Jean Little Library

Leaf Can Be...by Laura Salas, illustrated by Violeta Dabija

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

Laura Salas' poem of the many uses and beauties of a tree is illuminated by Dabija's softly glowing pastels.

The poem drifts through the many functions of leaves, from shelter for animals to collecting sunlight, producing food to becoming food. In the second half of the poem, the author shows leaves' second life off the tree, in piles, coloring the hills, and providing medicines and ground cover.

Dabija's illustrations have a slight cartoonish look, softened by her lively colors that show a peaceful, green world. Some of the illustrations are a little confusing, as the reader tries to figure out exactly where the leaves are and what they're doing, as when it says "food maker" and the illustrations show a tree with oranges, implying that leaves make fruit, at least in my mind.

At the end, a "more about leaves" section identifies and explains in more detail each function described in poetic language. Some of the these explanations are so brief they don't really explain at all, "Sun Taker: One of the major jobs of a leaf is to take in sunlight" but most of the explanations are clear enough. A glossary identifies some of the words in the "more about leaves" section and a brief bibliography offers further reading.

The illustrations and poetic language seemed aimed at very young children, but the further information, especially with terms that needed definition in a glossary, for an older audience. This is a sweet book, but it tries a little too hard to be all things for all ages.

Verdict: The lovely illustrations and simply lyrical poem will make this a good storytime choice, but Millbrook is one of those publishers where it's library bound or nothing, so you'll have to decide if it's worth the extra five dollars. I'll wait and see what other easy nonfiction I need to buy this year before deciding.

ISBN: 9780761362036; Published Winter 2012 by Millbrook (I saw publication months ranging from January to March); Egalley provided by publisher through Netgalley

Blog Tour with Kate Coombs, celebrating Hans My Hedgehog!

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to my stop on Kate Coombs' blog tour, celebrating the release of her new folktale retelling, Hans My Hedgehog! In case you missed it, I posted a review of this delightful retelling yesterday.

I'm very interested in contemporary folktale retellings right now, because my new library program, the Elephant and Piggie Kids' Club, is focused on folktales and puppetry (and Elephant and Piggie, of course). I asked Kate Coombs some questions about herself in general and folktales in particular and she had some interesting answers. Enjoy!

So. Who are youreally, Kate Coombs?

I'm a person who's in love with words and the books thathold them. As a child, I knew I would grow up to be an author, and a children'sfantasy writer, at that. I wrote a lot of plays and poems at an early age.

Other than that, I'd say I am someone who likes chocolate alittle too much. I come from a large, multiethnic family (we're all adopted). Ialso have some close friends who make my life very rich.

I collect folk art, seashells, and—since I moved fromCalifornia to Utah last summer—winter clothes and a much-appreciated icescraper.

[Only one ice scraper!? Since I moved to Wisconsin from Texas four years ago, I have accumulated FIVE.]

Having just finishedthe Cybils Nonfiction Picture Book panel, I've been thinking a lot about backmatter - sources, bibliography, etc. How important is it to communicate toreaders where your story came from?

I wrote an author's note for Hans My Hedgehog in part because I had been hearing a lot aboutback matter, which told me there was an audience out there of people who wantedto know about story sources. Besides, I made some significant changes to thestory, so I wanted to be very clear about that.

Should we/how can weexplain story sources to kids, other than the standard "this story wastold a long time ago by people in x country?" Is it important to do so?

The author's note is mostly for adults. I like to tell kidsthat 200 or 300 years ago, before there were TVs or radios or the Internet ormovies or even electric lights and books, people used to sit around tellingstories to entertain each other. Then, when books did come along, guys like theBrothers Grimm in Germany went around and wrote down a bunch of those oldstories. Hans My Hedgehog is one folktalethey recorded. So are some of the Disney princess stories, though they've beenchanged quite a bit.

What is the purpose of giving this kind of credit, afterall? We acknowledge the original creator of the work in as much as that'spossible, which is only fair. In addition, we give the story a context, sort oflike saying to someone you've just met, "Where are you from?" It doesmatter, but it's just one piece of the puzzle.

[Good points! I like to preserve what I think of as "the continuity of stories" by teaching kids the delightful little ending rhymes that show up in many Germanic folktales. My favorite is "Snip Snap Snout/My Tale's Told Out!" which also works as a quick clapping rhyme]

This is kind of atired question, but I'm going to bring it up again - in telling folktales toyoung audiences (I'm thinking preschool) do we sanitize them? For example, Ihave parents who were shocked, SHOCKED, that the gingerbread boy gets eaten atthe end. I've always wimped out on the wolf eating the first two little pigs.Should children hear these stories in their original form?

I do think any need for sanitizing varies by age, as well asby the child in question. My cousin's son was terrified of Disney movies as atoddler—and if you think about it, most of them have really scary chase orfight scenes full of roaring monsters and billowing black-and-purple cloudswith lightning glaring through them towards the end.

Pre-K kids are usually up for the "3's": The Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, and TheThree Billy Goats Gruff. Plus maybe TheLittle Red Hen. Little Red RidingHood is questionable for some little ones, and something like Hansel and Gretel is obviously not agood story for toddlers.

But, as you said, the question comes up even in the case of thesimpler folktales. I mean, I can see why people want to save those first twopig brothers. It's just so tempting. Of course, we are forgetting that a storylike that was actually intended topunish the lazy pigs and reward the hard-working pig. It doesn't teach much ofa lesson if the two lazy brothers escape unscathed. And since children can bepretty ruthless about justice, they are often fine with this turn of events.

On a related note, some rather young kids are blithe aboutall this violence because they see it over and over on TV, if only in cartoons.And they are right in one sense—the violence in a story like The Gingerbread Boy or The Three Little Pigs is cartoonish.It's all in fun, delightfully gruesome in the same way that a ghost story like The Teeny Tiny Woman is delightfullyfrightful.

On top of thatquestion, retellings! How much of the original story should a retellingencompass - is it ok to change endings, genders, and behaviors of thecharacters?

This may sound like a copout, but I am completely sincere whenI say that a retelling works just fine with quite a few changes as long as itretains the spirit of the original. This is probably easier to see in middlegrade and young adult novelizations of fairy tales. A story like Ella Enchanted remains true to Cinderella in one way, while MarissaMeyer's new book Cinder remains trueto it in another.

To go into a little more detail about Cinderella, what these novelizations and retellings retain is asense of injustice that resonates with everyone, but especially with childrenof a certain age (and particularly middle children!). That is, as we used toput it, "Nobody loves me/Everybody hates me/I'm going to go eatworms." The glass slipper and the pumpkin coach are marvelous details, butwhat really matters is the feeling of familial persecution and the relief ofhaving other people turn out to be somuch more discerning about how wonderful one really is. In this story,"other people" means the handsome prince and, by extension, theentire society he represents. So, while we tend to focus on the romance intalking about this classic fairy tale, I suspect Cinderella is mostly about being able to say vicariously to thatunappreciative group of people known as family, "Neener, neener, I am too important!"

[Ha! You are so right. I loved the way you kept the main theme of Hans and some of the quirky details, like riding a rooster, but took out some of the abrupt violence which is an element that makes many Grimm tales difficult to tell without changes.]

What did you changein retelling Hans my Hedgehog and why?

When I was first asked to retell Hans, the editor told me that the original was "violent andmeandering." I read the Grimms' tale and had to agree. As I explain in myauthor's note, in the original story Hans' parents hate him, the pig herd isslaughtered, Hans treats the first princess very badly, and the way Hans isreclaimed from hedgehoghood is both draggy and depressing. So those are somekey things I changed.

More important, what did I keep? The strangeness of a boywho is half hedgehog, of course—and the resulting social ostracism. The music,though I changed the bagpipe to a fiddle (illustrator John Nickle's idea) andmade the music part of the magic. I kept the pigs, but I saved their lives andmade them the amusing instrument of Hans' revenge on the first king. I retainedthe promises two kings made in the forest and the way they handled thosepromises when Hans came calling. In particular, I kept Hans' perseverance inthe face of adversity. I do feel I was true to the story. In fact, I'd like tothink I was a little truer. The original didn't hang together very well, whichis one reason it hasn't been retold much over the years.

It seems like thenumber of new folk and fairy tale retellings dwindles every year. Are thesestories still relevant?

The number of new folk and fairy tale retellings isdefinitely dwindling. The theory is that parents are pushing their children toread chapter books earlier, so picture books for 6- to 8-year-olds are gettingsqueezed out. As one of my editors told me last year, her acquisitions team only wants picture books for toddlers atthis point.

I think this shows a real lack of understanding on the partof parents and publishers about the role of picture books in promoting thegrowth of young readers in that in-between stage, whether the books are used asread-alouds or for independent reading. I know I used to read some amazinglonger picture books to first graders, and they became really driven to improvetheir reading because of the sheer stunning power of those books. One of theirfavorites was The Talking Eggs byRobert D. San Souci, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. It's a Southern Americanvariation of a weirdly wonderful European folktale.

[It's definitely parents - kids still want and need picture books. I was able to have some third grade classes visit the library and check out books on their own a few years ago. I gave them complete freedom of choice, and guess what they picked for their two books each? Almost all of them chose a longer picture book, often old favorites, and then something that just caught their eye, nonfiction or a graphic novel.]

How do we presentthem to kids when often the older ones think they're childish and the littleones can't sit still for long stories anymore? (The gradual shortening ofattention spans in young children is a whole 'nother issue, but trust me, it'sthere.)

When my first picture book came out, I found that firstgraders couldn't understand it very well, and it went completely over the headsof kindergartners. It's a rather sophisticated original folktale. Secondgraders were on board, however. Age really does have a lot to do with thesuccess of a particular book. William Steig's The Magic Pebble, for example, is a great story, but it's prettycomplex for many five-year-olds. It would be even harder for a three-year-oldto follow with any degree of patience.

I have found that most 6- to 8-year-olds really enjoylistening to longer picture books. Just don't ever betray their trust byreading them books that aren't utterly fantastic!

Another consideration is whether you have just one child ora group. One child can focus, not just because of adult attention, but becauseshe isn't distracted by all those other kids.

There are some pretty eerie-cool books for slightly olderkids who think folktales are babyish. The story of Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave, retold by Marianna Mayer andillustrated by Kinuko Y. Craft, is one that comes to mind. When I took thosepicture books seriously, the older kids seemed to feel they could join me. Agreat story is a great story.

[I'm hoping my new program will appeal to the 6-8 year old crowds, if only I can get parents to bring them! I'm planning to ease into longer and more mature folktales so that parents of toddlers and young preschoolers, who I'm sure will show up, won't be shocked!]

Along those lines, doyou have any thoughts on storytelling? I haven't been successful in gettingaudiences for storytellers who don't have any bells and whistles - isstorytelling dying along with the folktale, or is there still hope?

I think if the storyteller is sucked into the story, kidswill be, too. But you have to play the audience to hook them in the firstplace, and that's not always easy. Right age, right story, and a touch of magic...thenit works.

In the library setting, it may be partly a question ofhooking busy parents, and that's even trickier. Maybe the kids would like tocome and listen, but their parents are too intent on rushing around to bringthem.

Recommendation time!What are your favorite folk and fairy tales to share with young audiences?

I'm going to name books for those slightly older primarygrade kids since I think they're less familiar to many library-goers. I'vealready mentioned The Talking Eggs, areal winner. Bony Legs by Joanna Coleand Derek Zimmer is another goodie—notice that it's also a Baba Yaga story.It's intended as an easy reader, but I've had older students who really gotinto it. East of the Sun, West of theMoon is a long but wonderful story. Mercer Mayer and P.J. Lynch have bothdone nice versions.

A crazy, fun story not everyone is familiar with is Three Perfect Peaches. The version Ihave is by Cynthia DeFelice and Mary DeMarsh, illustrated by Irene Trivas.Aaron Shepard's retelling of One-Eye!Two-Eyes! Three-Eyes! as illustrated by Gary Clement is lively andappealing, with some cheerfully deliberate anachronisms in the artwork.

I'll just list several others I like: Mr. Semolina-Semolinus, retold by Anthony L. Manna and ChristodoulaMitakidou and illustrated by Giselle Potter; The Language of Birds, retold by Rafe Martin and illustrated by SusanGaber; Little Sister and the MonthBrothers, retold by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers and illustrated by MargotTomes; Caldecott winner The Fool of theWorld and the Flying Ship, retold by Arthur Ransome and illustrated by UriShulevitz; Iron John, retold byMarianna Mayer and illustrated by Winslow Pels; The Water of Life, retold by Barbara Rogasky and illustrated byTrina Schart Hyman; Tatterhood and theHobgoblins, retold and illustrated by Lauren Mills; and The Tinderbox, a rather dire HansChristian Andersen story recently retold by Stephen Mitchell and illustrated byBagram Ibatoulline.

[Great recommendations! Some of these are new to me and I can't wait to try them out. I love Iron John by the way, and that's one where Mayer retold the story in a very similar way to Hans, taking out the random violence and keeping the basic themes of love and faithfulness that drive the story]

Are there goodretellings out there for the preschool crowd?

Oh, that's a little harder! I have already mentionedclassics such as the "3" stories. Byron Barton has retold a few such talesfor very young readers in board book format, but they probably work best asbedtime stories. Pre-K kids have trouble sitting still for a story in agroup—they're just so easily distracted by one another, along with whatever'sout the window, a loose bit of carpet, a single ant, you name it. Cumulativetales, well-rhymed stories, sung stories, and chants are most effective withsmaller children. And really, some of those books are also from the oraltradition. Look at Mother Goose, for example.

Michael Rosen's LittleRabbit Foo-Foo and Simms Taback's ThereWas an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly are the kinds of books I'm thinkingabout. Also, surprisingly, The Fox WentOut on a Chilly Night, illustrated by Peter Spier. I used to sing that oneto first graders, and the kids were charmed.

Ultimately, the famous "3" stories and tales likeThe Little Red Hen or The Gingerbread Man are cumulative, havea refrain, or use some other predictable pattern: e.g., porridge, porridge,porridge; chair, chair, chair; bed, bed, bed—three cumulative sets, perhaps? Thesepatterns no doubt help explain why they work with little listeners.

What is yourexperience in sharing these stories with audiences?

I can usually hook them, and I never use bells andwhistles. Of course, I have an extremely high story immersion factor myself,and I think it's contagious. But the wrong book for the wrong age group is ahard sell, no matter what. I've had a few flops in amongst my storytellingsuccesses, believe me! Yet my deep belief in the power of story keeps megoing—and keeps me writing.

[Thanks so much for stopping by with us today Kate! I hope other librarians will be inspired to use some of your suggestions to add more folktales to their storytime curriculums. And, of course, everyone should check out your delightful new tale, Hans My Hedgehog!!]

Preschool Interactive: Print Awareness

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

[Updated: I was surprised at what a huge hit Blue Chicken was. The kids requested two repeats of flap little birdies. I was worried that Pretty Ladybug would be too long, since we sing for every single number, but we went to 20 and everyone enjoyed it and parents afterwards said they liked doing higher numbers. I think it might have gone better if I'd had something standing up afterwards though. I almost didn't read Loon Baby because some kids were losing interest, but then I pointed out to myself that there were still more than 10 kids listening and they quieted down for the story.]

Dancing time and name tags ["Samantha the Butterfly" from Things are coming my way by Fox and Branch]

Introduction and welcome

Early Literacy Theme: Print Awareness includes knowing that print has meaning, knowing how to handle a book, and noticing print all around

Opening name song: The more we get together

Long story: Blue chicken by Deborah Freedman

Early Literacy Aside: Print awareness includes numbers as well as letters and we're going to practice recognizing some of our numbers in this next song. I'm going to need your help counting and singing!

Movement/Flannelboard: Pretty ladybug

Nonfiction: About Birds by Cathryn Sill

Music: Flap little birdies (to the tune of Hop Little Bunnies)

Short story: Loon baby by Molly Griffin

Closing: Announcements, don't forget to take more stories and a take home bag.

Closing song: Sunny Day

Process art: Dot Painting (MaryAnn Kohl's Art with Anything pg. 38)

Take Home Insert

Thank you for attending today's Preschool Interactive!

Our stories today included:

Blue chicken by Deborah Freedman

About Birds by Cathryn Sill

Loon baby by Molly Griffin

Our songs and rhymes included:

Flap little birdies, adapted from Hop hop little bunnies. Try googling this song on Utube for lots of adorable versions you can do at home!

Pretty ladybug. You can continue counting with this simple song/flannelboard. All you need is something round and some black dots - or try drawing a ladybug and adding spots while you sing!

Our early literacy skill was: Print Awareness, including knowing that print has meaning, knowing how to handle a book, and noticing print all around

You can practice print awareness while you are reading together by pointing at words as you read and having your children sound out words.

Our art project this week was: Dot painting

Our take home craft is: Peacocks

You will need: tape or glue, decorations and/or drawing materials.

Tape or glue your peacock's feathers to the back of the main body (the little square is the top of the head). Decorate! You can see this craft here: www.allkidsnetwork.com/crafts/animals/birds/peacock-craft.asp

Library events for ages 3-6 coming soon:

January 25, 3:30-5pm, Lego Club. All ages welcome, drop in between 3:30 and 5.

January 26, 3:30pm, Elephant and Piggie Kids' Club. Stories, puppetry, and painting piggie banks!

