpse flower shows kids at a greenhouse holding their noses as they observe the huge flower that smells like rotting meat. In Meat-Eating Plants, some “leafy carnivores” are shown with the legs of hapless insects sticking out of their plant traps. Each book includes a one-page “It’s a Fact” section that highlights quick bits of information. For example, “A person who has touched a gympie gympie tree can still feel pain from it up to a year later” personalizes the information about the prickly Australian tree whose poisonous hairlike needles have killed pets and livestock. Useful for reports and fun to browse, read, and learn.–Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

GRIEK, Susan Vande. Loon. illus. by Karen Reczuch. unpaged. further reading. CIP. Groundwood. 2011. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-077-2. LC C2011-901136-0.
K-Gr 2–This book follows two loon chicks from birth to maturity and has a lyrical text and lush, full-color illustrations. The acrylic-on-canvas paintings are presented from different perspectives to engage viewers–straight on, closeup, and far away. There are also underwater shots looking up from a deep fish-hunting dive and overhead shots, such as the first newly hatched chick in the nest and the shadowy underwater forms of the predatory bass and snapping turtle as the two chicks are riding safely on their parents’ backs. Animals that share the loon’s habitat, such as moose, beavers, and white-tailed deer, are pictured and identified on the endpapers. A warm and nurturing story of parent/chick bonding, this title will be great for storytimes as well as one-on-one sharing.–Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

HAM, Catherine. Animal Fights. ISBN 978-0-9832014-0-3; ISBN 978-1-60734-388-2.
–––– . Animal Naps. ISBN 978-0-9832014-1-0; ISBN 978-1-60734-389-9.
ea vol: 32p. photos. index. CIP. EarlyLight Bks. 2011. Tr $14.95; ebook $9.99. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–Science and poetry come together in these titles. Fights focuses on the reasons and methods used by various species to combat one another, whether for territory, food, or a mate. The poetic nature of the text ranges from cute and witty (“When a zebra gets into a fight/He uses his own special trick/His back legs are long/And amazingly strong/And deliver a powerful kick!”) to choppy verses that struggle to rhyme (“If a bull elephant/Is fighting for the right/To win a lady elephant/He’ll spread his ears out wide/And roaring, charge the other guy/Who’ll have no place left to hide”). Color-blocked layouts and large font captions highlight the stunning full-color photographs that complement the text on each page. The poetry in Naps reads more smoothly and contains less awkward phrasings. Many verses have an appealing limerick rhythm (“The leopard’s a creature of speed/Who can run like the wind if there’s need/When she’d like a little rest/A high branch is just the best/You could say that this leopard’s been treed!”). The photographs are amazingly adorable, and anyone who picks up this book will enjoy it. Both titles could be used for animal-themed read-alouds.–Cathie Bashaw Morton, Millbrook Central School District, NY

HARTLAND, Jessie. How the Dinosaur Got to the Museum. illus. by author. unpaged. Blue Apple. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-60905-090-0. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 4–As she did in How the Sphinx Got to the Museum (Blue Apple, 2010), Hartland takes readers behind the scenes, this time at the Smithsonian Museum, as a newly discovered Diplodocus is unearthed in Utah, transported to Washington, DC, assembled, and prepared for display. On the opening spread, a docent shares general background information on the dinosaur exhibit as a young boy asks “So, how did the dinosaur actually get to the museum?” A second spread of vignettes covers the 65 million years of geologic change leading up to 1923, the year the fossil was discovered. A cumulative recitation of the story behind the exhibit completes the story line. From “dinosaur hunter” to “director,” more than a dozen roles are described and then added to a growing list in a pattern mimicking the classic “The House That Jack Built.” Each job is highlighted with a unique font and decorative text box evocative of the role. The illustrations are expressive, childlike cartoons but careful readers will find plenty to pore over. Back matter provides background on the particular dinosaur, the real people involved, stats on the Diplodocus, and web links to the museum and quarry, now known as Dinosaur National Monument. A clear explanation is never given for “double-beamed bones” in the background information but young dinosaur hunters won’t be deterred.–Carol S. Surges, Longfellow Middle School, Wauwatosa, WI

HARTMAN, Bob, retel. The Lion Storyteller Book of Animal Tales: Animal Tales Old and New Especially for Reading Aloud. illus. by Krisztina Kállai Nagy. 128p. Lion, dist. by IPG. 2011. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-7459-6131-6. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–This British import is a reissue of the author’s 2002 title, with new illustrations. The 33 retellings include Aesop’s fables, trickster tales, and animal stories from around the world, as well as three original tales. The storyteller’s voice is evident in these chatty retellings, which tend to go on longer than necessary and are loaded with exclamation points. The diversity of countries represented is commendable, but the selections are all told in the same breezy manner and lack any cultural flavor. Hartman’s original stories include one about a dragon, the only tale about a mythical beast. Nagy’s colorful illustrations of cute animals and smiling humans are squeezed in around the wordy text. Storytelling tips and source notes are included. While it is helpful to have so many animal stories in one volume, this book is supplemental at best. –Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

