School Library Journal» Candlewick http://www.slj.com The world's largest reviewer of books, multimedia, and technology for children and teens Sat, 16 Feb 2013 15:23:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 Pick of the Day: The Goldilocks Variations http://www.slj.com/2013/02/books-media/pick-of-the-day-the-goldilocks-variations/ http://www.slj.com/2013/02/books-media/pick-of-the-day-the-goldilocks-variations/#comments Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:00:16 +0000 SLJ http://www.slj.com/?p=30278 AHLBERG, Allan. The Goldilocks Variations. illus. by Jessica Ahlberg. 40p. Candlewick. 2012. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6268-4. PreS-Gr 2–With whimsical illustrations and interactive features such as flaps, pop-ups, and pull tabs, the Ahlbergs showcase six silly variations on the classic tale. The standout of the bunch has the heroine wandering into the “trood (or spaceship) of The Three Bliim.” Full of silly alien words, the tale begs to be read aloud. In other adventures, Goldilocks takes on 33 bears, the furniture (chair, [...]]]> star Pick of the Day: The Goldilocks Variationsthe goldilocks variations Pick of the Day: The Goldilocks VariationsAHLBERG, Allan. The Goldilocks Variations. illus. by Jessica Ahlberg. 40p. Candlewick. 2012. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6268-4.
PreS-Gr 2–With whimsical illustrations and interactive features such as flaps, pop-ups, and pull tabs, the Ahlbergs showcase six silly variations on the classic tale. The standout of the bunch has the heroine wandering into the “trood (or spaceship) of The Three Bliim.” Full of silly alien words, the tale begs to be read aloud. In other adventures, Goldilocks takes on 33 bears, the furniture (chair, bowl, and bed finally get starring roles), and a host of fairy-tale characters such as Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Pigs. Jessica Ahlberg’s fanciful watercolor and ink illustrations sprinkle the pages and are the perfect counterpoint to the text’s cheeky humor.–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

]]> http://www.slj.com/2013/02/books-media/pick-of-the-day-the-goldilocks-variations/feed/ 0 Pick of the Day: Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles: America’s First Black Paratroopers http://www.slj.com/2013/01/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-courage-has-no-color/ http://www.slj.com/2013/01/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-courage-has-no-color/#comments Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:00:19 +0000 SLJ http://www.slj.com/?p=25466 STONE, Tanya Lee. Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles: America’s First Black Paratroopers. 160p. appendix. bibliog. chron. notes. photos. reprods. Candlewick. Jan. 2013. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5117-6; ebook $24.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6405-3. Gr 5 Up–A moving, thoughtful history of the United States military’s first black paratrooper unit. During World War II, African American soldiers were mostly relegated to service and security jobs, generally denied the same training and active-combat positions that were available to their white counterparts. [...]]]> star Pick of the Day: Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles: America’s First Black Paratrooperscourage has no color Pick of the Day: Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles: America’s First Black ParatroopersSTONE, Tanya Lee. Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles: America’s First Black Paratroopers. 160p. appendix. bibliog. chron. notes. photos. reprods. Candlewick. Jan. 2013. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5117-6; ebook $24.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6405-3.
Gr 5 Up–A moving, thoughtful history of the United States military’s first black paratrooper unit. During World War II, African American soldiers were mostly relegated to service and security jobs, generally denied the same training and active-combat positions that were available to their white counterparts. Expertly woven together are two narratives: the large, overarching history of rampant racism in the U.S. military and the smaller, tightly focused account of a group of black soldiers determined to serve their country and demonstrate their value as soldiers. Readers are taken along on the emotional journey with the soldiers as they leapt forward from guard duty at The Parachute School into official paratrooper training, the first of its kind for blacks. They faced multiple setbacks as they encountered discrimination, some justified as “policy” and some that was more personal and insidious. Throughout the book, the courage and strength of these men is evidenced in their tireless quest to be the best at what they do, throwing themselves headlong into sometimes dangerous and terrifying training requirements. The photographs and the design of the book as a whole are a gift to readers. Rich with detail, the pictures not only complement the narrative, but also tell a stirring story of their own, chronicling the triumphs and frustrations of the soldiers as they pursued their dreams. Complete accessibility to a wide range of readers, coupled with expert research and meticulous care, makes this a must-have for any library.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

To read an interview with Tanya Lee Stone, see Jennifer M. Brown’s “A Mission Above and Beyond Them.”