For more library events, new books, and more, check out our website at www.elkhorn.lib.wi.us, join us on Facebook, or talk to a librarian. Please let me know if you have suggestions or questions!

Jennifer Wharton
Youth Services Librarian
jwharton@elkhorn.lib.wi.us
262-723-2678 ext. 14

Hans my Hedgehog by Kate Coombs, illustrated by John Nickle

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

Join me again on Thursday, January 26th for an interview with Kate Coombs talking about folktales and her inspiration! You can check out the rest of the blog tour at her blog, Book Aunt.

The original Hans My Hedgehog folktale is a more violent version of the familiar Beauty and the Beast, involving the familiar tropes of a transformed man and a woman who must prove loyal and loving. Hans, however, also takes his revenge on the nobility who trick and betray him.

In Kate Coomb's new retelling of this odd folktale, she emphasizes the themes of seeing beneath the surface and tones down the violence to create a tale that is faithful to the original story, but also appropriate for modern audiences and sensibilities.

A prosperous farmer is so desperate for a son that he says he wants one "even if he's half a hedgehog" and that's exactly what he gets, Hans My Hedgehog. Hans has a special skill with pigs and eventually discovers another talent - music. But even his beautiful fiddle playing doesn't win him a place with the village girls and boys, so he rides off on his rooster to live in the woods with his pigs. When a lost king appears, Hans promises to show him the way out of the magical forest, if he gives Hans the first thing he sees when he gets home. Of course, his daughter appears, but the king has no intention of keeping his promise, and his daughter certainly doesn't plan to either. A few months later, Hans shows another king the way out of the forest, but this king's daughter promises to honor her father's word.

Hans hears of his promised princesses from an old woman and sets off to claim them. When the first king and his daughter refuse to honor his promise, Han's pigs wreak havoc on the palace and then depart, taking "half the king's fortune." At the second place, Hans is honored by the king and his daughter and the wedding begins. Hans plays his fiddle until, overcome by the magic he falls to the floor...and is helped up by his new bride, no longer a hedgehog but a man.

Coombs explains the changes she made in an afterword to the tale, showing how she shifted characters and events to emphasize the enduring themes of the stories; being a misfit but wanting to be loved and accepted. The text is simple enough to be read to younger audiences, but includes the repetition and odd little details that make folktales intriguing. John Nickle's colorful acrylic paintings bristle with a motif of spines throughout each picture, with Hans My Hedgehog the central figure in bright clothing and with a cheerful, determined outlook. His plump and sturdy pigs trot after him and his brilliant rooster steed shines with stunning colors.

Verdict: This is an excellent retelling of an unusual folktale and will make a great addition to storytimes and library collections. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781416915331; Published January 2012 by Simon & Schuster; Review copy provided by publisher; Purchased for the library

ALA Awards, because everybody is doing it

2012-01-23T10:45:00.000-06:00

So why not?

Newbery - Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos
I reviewed this back in November. It's interesting, but will not appeal to a wide range of children. In other words, it's a Newbery winner.

Newbery Honors - Inside out and back again by Thanhha Lai
Yep, called it. I had this on my list of award books I will have to order. At least it's got a pretty cover. Verse novels for younger grades are rarely popular.
Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin
I'll buy it. I feel kind of doubtful about it, but I'll buy it. I do appreciate that it's only 140 pages long, which offsets yet another historical fiction title.

Caldecott - Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka
Yes! We own it! It's very cute.

Caldecott Honors - Blackout by John Rocco
We own it. Gorgeous!
Grandpa Green by Lane Smith
I will buy this, but I RESENT it. This is not a book for children, it's an adult book. Grrr.
Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell
Yep, had it on the list of probably winners. Still feel kind of doubtful about it, especially since I am not a fan of picture book biographies, especially those for the very young, but oh well.

Printz - Where things come back by John Whaley
Ok, that was out of left field. I'm not much of a teen reader anyways, but I don't remember seeing this ANYWHERE. Will buy it.

Printz Honor - Why we broke up by Daniel Handler
Called it! I just ordered that in January because I was pretty sure it would win something.
Returning by Christine Hinwood
Got that through my Junior Library Guild order. It was interesting, definitely for an older, more mature audience.
Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
YES YES YES!!! This book is already hugely popular and I've skimmed it and it's gorgeous.

Coretta Scott King - They don't circulate. I don't buy them. And, yep, they're all historical, and nearly all civil rights.

Schneider - No award for 0 - 8 (I can see that - the picture books that are turned out for young children with disabilities are often...painful. I don't recall anything this past year that was award-worthy either)
Middle grade - Close to famous by Joan Bauer
That one went on and off the order list quite a few times. I'll put it on for good now. Huh, I don't remember it having anything....oh, learning disability. Ok.
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
We own it of course.
Teen - Running Dream by Wendelin van Draanen
Another one that got bumped off my order list, but I'll go ahead and add it back on. Teens like stories of triumphing over disabilities. And I can buy it in paperback!

Alex Awards - I don't pay much attention to these. I'll send the list to our director, who buys the adult fiction.

Andrew Carnegie Medal - Otherwise known as the Weston Woods Award, went, of course, to Weston Woods for "Children make terrible pets." I don't buy these - they're horribly overpriced and don't circulate much.

Margaret A. Edwards - I'm pleased to see Susan Cooper win this, but she has sadly declined in popularity and audience. That awful movie didn't help either. Oh well, I still love her.

Mildred L. Batchelder - Soldier Bear by Bibi Tak
Uh...no. It looked pretty but it was too weird. I still think the best anti-war book is No Hero for the Kaiser.
Honor - Lily Pond by Annika Thor
I didn't end up buying Faraway Island, so won't buy this sequel, although it looks interesting.

Odyssey - I have almost no budget for audio books. When I do buy them, it's either classics (replacing cassettes) or new, popular series.

Pura Belpre (Illustrator) - Diego Rivera, His world and ours by Duncan Tonatiuh
I do NOT agree with this choice. I reviewed this for Cybils and was NOT impressed.

Honors - The Cazuela that the Farm Maiden Stirred illustrated by Rafael López, written by Samantha R. Vamos
I read it and it has great illustrations, but I need folktales I can tell in storytime and there aren't enough bilingual children in my storytime to get the Spanish words.
Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match /Marisol McDonald no combina, illustrated by Sara Palacios, written by Monica Brown

This one is very cute and accessible to a wide range of audiences - I was thinking about buying it and I'll go ahead and get it now. Or I would if it hadn't disappeared from my vendor...ah, out of stock. Ok then, get it later.

Pura Belpre (Author) - Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

Verse novel, including Spanish words...hmm, I'll get it although I doubt any kids around here know what mesquite is.

Honors - Hurricane Dancers: The First Caribbean Pirate Shipwreck, written by Margarita Engle

It's got a great cover, but Engle's books have not circulated well in the past. I will read it myself and then decide. Oh. It's in verse. Hmmm, a historical novel in verse. Uh, nope. I might still look at it myself though.
Maximilian and the Mystery of the Guardian Angel: A Bilingual Lucha Libre Thriller by Xavier Garza

No. The cover looks oddly amateur.

Robert F. Sibert - Balloons over Broadway by Melissa Sweet

I thought about this one on and off, but wanted to wait and see if it actually won an award. Now I'll buy it.

Honors - Black & White: The Confrontation between Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth and Eugene ‘Bull’ Connor' by Larry Dane Brimner
Totally missed this one...hmmm, I bought We Called Ourselves the KKK and I don't think we need this one as well.
Drawing from Memory," written and illustrated by Allen Say
Allen Say's picture books don't check out much. I don't think this will be of interest to my patrons. Nope.
The Elephant Scientist by Donna M. Jackson
Yay Scientists in the Field!!! I hadn't bought this one yet, b/c I got some other titles first, but now I'll add it to the list.
Witches!: The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem by Rosalyn Schanzer

Ehhh, I can't make up my mind about this one. I will read it myself and see if we should have it or not. I'm not sure if the illustrations make it more interesting, or less.

Stonewall - Not a lot of call for GLBTQ books here. I've bought several things this past year to fill out this area in the collection and don't need any more.

Theodor Seuss Geisel - Can we please rename it the Mo Willems? Come, you know you want to! Tales for Very Picky Eaters by Josh Schneider.

Ok, totally missed that one! I think I have it on a tr list somewhere, but that's it. Will buy it, although I think it might actually go in our picture book section...?

Honors - I broke my trunk by Mo Willems

Of course, of course.

I want my hat back by Jon Klassen

Huh. That's a surprise. I'm still not convinced, but patrons actually asked for it so it's on the order list now.

See me run by Paul Meisel

I don't like Holiday House's I like to read series b/c they're the wrong format for easy readers, but I'll get this anyways and put it in picture books, like I have with some of their other titles.

William C. Morris - Where things come back by John Whaley

Wow. For a debut author he really started with a bang!

Honors - Girl of fire and thorns by Rae Carson

Just bought it! Already have teens asking for it.

Paper covers rock by Jenny Hubbard

Why do I feel like she's written something else? Will move this from a distant order list to the current list.

Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

I was thinking I should really buy this and then realized our director had bought it and put it in adult fiction. Fine by me.

YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults - I don't buy much "serious" nonfiction for the teens, but usually titles on this list I'd put in juvbut I'll look at what they've got...

The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism &Treachery by Steve Sheinkin

All right! I bought this and put it in juvenile. I love Sheinkin's books!

Finalists

Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom and Science by Marc Aronson
Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition by Karen Blumenthal
Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way) by Sue Macy
Music Was It: Young Leonard Bernstein by Susan Goldman Rubin

I've read the first three and the fourth is on my tr list. All interesting and well-written, but of limited interest to my patrons. These longer nonfiction books are hard to sell, so I probably won't buy them.

Nonfiction Monday: Blizzard of Glass, the Halifax explosion of 1917 by Sally Walker

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

I love middle grade history books and it's a constant sorrow to me that, like picture book biographies, they so seldom circulate. It seems almost impossible to hit on the right combination of a thrilling and attention-grabbing story, meticulous research, readable prose, and a design that keeps the reader's attention on the book.

However, Sally M. Walker has hit all those points with her newest nonfiction offering.

Great story with a hook that's easy to booktalk? The Halifax explosion was the biggest man-made explosion until the atom bomb. Thousands of people died or were injured and the surrounding towns and cities of the harbor were never the same again. Walker starts out with a broad overview and then narrows her focus down until the reader sees the position of a variety of real people minute by minute before the explosion.

Meticulous research? Clearly shown in the resources and in the text following the lives of the people who bring the story alive. After the aftermath of the explosion and an explanation of some of the ways it changed the area, Sally Walker explains how authors and historians like Janet Kitz preserved the stories of survivors and made sure they were not forgotten.

Readable prose and design? Yep, the text isn't too small, there are plenty of photographs, all clearly captioned, and the author perfectly walks the line between too much information and not enough. She deftly juggles a wide cast of characters, making each one become real to the reader as we share in the shock and horror and also the kindness and generosity that resulted from the disaster.

Verdict: This is one middle grade nonfiction history that will fly off the shelves - I've already booktalked it to instant interest. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 978-0805089455; Published November 2011 by Henry Holt; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library

This Week at the Library; or, The Pace Continues Unabated

2012-01-21T07:00:00.000-06:00

Nothing particularly noteworthy occurred on Monday, other than multiple phone calls to ask if we were open (surprise! we were!) and a chance meeting with the middle school librarian, which led to my realization that I was not booked for a visit to the 7th and 8th grades at the middle school, but at the local Catholic parochial school. Whoops! Fortunately, I had barely started to gather books and didn't have anything too inappropriate selected.

Tuesday was more of the same, with the adding interest of switching desk times so I worked Tuesday night (and our director was working my Thursday night, then realized she had a conflict, so she switched with our cataloger...in short, a good time was had by all). An interesting observation - while it's all fun and games during regular school days, when it comes time for finals and the teens settle down for study, they divide up strictly by gender. No coed study groups here!

Wednesday Another nice group for Preschool Interactive, with some renewed interest in Messy Art. Made more book bundles - we can't keep them on the shelf! Check out the slideshow and links to see them.

Messy Art: A patron suggested we make felt snowballs and brought in a sample. It look cool - and easy. Just tie lots of strips of white flannel together and voila! indoor snowball! It looked really simple, but I didn't have time (and didn't think I needed to) actually test it. It, um, didn't work. Maybe we cut the strips of flannel too wide? Didn't tie the string tight enough? Anyways, I now have a huge bag of strips of white flannel.

BUT I didn't think that would be enough to keep everyone interested, so I had collage as well - the tubs containing paper scraps, foil scraps, and fabric scraps, a bag of cotton balls, cardboard cut out scraps, and black, blue and white paper. With scissors and glue and a few pencils my 35 people were happy, many of them staying over an hour.

I wasn't happy with what I had pulled for the class visits tomorrow, so when I got home I went over to the library in my new town and got Sara The Librarian to help me pull another bagful of books. Only took about an hour.

Thursday Came in a little past 9 to get ready for my booktalk and have a quick chat with Miss Pattie about various things. This was the best visit I've done with our local Catholic school, for the upper grades. At least, I think so! Not all my booktalks were as smooth as they could have been, since I ended up pulling a lot of things that I hadn't read or wasn't familiar with, but I changed around the format of my booktalks so I was interacting more with the kids and had them all come up and look at the books afterwards, which worked out really well. I have to remember that I can do these small classes differently than the 100 sixth grade groups I do! I also absolutely MUST purchase a rolling cart of some kind before I again take that many books in my bag...so many thick books!

Crazy busy with patrons, trying to fill in displays, getting ready for booksale (not me, but the business infected me) and then went to the regional meeting of school librarians. It was really nice of the local school librarians to invite me and I had a great time, chatting with the school librarians, trading ideas and stories, and finding out more about how their funding works - which affects us! Just another reason why we have GREAT school libraries and collaboration here in Elkhorn! Got home around 7:30pm.

Friday Did I mention we're having our big book/bake sale? Did I mention it is BLIZZARDING SNOW? We can't win. Hopefully we'll do well anyways. I opened and covered the desk all morning, then loaded up a bunch of work and took off early for home, before the roads became too bad. I can do publicity and collection development anywhere, after all.

Bigger than a breadbox by Laurel Snyder

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

I'd seen some talk about Laurel Snyder's newest book online, loved the trailer, and followed some of the reactions and discussion on her blog. I thought I had a pretty good idea of the book, that it would be like her other titles, well-written, with a little bit of quirky fantasy, and strong ties to classic children's books.

I was wrong. Laurel Snyder has broken out of her other, delightful but lighter, works and penned a story that is profoundly real, emotional, painful, and yet ultimately hopeful. It completely grasps the feelings and behavior of a twelve year old girl, making her relatable and realistic, but still a unique, individual character.

Rebecca knows things aren't going well with her parents. Her dad's been out of work for a long time, ever since his cab was in an accident, and her mom is always tired and upset. But she doesn't expect to come home from school and be shoved into the car with her mom, little brother Lew, and some suitcases and drive from Baltimore to her Gran's house in Atlanta. She's angry, scared, and upset...and then she finds the breadbox.

The magic breadbox. It can give her anything she wants; except making things the way they were, the way they should be. Eventually, she realizes that it isn't even making her life easier or better, it's making things worse. Rebecca has to stop depending on magic and make some hard decisions. Things will never be the same and she will never be the same, but maybe life will go on and things will be ok.

Laurel Snyder perfectly captures the confused emotions of a girl who's stuck in a painful situation and doesn't feel she has any control. Rebecca's life and adventures in Atlanta have a kind of stunned, dream-like feeling; the reader perfectly realizes how Rebecca feels that her life is stuck and nothing that's happening is real. There's hope at the end, maybe unrealistic for many kids facing Rebecca's situation, but I think, and would guess that the author agrees with me, that kids need to have hope and realize that they may not be able to fix their parents, but they can choose how they will live their own lives.

Verdict: Don't expect this one to fly off the shelves like a Rick Riordan title, but don't relegate it to handing to kids who are going through divorce as bibliotherapy. It's about more than just divorce; it's about growing up, making your own choices, realizing adults aren't perfect and don't have all the answers, and dealing with the complexities of emotions. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 978-0-375-869167; Published September 2011 by Random House; Review copy provided by publisher (requested through author); Purchased for the library

St. Patrick's School Visit Lists

2012-01-19T14:00:00.000-06:00

5th/6th Grades Fiction

Jeremy Bender vs. The Cupcake Cadets by Eric Luper What can a guy do when you've accidentally crashed your dad's boat and the only way to get the money is to enter a contest...but it's only open to Cupcake Cadets? Who are ALL GIRLS??
Shark Wars by E. J. Altbacker It's like Warriors but with sharks!

5th/6th Grades Nonfiction

Gross-out defenses: Deadly Poison Dart Frogs by Jennifer Dussling A new series on the crazy - and gross - defenses if various animals.
Special Ops: Marine Force Recon in action by Michael Sandler A new series with real-life stories about special ops teams and what they do.
Thinking girl's treasury of real princesses: Artemisia of Caria by Shirin Yim Bridges Did you know there was one female admiral in Xerxes massive fleet? And she was the only one to speak up against his invasion - and survive the devastation of the Greeks? Part of a series of fascinating stories about real princesses through the ages.
Upsets and Comebacks: Basketball: The return of Bernard King by Michael Sandler A new series on major upsets and comebacks in sports history.