HILL, Isabel. Building Stories. photos by author. 40p. notes. CIP. Star Bright. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59572-279-9; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-59572-280-5. LC 2010050860.
Gr 2-4–Hill explores architectural ornamentation and the kinds of buildings on which it is found. For example, she asks readers what kind of building might have a frieze of a pencil, and then reveals that it is a pencil factory. The questions and answers are written in simple verse, with one line per page. Although the text is brief and printed in a large font, this is not an early reader. Hill uses vocabulary that will stretch the target audience: “The dime on this building was a symbolic detail/for an important savings bank of monumental scale.” The sharp, clear pictures of the ornaments appear opposite those of the exterior and interior of the buildings on which they are found. Archival images are also included. A bit more information about each of the featured buildings, all of which are in New York City, is appended. Finding 3-D Shapes in New York City (Capstone, 2010) is another good resource.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

HOPKINS, Lee Bennett. Full Moon and Star. illus. by Marcellus Hall. unpaged. Abrams. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0013-2. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Best friends Kyle and Kate each write a simple play, then affirm their friendship by writing a play together. Kyle’s play, Moon, brings two halves of the moon together; Kate’s play, Stars, features two twinkling stars; and their combined effort, Full Moon and Star, is an unabashed tribute to the joys of friendship. Hall’s pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are charming, with cartoon characters sporting round, oversize heads and a retro feel. From start to finish, the book has an eye-catching design, but the slight tale sinks under the weight of cloying sweetness and sentiment. This is a disappointing follow-up from the team who crafted the fabulous poetry collection City I Love (Abrams, 2009).–Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

JAKUBIAK, David J. What Can We Do About Acid Rain? ISBN 978-1-4488-4984-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-5116-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-5371-7. LC 2010053329.
–––– . What Can We Do About Deforestation? ISBN 978-1-4488-4986-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-5119-5; ISBN 978-1-4488-5373-1. LC 2011000160.
–––– . What Can We Do About Toxins in the Environment? ISBN 978-1-4488-4987-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-5121-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-5374-8. LC 2011000151.
ea vol: 24p. (Protecting Our Planet Series). photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2011. PLB $21.25; pap. $8.25; ebook $21.25.
Gr 2-3–These overviews seek to enlist young readers in the global fight against environmental deterioration. Every spread has a full-page, thoughtfully captioned color photograph. Jakubiak is moderately successful in explaining complicated concepts: bold-type vocabulary words are defined in context, but many of these definitions are questionable; for example, algae are defined as “tiny things that live in water” (Toxins). Fortunately, the glossaries provide clearer meanings, as well as phonetic pronunciations. Each book concludes with useful tips. School and public libraries will want these titles to round out collections or as updates to replace older books.–Rebecca Dash Donsky, New York Public Library

JANISCH, Heinz. Good Night Giants. tr. from German. illus. by Helga Bansch. unpaged. CIP. Magination. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-0950-7; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-0951-4. LC 2010048835.
PreS-K–In a story from Austria, a young narrator relaxes for bed by finding and counting giants. Starting with two walking on stilts, he counts up to six then back to two. The text seems to have lost something in translation. While some lines have a set rhythm and rhyme (“I look near, I look far./I look up, I look down./I find all my giants, those thirty-four clowns!”), others do not scan well: “When I go off to bed,/I don’t look for sheep, but instead/I look for giants all over town.” Each group of giants is given a collage spread. Although there are some funny details in the backgrounds, the creatures themselves are grotesque and sometimes inappropriately pictured. One of the four giants in the bathtub balances a martini glass on his bare bottom. With the wealth of bedtime books available, this is one to skip.–Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

JURMAIN, Suzanne Tripp. Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and the True Story of an American Feud. illus. by Larry Day. unpaged. bibliog. Dutton. Dec. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-47903-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–Many children know about our second and third presidents, but do they know that those men had a tumultuous friendship that spanned the beginning years of the United States? Cleverly humanizing them, Jurmain demonstrates that fractious politics are not a new phenomenon in America. The two men were best friends throughout the 1770s and ’80s, helping to form a new nation. Problems began around 1790 when their different ideas about how the government should work caused a fissure. In 1797, they ran against each other for office. Although Adams became president and Jefferson vice-president, they each represented a different political party. Disagreements between the Republicans and the Federalists led to anger and even violence. After Jefferson became president in 1801, the distance between them grew even larger. Late in their lives, however, a truce was reached. From 1812 to their deaths on the same day, July 4, 1826, Adams and Jefferson maintained a warm correspondence. Day’s watercolor-and-ink illustrations brilliantly add humor to the narrative. The design is ambitious and effective. The cover contains elements of the American flag framing Jefferson and Adams angrily arguing. Inside, the illustrations vary between full page and divided panels. Some backgrounds are white; others are filled in with details or a simple color wash. Spreads have scenes of high dramatic emphasis. Especially for Presidents’ Day or as a vehicle for discussing friendship issues, Worst of Friends is a winner.–Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA

KATZ, Alan. Poems I Wrote When No One Was Looking. illus. by Edward Koren. 160p. index. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781416935186. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–As they did in Oops! (S & S, 2008), Katz and Koren once again craft a giggle-inducing collection of 100 humorous poems. Koren’s cross-hatched cartoons feature long-nosed, wild-haired figures that match the playful goings-on in poems like “Fridge-a-Dare,” “It Embarrasses Me, A Latte,” and “Using My Noodle.” Many selections feature wordplay, as in “Come for a Spell,” which gets mileage from the difficulties in spelling Cincinnati, or “Not-So-Special K,” with its plea to drop the silent “k.” Many play on bodily functions, such as “Pleasant Dreams, Unpleasant Streams”: “When I change the baby,/I stand there and I pray/that he lets me do it quickly/and he doesn’t start to spray.” This collection should prove popular with readers who’ve enjoyed the work of Shel Silverstein, Jack Prelutsky, and Douglas Florian.–Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

KENNEY, Sean. Cool City. photos by John E. Barrett. 32p. CIP. Holt/Christy Ottaviano Bks. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8762-8. LC 2010049001.
Gr 1-5–A professional LEGO® builder, Kenney has created an entire city complete with a model Chrysler Building. While the structures are detailed and impressive, the directions for re-creating them are limited, and there are no supply lists. Students will likely be fascinated with the details, but the text is simplistic and the number of LEGOs needed to create even one building is staggering. An extra purchase where the author’s other books are popular or the LEGO fad is still in full swing.–Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

KIMMEL, Eric A. Joseph and the Sabbath Fish. illus. by Martina Peluso. unpaged. CIP. Lerner/Kar-Ben. 2011. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5908-1; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5909-8. LC 2009043791.
Gr 1-3–In this retelling of an ancient folktale, Joseph loves to celebrate the Jewish Sabbath by inviting friends and strangers to a festive meal each week. Neighbor Judah declares that this is a waste of money and correctly predicts that Joseph’s fortunes will suffer. When Judah dreams that his own property will go to Joseph, he tries to escape his fate by converting all of his cash into one large ruby that he sews into his hat before setting sail for foreign shores. Of course, the ship sinks, and Joseph ends up with the fish that ate the ruby, restoring his wealth. Bedraggled Judah, having learned his lesson, ends up back in Israel helping Joseph celebrate the Sabbath with an open heart. Marilyn Hirsh’s version of the same folktale, Joseph Who Loved the Sabbath (Viking, l986), has an elegant simplicity that contrasts with Kimmel’s heavy detail and more complex story line. The strong folktale elements of the earlier version (poor vs. rich, death of the villain) have been softened in the update, adding some subtlety but losing some impact. The celebration of the Sabbath itself is described in more detail by Hirsh, but has been reduced to a festive meal in Kimmel’s version. Both retellings include colorful, stylized illustrations; the rounded style of the new art has more appeal for modern readers. Libraries owning Hirsh’s version can consider this update an optional purchase, but for others, it is a solid addition. –Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children’s Library at Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

LANDAU, Elaine. What Is Halloween? ISBN 978-0-7660-3700-7; ISBN 978-1-59845-293-8. LC 2010039477.
–––– . What Is St. Patrick ’ s Day? ISBN 978-0-7660-3704-5; ISBN 978-1-59845-291-4. LC 2010006294.
–––– . What Is Thanksgiving? map. reprods. ISBN 978-0-7660-3701-4; ISBN 978-1-59845-294-5. LC 2010020883.
–––– . What Is the 4th of July? reprods. ISBN 978-0-7660-3703-8; ISBN 978-1-59845-292-1. LC 2010039478.
–––– . What Is Veterans Day? ISBN 978-1-7660-3705-2; ISBN 978-1-59845-290-7. LC 2010039479.
ea vol: 24p. (I Like Holidays! Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow. 2011. PLB $21.26; pap. $6.95.
K-Gr 2–Each book begins with a contents page and a word list. The holiday is described, including a short explanation of its history; full-page, full-color photos show typical celebration. Pages average five sentences, making the books adequate introductions for very young children or beginning readers. Select these titles as needed for updating holiday collections or to meet state-standards units.–Sharon R. Pearce, Longfellow Elementary School, Oak Park, IL

LASSIEUR, Allison. Cars 100 Years Ago. ISBN 978-1-60753-161-6. LC 2010039114.
–––– . Clothes 100 Years Ago. ISBN 978-1-60753-163-0. LC 2010049881.
–––– . Food 100 Years Ago. reprods. ISBN 978-1-60753-162-3. LC 2010039118.
–––– . Phones 100 Years Ago. ISBN 978-1-60753-165-4. LC 2010039110.
–––– . Toys 100 Years Ago. ISBN 978-1-60753-166-1. LC 2010049882.
ea vol: 24p. (100 Years Ago Series). photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Amicus. 2011. PLB $24.25.
K-Gr 2–These books are clearly intended for classroom collections. Period photographs extend the texts as strong educational as well as visual elements. Six of them are repeated in a glossary and then two images, one from the present and one from the past, are juxtaposed and accompanied by the question, “What’s Different?” A first response is likely to be that the color one is from the present, with more in-depth answers being a challenge of what can be discerned from the small and not overtly paired images. Children see a wide shot of an old store and the produce aisle of a modern one; two red sports-car toys; two street corners, a telephone switchboard and telemarketers, a formal portrait of a group of youngsters opposite a few kids facing flat-screen monitors, and children outdoors past and present. The texts are comprised of simple declarative sentences with each spread presenting a complete thought or idea. A list of ideas for parents and teachers offers directions on how to broaden the lesson. Related websites are mostly for older readers, with more than half being commercial. The onus is really on the adults to make the social-science lessons successful.–Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