]]> http://www.slj.com/2013/01/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-courage-has-no-color/feed/ 0 Pick of the Day: Splendors & Glooms (Audiobook) http://www.slj.com/2013/01/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-splendors-glooms-audiobook/ http://www.slj.com/2013/01/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-splendors-glooms-audiobook/#comments Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:00:21 +0000 SLJ http://www.slj.com/?p=25970 Splendors & Glooms. By Laura Amy Schlitz. 10 cassettes or 10 CDs. 12 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4498-3568-2, CD: ISBN 978-1-4498-3572-9. $108.75 Gr 4-8–Set in a Dickensian London, Davina Porter is the perfect narrator to capture the nuances of the characters and the time period in Schlitz’s exceptional Victorian fantasy (Candlewick, 2012). Listeners will ache for the orphan children, Lizzie Rose and Parsefall, when they come up with money after pawning a watch. Should they have a proper meal [...]]]> star Pick of the Day: Splendors & Glooms (Audiobook)splendors and glooms Pick of the Day: Splendors & Glooms (Audiobook)Splendors & Glooms. By Laura Amy Schlitz. 10 cassettes or 10 CDs. 12 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4498-3568-2, CD: ISBN 978-1-4498-3572-9. $108.75
Gr 4-8–Set in a Dickensian London, Davina Porter is the perfect narrator to capture the nuances of the characters and the time period in Schlitz’s exceptional Victorian fantasy (Candlewick, 2012). Listeners will ache for the orphan children, Lizzie Rose and Parsefall, when they come up with money after pawning a watch. Should they have a proper meal and see the marionettes, or spend the money on practical items they so desperately need? Will they be able to hold onto it long enough to realize either option? The privileged Clara has been kidnapped and transformed by the evil puppet master Grisini. He gained his power from the witch, Cassandra, who desperately needs a child to steal the fire opal that fuels her magic, thereby saving her from a fiery death. Grisini offers up his charges, not realizing that they have discovered the puppet Clara. Parsefall believes it is the missing girl, and Lizzie Rose can’t quite deny it. When Clara’s father sees Parsefall using the puppet, he confronts the children who performed with their master on his daughter’s birthday. Threatened by the possibility of police, the children flee. Cassandra’s promise of an inheritance and money for the train arrive just in time. If and how the three children can save themselves will keep listeners enthralled to the very end. Porter’s deliberate pacing intensifies the drama and her talent with accents broadens the portrayals. A not-to-be-missed gothic thriller.–Janet Thompson, Chicago Public Library, W. Belmont Branch, IL

]]> http://www.slj.com/2013/01/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-splendors-glooms-audiobook/feed/ 0 Pick of the Day: See You at Harry’s (Audiobook) http://www.slj.com/2012/12/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-see-you-at-harrys-audiobook/ http://www.slj.com/2012/12/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-see-you-at-harrys-audiobook/#comments Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:00:24 +0000 SLJ http://www.slj.com/?p=23667 See You at Harry’s. By Jo Knowles. 5 CDs. 5:49 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-8958-7. $49.97. Gr 7 Up–Twelve-year-old Fern is quiet and conciliatory, and often taken for granted. Left to take care of whatever the rest of the family members are too busy to deal with, she feels alone and resentful. Dad is constantly trying to boost business for the family restaurant, Mom is always escaping to meditate, Sarah is spending an embarrassing post-high school gap year working in [...]]]> star Pick of the Day: See You at Harry’s (Audiobook)see you at harrys Pick of the Day: See You at Harry’s (Audiobook)See You at Harry’s. By Jo Knowles. 5 CDs. 5:49 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-8958-7. $49.97.
Gr 7 Up–Twelve-year-old Fern is quiet and conciliatory, and often taken for granted. Left to take care of whatever the rest of the family members are too busy to deal with, she feels alone and resentful. Dad is constantly trying to boost business for the family restaurant, Mom is always escaping to meditate, Sarah is spending an embarrassing post-high school gap year working in the restaurant, and Holden is teetering on the verge of announcing his sexual orientation. The glue that holds the family together is three-year-old Charlie. Everyone’s biggest joy, and sometimes Fern’s biggest pain, Charlie’s uninhibited glee in life keeps everything in perspective. Then, while in Fern’s care, a freak accident takes Charlie’s life. What starts out as a wonderfully realistic look at growing up in a semi-dysfunctional middle-class family turns swiftly into an equally realistic portrait of profound loss and guilt. Knowles’s novel (Candlewick, 2012) takes us step by painful step through the days leading up to the funeral, the day of the funeral, and onto the impossible process of getting back to “normal” life.  Kate Rudd gives a brilliant performance as, through the eyes, heart, and soul of Fern, she gives voice to the full breadth of grief experienced by each member of the family. Listeners are taken through every stage of the dark, heart-wrenching grieving process with throat constricting immediacy, and then led slowly back into the light. A beautiful, if painful, story delivered with remarkable clarity and sensitivity through an exceptional performance.–Cary Frostick, Mary Riley Styles Public Library, Falls Church, VA