All Ages Nonfiction

Amelia Lost: The life and disappearance of Amelia Earhart by Candace Fleming The best biography of Earhart you'll ever read.
Blizzard of Glass: The Halifax explosion of 1917 by Sally Walker What was the biggest man-made explosion before the atom bomb? Read all about it!
Dark Game: True Spy Stories by Paul Janeczko Spies from the American Revolution, World War II, up to the present day.
Fatty Legs: A true story by Margaret Pokiak-Fenton The true story of an Inuit girl sent away from her family to school and her struggles to keep her spirit bright.
Ghosts in the fog: The untold story of Alaska's WWII Invasion by Samantha Seiple The true story of the invasion and occupation of the Aleutian Islands
Great and only Barnum by Candace Fleming Read the story of the famous circus owner and showman who said, "When entertaining the public, it is best to have an elephant"
Iceberg, right ahead: The tragedy of the Titanic by Stephanie McPherson New research, first-person stories, and more.
Into the unknown: How great explorers found their way by land, sea, and air by Stewart Ross
King George: What was his problem? by Steve Sheinkin Everything your schoolbooks didn't tell you about the American Revolution
Notorious Benedict Arnold: A true story of adventure, heroism, and treachery by Steve Sheinkin Before Benedict Arnold's name became synonymous with "traitor" he was one of the most popular and valued heroes of the American Revolution. What went wrong?
Scientists in the Field: The Manatee Scientists by Peter Lourie Did you know manatees live in THREE different places in the world?
Scientists in the Field: The Wildlife Detectives by Donna Jackson Detectives that fight against poachers and other wildlife criminals
Sir Charlie: Chaplin, the funniest man in the world by Sid Fleischman Great biography of the famous comic actor

All Ages Fiction

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld Giant flying whales, secret identities, and action galore in this steampunk alternative history of World War I
London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd Kat, Ted watch their cousin Salim get on the London Eye. He doesn't get off. How could he have vanished into thin air?
Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis Companion story to Bud, Not Buddy
Monster Calls by Patrick Ness A nightmare. A monster. A story of dreams and truth.
Ways to live forever by Sally Nichols What if you only had a few months left to live?

7th/8th Grades Fiction

Accidental Genius of Weasel High by Rick Detorie The girl he thought was his girlfriend isn't, he has an annoying big sister, and all he wants to do is make movies.
Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson CSI mysteries for teens
Fat Cat by Robin Brande It was just going to be an experiment - and maybe she'd lose some weight, finally, but it changed her life.
Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson A riveting new fantasy about prophecies, politics, and the nature of heroism
Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness In Prentisstown there are no girls - and no secrets
Mennyms by Sylvia Waugh What does it mean to be human?
Nobody's Princess by Esther Friesner Helen of Troy as a teen, struggling against the expectations of her family and country
Out of my mind by Sharon Draper What if you were really, really smart...but nobody knew because you couldn't communicate?
Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry Benny Imura couldn't hold a job, so he took to killing - zombies. Along the way, he'll discover what it means to be human and who the real monsters are.
Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater Love and life meet their greatest obstacles in a heart-pounding adventure of a life and death race.

7th/8th Grades Nonfiction

Smart Aleck's guide to American History by Adam Selzer History as you've never heard it - smart, funny, and interesting
Terror of the Spanish Main: Sir Henry Morgan and his Buccaneers The bloody history of real pirates
They called themselves the K.K.K. by Susan Bartoletti The history of the Ku Klux Klan

Other Cool Stuff

Guys Read: Thriller Scary, mysterious, creepy stories by great authors!
How Angel Peterson got his name by Gary Paulsen (Playaway) Don't try these extreme stunts at home!
Kissing Tennessee and other stories from the Stardust Dance by Kathi Appelt
Make: Technology on your time Magazine - you can check these out!
Odyssey: A graphic novel by Gareth Hinds, based on Homer's epic poem
Page by Paige by Laura Lee Gulledge A graphic novel about art, writing, and becoming a person
QPB Treasury of North American Folktales edited by Catherine Peck Folktales, family stories, and true narratives
Such a pretty face: Short stories about beauty, edited by Ann Angel
T4 by Ann LeZotte A novel in verse about a deaf girl during the Holocaust
There is no long distance now: Very Short Stories by Naomi Shihab Nye
Time you let me in: 25 poets under 25 selected by Naomi Shihab Nye
Zombies vs. Unicorns, edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier 12 amazing authors explore the age-old question: zombies vs. unicorns? in funny, gross, scary, and touching stories

Preschool Interactive: Letter Knowledge

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

[Caveman was GREAT. We did it interactively, practicing the alphabet and it was a huge hit. The story kinda derails near the end, but it didn't matter. We skipped "the insects in the meadow" everyone was too wiggly and wanting the last story. Also belatedly realized that this was supposed to be letter knowledge, not print awareness and have updated it accordingly for the next time I use this plan]

Dancing time and name tags ["Samantha the Butterfly" from Things are coming my way by Fox and Branch]

Introduction and welcome

Early Literacy Theme: Letter Knowledge is knowing the same letter can look different, that letters have names and are related to sounds.

Opening name song: The more we get together

Early Literacy Aside: We're going to practice our letter knowledge by following the alphabetical words in this book - alphabetical means in the order of the alphabet, a, b, c and so on. Say it with me, "alphabetical!"

Long story: Caveman: a B. C. story by Janee Trasler

Flannelboard: Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Opening flannel, eating sections with puppet and paper pieces found in cupboard, interactive - kids hand pieces)

Music/Movement: Flutter, flutter butterfly floating in the summer sky/Floating by for all to see floating by so merrily/Flutter flutter butterfly floating in the summer sky
Tune: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Nonfiction: Butterflies and moths by Nic Bishop

Music: The insects in the meadow (to the tune of The Wheels on the Bus)

Short story: Chaucer's first winter by Stephen Krensky

Closing: Announcements, don't forget to take more stories and a take home bag.

Closing song: Sunny Day

Process art: Butterfly masks

Take Home Insert

Thank you for attending today's Preschool Interactive!

Our stories today included:
Caveman: A B. C. Story by Janee Trasler
Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Butterflies and Moths by Nic Bishop
Chaucer's first winter by Stephen Krensky

Our songs and rhymes included:
Flutter, flutter butterfly floating in the summer sky/Floating by for all to see floating by so merrily/Flutter flutter butterfly floating in the summer sky (Tune: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star)

The insects in the meadow (to the tune of The Wheels on the Bus)

Our early literacy skill was: Letter Knowledge is knowing the same letter can look different, that letters have names and are related to sounds.

You can practice letter knowledge any time by noticing letters on signs while you're driving, in the grocery store, and looking at books together!

More stories and songs to try at home:
Check out more great books about butterflies in the Nonfiction under J 595.78
If you like our opening butterfly song, look for the cd coming soon! Fox and Branch's Things are coming my way

Our art project this week was: Butterfly masks

Our take home craft is: Butterfly puppets

You will need: Tape (glue, sparklies, crayons/markers - optional)

Tape your popsicle stick to the back of your butterfly. Twist the pipe cleaner around the top of the stick to make antennae. Decorate with sequins and/or add more color with crayons and markers. Make your butterfly dance!

Library events for ages 3-6 coming soon:
January 18, 3:30-5pm, Messy Art Club. Drop by any time to make a felt snowball!
January 19-21 - Friends Book and Bake sale. Ask a librarian for more information!

For more library events, new books, and more, check out our website at www.elkhorn.lib.wi.us, join us on Facebook, or talk to a librarian. Please let me know if you have suggestions or questions!

Jennifer Wharton
Youth Services Librarian
jwharton@elkhorn.lib.wi.us
262-723-2678 ext. 14

One and Only Stuey Lewis by Jane Schoenberg, illustrated by Cambria Evans

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-06:00

In four short stories, we meet Stuey Lewis, who, despite his name, is a thoroughly contemporary child.

In the first story, Stuey tries everything he can think of to keep his secret: he's not a good reader. When his sympathetic teacher finally gets it out of him, she has just the right solution and Stuey finds himself gradually becoming an amazing reader!

In "The Great Halloween Caper", Stuey comes up with the perfect idea for a Halloween trick, but it almost gets derailed at the last minute, thanks to know-it-all Lilly, his class nemesis. Luckily, his teacher comes to the rescue again and Stuey triumphs!

Stuey gets worried again in his third story, when he's scared he can never live up to his older brother's soccer reputation. His teacher helps him see the situation more clearly, but then disaster strikes again when he gets stuck on an almost-all-girls team with Lilly! Will he mess up or help the team win a game - and does he want to beat his best friend's team anyways?

In the final story, set around the last week of school, Stuey faces his fears about moving on to third grade and he and Lilly both deal with their animosity, more or less, realizing it's not so bad to be nice to each other for a change.

My first thought on finishing this story, was, quite frankly, that Stuey's teacher "call me Ginger" has no life. She's not only working full-time as a teacher, she's always on the spot to solve Stuey's difficulties, since she handily lives nearby. However, it's quite possible she has time to do this since it looks like there's about 9 kids in her class. I've noticed many beginning chapter books idealizing schools in this way and it's a bit annoying.

There are a few points like this that felt unrealistic; as well as Ginger's 24-7 availability and the apparently small class, the kids are allowed - even encouraged - to read anything they want with no mention of lexiles, AR levels, or tests. Sounds lovely, but sadly doesn't match any school I know of. Stuey's name is a weak point also; I felt it was put in just to allow the possibility of teasing. I checked and Stewart apparently hasn't been in the top 1,000 most popular names for the last 12 years, so it's not a common name.

However, despite these points, this story had a lot of promise and has already circulated decently in the library. The fears and concerns Stuey deals with are normal, everyday issues, but don't overwhelm his life or turn him into a morass of anxieties. The stories move nicely between his worries dealing with various new things and fun activities and family life. Stuey's matter-of-fact acceptance of his father's absence "Dad moved away" will resonate with the many children who deal with broken/blended homes.

The text and vocabulary is age-appropriate and the print nice and large. Cambria Evans' black and white illustrations are a good fit for the slightly humorous but not too wacky stories and her characters with their big heads and round eyes are reminiscent of Peanuts and add a nice dimension to the text. Boys and girls looking for realistic school stories for the early grades will appreciate the gentle humor and calm way Schoenberg defuses Stuey's fears.

Verdict: If you find yourself needing more and more beginning chapter books, as I have found over the past few years, this is an excellent choice. Balance out the myriad of early chapters featuring girls as the main protagonists with this story of Every Boy.

ISBN: 9780374372927; Published July 2011 by Farrar Straus & Giroux; Review copy provided by publisher; Purchased for the library

Nonfiction Monday: Wild Baby Animals (series) by Ruth Owen

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

I just couldn't resist sharing this adorable new series I just purchased for the library from Bearport!

Each book in the Wild Baby Animals series focuses on a different baby animal, both domestic and exotic. The spreads have photos in a variety of sizes with a chunk of text and header in large print. The first section is "Meet some (insert animal) cubs" then information about the animal, their habitat and an interesting fact. This is followed with facts about their birth and early years.

A glossary includes pictures and some simple definitions and there is also a little index and bibliography.

These are the perfect introductions to a variety of animals for beginning readers. The sentences are short and simple, with enough interesting vocabulary words to give readers a good mental workout! The photographs are adorable and plentiful, and the books are excellently formatted to give children an introduction to good nonfiction, with the back matter that is included.

The captions on the pictures would be unnecessary in a series for older children, but fit in this easy reader series by adding additional vocabulary.

I especially like the variety of animals included in this series, from raccoons to tiger, polar bears to skunks, beavers to arctic foxes. The books are small, about 7x7 inches, so they'll be comfortable for small hands to hold but won't disappear on the easy reader shelves. Sturdily bound, of course, and reasonably priced.

Verdict: If you are planning to update your easy nonfiction, this is a must-have animal series, affordable and high-interest. Recommended!

ISBN: 9781617721533 (series); Published January 2011 by Bearport; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library

Blog Update Completed!

2012-01-15T22:41:00.001-06:00

After several months of work, interrupted by the loss of internet, moving, Cybils, and other little things, finishing up with a marathon 9 hour and shorter 3 hour session in front of the computer, I have finally completed my blog update!

All of my blog posts have been reformatted, revised, and the schedule gently straightened. The labels have all been cleaned up (I don't know if anybody but me noticed that suddenly everything was a graphic novel, but that's been fixed).

I have added a stack of new features, so if you catch me in a feeder, pop over to see the new goodies. These include on the left...

Link to a database of review copies I have reviewed (this is mainly for publishers)
Link to my reviews for No Flying No Tights
Library-related blog posts
Library resources, including programming plans and book bundle lists
Links to slideshows of books purchased for the library - you can see which of the books I review get purchased
Slideshows of my flannel boards, book bundles, and various fun setups in the library, from new shelf arrangements to programs.

And on the right, we have even more fun lists!

Links to my To Read lists on LibraryThing
Lists of reviews by genre
Posts by carnival, meme, etc.
And other interesting and miscellaneous posts, such as fairy tales, homeschooling fiction, and posts about Jean Little

Enjoy! Feel free to leave suggestions! I am now going to move on to reviewing my backload of neglected titles. Happy reading!

This week at the library; or, It all begins again

2012-01-14T07:00:00.001-06:00

This week is the beginning of our winter/spring session of programming (although with the weather we've been having, it's more like our spring/spring session)

Monday - Last-minute planning, tidying, gazillion questions, meetings, etc. etc. Long day - 9am to 8pm, because I did Tiny Tots (Miss Pattie was at a school board meeting) at 6:30. For Tiny Tots we...

Danced to Pop 'n' Hop by Funky Mama (cd - Moo Juice)
read Under the snow by Melissa Stewart (the pictures were too small)
did Five little snowmen with my new flannelboard (will be added to flannelboards soon!)
read Sneezy the Snowman by Wright
did my new snowflake rhyme, adapted from the leaf song we like (five little snowflakes fat and round were floating about without a sound, the wind came whooshing through the town and one little snowflake came tumbling down)
read In the snow by Tafuri
made snowmen by taping circles of white paper to a sheet of blue paper, decorating with markers and crayons
and played with the giant boxes.

I'm never going to get a really good response from subbing, because so many people have an automatic reaction of "we expected Miss Pattie!" it would take a long time for me to build up a following among this toddler age group. Plus, I admit I'm not at my best in the evening, especially after being at work since 9am. But everyone was satisfied with the knowledge that Miss Pattie would be back next time and they liked my rhymes and stories (except Under the Snow, the pictures were too small for this group) well enough. I had about 14 kids and parents, mostly ages 2-4.

Monday was also enlivened by a patron informing me that he is now going to come to our library because the other neighboring library he has been attending has a "psycho chick" and he doesn't like her. I soooo want a t-shirt "psycho librarian chick!"

Tuesday - other than a pounding headache and constant interruptions, it was a good day. Started back with toddler storytime today, lots of enthusiasm welcoming back Miss Pattie! Ended the day with a 2 hour meeting and then onto dinner with Sara the Librarian and a discussion of Bearport's recent catalog and SLJ's fall 2011 Series Nonfiction (yes, it takes that long to get to us).

We have decided that what OUR libraries need is more books on weapons. Not tanks or aircrafts - got those. More books on guns, bows and arrows, knives, swords, etc. both medieval and modern. Sara the Librarian says extreme sports books no longer circulate in her library; they're still popular in mine. We both want craft books that are longer than 32 pages and do not contain 6-10 crafts and cost THIRTY BUCKS. We both hate publishers who I shall not name who try to palm off 32 page nonfiction books with about 200 words total in library bound format only, especially when they're on subjects that will be outdated in a year.

We both love Bearport - I've already placed my order this year, received the cuddly bear cub puppet, and cooed over my new books, now in the back being cataloged. Sooooo beautiful. Every one of them will be checked out and loved and still look nice and shiny several years from now - and my budget did not collapse in shock after I paid the invoice.

Wednesday - the BIG DAY. This is the day programs really start back for me. Of course, it's also the day we're expecting 2-4 inches of snow, after an unbelievably mild winter.

Preschool Interactive at 10am - I am now going to be posting my Preschool Interactive plans (complete with take home handout) every Thursday, with notes on how they went. Tell me what you think!

Visit from Lakeland School primary class. Lakeland is our county's special education school. It is an utterly amazing building with fabulous teachers and they have just gotten more transportation this year, so are visiting me! It's a great learning experience for us all - me to learn the best way to offer programming for this group with their special needs, the kids learning to interact in a community, public setting, and the teachers get to learn about all the amazing things we have to offer - plus new books! The primary class is the one I started with last fall and they're my faves - so well-behaved, they could give lessons to some of the other classes that visit! I am gradually figuring out the best way to offer stories and what crafts are suited to their skill levels. Today, we...

Practiced library voices
Read Chaucer's first winter by Stephen Krensky
did Five little snowmen (I didn't use the hats because we had a rover with touching issues (-:)
Read Sneezy the snowman by Wright (the kids repeated the phrase and the teacher checked it out afterwards - a hit!)
Read In the snow by Tafuri
Sang Sunny Day by Elizabeth Mitchell
Decorated snowmen pictures - I just glued three white circles to blue paper and they used markers and a little glue and some sparkles.
Played in the children's area.

Lego Club - I stretched the time out over 3:30 - 5 and had about 35 people total, which was good. Of course, I'd like to have back our 50+ numbers, but it depends on weather and after school activities, and this is a really good number.