LEHMAN-WILZIG, Tami. Green Bible Stories for Children. illus. by Durga Yael Bernhard. 48p. CIP. Lerner/Kar-Ben. 2011. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5135-1; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5136-8. LC 2010027787.
Gr 2-5–Eight examples of environmentalism in the Hebrew Bible are highlighted with eco-conscious retellings of the tales and follow-up activities (crafts and science experiments). Noah’s Ark is seen as an example of biodiversity, Joshua uses the destructive power of noise pollution to bring down the walls of Jericho, and so on. Warm paintings in earth tones decorate the pages. While environmentalist thinking does exist in the Bible, these retellings give ancient characters coyly modern voices and unrealistic ecological awareness, as when Moses says, “God has given us this [oasis], but it’s up to us to learn how to properly manage our water resources.” The concise text provides little context and assumes familiarity with the original stories. Likewise, the follow-up activities often lack context, as in the biodiversity exercise that asks readers to observe whether zoo animals graze or are given only animal feed, without explaining why this matters. Craft instructions vary from precise to vague. The tone of the book is preachy and overly earnest. Science teachers in religious day schools may find this title a good source of biblical tie-ins and ecological activities, but independent readers may find it slow-going.–Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children’s Library at Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

LEWIS, Anne Margaret. What Am I? Illinois. ISBN 978-0-8075-8960-1. LC number unavailable.
–––– . What Am I? Michigan. ISBN 978-0-8075-8961-8. LC 2010046338.
ea vol: illus. by Tom Mills. 24p. (My Look and See State Book Series). CIP. Albert Whitman. 2011. Tr $9.99.
PreS–In both books, a riddle is presented on the verso (“My painted house is a hard shell and I can hide inside at any moment”) and the flap on the recto reads, “What am I? What could I be?” When the flap is lifted, the answer is revealed: “I am a painted turtle, the state of Michigan’s reptile. That’s me!” Each book includes 12 riddles, featuring state symbols, landmarks, or crops. The digitally rendered cartoon illustrations lean toward the precious, with, for example, thick eyelashes on that painted turtle. Perhaps best suited for lapsits in the featured states, these are additional purchases.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

MANNING, Mick & Brita Granström. Nature Adventures. illus. by authors. 48p. glossary. Frances Lincoln. 2011. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-84780-088-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-5–Highly illustrated, information-packed pages entice readers to explore nature wherever they might find themselves and to take an active look at the world around them. Chapters include “In the Town,” “Fresh Water,” “Woodland,” “Field and Hedgerow,” “Wild Country,” “The Seashore,” and “Through the Seasons.” Beautifully drawn artwork in pencil and watercolor provides field-guide references for budding explorers. The notebook-style writing and drawings may confuse young researchers; many facts related to each region are scattered across the spreads along with activities, observations, and brief poetic snippets (“Robert Browning wrote: ‘That’s the wise thrush;/he sings each song twice over’”). Nonetheless, the volume is designed to inspire and suggest ideas for further investigation. Children and their families are sure to revisit it for many outdoor excursions.–Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI

MOLNAR, Michael. Great White Sharks. ISBN 978-1-59920-485-7. LC 2011017091.
–––– . Green Sea Turtles. ISBN 978-1-59920-486-4. LC 2011017092.
–––– . Humpback Whales. Web sites. ISBN 978-1-59920-487-1. LC 2011017093.
–––– . Laysan Albatross. Web sites. ISBN 978-1-59920-488-8. LC 2011017093.
ea vol: 32p. (Life Cycles of Marine Animals Series). diags maps. photos. glossary. index. 2011. PLB $28.50.
Gr 3-5–Each title briefly describes the species’ distinctive physical and behavioral characteristics; habitat; diet; threats to survival; simple ways readers can aid conservation efforts, etc., but the main focus is on the animal’s life cycle. A captioned diagram of each developmental stage is followed by a fictional account of a representative female’s life, from hatchling (or live birth) to adulthood, when she produces her own young. In the fictional segment, which takes up about half of each book, the text is set against a background of full-page, realistic drawings; factual sections have one or more sharp color photographs or illustrations of the animals in their natural habitat accompanying the text on almost every page. Included are one or two labeled photographs identifying key anatomical features; a color map indicating geographical range; and a couple of illustrated charts (one compares the average length, or–in the case of the albatross, wingspan–of the animals to different species; the other displays an assortment of typical foods in their diet). All four titles are clearly written, albeit formulaic, particularly in the life-cycle stories (for instance, all the animals encounter and escape from a predator). Sandra Markle’s Great White Sharks (Lerner, 2004) , at a slightly higher reading level, offers more in-depth information than Molnar’s book and has stunning color photos of sharks in action, but there are few introductions available specifically on the other species for this age level. Report writers will find Molnar titles useful, if bland.–Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