]]> http://www.slj.com/2012/12/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-see-you-at-harrys-audiobook/feed/ 0 News Bites: Help Hurricane Sandy’s Victims http://www.slj.com/2012/11/industry-news/news-bites-help-hurricane-sandys-victims/ http://www.slj.com/2012/11/industry-news/news-bites-help-hurricane-sandys-victims/#comments Wed, 07 Nov 2012 20:57:31 +0000 Phyllis Levy Mandell http://www.slj.com/?p=19619 newsbites News Bites: Help Hurricane Sandy’s Victims Books for devastated libraries: Hurricane Sandy devastated scores of schools and libraries across the East Coast. You can help provide books for these libraries and children in need by making a tax deductible donation of at least $2.50 to First Book. Every $2.50 you donate will buy one book. First Book’s publishing partners—Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Abrams Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Macmillan, Candlewick, Sterling, Hachette, and others—will match each contribution by donating an additional book.

Founded in 1992, First Book provides new books to children in need. To date, the organization has distributed more than 90 million free and low cost books in thousands of communities.

]]> http://www.slj.com/2012/11/industry-news/news-bites-help-hurricane-sandys-victims/feed/ 0 Pick of the Day: The Fairy Ring, Or Elsie and Frances Fool the World (CD) http://www.slj.com/2012/09/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-the-fairy-ring-or-elsie-and-frances-fool-the-world-cd/ http://www.slj.com/2012/09/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-the-fairy-ring-or-elsie-and-frances-fool-the-world-cd/#comments Fri, 28 Sep 2012 12:37:37 +0000 SLJ http://www.slj.com/?p=16023 The Fairy Ring, Or Elsie and Frances Fool the World. By Mary Losure. 2 CDs. 2:26 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-5194-2. $49.97. Gr 4-8–This is the true tale of Elsie Wright, 15, and Frances Griffith, 9, who concocted a fairy hoax in the early 1900s that grew well beyond their expectations. Tired of being teased by their parents for their stories, Elsie painted and then cut out detailed illustrations of fairies. The girls photographed the “fairies” with themselves in the [...]]]> star Pick of the Day: The Fairy Ring, Or Elsie and Frances Fool the World (CD)fairy ring brilliance Pick of the Day: The Fairy Ring, Or Elsie and Frances Fool the World (CD)The Fairy Ring, Or Elsie and Frances Fool the World. By Mary Losure. 2 CDs. 2:26 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-5194-2. $49.97.
Gr 4-8–This is the true tale of Elsie Wright, 15, and Frances Griffith, 9, who concocted a fairy hoax in the early 1900s that grew well beyond their expectations. Tired of being teased by their parents for their stories, Elsie painted and then cut out detailed illustrations of fairies. The girls photographed the “fairies” with themselves in the picture. When Elsie’s mother mentioned at a Theosophist meeting that her daughter had taken a picture of fairies, the hoax quickly escalated. A number of adults, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, promoted the photos as the real deal. Mary Losure’s narrative account does an excellent job of explaining how a childish fabrication became an international sensation in her intriguing book (Candlewick, 2012). Narrator Nicola Barber provides excellent pacing, unique voices for the girls, and an inviting tone that will maintain listeners’ attention. Have the book available so listeners can peruse the fascinating photos and drawing.–Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