Thursday - another BIG DAY, now with SNOW included! I had a visit from a another Lakeland group, this time the junior high kids. I had already visited their class at their school, and now they came to see me! It was just four guys, not responsive, but I think they enjoyed themselves. We did a short tour of the library and then read some stories Wild boars cook, Duck soup, and There are cats in this book. No one had a meltdown, and they were mostly attentive and even turned some pages!

Then it was time for the debut of the Elephant and Piggie Kids' Club!!! Of course, with the weather, it was...not as wildly successful as I had anticipated, given the number of people who had planned to come. I had...1 little girl and her mom. She loved the stories and puppets, and then was delighted to paint a piggie bank, her dad and younger brother joined us to paint a piggie bank, and another dad and son showed up. They all loved the painting and playing with puppets. I'm just going to use the same program again next time.

and evening desk time and a drive home in the snow...

Friday Was a half day for me, since I'm working tomorrow. I came in around 1:30pm in the afternoon and got set up for our special program of the month - Back to school with books and butterflies!

15 people came. I think this was not so much because of the big snowstorm yesterday, but because it was the first snowstorm. If it had been snowing since December, people would be antsy to get out. Usually, we are packed Friday afternoon. But...winter programs are always iffy. Anyways, a few things I will do differently next year

Plan it at the end of January. We didn't have enough time to catalog and process all the new books.
Decorate the butterflies with collage and glue instead of paint - or have a paint section for older kids and a collage section for younger kids. However nontoxic it is, I don't think toddlers should eat acrylic paint.

Saturday Was Saturday. No more need be said. Time for a trip to the zoo...I need a stress-relieving session with the octopus.

I feel less organized than...well, than I can remember in most of my previous semester starts. I said earlier this week to my coworker, Angela, "is it just me, or have our jobs DOUBLED in the past month?" and it certainly seems that way. Increased program attendance, the larger, more spectacular programs I have planned for the spring, more school visits - and school visits that involve more planning and preparation, like the Lakeland visits, increased circulation and an insane number of questions about ereaders (come on folks, at least try turning it on before you bring it in to us!!) seem to have left me exhausted before I even began the winter/spring session (then again, that could be the result of the combined efforts of Cybils, moving, and the massive weeding projects I did over the winter "break"). I am resigning myself to planning a couple weeks at a time, trusting to luck that my budget averages out and I still have money at the end of the year, and trying to keep my head above water. I'm also hoping to hit the 10,000 mark in program attendance this year! Here we come, 2012!

No. 1 Car Spotter by Atinuke, illustrated by Warwick Johnson Cadwell

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

His real name is Oluwalase Babatunde Benson, but everyone calls him No. 1. Why? Because he is the absolute No. 1 at car spotting in his small village in a country in Africa. With the men – and many of the women – of the village gone to the city for work, No. 1 lives with his mother, siblings, and grandparents and they and all the people of the village work together to survive and have a happy life.

Each chapter is an episode in No. 1’s life. In the first chapter, he shows his family and the village that his car spotting is more than a hobby and comes up with a unique solution for their broken cart. In No. 1 Goes to Market, No. 1 is innocently enjoying the hard work and the amazing sights and smells of the market when something truly embarrassing happens. Nevertheless, he mans up and mangages to come through for Auntie Fine-Fine. In 7Up, we meet No. 1’s friend Coca-Cola and see how No. 1 almost loses his name by letting his stomach do his thinking. In the final story, No. 1 and the Wheelbarrow, No. 1 and his family have to make painful decisions when Grandmother is very sick and there’s no money for a doctor.

Atinuke’s Anna Hibiscus stories introduced us to a little girl in the middle class and the warmth and love of her family. No. 1 introduces to a family that’s on a very different economic level, but still the importance of family shines through the story. No. 1’s inventive determination and gleeful enjoyment of his simple, impoverished life doesn’t sugarcoat the harsh realities but presents them in an age-appropriate and hopeful way.

Warwick Cadwell’s sketches decorate every page, showing No. 1 and his village and their trials and celebrations. A few quick lines and shading show No. 1’s changing emotions as he solves his family’s problems and the enthusiasm and zest of his family and friends.

Verdict: This slim paperback would make a great read-aloud in a class or program; the story moves in the natural rhythms of a storyteller. It may be difficult to get intermediate readers to pick up this story on their own, since they’re used to chapter books with either nonstop action or fiction about kids in conventional American elementary schools, but promote this to teachers as a read aloud and it will definitely find an audience.

ISBN: 9781610670517; Published September 2011 by Kane Miller; Review copy provided by publisher

Preschool Interactive: Narrative Skills

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

[Notes and Responses: Yay! Everyone came back and we had 35 people! Much love for our new dancing song, "Samantha the Butterfly". I was out of budget when it was released - and it wasn't available on Amazon, so I bought a copy for myself and am generously lending it to the library for storytime! Under the Snow worked much better with this crowd, although there were so many kids that I ended up moving around a lot so they could see the pictures and just kind of making up the words.]

Dancing time and name tags ["Samantha the Butterfly" from Things are coming my way by Fox and Branch]

Introduction and welcome

Early Literacy Theme: Narrative Skills is expressive language, including being able to describe things, to tell events in order, and to retell stories.

Opening name song: The more we get together

Long story: Trudy by Henry Cole

Movement/Flannelboard: Five little snowmen

Nonfiction: Under the snow by Melissa Stewart

Music: I am Mr. Penguin penguin white and black, I have flippers flippers flippers that I flap, when I walk I waddle, waddle, when I talk I bobble bobble, I am Mr. Penguin penguin white and black (Tune: If you're happy and you know it)

Early Literacy Aside: Two of the ways we remember and learn to tell stories, which involves our narrative skills, are using props and repeating phrases. I'm going to bring on of our snowmen out to help us tell the story of Sneezy the Snowman and I want you all to join in when Sneezy says "Make me brand new!"

Short story: Sneezy the snowman by Maureen Wright (use flannelboard snowman and have children repeat "Make me brand new")

Closing: Announcements, don't forget to take more stories and a take home bag.

Closing song: Sunny Day

Process art: Fingerpaint

Take Home Insert

Thank you for attending today's Preschool Interactive!

Our stories today included:
Trudy by Henry Cole
Under the snow by Melissa Stewart
Sneezy the snowman by Maureen Wright

Our songs and rhymes included:
The more we get together
Five little snowmen
I am Mr. Penguin penguin white and black, I have flippers flippers flippers that I flap, when I walk I waddle, waddle, when I talk I bobble bobble, I am Mr. Penguin penguin white and black (Tune: If you're happy and you know it)
Sunny Day by Elizabeth Mitchell

Our early literacy skill was: Narrative Skills
Narrative Skills is expressive language, including being able to describe things, to tell events in order, and to retell stories.

You can practice Narrative Skills at home by using simple props to tell stories. You don't need fancy flannel or puppets - popsicle sticks, paper, and tape make great puppets, or check out the library's collection of toys, which include book and puppet/stuffed animal combinations.

More stories and songs to try at home:
Look for more winter-themed stories on the seasonal display above the children's movies.

If you liked our penguin song, try making up your own rhymes to go with the tune of "If you're happy and you know it" you'll be amazed at how easy it is! Some of our other favorites include Mr. Turkey, and Mr. Crocodile.

Our art project this week was: Fingerpaint

Our take home craft is: Snowballs
You will need: Very strong thread and scissors
Tie the strips of white felt together a few at a time until you have a fluffy ball. A safe "snowball" to throw indoors!

Library events for ages 3-6 coming soon:
January 11, Lego Club, drop by between 3:30 and 5
January 12, Elephant and Piggie Kids' Club, 3:30pm, stories, puppets, and crafts for ages 3-8
January 13, Back to school with books and butterflies at 3:30pm. Paint beautiful butterflies and check out all the amazing new books the library has available!

For more library events, new books, and more, check out our website at www.elkhorn.lib.wi.us, join us on Facebook, or talk to a librarian. Please let me know if you have suggestions or questions!

Jennifer Wharton
Youth Services Librarian
jwharton@elkhorn.lib.wi.us
262-723-2678 ext. 14

Snow in Summer by Jane Yolen

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

The lovely cover, with its hidden pictures and intertwined stories, perfectly captures the delicate beauty of this fairy tale retelling. Yolen eschews the modern fashion for fairy tale retellings that veer towards cheerful fantasy or contemporary humor and returns to the roots of the fairy tales, weaving signs and superstitions, religion and belief, and the growth and strength of a single character.

Snow in Summer is left almost an orphan when her mother dies. Only the loving care of her courtesy aunt, Nancy, protects her when her father retreats into his own grief-filled world. Until the day he comes home with a strange woman. Summer becomes Snow and Stepmama takes over her life until she forgets what warmth and love are like.

As Summer grows she begins to struggle against Stepmama's power and in a final desperate attempt to escape she makes a new life for herself. In the end, she has her happy-ever-after and frees her family from the evil spell of a dangerous witch.

There is a constant tension throughout the story as the reader waits for something climatically awful to happen to Summer, besides the slow destruction of her life and spirit. The language is simple but beautiful, pulling the reader through the tale to the slow blooming happiness of Summer's conclusion. This is aimed at the older end of middle grade, with much of the magic wound about Summer getting her period and some other more mature themes.

Verdict: Not for every fantasy fan, this is unlikely to appeal to either younger children who like fantasy/humor-themed retellings of fairy tales or older readers who expect a romantic tale. However, if you have children - and adults - who truly love fairy tales and the blending of legend and magic, they will enjoy this carefully crafted retelling.

ISBN: 978-0-399-25663-9; Published November 2011 by Philomel; ARC provided by publisher through Raab Associates

Nonfiction Monday: Look at that building! A first book of structures by Scot Ritchie

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

Scot Ritchie has followed up last year's Follow that Map! with a new nonfiction book for young readers and listeners on structures.

Beginning with foundations, each spread takes the group of friends through the parts of a building as they research buildings on their way to and at the library, planning to build a doghouse. The book finishes with instructions on building a house with marshmallows and popsicle sticks.

The text is easily understandable by young children and does a good job of explaining the basic elements in a building; foundation, frame, support beams, columns, roofs, etc.

However, I was disappointed by the pictures. The cartoon-style illustrations didn't give the amount of detail I would have liked to see and although each of the five children are identified by name at the beginning, it's difficult to remember which is which, especially because the featured child, shown in a small inset in the text, does not match the child being talked about in the text, whom you have to hunt for in the pictures.

Verdict: Not as good as Ritchie's first book, but still a solid explanation of structures for the very young.

ISBN: 9781554536962; Published September 2011 by Kids Can Press; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab Associates

This week at the library; or, Planning, planning, planning!

2012-01-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

Our last short week - Tuesday through Friday. It's all been planning, planning, planning for programs. Or it was supposed to be.

Tuesday - Panic! My lovely large new book order is still marked "pending." I need those books by the 13th! I called BWI and they take care of it for me (see, this is one of the many reasons I LOVE BWI. GREAT customer service! Thank you Laura!!) Note to self - next year, plan this program LATER.

Struggling with displays - I often see articles in library magazines or online talking about using displays when you're understaffed....well, I generally spend an average of about an hour a day filling in and straightening displays. Not making new ones, selecting books, creating slogans/decorations, etc. Just keeping them filled in. Our displays are hugely popular, but I'm going crazy trying to keep up with them on top of everything else! I am working on handing the teen displays over to my aide and trying to plan out the displays a little more. I tried last year and ...yeah, trying again.

Yay! Newsletter done! We're trying everything combined in the newsletter, instead of separate event calendars.

Got all my supplies for January ordered. I hate to do it month at a time, because I'm always worrying about running out of money by the fall, but unless I plan all my programs ahead of time, which is NOT happening, I don't know what supplies I will need.

Argh, I'm behind on my scheduled blog posts! Will have to take care of that Wednesday night. I've been so busying cleaning up old posts and reorganizing links and tags that I got behind in writing new ones!

Wednesday - visited all the schools and daycares, dropping off flyers and a letter to the staff and teachers. Got a call back from the biggest daycare/preschool who wants to come for a visit!

However, I seem to be unable to convince our nearest elementary school to visit regularly. The kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades come once in the fall, I visit all the schools in late May/June for summer reading promotion, but can I get 3rd grade to come for a monthly visit and check out books? No, I cannot. I am at my wits' end!

Got completely SLAMMED on the desk all afternoon, crazy busy! Endless questions about ereaders! Penguins! Class textbook lists! But managed to get the puppets mended and a few other minor things done.

Thursday. Another busy, busy day. Somehow my "planning" times always seem to coincide with our busiest times at the library...a day of disappointments - I can't afford (or fit) the giant whale I wanted for our summer kickoff (trust me - it was COOL) and I think I'm coming down with a cold...two best stumpers of the evening "I saw it in your new chapter books last year, or maybe the year before and the cover was light blue and looked kind of like the Never Ending Story" and, even better "a movie that was a sequel"

Friday. 7th/8th grade teacher wants me to visit = very cool. She needs especially books of short stories and drama - racking my brain! Also worried, since I don't often visit older grades, about appropriateness...sigh. I am sure it will go ok. But if anybody has suggestions...

Augh! Somebody drew with marker on my new flannel board! I hadn't even used it yet!

Awful salesguy from a preview company is USING MY NAME to try to get into neighboring libraries. I am now going to make a New Year's Resolution: In this future year, I will stand up for myself against salespeople and I give myself permission to be rude if they refuse to leave me alone. As part of that resolution, I suggest avoiding all contact with said salesperson and their company:

Jack Lynn
Olympia Books
PO Box 76
Olympia Fields IL 60451
708-755-4909

The salesman gives a heavy salestalk, is very rude and difficult to get rid of, refuses to leave a business card or contact information, the books are inferior, the discount is poor. I am furious at allowing myself to be pressured to buy from him and in this coming year promise myself that I will hang up, kick out, and otherwise refuse all salespeople. ROAAWR!

NOT READY!! Programs starting!! Aghhhh!!!

Three New Picture Books from Kids Can Press

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

My Name is Elizabeth by Annika Dunklee, illustrated by Matthew Forsythe

Elizabeth is a girl who knows her own mind - and her own name. That name is not Lizzy or Beth, or Betsy. It is ELIZABETH!! Readers will cheer for enthusiastic and determined Elizabeth who finally gets everyone to acknowledge her name after suffering through a series of nicknames. She has a charming egotism, "I also like that there is a queen named after me" and Dunklee's text, a running dialogue between Elizabeth and her world, is perfect in tone and phrasing.

Forsythe's art, in black, orange, and blue, is delightful in line and style. Elizabeth is a perky young girl with a sassy pixie hair cut and indefatigable energy, moving through life with verve and a pet duck. There are little jokes and humorous asides throughout the pictures, but the focus never leaves Elizabeth who is always the focal point of each spread.

Verdict: A delightful debut for both author and illustrator, I highly recommend this title and look forward to more.

ISBN: 978-1-55453-560-6; Published September 2011 by Kids Can Press; Review copy provided by the publisher through Raab Associates

Kitten's Winter by Eugenie Fernandes
Fernandes finishes her quartet of season books on a high point with this story of Kitten's journey home. Running through the snow, sliding across the pond, slipping between the trees, Kitten passes numerous winter animals until she reaches her own cozy bed. Like Fernandes' other titles in this series, there is opportunity for endless discussion and seek and find fun in the pictures, looking for Kitten, discussing what different animals do in the winter, and find the subtle little elements in each spread - a blowing snowman's hat, an inquisitive bird, and more.

The artwork is a fascinating mixture of clay, collage, and acrylics, offering another opportunity for discussion and programming. Endless hours can be spent examining each page for all the different materials used and making your own kitten collages!

Verdict: The simple language in this last of the quartet is, as always, perfect for toddler storytimes, while the vibrant and complex art makes this a good book for discussion with older kids or for an example in art programming. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 978-155453-343-5; Published September 2011 by Kids Can Press; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab Associates; Purchased for the library

Reaching by Judy Ann Sadler, illustrated by Susan Mitchell
Soft pastels show a large family expressing their love for Baby, from parents to cousins, grandparents to aunts and uncles. The rhythmic rhyming text swings Baby from one set of hands to another, playing, reading, and cuddling.

I'm not the best audience for this book, since I'm not a fan of rhyming picture books, "mommy love" picture books, or any combination thereof.

However, the pictures are sweet but not too saccharine, the rhymes are competent, and this will be a favorite with families who like to read these stories to their little ones.

Verdict: Recommended for library collections, just not for me. I prefer Sadler's many excellent craft books.

ISBN: 9781554534562; Published August 2011 by Kids Can Press; Review copy provided by the publisher through Raab Associates

Two New Picture Books From Jane Yolen

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Kelly Murphy.

Yolen's simple text, "Monsters slither, monsters wave/All in a hurry to get to their cave" is glowingly illustrated with Murphy's oil, acrylic and gel paintings.

I was underwhelmed by Yolen's text. The whole poem reads:
"Monsters creep, monsters crawl
Over the meadow and up the wall.
Monsters run, monsters stumble,
Monsters hip-hop, monsters tumble,
Monsters slither, monsters wave
All in a hurry to get to their cave...
Where monsters grab a bite to eat,
Then into the tub to wash their feet,
Then monster prayers and into bed,
But they toss and turn and bounce instead.
Growl Gurgle
Burp Grrrr
Snarl Snarf
I'm not sleepy.
zzzzz"

The change in rhythm and the disintegration into sounds at the end - it just didn't work for me. However, I'm always reading with an eye for storytime and while this one won't shine in that area, I can see it working well as a one-on-one bedtime story with the slow building of repetition and drifting off to sleep.