MORGAN, Kerry. Smile Rhymes. illus. by Dan Cooper. unpaged. AuthorHouse. 2011. pap. $13.99. ISBN 978-1-4567-6339-8. LC 2011907579.
K-Gr 2–This simple picture book introduces different kinds of smiles. On each spread, a two-line poem, printed in large font, faces pictures of silly smiles. The kinds of smiles rhyme with the last word of the couplet, and the rhyming words are printed in a different color. Although the rhymes are good and the author uses fairly natural word order, rhythm and meter are inconsistent. The illustrations have all been created in the same way: a smile shape with clip-art-like images is superimposed on the top two front teeth. For example, the “Snake Smile” has two cartoon snakes where the two teeth would be, and the “Frog Smile” is the same, except the images are of frogs. There are also the same small smiles in the four corners of the pages with the poetry. The concept of the book is fun and interesting, but Leigh Hodgkinson’s Smile! (S & S, 2009) has more engaging pictures and text.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

MORPURGO, Michael. The Pied Piper of Hamelin. illus. by Emma Chichester Clark. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4824-4. LC 2010050683.
Gr 3-6–A greatly expanded version of the old story, told by a lame boy. The tension between rich and poor is the immediate premise. “The streets and alleyways in Hamelin Town were full of beggars and children like us…. Meanwhile the rich and greedy lived like kings and queens ….” Some of the wordy explanations seem beyond the view of the narrator, and the slow beginning gives way to an extended description of the horrific situation as the rats invade the dirty streets, government offices, and homes of the rich. Clark’s energetic pen and acrylic scenes, though warm in color and incorporating folk-art motifs, build the horror of the rodents piling up by the thousands and chasing people through town. The arrival of the tall, calm stranger in colorful harlequin suit and wide-brimmed hat is a welcome relief to the gruesome scenario. The story goes on to the drowning of the rats, the greedy mayor’s refusal to pay the piper, and the departure of the town’s children. Morpurgo then gives the narrator a special role as the piper’s emissary. He delivers the extended moral of the story to the citizens of Hamelin, who must spend a year redistributing the wealth and cleaning up the garbage in the streets, after which the children return. The book might provide good discussion material, and the nightmarish rat invasion would satisfy readers yearning for something really creepy.–Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

MOSS, Miriam. This Is the Mountain. illus. by Adrienne Kennaway. unpaged. Frances Lincoln. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-84507-984-0. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–In this companion volume to This Is the Reef (2007) and This Is the Oasis (2005, both Frances Lincoln), Moss and Kennaway provide a lovely look at Mt. Kilimanjaro from the grasslands at its base to the snowfields at its summit. The brief text describes the variety of ecosystems along the way. The physical reasons for this layer-cake of habitats are, unfortunately, never addressed. And while the attractive, softly impressionistic watercolors keep time with the limited, sometimes affected text, there is no complete key to their contents. “On giant heather ridges” there is nary a heather in sight. Adults may not know the meaning of “kangas” or “shambas,” recognize a “turaco,” differentiate between a “bushbuck” and an “eland,” or be aware that the Masai are famous for their cattle, not their goats. A final two pages on some of the biomes are equally limited. They do give some pointers as to the wildlife, but the reason for the ecological differentiation is left to the imagination. For example, why do “the lower slopes enjoy an average of 2000 mm of rain each year” but the summit and crater “only have snow, little more than 125 mm a year”? Why, indeed.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

MURRAY, Julie. Easter. notes. ISBN 978-1-61783-038-9. LC 2011002285.
–––– . Juneteenth. ISBN 978-1-61783-039-6. LC 2011002290.
–––– . Saint Patrick’s Day. map. ISBN 978-1-61783-042-6. LC 2011002291.
ea vol: 24p. (Holidays Series). photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. ABDO/Buddy Bks. 2011. PLB $25.65.
Gr 2-4–Brief chapters give readers broad summaries of these holidays–their origin or meaning, how they are celebrated, traditions today, and “important words.” Color photographs with descriptive captions give further explanations, while the texts are presented in simple sentences in a large font. Easter gives background information and explains the celebration through secular and sacred symbols and traditions: lilies, bunnies, Fabergé eggs, and PEEPS, among others. Juneteenth provides the most complete information, introducing the Civil War, slavery, and typical activities and food to honor the day. Saint Patrick’s Day offers a glance at Irish culture, symbols, and the history of the holiday and how it changed over time, but readers will need to search suggested web links about St. Patrick to find out more about the man and why he is revered. Each book contains a websites area that directs readers to links on the publisher’s site but not all of them are designed for younger children. Additional purchases as needed by topic.–Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