]]> http://www.slj.com/2012/09/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-the-fairy-ring-or-elsie-and-frances-fool-the-world-cd/feed/ 0 Pick of the Day: This Is Not My Hat http://www.slj.com/2012/09/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-this-is-not-my-hat/ http://www.slj.com/2012/09/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-this-is-not-my-hat/#comments Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:30:24 +0000 SLJ http://www.slj.com/?p=15422 KLASSEN, Jon. This Is Not My Hat. illus. by author. 40p. Candlewick. Oct. 2012. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5599-0. PreS-Gr 1–With this new creation, Klassen repeats the theme from I Want My Hat Back (Candlewick, 2011), but with a twist. The narrator here is the thief–a small, self-confident fish who has pilfered a little blue bowler from a big sleeping fish. He wastes no time or words in confessing his crime as he swims across the page announcing, “This hat is not [...]]]> star Pick of the Day: This Is Not My Hatthis is not my hat Pick of the Day: This Is Not My HatKLASSEN, Jon. This Is Not My Hat. illus. by author. 40p. Candlewick. Oct. 2012. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5599-0.
PreS-Gr 1–With this new creation, Klassen repeats the theme from I Want My Hat Back (Candlewick, 2011), but with a twist. The narrator here is the thief–a small, self-confident fish who has pilfered a little blue bowler from a big sleeping fish. He wastes no time or words in confessing his crime as he swims across the page announcing, “This hat is not mine. I just stole it.” He continues his narrative with no regrets, but with a bit of rationalizing (“It was too small for him anyway.”) as he swims to his hiding place, unaware that the big fish is in quiet pursuit. Readers, of course, are in on this little secret. When the two disappear into a spread filled with seaweed, the narration goes silent, and youngsters can easily surmise what happens as the big fish reemerges with the tiny blue bowler atop his head. Simplicity is key in both text and illustrations. The black underwater provides the perfect background for the mostly gray-toned fish and seaweed while the monochromatic palette strips the artwork down to essential, yet exquisite design. Movement is indicated with a trail of small white bubbles. This not-to-be-missed title will delight children again and again.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County, Cincinnati, OH

]]> http://www.slj.com/2012/09/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-this-is-not-my-hat/feed/ 0 News Bites: Join Candlewick’s ‘We Believe in Picture Books’ Campaign http://www.slj.com/2012/09/industry-news/news-bites-join-candlewicks-we-believe-in-picture-books-campaign/ http://www.slj.com/2012/09/industry-news/news-bites-join-candlewicks-we-believe-in-picture-books-campaign/#comments Tue, 04 Sep 2012 13:49:55 +0000 Phyllis Levy Mandell http://www.slj.com/?p=14057 A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

candlewick we believe in picture books News Bites: Join Candlewicks We Believe in Picture Books CampaignPicture books: On August 31, Candlewick launched a yearlong video celebration of picture books in honor of their 20th anniversary. Every day for 365 days, as part of the We Believe in Picture Books campaign, Candlewick will offer a video shot by authors, illustrators, staff, and friends, sharing what picture books mean to them, recommending a favorite story, and more. Librarians and teachers are welcome to post these videos on their own websites to share with students. You can also submit your own video to the publisher in which you informally talk about your favorite picture book, what the format means to you, or why it matters.

Pinterest Contest

califone contest News Bites: Join Candlewicks We Believe in Picture Books CampaignWin an audio package: Califone International is encouraging educators to follow them on Pinterest and create their own board titled “Classroom AV Wish List,” in order to win tools for their classrooms. To enter the contest, educators have to repin one of four audio packages—portable PA, mobile and ELA learning, library, and clicker—from the Califone Pinterest contest board and then explain how the it will help enrich their classroom. One pin per contestant per week is permitted. Contest rules and submission requirements are featured on the Califone blog. Winners will determined by Califone based on creativity and effective use of audiovisual products. You have until September 24 to enter. Winners will be announced by October 5.

Buy One Get One Free

capstone interactive library News Bites: Join Candlewicks We Believe in Picture Books CampaignEbooks: To celebrate Capstone’s expansion of its Interactive Library interactive ebook program, the publisher is offering customers the opportunity to buy one ebook and get another free. This fall Capstone is expanding its program to include more than 2,000 titles. The program has also improved its technology and is compatible with any PC, Mac, iPad, interactive white board, and any other device with high-speed Internet access. Kids can access Capstone’s interactive ebooks in school, at home, or on any mobile device 24/7. Hurry—this special promotion only runs until November 16. To place an order, customers should use the code “12CILBOGO.”

Careers in Library Service

Career opportunities: The Pratt Institute School of Information and Library Science (SILS) is offering students in their SILS program tuition scholarships and two semester internships at the Brooklyn Museum, the Frick Art Reference Library, and the New York Art Resources Consortium to prepare them for careers in museum libraries and archives. M-LEAD TWO (Museum Library Education and Digitization-Technology, Web, Online) is a three-year project that will give students hands-on experience—they will be able to work with research materials from these museum libraries and be mentored by the museums’ staff. Students will graduate with a master’s degree and an advanced certificate in museum libraries and will also get stipends for participating.

The project is funded by a grant of more than $261,000 from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through the 2012 Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. “With a two-semester internship program and a focus on collection accessibility, the new project furthers our efforts to prepare students for careers as museum librarians and archivist and also advances a new model for museum library education for the 21st century, incorporating digital collections and services across the museum so that graduates are preparing to meet the challenges of museums in our global networked information environment,” noted Tula Giannini, dean of Pratt-SILS and project director.

 

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