Murphy's pop-eyed monsters add just enough "ick" factor while still giving a cozy feel to the tale. Picture book authors seem to have an irresistable compulsion to write bedtime stories, often featuring monsters, and so few get the balance between sweet and scary just right, but Murphy and Yolen have done a good job here.

Verdict: This isn't going to replace Rosoff's Jumpy Jack and Googily or Noll's I Need My Monster in my affections, but it's a solid addition that patrons will be happy to check out again and again. Recommended.

ISBN: 978-0763642013; Published July 2011 by Candlewick; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab Associates

Sister Bear: A Norse Tale adapted by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Linda Graves

I've been excited about this title ever since I first heard about it last spring! Full disclosure: I am fascinated with Scandinavian folklore and fairy stories and especially those tales with bears.

Interestingly, Jan Brett also has a version of this tale, Who's that knocking on Christmas Eve? published in 2002 by Putnam, but Yolen takes a very different approach to the story.

The basic story (the title I'm most familiar with is The Cat on the Dovrefell)...every year a pack of trolls make trouble on Christmas Eve, eating up all the family's good things. One year, a traveler with a bear stops by and with his help the trolls are frightened away.

Yolen's retelling focuses on the bear and its owner, a girl named Halva in this story. She raises the bear from a cub and it becomes tame, learning to dance, wear clothes, and hunt for the family until they call it "Sister Bear". Halva and her bear decide to go and see the king of Denmark and set out in the snow. On Christmas Eve, they stop at the Dovrefell and ask to spend the night in a cottage - but the man, Gusterson, says he and his family have to leave every Christmas Eve because of the pack of trolls who take over the house. Halva refuses to leave and she and Sister Bear settle down for the night in the cozy cottage...until along came the pack of trolls! They eat all the food and make a big mess, but then they start teasing Sister Bear, thinking she's a cat. The trolls are chased out, Halva cleans house, and the family invites her to come back every year! With one last warning to the trolls, Halva and Sister Bear finish their journey to the king, where they are a great success, and every year afterwards they spend Christmas with the Gustersons.

Yolen's lyrical writing captures the sparkling flavor of the Scandinavian tale, with the characters' brisk chatter, clever tricks, and the stupid but dangerous trolls. The retelling hits all the major points of the original story while still being a good length for a read-aloud with younger children.

Linda Graves' illustrations are the perfect fit, with elaborately patterned clothes, glowing firesides and shining snowy landscapes, and a horde of tattooed and terrifying trolls.

Yolen includes an author's note detailing the tale's origins and some of the changes she's made to the story, along with sources and references.

Verdict: Add this one to your fairy tale collection and to your winter storytelling repertoire. A few sound effects make it an alternatively creepy and funny story for older listeners, while preschool children will appreciate a straight read-aloud with the swinging cadence of the text carrying them through the longer story. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 9780781459583; Published November 2011 by Marshall Cavendish; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab Associates

Nonfiction Monday: Two Titles from OwlKids

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

On an American Day vol. 1: Story voyages through history, 1750 - 1899 by Rona Arato, illustrated by Ben Shannon.

This oversized paperback volume contains historical fiction set in different areas during the 1750 - 1899 time period with further historical information about the time after each story. Each story is about fictional children in a specific time period and includes the appearance of a major historical character.

"A different kind of friend" tells the story of two fictional boys in Philadelphia 1765, one Irish Catholic, one Jewish, as they learn about religious tolerance. The additional information gives the historical context for religious freedom in Philadelphia, talks about Benjamin Franklin, and explains a little about Quakers and their legacy, including the Underground Railroad.
"A recipe for victory" looks at Valley Forge from the perspective of a young Oneida girl, Polly Cooper (an actual historical figure). The additional information talks about Valley Forge and the Oneida's heritage and continued fight for their rights.
"A new way to see" introduces a girl named Emma, being sent to the Perkins School for the Blind in 1838 Boston. The additional information gives context for the Perkins School for the Blind and talks about Dr. Howe and Laura Bridgman.
"A gold nugget for Adam" is placed in Sacramento 1855 and shows a young boy named Adam trying to break his father of the gold fever and gambling and go back home to their family. The following historical section talks about the gold rush and how the US took over California.
"A boy with a drum" looks at the second Battle of Bull Run, in VA 1862 through the eyes of a drummer boy. The historical information talks about the importance of the battle and the place of drummer boys in the war.
"No more masters" is set in Berea, KY, 1867 and shows a freed girl named Cora in the specially integrated town. The historical information explains the history of the community and its involvement in human rights.
"The last rail" shows a 14 year old Chinese boy named Chan involved in the building of the railroad in Utah, 1869. The historical information talks about the part Chinese laborers played in the building of the transcontinental railroad - and the railroad's part in opening up the west.
"Finding Sarah" presents Clara Barton through the eyes of a young girl who has survived the Johnstown Flood in 1889. The historical information talks about the flood, and the part the Red Cross and the telegraph played.
"A new hope" is the final story and talks about two immigrant Italian orphans and their experience in Hull House in Chicago 1899.

One the one hand, the stories and historical afterwords contain a lot of interesting information. They focus on historical events and time periods from a child's point of view and include a racially and culturally diverse group of people and children. The historical information also includes photographs and spotlights on famous people and buildings.

On the other hand, I am doubtful about fictionalized stories - it seems to me it would be better to research and write the stories of real children and their lives. While the historical contexts appeared to be well-researched, there were no sources or bibliography with further information.

The stories themselves were rather poorly written, sometimes choppy, and the dialogue often seemed stilted and unreal. It seemed that many of them were staged to present certain ideas and often seemed to be more contemporary in their views of immigrants, native peoples, and tolerance although prejudice was shown as well.

Verdict: These would make an interesting introduction to the various historical time periods and some little-known events and people, but I would make sure they were not the only resource on the subject. Probably best as an additional resource in a school library

ISBN: 978-1-926818917; Published September 2011 by OwlKids; Review copy provided by the publisher

Learn to speak dance: A guide to creating, performing and promoting your moves by Ann-Marie Williams, designed and illustrated by Jeff Kulak.

Once I had gotten used to the oddly retro style of illustration, I really enjoyed this book. It walks kids through different styles of dance, learning to create moves, and finally perform and promote a show. Along the way, there are quotes from dancers, historical information, information about how people learn to dance, the importance of dance in our lives, and more.

The picture book-sized paperback may be a difficult sell, but if you have any tweens or teens interested in dance it's worth adding this to your collection and convincing them to take a look. I think the book could have been improved with photographs, instead of illustrations, of the various techniques and historical dance moves, but the modernistic illustrations were adequate and fun.

Verdict: An interesting and well-presented book with plenty of information. Recommended.

ISBN: 978-1-92681888-7; Published September 2011 by Owlkids; Review copy provided by the publisher

Cybils Finalists!

2012-01-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

Cybils finalists are up! And this is my last Cybils post for 2011...and my first post for 2012! Anne Levy mentioned the idea of a "personal shortlist" of books that didn't make the "real" shortlist, which I think is kind of interesting, but I have to say I'm completely satisfied with our Nonfiction Picture Book shortlist. Did I have favorites that didn't make the list? Yes. But everything on the list is completely deserving and I get behind it 100%!

So, here's my take on the finalists! I'm going to make an effort to buy as many as possible of the shortlists in February, so as to have a really good Cybils award display. So this reflects my personal opinion and what I plan to purchase for the library, not the particular merits of the books which excellent judges have debated before me (-:)

Easy Readers and Beginning Chapter Books
I have lots of love for this category. It was my first experience with Cybils and I loved it soooo much! Beginning Chapters and Easy Readers are two of the top-circ'ing items in my library and I feel that they are often overlooked. Over the past few years - ever since my first Cybils experience in fact, I have worked hard on adding new and interesting fiction and nonfiction in this category and patrons have responded with enthusiasm.

Aggie Gets Lost by Lori Ries (I'm not a huge fan personally of the Aggie books; we only own a few and their circulation is not amazing, but decent. Still, this goes on the purchase list)
Dodsworth in Rome by Tim Egan (Again, not a Dodsworth fan. I find them too....adult? I feel the humor isn't really for younger kids. A bit too sophisticated for my audience)
Frog and Friends by Eve Bunting (Missed this one! Looks fun though...oh, it's a series! Will buy it!)
I broke my trunk by Mo Willems (Own of course! Looking forward to our new Elephant and Piggie Kids' Club, which is going to focus on being friends and telling stories - folk tales and puppetry!)
Clementine and the family meeting by Sarah Pennypacker (Already own! Love the beginning of this story)
Have fun Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke (Already owned and reviewed! These don't circulate as much as I would like, but they're popular with those who have discovered them and I've gotten some teachers interested)
Just Grace and the double surprise by Cherise Harper (Have to admit I have not bought any Harper chapter books b/c I don't like her art style. Will skip this one because I'd have to buy the whole series...)
Like pickle juice on a cookie by Julie Sternberg (I just don't get the popularity of this one. I really don't. But...I have a sad feeling it's my own prejudices that are holding me back. So onto the order list it goes for February!)
Trouble with chickens by Doreen Cronin (I didn't really "get" this one either, but tested it on some kids and it was a go, so I bought it!)

Fantasy and Science Fiction (Middle Grade)
I've been focusing on realistic fiction this last year, trying not to get too overwhelmed with thick fantasy sequels. Thanks to all the panelists who picked out the best for me as I add in just a couple more things...I can't buy EVERYTHING, sadly, but I've noted which things I think will circulate best in my library.

A Monster calls by Siobhan Dowd and Patrick Ness (I wasn't sure about this one, but a patron asked for it last month and I just bought it. We'll see how it circs.)
Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu (It's been on my to read list for a while, but I hadn't added it to the library yet. I was sort of waiting for it to win an award....Will now put it on the order list.)
Dragon castle by Joseph Bruchac (Another one that's been waiting on my to read list! I've gotten really behind on my fantasy reading. My kids loooove their dragons, so this should be a hit when I purchase it)
Icefall by Matthew Kirby (hmmm, not really sure about the appeal of this in my library. Seems too...historyish? But I will trust the Cybils judges and buy it!)
Cheshire Cheese cat by Carmen Agra Deedy (I'm going to pass this one by. I just don't see it appealing in my library. The whole Victorian/Dickens thing...uh, no)
Inquisitor's Apprentice by Chris Moriarty (If I'm going to buy a history-based fantasy, Icefall is it, so this one is a pass this time around)
Tuesdays at the castle by Jessica Day George (Bought it! My kids love George's middle grade fantasies. I was so disappointed that I didn't manage to read the whole thing - had to return it for the kids waiting for it and life just took over me. It's still on my to read and review list. But I loved the first couple chapters!)

Fantasy and Science Fiction (Young Adult)
I'm never quite sure what to do with the young adult collection in the area of fantasy. YA is only 3% of my total circulation, but is read by adults as well as teens and tweens. I have readers who are fans of Twilighty romances, Hunger Games dystopias, Eragon-like epic fantasies, and some who will just read anything I hand them, while others will only touch those books with covers they like. With my new budget, I receive 4 books a month from Junior Library Guild, which I feel covers the more "literary" and older young adult section, leaving me free to purchase 10 books a month that are, well, FUN. So, what have I missed this year? Probably a lot, but Cybils will hopefully fill the gaps!

Angelfall: Penryn and the end of days by Susan Ee (I'm guessing this is the self-published book Anne Levy hinted at. Sadly, it's not available through my vendor and I rarely buy books through Amazon, so I'm going to pass on it.)
Anna dressed in blood by Kendare Blake (Hmm, horror and mystery. I'll buy it)
Blood red road by Moira Young (I've bought several other dystopias - and received some war-torn fiction through JLG - and I think the language in this will be too much for most of my teens. Pass on this one)
Misfit by Jon Skovron (I can hand this to my teen and adult fans of Cassandra Clare I think. I'll buy it)
Red glove by Holly Black (I've been trying to steer away from series, buying only the first book. But Holly Black is quite popular - she gets stolen regularly. I'll put my faith in our soon-to-be-installed security cameras and buy this one)
Girl of fire and thorns by Rae Carson (When I read the reviews of this, I recommended it to Sara The Librarian. She was SO ENTHUSIASTIC about it, that I just purchased it and it's on the new cart in my office right now!)
Shattering by Karen Healey (Hmmm, I remember looking at Guardian of the Dead, but I don't think I bought it. I'll go ahead and buy this one, sounds intruiguing)

Fiction Picture Books
This was definitely the most time-intensive panel I've been on, when I was part of Round 1 Judging for this group last year in 2010. I've had to miss out on a lot of picture books this year because of budget concerns and the over-crowding of our picture book section, but now that I've finished weeding the picture books and have a budget increase, I plan to go nuts with picture books in 2012!

Blackout by John Rocco (Beautiful. So glad I bought this one)
Do you know which ones will grow? by Susan Shea (Finally got this one a few weeks ago - instant favorite! Only used it in storytime once, but already a hit!)
I had a favorite dress by Boni Ashburn (Illustrated by Julia Denos, so OF COURSE I bought it. Lovely new look at the "Joseph had a little overcoat" story cycle)
I want my hat back by Jon Klassen (Have to admit I wasn't one of the fans of this book. Will break down and buy it now)
Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell (This was moved out of our nonfiction category. I've seen LOTS of buzz for it, but have always been doubtful about picture book bios for the very young - well, for anyone, really, but we don't want to discuss that now - anyways. I will go with the masses and buy this one)
Press here by Herve Tullet (Bought this one. Bought it again. Plan to buy a third copy soon)
Princess and the pig by Jonathan Emmett (Oh, this one is FUN. Just discovered it and plan to buy it asap)

Graphic Novels (Elementary/Middle Grade)
I aspire to be on this panel. Yep, I'm a panel-hopper. I didn't really discover graphic novels and comics until I was in graduate school, having confined my interest to Asterix and Tintin before that time. However, a traumatic encounter with Neil Gaiman's Sandman inspired me to read more graphic novels - preferably NOT involving serial killers - and I've become a fascinated devotee of the form. Joining No Flying No Tights as a reviewer was one of my most exciting new things this year and I have plans to expand the juvenile graphic novel section in our library in the near future.

Hereville: How Mirka got her sword by Barry Deutsch (I loved this one, but I just don't think it will circ well for us. Oh well)
Nursery Rhyme Comics (Hmmm, I liked this, but wasn't sure about circulation. I will go with the majority here and add this one in)
Sidekicks by Dan Santat (Loved it! Bought it!)
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick (Bought it, of course.)
Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke (Oh, I did love this one. So did all the kids I have handed it to.)

Graphic Novels (Young Adult)
I've focused on manga this past year for the young adults, as I've had trouble pushing graphic novels on the older kids. But there's some really good stuff this year which I think will circulate!

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol (Reviewed this for No Flying No Tights - it's definitely the successor to Telgemeier's Smile. On the order list!)
Bad Island by Doug TenNapel (I found this fascinating, but wasn't sure if the kids would be interested. Will buy it and see)
Feynman by Jim Ottaviani (I've found this author's nonfiction fascinating, but nonfiction graphic novels are really, really hard to push, especially in the teen section, so I'll give this a pass)
Level up by Gene Luen Yang (Might see if my director wants to buy this for the adult collection. I don't think it's of interest to the younger teens in my teen section)
Page by Paige by Laura Lee Gulledge (Oh, I loved this one. Love, love, love! Bought it asap after ALA Midwinter last year)

Middle Grade Fiction
This is the category I've really focused on this past year in the juvenile fiction. I felt I was emphasizing fantasy too much and really needed more realistic, funny, contemporary fiction. Let's see what I missed...

Darth Paper strikes back by Tom Angleberger (This is a great series, popular with kids, parents, and teachers. Easy to booktalk, fun to read, with plenty of points for discussion and deeper thought. Bought it, of course)
Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri (It's on my To Read list, but I'm not sure it would circ. Pass on this one)
Nerd Camp by Elissa Weissman (Totally missed this one! Looks hilarious! Will buy it!)
Friendship doll by Kirby Larson (I've got an ARC of this somewhere...it's an intriguing concept, but would be a hard sell. Will pass)
Great wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wang-Long Shan (Passed over this when I saw it before, but another look at the reviews...I'll buy it)
Warp speed by Lisa Yee (Read it. Reviewed it. Loved it. Bought it.)
Words in the dust by Trent Reedy (Put it on the order list, took it off, put it on, took it off...now I'm really going to buy it this time)

Nonfiction for Middle Grade and Young Adult
This is a hard age for nonfiction. I personally love historical and archaeological titles, but kids only seem to like factoid books and sports. Somehow, we manage to meet in the middle. Let's see what Cybils is presenting...