NAIDOO, Beverley, retel. Aesop ’ s Fables. illus. by Piet Grobler. 52p. Frances Lincoln. Nov. 2011. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-84780-007-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-4–“Nowadays I think that Aesop was African.” Naidoo’s introduction to these 16 retellings ponders the unresolved question of Aesop’s actual origins and speculates rather convincingly for the possibility of Africa. Accordingly, she replaces the fox with a jackal in relevant stories and introduces a few other less-familiar creatures among the standard characters. The lion and the mouse and the ants and the grasshopper have their accustomed place, but the jackal and the klipspringer (a small antelope) now end up in the deep ditch–here called a kloof. Each story has just a few words from varied African languages, adding a bit of regional flavor. These are all translated at story’s end following the often-familiar moral. Grobler, like Naidoo, grew up in South Africa, and his comical pencil-and-watercolor portrayals of the animals and the folk-style borders on many pages suggest the African terrain while conveying the universally enjoyed craftiness and folly of the characters. They are often a teeth-baring, scrawny lot. Some of the tales are just a single page facing a full-page scene, while others have up to three pages of well-crafted narrative, often incorporating considerable dialogue. Naidoo and Grobler are a good pair of storytellers. His homely animals, energy, and humorous details convey the stories with great fun and will be widely enjoyed for independent reading, reading aloud, and telling.–Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

OFANANSKY, Allison. What ’ s the Buzz?: Honey for a Sweet New Year. photos by Eliyahu Alpern. unpaged. CIP. Lerner/Kar-Ben. 2011. PLB $15.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5640-0. LC 2010026181.
Gr 1-4–Clear, colorful photos follow a group of children on a field trip to a bee farm, where the beekeeper gives them a tour and explains how honey is made. The unnamed narrator goes home with honey and a beeswax candle with which to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, when honey is used to represent hopes for a sweet new year. A page of “Fun Facts” and an end note about the holiday round out the book. While the photographs are very natural, showing children genuinely enjoying the outing, the text is somewhat stilted. The explanation of honey-making is clear but dry, and the excessive inclusion of student names seems designed to constantly remind readers that the setting is Israel. That said, this is a unique combination of holiday tradition with science, making it stand out from other Rosh Hashanah titles and other bee-and-honey titles. It is an excellent choice for Judaic and multicultural collections, and its unusual approach may add flair to general science collections.–Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children’s Library at Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

PATTISON, Darcy. Prairie Storms. illus. by Kathleen Rietz. unpaged. charts. map. CIP. Sylvan Dell. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-129-3; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-139-2; ebook $9.95. ISBN 978-1-60718-149-1. LC 2011016339.
K-Gr 4–Pattison depicts a year of alternately harsh and glorious life in a prairie biome. Beginning with January, each month highlights a different animal and weather pattern. The vocabulary-rich text is in large type with three to five sentences to describe each; e.g., “One night, thunder echoes and autumn winds wail.” Small bits of factual information are provided. In January, “The prairie chicken claws into a drift, digging a winter roost.” Large, realistic watercolor illustrations convey the seasons with bright colors for May and drab gray-brown in November. Borders are cleverly used to further the mood for the month with illustrations extending into them. This book can be integrated into units on American grasslands, weather, seasons, and language. The text for each month could be used as a story-starter for creative writing. Extension activities found in the back matter and online provide lessons that educators would find useful and appropriate.–Nancy Baumann, University of Missouri-Columbia

ROBINSON, Anthony. Meltem ’ s Journey: A Refugee Diary. illus. by June Allan. unpaged. (Refugee Diaries Series). map. photos. Frances Lincoln. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-84780-031-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–Meltem, a young Turkish Kurd who lived on a pistachio farm, was frightened when, in 1999, her father was badly beaten by Turkish soldiers. The family became refugees, traveling first to Germany. After a year, the German government denied their application for asylum, and they quickly left for England to avoid being returned to Turkey. Again they applied for asylum. From 2001 to 2008, the family had ups and downs in their quest for legal residence. Happiness with their ultimate success was dimmed by Meltem’s father’s death in 2009 from cancer. Robinson relates the events from Meltem’s perspective, keeping the book’s focus child-centered. The political intricacies of governmental immigration policies and racial group discrimination are not explored, leaving plenty of room for discussion. Meltem just wanted to live in a safe place with her parents, have friends, and go to school. The realistic watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations incorporate borders that recall Turkish designs, and two photographs of Meltem are included. Back matter briefly explains the recent history of the Kurdish people.–Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA

RUSTAD, Martha E. H. Animals in Fall: Preparing for Winter. map. ISBN 978-0-7613-5066-8; ISBN 978-0-7613-8506-6; ISBN 978-0-7613-8025-2. LC 2010053468.
–––– . Fall Apples: Crisp and Juicy. diag. ISBN 978-0-7613-5064-4; ISBN 978-0-7613-8507-3; ISBN 978-0-7613-8026-9. LC 2010051510.
–––– . Fall Harvests: Bringing in Food. diag. ISBN 978-0-7613-5067-5; ISBN 978-0-7613-8508-0; ISBN 978-0-7613-8027-6. LC 2010053467.
–––– . Fall Leaves: Colorful and Crunchy. ISBN 978-0-7613-5062-0; ISBN 978-0-7613-8505-9; ISBN 978-0-7613-8028-3. LC 2010053301.
–––– . Fall Pumpkins: Orange and Plump. ISBN 978-0-7613-5065-1; ISBN 978-0-7613-5809-7; ISBN 978-0-7613-8033-7. LC 2010048310.
–––– . Fall Weather: Cooler Temperatures. ISBN 978-0-7613-5063-7; ISBN 978-0-7613-8510-3; ISBN 978-0-7613-8034-4. LC 2010048309.
ea vol: illus. by Amanda Enright. 24p. (Cloverleaf Books™ Fall’s Here! Series). further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Millbrook. 2011. PLB $23.93; pap. $6.95; ebook $17.95.
K-Gr 2–In a series of books that describe all things about fall, Rustad provides a lively vehicle for extending readers’ vocabulary. All of the books have a concluding activity to make or do. Animals presents an interesting experiment to explain the word “blubber,” the fatty layer that ocean animals have, while Pumpkins delivers an easy-to-mix recipe for roasting pumpkin seeds. Leaves is outstanding for explaining the process of photosynthesis and chlorophyll in simple terms; Weather, for its clear description of seasons and the word “equinox.” Apples is not so successful in elucidating how an apple seed grows into a tree, creating more questions than are answered. Harvest offers little new information about planting or reaping, and the directions for making a corn-husk doll are sketchy. Colorful illustrations fill the spreads with active, cartoonlike boys and girls surrounded by the green, brown, and orange hues of autumn. Select among the titles for topics of interest.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

SHAPIRO, J. H. Magic Trash: A Story of Tyree Guyton and His Art. illus. by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. unpaged. bibliog. CIP. Charlesbridge. 2011. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-385-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-308-0. LC 2010023524.
Gr 2-5–Guyton grew up poor on Detroit’s East Side. After stints in the military, in the auto industry, and as a firefighter, he attended art school. Returning home, he found his neighborhood dotted with vacant houses, full of trash, and infested with “troublemakers.” Vowing to do something to save it, he and his grandfather began painting rubbish in bright colors; painting bold, primitive faces on windows; and decorating the trees. Although the city government sought to destroy this uncommissioned community art, the neighbors rallied, and it was allowed to stand. Eventually, many houses on the street were painted with large, cheerful dots, and the neighborhood became internationally known. Replete with vivid action words, onomatopoeia, and singsong rhythmic interludes, the text creates a sense of urgency and exhilaration. However, it is the artwork that is the truly outstanding element of this book. Brantley-Newton captures the exuberant nature of Guyton’s work while incorporating his use of dots and circles, cast-off objects, and painterly brushstrokes. Glowing pigments appear rubbed into canvas surfaces to create backgrounds for the cartoonlike yet sensitive drawings of Guyton, his family, and his neighbors. Crayon drawings, gouache highlights, and charming collage tidbits ensure that each page is full of life.–Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

SINGER, Marilyn. Caterpillars. 40p. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. EarlyLight Bks. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-0-9797455-7-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-391-2. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 4–This basic introduction to caterpillar reproduction, development, diet, survival, habitat, and anatomy is combined with powerfully clear photography that will captivate a wide audience. The book has two levels of text: simple capitalized red letters that swirl across the pages for the youngest readers to more complicated paragraphs easy enough for third or fourth graders to enjoy. The book opens with a simple six-stanza poem that begins, “Caterpillars smooth,/Caterpillars hairy./Munching in a giant bunch./Lunching solitary” and swings through caterpillar movement, growth, camouflage, development, and metamorphosis. Each paragraph includes a smoothly written explication that will prepare children to take a 12-question “Pop Quiz” and play “Match the Caterpillar to the Moth or Butterfly.” The text concludes with information about the anatomy of a caterpillar and scientific and common names of butterflies and moths. Lois Ehlert’s exemplary Waiting for Wings (Harcourt, 2001) is for younger listeners while Darlyne Murawski’s Face to Face with Caterpillars (National Geographic, 2007) is for third- to fourth-grade readers. Singer’s Caterpillars will serve both groups when the other popular titles are checked out, which they usually are.–Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

SPINELLI, Eileen. Do You Have a Dog? illus. by Geraldo Valério. unpaged. Eerdmans. 2011. RTE $16. ISBN 978-0-8028-5387-5. LC 2011005650.
Gr 2-4–Spinelli takes 11 famous individuals and their dogs and presents their stories in brief, rhymed text. Meriwether Lewis, Billie Holiday, Agatha Christie, and Jackson Pollock are among the celebs included. Each entry starts and ends with the person’s name, followed by the phrase, “had a dog.” The endpapers give additional information about the owners and their pets. The illustrations feature unattractive, elongated figures with wide cheeks and big noses. The eyes of the humans and the animals are flat and a little startling. There are some whimsical touches in each painting–Empress Josephine’s pug is dressed like Napoleon, and Admiral Byrd’s dog is sleeping with a miniature version of himself. Marginal at best.–Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ

