School Library Journal» Preschool to Grade 4

Preschool to Grade 4 Fiction | September 2013

K4 Import — Mon, 02 Sep 2013 12:30:59 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preschool to Grade 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: Preschool to Grade 4 Fiction | July 2013

SLJ — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 12:00:11 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preschool to Grade 4 Fiction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: Preschool to Grade 4 Nonfiction | July 2013

SLJ — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 10:43:52 +0000

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

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

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

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

Preschool to Grade 4 Nonfiction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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