Amelia Lost by Candace Fleming (The only Amelia Earhart biography you will need. I need to replace our entire biography section and this is one of the first steps)
How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous by Georgia Bragg (I was satisfied with Dreadful Fates, until I read this recently. Now we need both! Ordering now!)
Into the unknown by Stewart Ross (On my to read list, but the flaps and loose bits aren't going to work well in my library. Have to pass.)
Many faces of George Washington by Carla McClafferty (This is one I'd enjoy reading, but I don't think it will circ. enough. Have to pass.)
The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin (Bought this - been meaning to move it from the 973s where it ended up to the biographies, where it will circ. more, I think.)
Unraveling Freedom by Ann Bausum (I went back and forth on buying this - fairly local author, interesting topic, but I felt the presentation was a little disorganized and it would be a hard book to push. Hmmm....I'm going to buy it)

Nonfiction Picture Books
My category! We saw, as I had expected, a lot of picture book biographies but also many other amazing books (and some less than amazing, although nothing as truly hilariously awful as some of the picture book nominations last year...) I'm excited for more nonfiction read-alouds, as it's a major part of my Preschool Interactive program.

All the water in the world by Kate Coombs (My review here. Bought this a while ago and it is already well-loved)
Bring on the birds by Susan Stockdale (My review here. I expect this to be as popular as Fabulous Fishes. Added to the order list!)
Can we save the tiger by Martin Jenkins (Bought this and was initially disappointed by circ. numbers, but it seems to be picking up. My review here.)
I feel better with a frog in my throat by Carlyn Beccia (Very fun - and gross - looking forward to booktalking this one, as soon as I buy it. My review here.)
Planting the wild garden by Kathryn Galbraith (I've loved this one since I saw the galley at ALA Midwinter last year. I've used it in many storytimes and it's always popular. My review here.)
Case of the vanishing golden frogs by Sandra Markle (Scientists in the Field for younger children. 'Nuff said. Haven't bought it yet only b/c it's only available in library bound. Will now expend the needed cash. My review here.)
Thunder birds by Jim Arnosky (Amazing. Just amazing. How did I miss this earlier this year? Buying it now. Review here.)

Poetry
I sometimes feel bad that I rarely buy poetry. Well, not very often, but occasionally. We have approximately four shelves of poetry books however, which is a HUGE collection for a library our size. I simply can't justify buying more books in this area without weeding a lot - and there are so many other things that need to be weeded. And so many other things that circulate more. However, I do buy a few every year - let's see if we need another book or two in this area.

Cousins of Clouds by Tracy Zimmer (Nope.)
Dear hot dog by Mordicai Gerstein (Nope.)
Emma Dilemma by Kristine George (This one I've been planning to buy and will do so - putting it in picture books)
Requiem by Paul Janeczko (Nope)
Self-portrait with seven fingers by J. Patrick Lewis and Jane Yolen (Nope)
We are America by Walter Dean Myers (Nope)

Young Adult Fiction
See remarks above about young adult fantasy. In this category, I hover between "literature" and well-reviewed titles, and chick lit romances. And I never have enough mysteries or "guy books". I'm hoping my new orders from Junior Library Guild in 2012 will help even things out.

Anna and the French kiss by Stephanie Perkins (couldn't make up my mind on this one - will go ahead and buy it now)
Between shades of gray by Ruta Sepetys (ran out of money for this one, but plan to buy it...oh, someone bought it for adult. Well, that takes care of that)
Bunheads by Sophie Flack (another one I meant to buy - will go ahead and do so now)
Everybody sees the ants by A. S. King (I'm not convinced teens will check this out. Pass on this one)
Frost by Marianna Baer (I actually checked this out but was disappointed - my teens prefer more action and resolution in their stories. Pass)
Leverage by Joshua Cohen (Could have sword I ordered this! Will do so now)
Stupid fast by Geoff Herback (Got this through Junior Library Guild)

And that's the list! Looking forward to wonderful award displays and books in February!

This week at the library; or, No post-holiday let-down here!

2011-12-31T07:00:00.000-06:00

We were closed on Monday, and I utilized the time figuring out how to fit all my bookshelves into my new (smaller) apartment. Hmmm. Sometimes it just doesn't work. Fortunately, my upstairs neighbor, Sara The Librarian, needs bookshelves...

Tuesday - held off the post-holiday letdown (not that I actually celebrated the holiday, but whatever) by spending $2,000 on books. Yay! Sent my January order early, b/c I will need lots of new books for a program, and ordered lots of new nonfiction from Bearport! Also had a staff meeting and we decided, sadly, that middle schoolers not actually "using" the library will be asked to leave. No more hanging out at the library. Sigh.

Wednesday - suddenly realized exactly how I will run my new program, the Elephant and Piggie Club. Trying to plan programs in between end of year magazine weeding, new books, etc. etc.

Thursday - Finished cleaning my old apartment, still trying to get internet for my new apartment (insert shrieks of massive annoyance and much moaning and rage), got visited by a preview company (even when I reluctantly buy stuff, I really, really dislike these companies in general. A couple of the salesguys are ok, but in general - one of the things I hate about my job is dealing with this. Would like a large sign "I DO NOT BUY FROM PREVIEW COMPANIES" to hang over my desk)

Short week! I celebrated New Year's by continuing to unpack, going to Ikea, and starting work on cleaning up my blog and LibraryThing catalog, both much neglected since my loss of internet in November. I am cautiously optimistic about the internet I have gotten from US Cellular...beware company, if you fail me a children's librarian's curse will fall upon your head!

Kids Can Press Graphic Novel Sequels and New Series

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

Today, we're going to see out the old year with both new additions to some favorite series and some brand new starts. Kids Can Press's venture into graphic novels has been extremely successful. Their well-written stories, great art, and superb bindings make their small but select offerings definite requirements for any librarian's order list. Let's see how their newest offerings stack up...

In Binky's first two adventures, he successfully built (sort of) a space rocket and then ventured into outer space itself to protect his best friend from space aliens. Now, in Binky Under Pressure, Ashley Spires delivers another uniquely delightful story of a cat unlike any other. Binky's life has become routine, his daily round monotonous. Then Gracie appears. At first Binky is suspicious and very, very unhappy about having another cat in the house. Until Gracie's secret identity is revealed! Now Binky will have to prove his worth as a space cat all over again, or be kicked out of F.U.R.S.T. Does he have what it takes? Will he and Gracie ever be friends?

Verdict: This series remains fresh and funny, with new twists and characters keeping the story alive throughout this third installment. If you already have the first two Binky books, you'll need to add this one. If you missed out, add all three!

ISBN: 9781554535040; Published September 2011 by Kids Can Press; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab; Purchased for the library

The Sign of the Black Rock is the next installment in Scott Chantler's exciting Three Thieves series. The first book introduced us Dessa, a young down on her luck acrobat and her two friends, the massive Fisk and thievish but not too clever Fisk. They unsuccessfully tried to burgle the queen's tower and are now on the run, with mysterious and soldiers following them all the way.

I was disappointed in this book because none of the plot lines left dangling in the first episode were cleaned up, just made more mysterious. We're introduced to a whole new cast of characters, smugglers, an unpleasant innkeeper, his abused wife, and we see some of the earlier characters return, but we're no closer to finding out Dessa's secrets than she is.

The story is fast-paced and interesting and I like the colorful art, but this book's intended audience are likely to lose interest if the story doesn't give up some secrets soon.

Verdict: Great art, and possibly interesting plot, but insanely annoying cliffhangers. An adult might hang on for more sequels (well, maybe not this adult) but most tweens will lose interest in the series quickly. I recommend waiting until the whole series - or a more substantial number of titles - are available before buying or reading.

ISBN: 9781554534166; Published September 2011 by Kids Can Press; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab; Purchased for the library

Now Bill Slavin's Big City Otto, first in the Elephants Never Forget graphic novel series, is a good example of leaving enough of the story for future volumes without confusing or exasperating readers.

Otto is miserable. He just can't forget his childhood friend, Georgie the monkey, although he's been missing for a long time. Crackers the parrot suggests that they try to find Georgie, and the two of them set off for America. But finding a small monkey in the big city isn't as simple as they had thought and soon they've been separated and Otto has gotten mixed up in a notorious gang of gators. Will Otto forget his old friends, or will he prove he's an elephant and remember they need him?

The quirky illustrations have a strong comic strip flavor and the plot dances through gators bedecked with bling, sneezing elephants, gypsies, zoos, escaped animals, and the mysterious villain, the man with the wooden nose. Although Otto doesn't find his friend Georgie, he and crackers break up a criminal gang and learn that there's a lot of world out there. They end the story with a new clue and the determination to keep searching for their friend, no matter what.

Verdict: This is an interesting new series; hand it to kids who like mysteries with some funny elements in it. The talking animals may be a problem for most mystery loving kids, who in my experience like their mysteries very realistic and conventional, but this would make a fun read-aloud for a younger child as well.

ISBN: 9781554534760; Published September 2011 by Kids Can Press; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab

Luz sees the light by Claudia Davila is the first in a new series, The Future According to Luz. Luz begins the story as a typical suburban kid, saving up for the shoes she's sure will make her popular, playing videogames and begging her mom for rides to the mall.

But rising gas prices, blackouts, and new friends change Luz's life. Now her family is working on buying local food and goods - which means the European shoes she longs for are out of the question. There's no more driving to the mall; she'll have to take a bus. Luz is miserable until she has a vision of what could be...and she decides to try her own project, reclaiming a vacant lot as a community gardens with local art, a park, farmer's market, and communal organic gardens. Her new friend Robert gives her shoes he designed himself and their freaky weird survivalist neighbor turns out to know quite a bit about how to make the world a better place for everyone.

The book is drawn in black, white, and brown shades. The simple art shows the rapidly changing emotions of Luz and her friends and how the vacant lot grows into a wonderful gathering place for the community.

I didn't buy Luz's sudden transformation from oblivious consumer to activist and quite a bit of the dialogue comes off as preachy infodumps. I think it would have worked better to have the information put into side panels instead of having the characters deliver lengthy explanations of what they're doing to survive the energy crisis and create a healthier, sustainable world.

Verdict: Good art and it's great to see a cast of multicultural characters, but too much lesson and not enough plot make this a rather blah read without much kid appeal. School librarians may be interested in purchasing this if their school does projects on sustainable living and it might be a good purchase for your library is there's interest on this topic in the community, as this is a good introduction for kids.

ISBN: 9781554535811; Published August 2011 by Kids Can Press; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab

December Carnival of Children's Literature

2011-12-28T07:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the December 28, 2011 Carnival of Children's Literature

I've marked specific holiday-related links and done a little editorializing here and there. Enjoy all the great links, ideas, reviews, and projects here and don't forget to check out January 2012's carnival at Delightful Children's Books

Book Projects

**Holiday** Carol Hampton Rasco presents Under the Tree... at Rasco from RIF showcasing a family tradition and lots of new holiday titles.
Eric Van Raepenbusch presents Happy Birthday William Joyce - December 11, posted at Happy Birthday Author. He has instructions for making Cocoa Moon Craters to celebrate William Joyce's birthday and his new book, The Man in the Moon, first in the Guardians of Childhood series.
GT Laden presents Harry Potter: Books cf Movies, posted at Greg Laden's Blog. Check out some Harry Potter stats!
My own contribution to this month's carnival is some stats on this year's Cybils Nonfiction Picture Book Nominations, posted here at Jean Little Library.
Lisa Ard presents Struggling with a book description, posted at Adventures in Writing and Publishing. This post discusses manuscript pitch, synopsis and description.

Early Literacy

Zoe Toft presents a review of Atinuke's newest book, The No. 1 Car Spotter and the Firebird posted at Playing by the Book. (I'm excited! I just finished the first title in this series and didn't know the sequel was out yet!)
Catherine Nichols presents Cybils Nominee: Toys Come Home, posted at The Cath in the Hat.

Fiction: Reviews and More!

J McManus has offered her stories about Talee, Anyia, and Nola for free at Read My Books for Free, posted at Journey of a Storyteller.
Ali B says novels about Vikings seem to be popular at the moment with UK publishers, and she has a round-up of her favorites, Norse Code, posted at Fantastic Reads.
**Holiday** Read Aloud Dad presents The Ultimate Christmas Read Aloud Collection, posted at Read Aloud Dad.
Pamela Jorrick presents her 13 year old daughter's review of Midnight Blue, posted at Blah, Blah, Blog.
**Holiday** Amy Broadmoore presents ten excellent snow-themed picture books - and some great snow activities - in 10 Children's Books About Snow, posted at Delightful Children's Books. (Thanks Amy! I never have enough snow books for my library displays!)
Pat Zietlow Miller presents KID REVIEW: Sophie dives into Bluefish, posted at Read, Write Repeat. 11 year old Sophie gives the high points of Bluefish and Pat offers some additional thoughts and links.
Jen Robinson presents All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin, posted at Jen Robinson's Book Page (Who wouldn't want to read about a dystopia where chocolate is illegal? I have to buy this for the teens!)
Margo Tanenbaum presents a book review of Jefferson's Sons: A Founding Father's Secret Children by Kimberley Brubaker Bradley, posted at The Fourth Musketeer. Margo says this is one of her favorite historical fiction releases this year - check it out!
**Holiday** Melissa Taylor presents an Educational Gift Guide for Kids: Books, posted at Imagination Soup. She says these are her favorite and what she thinks are the best books of 2011 - and I can tell you all, there's an amazing variety! Books for very young children, funny books, craft books, graphic novels, fiction, nonfiction, it's all there. Start making notes for next year!
Keely Parrack presents A Monster of a Writer - Newbery Ponders, posted at Fragments. "A critical analysis of the writing in the first page of A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness as part of Newbery pondering." This would make an interesting resource for a book club - especially if you have an adult book club that's interested in reading some children's literature.
Katie Sorene presents Top 10 Children's Tales set in Magical Lands, posted at Travel Blog - Tripbase. She says this is a selection of magical children's tales, 1865 - 2002 including timeless classics such as Peter Pan and the Wizard of Oz as well as more modern publications like Harry Potter and Coraline. (Very interesting list - I love Little Nemo the movie, but could never get into the comics. Hmm, I can see lots of discussion going on here! Hop over and comment!)
**Holiday** Jama Rattigan presents Loving Lisa Schroeder's Sprinkles and Secrets posted at Jama's Alphabet Soup. Enjoy her review and then follow the recipe for yummy cookies!
**Holiday** Erik Metz presents a review of Santa Claws, posted at Kid Book Ratings. He says, "Tis the season to be reviewing Christmas books..." (OK, this is NOT your usual Christmas book fare! Heh heh heh)
Debra Black presents a review of The Manual of Detection, posted at Litland (Sounds fun! I think I'll check this one out myself...)
**Holiday** Kate Coombs presents a YA Holiday Extravaganza of book suggestions at Book Aunt. She says, "Take a look at 9 books for YA readers--adventure, paranormal, mystery, realistic fiction, dystopian, and fantasy! Eight are new and the 9th won this year's Schneider Family Teen Book Award."
Brenda Kahn presents a review of Bluefish by Pat Schmatz, posted at Proseandkahn.
**Holiday** Janelle presents Children's Books that portray Nativity sets, posted at Brimful Curiosities (An interesting collection of holiday books - check it out!)
Amy presents all the juvenile and ya fiction she read in 2011 - and picks her favorites! Posted at Hope is the Word
Myra has a great list of wordless books posted at Gathering Books

Illustration

Toni presents Duck and Goose: How are you feeling? posted at Wifely Steps. She says, "A great children's book is one your toddler enjoys and one you enjoy reading with him too!" (That toddler is definitely enjoying!)

Interviews

Katie Davis presents Best 20 Books of 2011 posted at Katie Davis, Author/Illustrator. This is a podcast interview with two amazing librarians, Travis Jonker and John Schumacher!
Shirley Duke presents her latest book, Environmental Disasters, posted at SimplyScience Blog. The book explains and discusses past and recent disasters and their impact on the environment and Shirley also provides some related activities.

Nonfiction

Corinne Robson, Associate Editor presents a Week-end Book Review: Drawing from Memory by Allen Say, posted at PaperTigers Blog.
Roberta Gibson presents Off to Class: Incredible and Unusual Schools Around the World, posted at Wrapped in Foil. She says, "Susan Hughes takes a peek into unusual classrooms in this testament to the amazing resiliency of both education and children around the globe. This book has been nominated for a Cybils award in the MG/YA nonfiction category. (This is a very cool book! I recommend it!)
Jeff Barger presents a Nonfiction Monday post on Catherine Sill's About Hummingbirds, posted at NC Teacher Stuff. He says, "The artwork in About Hummingbirds is beautiful. It has a great mix of easy text in the narrative and detailed facts in the back matter."
Sarah Albee presents You Give Me Fever, posted at Sarah Albee. She says this is a post from her history blog aimed at middle grade readers, exploring topics such as the effect of insects on human history, history of sanitation, and funky fashion through the ages. (I say, when are we getting another book Ms. Albee? My middle schoolers yearn for a sequel to Poop Happened!)
Anastasia Suen presents another Nonfiction Monday post - Booktalking, featuring two books about the sea, one tropical and the other a 50 year exploration of the cold Arctic! posted at Booktalking
Sandra McLeod Humphrey presents Dare to Dream Big: from social nonconformist to world renowned philosopher and writer, posted at Dare to Dream Big. Her blog is part educational, part inspirational and each week she posts a new biography of someone who overcame great obstacles to attain their dream.

Poetry

Kathy Stinson presents An Intimate Examination of Sock Fluff - Part 1, posted at Turning the Pages: Kathy Stinson's Blog.
April Halprin Wayland shares an original poem, "First Book" and asks readers to share memories of their first book in What Was Your First Book? Comments will help provide books for needy children through FirstBook.org. Posted at Teaching Authors

That concludes this edition of the Carnival of Children's Literature. Submit your blog article to the next edition of Carnival of Children's Literature using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page. (Yes, we have been around since 2006!) For an email reminder of the location of the next carnival and announcement when it is posted, subscribe to Booktalking.