TAYLOR, Jane. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. illus. by Jerry Pinkney. unpaged. CIP. Little, Brown. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-05696-0. LC 2011009717.
PreS-Gr 1–In his latest re-imagining of a childhood classic, Pinkney focuses on the wonderment of a chipmunk. The endpapers, which open at sunrise and conclude with starlight, signal the time frame. The inquisitive creature’s quest to understand both what and where stars are (verses alternate at appropriate junctures) begins from the safety of his cozy nest. As time passes he discovers the shape in natural phenomena ranging from star-imprinted morning glories and the dew on a spider web to flickering fireflies and the gleam in a swan’s eye. His actions become progressively more daring: seeing a robin’s nest in the tree, he ascends. The home subtly transforms into a boat, he into a sailor, soaring through the heavens, borne on the breath of an animated wind, then gently deposited on a water lily for a final adventure. Employing pencil, watercolor, and colored pencil, the artist skillfully captures the chipmunk in a host of poses and expressions, building a character worthy of visiting again and again. An opulent blue winds through Pinkney’s dazzling compositions, providing depth, unity, and pure pleasure. This world is so full of interest that scenes break the frames of small panels and full bleeds until the conclusion, when circular compositions provide security. Nods to other lullabies, a subplot, and music are smoothly incorporated. Illuminating notes discuss how the notion of a lullaby serving as a bridge from a child’s safe haven to the unknown dream world inform Pinkney’s telling. A stellar performance from a book-making virtuoso.–Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

WASHINGTON, Ned & Leigh Harline. When You Wish Upon a Star. perf. by Judy Collins. illus. by Eric Puybaret. unpaged. w/CD. CIP. Imagine! 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-936140-35-0. LC 2011004945.
PreS-Gr 1–Puybaret’s talent for illustrating well-loved songs (“Puff, the Magic Dragon” and “Over the Rainbow”) has alit on the 1940s song from Disney’s Pinocchio. With art flavored by its decade of origin, a star becomes a fairy who emerges from the sky to lead children from around the world through a fantasy land to their dreams. She wears a jaunty cap, layered stoles, a starred skirt, and striped stockings as she hovers, thanks to crisp-edged wings. The fantasy villages along the way show fun details in the spreads, scenes tied together with swirls of curlicues or star paths. The paintings’ rich cobalts and pumpkins wander into pale blues and golds as needed. With the final phrase, the children float in the air, riding a unicorn, flying with birds and skiing on the wind. The CD of Judy Collins performing the song is lovely. Unfortunately, the text does not match her version, so these are perhaps best enjoyed separately. The disc also includes “The Other Side of My World” and a rather melancholy rendition of “All the Pretty Little Horses.”–Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

WATERS, Fiona, retel. Aesop’s Fables. illus. by Fulvio Testa. 128p. Trafalgar Square. Dec. 2011. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-1-84939-049-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-4–“Do you see that interesting little insect buzzing around my head?” Waters deftly adds a contemporary tone in description and dialogue to her smooth rendering of 60 familiar and less-well-known tales. The terse moral of each fable, concluding each one in customary style, is usually set in traditional terms. The large, rather heavy book has a spacious format; each tale, appearing on the verso, includes a small vignette and faces a full-page illustration. Testa’s pen and watercolor drawings are fun, portraying all animals with the large eyes currently popular in cartoon art. This convention gives some of them a cheerful, goofy appearance while others look puzzled, frightened, or just plain blank. Humorous details punctuate some of the outdoor views–the well-known hare reads from his iPod as the tortoise strolls by. Four stories set one after the other, featuring “a foolish ass and a cunning lion,” an ass in a lion’s skin, another ass in a lion’s skin, and a smarter ass traveling with a small restless dog, are likely to evoke perhaps unintended giggles from today’s children, who are accustomed to the pejorative nature of the animal’s name. With its many comic touches, this anthology presents once again the humor, folly, ingenuity, and wisdom that make Aesop so durable.–Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

ZOHN, Ethan & David Rosenberg. Soccer World: Spain. illus. by Chad Thompson. 45p. (Explore the World Through Soccer Series). glossary. index. Nomad. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-9363133-6-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–Written by Zong, a former professional soccer player (and television Survivor winner), and Rosenberg, this book is part of a series that takes children on a trip around the world, learning about soccer in different countries. Colorful, fast paced, and full of interesting facts, it also gives directions for a number of art/craft projects and science experiments. Vocabulary is introduced in both Spanish and English and all Spanish words/expressions are phonetically represented. The authors use a narrative format to pique readers’ interest, with an emphasis on the importance of soccer in Spanish culture. They even suggest that children should come up with a project to “give back to Spain.” At first glance, it appears that the book has it all: high interest, readability, engaging artwork, interactive text, information, and community service. But, wait, where are the girls? No mention is made of Spain’s Women’s National Football Team or the fact that both girls and boys play soccer. The concept behind the series is good; it’s unfortunate that it isn’t gender inclusive.–Wendy Smith-D’Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

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