Emerald Atlas by John Stephens

2011-12-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

After ten years in increasingly miserable orphanages, Kate, Michael, and Emma are given one last chance at a mysterious school in Cambridge Falls.

Kate is the only one who remembers their parents and she is determined never to forget their promise to return, and never to forget her promise to care for her younger siblings. Michael is obsessed with dwarves, a book of dwarf history his only link with his parents. Emma has no memories of her parents and learned that she must fight for everything - and she does.

Strange magic, startling discoveries, trips back into time, betrayals, magical creatures, etc. etc. and so on ensue.

I read this book with mild enjoyment, but I can't see much difference from the "children without parents go on a quest" themed fantasy that seems to get churned out every month. Every book is going to be the new Big Fantasy, every one is touted to the skies, and they all seem to fall short.

This was a good read, with plenty of adventure and mystery, and although the characters were somewhat stereotypical (Kate is the Responsible Oldest Sibling With Guilt, Michael is the Quiet Middle Boy Who Knows Things and Emma is the Tough Youngest Girl Who Wants To Be Treated With Respect) Stephens flips this in a few cases as their desperate desire to have their parents back leads them to actions that betray each other. The dwarves were a humorous addition, although adding them doubled the weight of the plot, and I'm still deciding about the Noble But Aloof Natives.

Thick middle grade fantasies, the thicker the better, seem to be the order of the day. However, in my circulation statistics and in what I have observed, the market for these is rapidly declining. A small number of tweens read voraciously and can't get enough of these doorstopper books. But an even larger percentage are discouraged by such thick tomes. For example, the circulation of my juvenile series section (all thin chapter books and taking up two ranges of shelves) is about 3,000 a year. The circulation of my juvenile graphic novels (less than one range of shelves) is about 3,000 a year. The circulation of our juvenile fiction (mixture of thick and thin chapters, heavy on the thick, and cover about 4 ranges of shelving) is about 3,000 a year.

Get my point? I would like to see fewer series, and more slim volumes, like Gordon Korman's excellent quartets and trilogies of adventure stories that are broken in manageable bites. With shrinking budgets and shelf space and waning interest in reading, I'm looking for fantasies that stand out - and this one just doesn't.

Verdict: I did actually buy this one, since it hit the bestseller list and was lauded on many blogs and in reviews. I wish I'd had the time to read it first, as I now rather regret that and would recommend only buying it if you have a large population of thick fantasy readers or a generous budget.

ISBN: 978-0-375-86870-2; Published April 2011 by Alfred Knopf; Reviewed from ARC picked up at ALA Midwinter 2011; Purchased for the library

Nonfiction Monday

2011-12-26T07:01:00.000-06:00

Please leave your links in the comments and I will add them throughout the day. It may take a little while to get them up - I don't have internet in my new apartment yet, so have to keep running upstairs to borrow Sara The Librarian's internet...

As it seemed to work well last time, I've arranged the posts by Dewey number, more or less.

500s: Math and Science (Animals, Physics)

The Nonfiction Detectives have a review of Just a Second by Steve Jenkins.
MacLibrary has a post on the gorgeous A Butterfly is Patient by Dianna Hutts Aston
Shirley Duke has a post with activities on her new book, Forces and Motion at Work at SimplyScience Blog

600s: Applied Technology (Inventions)

I'm in this category with my post on Dora Lee's Biomimicry: Inventions Inspired by Nature

700s: Arts and Entertainment (Artists, Art)

Jeanne Walker Harvey has a post on The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse by Eric Carle at True Tales and a Cherry On Top (most libraries put this in picture books, but it could also go in the 700s)
Anastasia Suen at Booktalking has a picture book and chapter book of the day - Winter Colors by Brian Enslow and Van Gogh by David Spence

900s: History (Biography)

The Swimmer Writer has a post on Sky High: The True Story of Maggie Gee

Nonfiction Monday: Biomimicry by Dora Lee, illustrated by Margot Thompson

2011-12-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

As the cover shows, this book is all about inventions modeled on nature; biomimicry, the imitation of life.

The book begins with a discussion of how humans are destroying the planet, but learning from nature a more sustainable way of life could help save it. We see inventions from the past that are based on principles found in nature; camouflage, Velcro, and even the motor.

The bulk of the book is divided into sections examined different sciences where inventions are being modeled on natural organisms - or could be. "Shaped for survival" - how about a house air-conditioned like a termite mound? "Smart Structures" - or did you know Olympic swimmers wear swimsuits inspired by sharkskin? "Magic materials" - will scientists one day be able to recreate the amazing substance of nacre, produced by shells?

These and many move inventions, past, present, future, and theoretical are presented as well as problem-solving - like observing a kingfisher to improve bullet trains or copying natural spirals to make energy-efficient, quiet fan blades.

This is a fascinating topic and I like the overall design of the book, each spread having an introduction to the particular scientific area and then a 3 or 4 paragraphs on different inventions or possible solutions. I did think the book emphasized the "we're destroying the earth" theme a little too much; it wasn't really necessary and could have been briefly mentioned in the introduction.

However, the one thing that takes this book down from "amazing" to "ok" is the illustrations. I really wanted to see side-by-side comparisons of the some of the different organisms and man-made materials and structures, but the pictures almost exclusively show the natural part of the equation. The cover was the best of the illustrations and I was disappointed that the interior pictures didn't match it. The art is textured and grainy, acrylics on canvas, and doesn't give the detail and depth I needed to better understand what was being explained. The illustrations aren't "bad" just not, in my opinion, suited to the book.

Verdict: This is a cool topic and one kids will be interested in, but the unappealing illustrations and lack of detail will make it hard to hold kids' attention. This is a nonfiction title that would have benefited from photographs. An additional purchase.

ISBN: 978-1554534678; Published August 2011 by Kids Can Press; Review copy provided by the publisher through Raab Associates

This week at the library; or, Happy Holidays at the library!

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

Basically spent Monday through Thursday finishing weeding projects, shifting books, working on marketing and publicity, and packing up and cleaning my apartment.

Most exciting things that happened (or perhaps interesting would be a better word)

Trying to explain to a patron that Facebook really isn't the ideal medium to look up deceased relatives and friends.
Moving all our I Spy, Look and Find, and similar books into one section. Yay!
Whilst weeding the picture books found a book talking about a kid "diddling" his cereal. Ah, the evolution of words.
Also found a book featured Noah's Ark, only set in the 1960s and Noah takes all the animals into a big boat because no one will listen to him and stop pollution. When everyone finally cleans up the earth, he releases all the animals and they don't need zoos anymore, because when the big cats were fighting he told them to stop because they were behaving like people and now everybody loves each other! Oh, and they don't need clothes anymore - by the end of the book all the kids are naked.
Realizing that I was supposed to be sending press releases to the local paper all last year - I thought someone else was doing it. Doesn't seem to have harmed our numbers, since we hit 8,800 in program attendance for the year!
Warned middle schoolers about our new policy - if you get kicked out, your name gets written on THE NOTEPAD OF DOOM and your parents get called. Two boys told me "we're sixth graders. we don't do doom"
This policy lasted two days, then we had ANOTHER meeting, realized it was completely useless (how do we get kids' names?) and it looks like we're just going to be turning away any large groups of kids that want to hang out at the library. There's an after school place staffed by church volunteers they can go a few days a week, otherwise they're just going to have to go...where? who knows? Somewhere else. I hate this, but there seems to be no other solution. I can't fix these kids' lives, I can't make their parents care enough to make after school care arrangements for them, so the best I can do is tell them they're welcome to study, read, and use the computers at the library, but otherwise they're not welcome. We don't have enough staff to offer free after school babysitting services.

Finally, on a lighter note, a few pictures of our new parenting and I spy collections and the reorganized shelves.

Concept books and new I Spy collection, with new titles displayed above, along with drying artwork and the Art Box

Close-up of the new I Spy/Where's Waldo/Look and Find collection

Board books - now putting new stickers on new board books and displaying them

Added more shelves so the board books extend all the way around (with flu season decor above) don't look too closely - I just dumped all the extra board books on the shelf!

New Parenting Collection, with new titles displayed

[Friday - finally moved! This apartment is smaller, so....not much space to maneuver around books and stuff. Didn't hail, but that's about all that didn't happen. Note to self - 14 ft truck was not big enough, 3 guys I hired worked hard, but needed waaaay more than 3 hours, and I need more sleep.]

Tale of two castles by Gail Carson Levine

2011-12-23T07:00:00.056-06:00

There's no future for Elodie on her small, isolated island and her parents have made the painful decision to send her to the mainland as apprentice to a weaver. But Elodie has her own plans. She's going to be a mansioner, an actor. She's going to apprentice herself to the mansioners in the town of Two Castles and become famous.

But things don't work out the way she plans. Her naivety, inexperience, and poverty get her into endless problems and the homely wisdom from her parents is no help. Life in the town isn't at all what she expected and she sadly realizes that not only can she not apprentice to be a mansioner, she can't afford to apprentice to anyone.

Except the dragon. Elodie is frightened but intrigued by the eccentric dragon Meenore, who also dreams of something more interesting than her jobs as a street cook and fire starter. And then there's the ogre, Count Jonty Um, feared by all the townspeople.

Elodie will have to decide what she really wants out of life and who she can truly trust if she is going to make Two Castles her home and survive the intrigues and dangers in the city.

Elodie is a lively and interesting character and Two Castles is a well-drawn fairy tale town. But I didn't care for this story; probably because I read it immediately after reading a more conventional fantasy-adventure. It reads very much like a traditional folk or fairy tale, but it was hard for me to maintain interest in the odd characters throughout an entire novel. The royal family were especially unbelievable, as though they had stepped straight out of a fairy tale. It's been a while since I read Levine's other works, so I had forgotten what her style was like.

Verdict: While I didn't personally care for this story, kids who like characters they can relate to, like drama-loving Elodie who is constantly embarrassing herself, with a topping of fairy tale fantasy will love this. Levine's writing is funny and dramatic by turns, just like Elodie, and kids will like the unexpected turns of the plot and the odd characters. Try this one on kids who don't like conventional fantasy-adventures or are already fans of Levine.

ISBN: 9780061229657; Published May 2011 by HarperCollins; Reviewed from ARC provided by publisher; Purchased for the library

King Hugo's Huge Ego by Chris Van Dusen

2011-12-21T07:00:00.021-06:00

King Hugo may be a diminutive monarch, but his ego is monstrous. He insists on giving lengthy and boring speeches about his grandeur to his annoyed subjects and constantly boasts. But he makes a mistake when he pushes a poor farm girl into the mud...because she's really a sorceress and she demonstrates to everyone just how much power has gone to Hugo's head.

There's not much plot or characterization in this cheerful rhyming story, but children will enjoy listening to the Seussish couplets and Chris Van Dusen's rich colors always make for delightful illustrations. If you're looking for a moralistic tale on the follies of pride, this isn't it, but as a fun diversion it's, well, fun.

Verdict: Not an essential purchase, but a fun addition to your picture book section, especially if you have fans of Van Dusen's other nonsense stories.

ISBN: 9780763650049; Published July 2011 by Candlewick; Review copy provided by publisher through LibraryThing Early Reviewers

Nonfiction Monday: I dreamed of flying like a bird by Robert Haas

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

I wanted to like this book. It's gotten some really good reviews and I usually enjoy Nat'l Geographic's animal books for kids and middle grade readers. But it left me unsatisfied. Is it a book about photography? About animals? About preservation? About science? A little of each, but not enough of any, was my feeling. Like a coffee table book only for kids.

I admit some of this ambivalence comes from my preference for close up, detailed photography, like Nic Bishop's work or the photography in the Scientists in the Field series (a lot of which is his work anyways). The big picture just doesn't really grab me.

If you're one of the few people who haven't seen this book yet, it switches back and forth between Haas' career as an aerial photographer, with photography terms, tricks and dangers of the trade and a little about his background and the context and background of some of his most famous photos.

Hmm. I think what bothered me about this was I had a hard time connecting the text to the photographs. After I'd read the book a couple times it was easier to connect the text to the progression of the photographs, but I think it would have made a big difference if the book had been laid out differently, or maybe the photos had captions. Some can easily be connected to the story - like the buffaloes and lions, while others like the whales are confusing, since some photos seem to be random whale shots and others are specifically described in the text.

Verdict: This book wasn't for me, but quite a few people have fallen in love with it. If you feel a need for a photo heavy, general animal book in your nonfiction section, go for it. I'll stick with Scientists in the Field and Nat'l Geographic's Face to Face series.

ISBN: 9781426306938; Published September 2010 by National Geographic; Borrowed from the library

This week at the library; or, last programs!

2011-12-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

Monday morning was pretty quiet, other than the five people calling for items left at the library over the weekend, so I was able to go over my order lists, draft a grant, start laying out programming for next year, update the online publicity, and run through some final Cybils titles for order lists. We had a staff meeting in the afternoon, review of the weeding cart, new staff, and some tidying of the Storyroom. I stayed late to finish all my Cybils reviews and statistics. Yay! Total time at work: 8:30am to 6:00pm

Tuesday I left about 8:15 and went to the hardware store to pick up masking tape, which I needed for our big program. I set up the room, met the performers, ushered in classes from the daycare, talked to moms, and by 10am we were set for Kohls Wild Theater - we had about 150 people, included 100 kids from a local preschool/daycare. It was a blast - if you're in the vicinity of this program, go for it! Great program, great performers, and the kids and parents loved it. Then I reset the room (sort of) and started frantically restocking my decimated displays, a couple hours on the desk, took some stuff over to the school, ran home for something to eat, set up the Storyroom for my last program, cleaned up glitter left from previous programs, back to displays, final program - our last Make it and Take it *sniff* we made glitter pinecones, glitter snowmen, and pompoms.

Wednesday I showed up...rather late for work. Got caught up writing reviews at home. We had another cookie decorating program, run by Miss Pattie, and another informal "what are we going to do about those kids!" meeting. Argh! Middle schoolers, you are not doing a good job of convincing anyone you should be allowed in the library! Displays, publicity, program planning, and more chortling over the Lift the Flap Human Body book.

Thursday - marketing and publicity for January/February and more and more and more and more and more book bundles. I can't keep up! Received a package from Better World Books and couldn't figure out who was sending me books, until I realized duh, Ms. Yingling!! Thank you!!

Friday - more publicity and a trip to Milwaukee to a Scholastic Warehouse sale.

Saturday - the publicity continues, as do the computer questions.

Fresh and Colorful: Two new picture books from Kids Can Press

2011-12-16T07:00:00.002-06:00

Sylvie Desrosiers and Remy Simard have created a visual delight in this new wordless picture book, Hocus Pocus. Mister Magic's dog, relaxing at home after a hard day's work, is disturbed by the hungry rabbit in the hat, who has plenty of schemes in mind to get that coveted carrot. Jokes and accidents abound until Mister Magic awakes and all ends happily - for the rabbit.

The panels, as you can see below, are full of movement, life, and marvelous color while being simple enough that a young child can carefully follow each joke and twist of the plot. Brilliant backgrounds in yellow, green, pink and blue set off the brightly colored characters and briskly moving plot. While this one isn't an ideal storytime read-aloud, it's perfect to snuggle up with that special child or hand to an older kid to enjoy on their own.

Verdict: Highly recommended. Just out of curiosity, does anyone have a graphic novel picture book section? No? Well, it is hard to define them, but this one will definitely get added to my list. All ages will enjoy this funny romp through magic and mishap.

ISBN: 9781554535774; Published August 2011 by Kids Can Press; Review copy provided by the publisher through Raab; Purchased for the library

Funny, someone just asked me for a picture book that showed counting to 100 and I couldn't find a thing! Now I'll simply hand them this perfect counting book.

Masayuke Sebe's Let's Count to 100! is a perfect introduction to counting to 100 with plenty of visual jokes and secrets for children and adults to enjoy finding.

Each spread shows 100 little cartoon creatures with simple instructions. Starting with mice, grouped by colors, we are instructed to count to 100 beginning with the brown mice. Hmm, they're in groups of 10 by color. And there's someone long and stringy poking over from the other page they're trying to eat...

Oh no! It's cats! The mice have got them by the tails, but they don't seem to mind. Can you find all the ones with striped tails? The spreads continue through moles, sheep, birds, fish, elephants, kids, ants, cars and trucks, and finally ten each of everything we've previously counted. A final page shows some of the special things you can find on each page.

Verdict: Perfect for small groups, individual children, and parent-child interactions. The pictures are large enough to find some of the fun things with a group, but small enough to cram lots of funny speech balloons and little surprises into the different pictures. A necessity for your concept book collection!

ISBN: 1554536618; Published August 2011 by Kids Can Press; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab; Purchased for the library

Escape from Planet Yastol by Pamela Service, illustrated by Mike Gorman

2011-12-14T07:00:00.030-06:00

Pamela Service is back with a new beginning chapters science fiction series! Josh isn't heroic or even particularly brave. He thinks his little sister Maggie's obsession with acting and Shakespeare is dumb and although he's mad when she stands up for him, he has to admit he's not really any good at fighting back against bullies. He's perfectly content with winning a writing contest with his science fiction story and daydreaming about the stories he's going to write...if he could just get over his writer's block!

Then the strange blue rubbery aliens show up...and tell Josh his stories are REAL. Suddenly, he and Maggie are trapped on an alien planet with danger on every side. Will Josh remember enough details from his story - and find the courage - to save the day? Will Maggie's acting come in useful after all? Will they be stranded on Planet Yastol forever?

This first installment in a planned series doesn't have quite the delightful touch of the Alien Agent series, which remains a personal favorite of mine. Josh is a much more unsympathetic character, although realistically drawn with his obsessions and dismissal of his sister. The story jumps almost immediately into action and there's really very few "funny bits" which I like to have a generous sprinkling of in all my stories! However, there's plenty of action, interesting characters, and a higher gross quotient which will appeal to those who like a mild ick factor.

Verdict: Although not as pure genius as Alien Agent, this is a good, workable start for a new series. Science fiction, especially for young readers, is almost impossible to find and would-be writers will love this, as will young scifi fans and anyone who likes a good adventure with some goop and creepy creatures.

ISBN: 9780761379188; Published September 2011 by Lerner; Egalley provided by publisher through Netgalley; Purchased for the library

Cybils Nonfiction Picture Books: The Numbers

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

Yay! I have read and reviewed all 87 Cybils Nonfiction Picture Books nominations. I have some interesting numbers if anyone would care to share my obsession with statistical data...I don't guarantee all these numbers are correct - tell me if you see a mistake!

Also, a reminder that all of my reviews etc. reflect my opinion and not that of the judging committee, etc.

Animals (including bugs, fish, and birds) (21)

A butterfly is patient
A place for fish
About hummingbirds
After the kill
Animal fights
Animalogy
Bring on the birds
Bugs by the numbers
Can we save the tiger
Eco dogs
Gorillas
Hatch!
Howler monkey
Olivia's birds
Saving animals from oil spills
Star of the sea
Guardian team
Incredible life of Balto
Thunder birds
Time to eat
Zeal of zebras

These books featured the following animals:

2 insects
1 fish
5 birds
1 mollusk
4 mammal (gorillas, dogs, monkeys)
8 covered a variety of animals
15 wild animals
3 domesticated animal

Biographies (24)

A nation's hope: the story of boxing legend Joe Louis
Before there was Mozart (Joseph Boulogne)
Ben Franklin
Diego Rivera
Eliza's cherry trees (Eliza Scidmore)
For the love of music (Maria Anna Mozart)
Henrietta King
In the bag (Margaret Knight)
Irena Sendler
J. R. R. Tolkien
Jim Henson
Just being Audrey (Audrey Hepburn)
Harriet Tubman
Night Flight (Amelia Earhart)
Nurse soldier spy (Sarah Edmonds)
Pablo Neruda
Queen of the falls (Annie Taylor)
Sarah Emma Edmonds was a great pretender
She loved baseball (Effa Manley)
House Baba built (Ed Young)
Quite contrary man (Joseph Palmer)
Watcher (Jane Goodall)
Tillie the terrible Swede (Tillie Anderson)
When Bob met Woody (Bob Dylan)

This breaks down to:

10 male
13 female
10 well-known
13 obscure

Occupations

3 musicians
4 sports
1 artist
4 politician/activist
2 business
3 author
2 actor/entertainer
2 other
1 being annoying
1 scientist

Time period

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
Joseph Boulogne (1745-1799)
Maria Anna Mozart (1751-1829)
Joseph Palmer (1791-1894)
Harriet Tubman (1820-1913)
Henrietta King (1832-1925)
Margaret Knight (1838-1914)
Annie Taylor (1838-1921)
Sarah Edmonds (1841-1898)
Eliza Scidmore (1856-1928)
Tillie Anderson (1875-1956)
Diego Rivera (1886-1957)
J. R. R. Tolkien (1892-1973)
Amelia Earhart (1897-1937)
Effa Manley (1900-1981)
Pablo Neruda (1904-1973)
Irena Sendler (1910-2008)
Joe Louis (1914-1981)
Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993)
Ed Young (1931-still alive)
Jane Goodall (1934-still alive)
Jim Henson (1936-1990)
Bob Dylan (1941-still alive)

Location

16 North America
1 South America
5 Europe
1 Asia

Gardening and Food (5)

Edible alphabet
First garden: White house garden
How did that get in my lunchbox
Rah rah radishes
Watch me grow

Geography (7)

A walk in London
Arlington
Celebritrees
Cursed grounds
Only the mountains do not move
Orani
T is for Taj Mahal

Destinations in these books by continent

2 Europe
North America
Africa
2 World
1 India

History (8)

Basketball Belles
Big Wig
Franklin and Winston
I feel better with a frog in my throat
Right where you are now
Unforgettable season
Underground
Wild women of the wild west

Events in history

2 sports
2 political
1 misc.
3 timeline (covers a series of events throughout history)

Time periods

Underground railroad 1860s
Wild West 1860s
1890s
2 WWII 1941
3 timeline

Geography

4 North America
3 World

Science (Weather, Nature, Ecology) (12)

All the water in the world
Energy island
How hybrid cars work
How the weather works
Meadowlands
Monster hunt
Mystery math
Planting the wild garden
Prairie storms
Super science: Feel the force
Swirl by swirl
Case of the vanishing golden frogs

Featuring the following scientific...things

3 water cycle/weather
2 alternate energy
1 ecology
2 research
1 math
1 propagation
1 physics
1 patterns

Other Subjects (10)

Mali under the night sky (no idea. It's not really a biography, or about art, kind of about being a refugee, but not really, not really about activism...of the three libraries in my consortium which own it, 1 put it in picture books and 2 in the 700s for art. But...the featured art isn't by the artist it's about so...)
Manners mash up (etiquette)
Picture yourself writing poetry (writing)
Relativity (doesn't actual explain the concept, so doesn't really have a subject)
Ruby violet lime (colors - concept)
Spiky slimy smooth (texture - concept)
Great big book of families (family relationships)
Human body (uh, human body)
Mangrove tree (activism? there isn't enough about the scientist to make it a biography, not enough about the trees to make it science)
What does it mean to be safe (safety)

More Numbers

72 books had illustrations (paint, collage, drawing, etc.)
13 books had photographs
1 combined photos and illustrations
4 were alphabet books
3 had movable parts/foldouts/pop ups

And which ones ended up in my library?

I purchased for the library:

Butterfly is patient
About Hummingbirds
All the water in the world
Edible alphabet
Can we save the tiger
Hatch!
Jim Henson
Monster hunt
Planting the wild garden
Rah rah radishes
Time to eat
Watch me grow

Currently on a wishlist/potential order list (obviously my eyes are bigger than my budget):

Walk in London
Arlington
Ben Franklin
Big wig
Bring on the birds
Cursed grounds
Eco dogs
Energy island
Howler monkeys
I feel better with a frog in my throat
In the bag
Just being Audrey
Mystery math
Nurse soldier spy
Ruby violet lime
Saving animals from oil spills
Spiky slimy smooth
Star of the sea
Swirl by swirl
Case of the vanishing golden frogs
Guardian team
House Baba built
Watcher
Thunder birds
Wild women of the wild west

And, Finally, Storytime Picks!

Butterfly is patient
About hummingbirds
All the water in the world
Edible alphabet
Planting the wild garden
Bring on the birds
Rah rah radishes
Swirl by swirl
Guardian team
Watcher

Nonfiction Monday: The Thinking Girl's Treasury of Dastardly Dames

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

A companion set to the Thinking Girl’s Treasury of Real Princesses, the Thinking Girl’s Treasury of Dastardly Dames introduces us to six powerful women with a reputation for dark deeds.

Each book introduces the subject’s story, with maps and historical information and photographs included. Sections on clothing, food, wealth and other historical segments are also interwoven within the character’s story.

Cleopatra “Serpent of the Nile” is presented with the well-known facts of her life, but Mary Pack goes deeper to find the true queen behind the legends and presents Cleopatra as a powerful woman who struggled to keep her kingdom alive and independent of Rome.

Agrippina, daughter of Roman general Germanicus, had a complicated life, but Shirin Yim Bridges does a good job of explaining the convoluted politics of Rome, including the rise and fall of Caligula and Nero, as they affected Agrippina. A final section, “How dastardly was she?” is included that debates which evil deeds Agrippina was really responsible for.

Mary Tudor, known as “Bloody Mary” is given a fresh viewpoint in this account which puts her brief and bloody reign into the context of her miserable childhood and the violent age of the Tudors. Additional information is included on the controversy between Catholics and Protestants and comparisons of Mary’s evil deeds with those of her contemporaries.

Catherine de’ Medici, the “Black Queen” of France, first experienced violence when a rebellion left her as a hostage with a precarious future at the age of eight. She had high hopes of a better life when she was married to Prince Francis at the age of 11, but she was considered an outsider and a commoner at the French court. Although Catherine eventually found acceptance, her popularity for the innovations she introduced and the heirs she bore for the throne was short-lived as rumors of poison and black magic destroyed her reputation. Catherine eventually took power and ruled for her young son, but the infamous massacre of Huguenots that she master-minded set off mob violence across the country which she could not control. She was finally overthrown by her son and ended her days the most hated woman in France.

Marie Antoinette, another foreign-born French queen, had an equally unhappy childhood and introduction to France, but unlike Catherine she was naïve and helpless, thinking that once she had produced an heir, despite her husband’s disinterest, she had done her duty. Her extravangance when France was starving led to her death during the Revolution and her reputation as a hard-hearted, impulsive, and spendthrift queen.

Cixi, “The Dragon Empress,” was happy to become a concubine at the Chinese court, escaping her miserable childhood. Bearing the emperor a son raised her to high status and when the emperor designated her son as heir and she herself as co-regent with Empress Ci’An before his death, she became the first woman to rule the empire in a thousand years. Rumors of poison and intrigues constantly circulated around Empress Cixi, whose cruelty and extravagance fed the unrest of the people. Peasant uprisings gave Western powers a reason to attack and Cixi was forced to flee. She died shortly after the destruction of the massive Summer Palace and Forbidden City. Was Cixi responsible for the deaths of the royal family? No one knows for sure.

Verdict: These stories of powerful women with reputations for bloody and cruel deeds are told with a wealth of historical detail, art, and many fascinating additions on clothing, food, and daily life. I would have liked to see sources or additional information for the sometimes colloquial stories included and I thought it was too bad they didn't pick more obscure characters, as in the Real Princesses, but this is a good introduction to a variety of strong women characters in history. Recommended.

Cleopatra "Serpent of the Nile" by Mary Fisk Pack, illustrated by Peter Malone
ISBN: 978-0983425601

Agrippina "Atrocious and Ferocious" by Shirin Yim Bridges, illustrated by Peter Malone
ISBN: 978-0983425618

Mary Tudor "Bloody Mary" by Gretchen Maurer, illustrated by Peter Malone
ISBN: 978-0983425625

Catherine de'Medici "The Black Queen" by Janie Havemeyer, illustrated by Peter Malone
ISBN: 978-0983425632

Cixi "The Dragon Empress" by Natasha Yim, illustrated by Peter Malone
ISBN: 978-0983425656

Published September 2011 by Goosebottom; Review copies provided by the publisher through Raab Associates

This week at the library; or, Everything happens at once

2011-12-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

Yes, my blog is still under construction. When I enthusiastically started reworking and reorganizing it, I didn't expect to lose all internet access (or have to get a new car, or decide to move to a different town over Christmas, or...you get the idea). Anyways, I hopefully will have internet again as of January and then all sorts of beautiful things will happen! I hope.

Got our new magboxes up in the teen area on Monday, I'm really, really hoping the kids don't break them! Pictures at the end! The sheer craziness of this week can barely be expressed. I am basically trying to do about six different things at once, 24/7. I went to a community meeting about one of the parochial schools on Monday evening, which brought my total of evenings worked up to 3 this week, last Preschool Interactive of the year Wednesday morning and Christmas ornaments at Messy Art Club in the afternoon (note to self - check tubs for glitter leakage next time! Plastic tubs, not cardboard!), more paperwork for my new apartment Thursday morning, and cookie decorating on Saturday, which thankfully staff stepped up to the plate and helped out with making extra frosting and cookies! Planning and publicity for next year, which all has to be done NOW (people are already asking about January!) summer stuff that just has to be done - book sorting, because I'm going to a Scholastic Warehouse sale next week, and a massive weeding and shifting of the picture books. Also looking at a possible new vendor (Noooo! I love BWI Titletales and I do NOT like this new one. But my my director will let me stay with BWI, since I order children's separately! Yay! Love BWI!)

Oh, and cookie decorating went great, very popular, and I had enough of everything!

Hamster brain!! (this is when your brain keeps going around and around and around and SQUEAKS)

Fox in the Dark by Alison Green, illustrated by Deborah Allwright

2011-12-09T07:00:00.028-06:00

I don't know why this sweet story feels so winterish to me; the illustrations show fallen leaves and a glowing dark night sky, but it just feels like winter. So, I'm posting this review in the winter.

A rabbit flees desperately through the woods, "chased by a fox in the dark." No sooner has he safely reached home and locked himself in...when a terrified duck, also escaping from the fox arrives. Then a mouse, then a lamb...the bed is getting crowded and Rabbit is getting annoyed, when there's one more knock at the door.

It's the FOX! The animals are ready to run again, but Fox begs for their help - he's lost his mom out in the dark! They've barely calmed down when Fox Cub's mother appears - and she's much bigger and scarier! But she turns out to be nice and just worried about her fox cub, so they all settle down together and discover that Mommy Fox makes a warm and fluffy bed.

The rhyming text has lots of words that pop out at the listener, bang, click, thunk, scritch, and a nice repeating refrain of knocking at the door. The rhyme swings along easily with the "fox in the dark" repeated frequently enough for kids to join in.

What I really, really loved were the pictures. They glow with color and light, despite the whole story taking place at night. Smaller inset illustration shine out of the dark night and the foxes' coats are brilliant, looking so soft and strokable! The layout of the story is superb, moving from full spread illustrations to smaller insets showing the crowding in Rabbit's burrow, then the sudden shock of the fox's face.

Verdict: A great choice for storytimes about foxes, rabbits, bedtime, being lost, and autumn (or winter). Highly recommended.

ISBN: 978-1-58925-091-8; Published September 2010 by Tiger Tales; Borrowed from the library

Sugar and Ice by Kate Messner

2011-12-07T07:00:00.007-06:00

I write this on a cold evening in March when my internet has mysteriously died again, sigh, and I am on a review splurge. So.

Claire Boucher loves to ice skate. She skates on the pond by her family’s maple farm, she teaches smaller children in their skating club, and she’s been working for months on a solo routine for the Maple Show with her warm and beloved coach. She loves their maple farm, her best friend Natalie who is a keeps bees, and math. Then Groshev, a famous skating coach, shows up at the Maple Show and offers her a scholarship to train at Lake Placid. Claire isn’t sure how she feels about this. Her older cousin, Charlotte, is in training to be a professional skater and she knows it’s hard. She’s not sure she wants to give up so much. But everyone thinks it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, everyone is making sacrifices so she can go, so…she does.

She finds out it’s harder – and more painful - than she had expected. She barely has time for her schoolwork, let alone her friends and her family. Groshev isn’t warm and understanding like her old coach, and the competition is fierce. Worst of all, some of the other girls will do anything to discourage her, from mean whispers to vandalism. Is it worth it? Does Claire really want to be a professional ice skater? If she does, does she have what it takes?

Messner does an excellent job not only portraying the competition, ambition, and squabbles in an extremely competitive sport but also the real characters of the people involved. She doesn’t sugarcoat the emotional and physical hardships that accompany this competitive sport, but she also writes enthusiastically and beautifully about the people who enjoy it and the beauty of figure skating. Claire is a wonderful character, realistically excited and nervous about trying something new and difficult, confused and hurt as she tries to fit into another world, and finally triumphant as she stands up for herself and makes her own decisions. There is a little bit of innocent romance as she makes friends with a boy in her skating group, but the main focus of the story is on Claire and her trials and triumphs.

Verdict: Highly recommended. I think it’s mainly going to appeal to girls, since so much of the story is focused on Claire and her female friends and enemies, but it will definitely appeal to any middle grade or young teen girl who likes realistic stories, whether or not she’s into skating or other sports. I would really like to buy this one but I don’t think I can fit it into my budget; I’ve already bought a lot of “girl” realistic fiction this year. However, I will crunch a few more numbers and we’ll see…

ISBN: 9780802720818; Published December 7, 2010 by Walker Childrens; Borrowed from another library; Purchased for the library

Cybils Nonfiction Picture Book Nominations

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

Manners mash-up: A goofy guide to good behavior by various authors

This book is just plain fun. In the style of their previouscollaborations, Why did the chicken cross the road? and Knock, Knock! Fourteenillustrators give their take on etiquette.

Bob Shea instructs readers on theproper way to ride a school bus – no drooling and don’t clean the driver’steeth, even if he’s a crocodile!
Lynn Munsinger illustrates proper cafeteriamanners, although her furry pigs don’t seem to be following her good advice.
Henry Cole warns against staring – even when you see some pretty funny/ickystuff, especially in the school office.
Leuyen Pham has a sweet spread on playgroundmanners.
Peter Reynolds illustrates classroom manners with several groups ofexcellently behaved children and dialogue that sounds like it was written for ateaching special on listening to teacher.
Tedd Arnold blasts off into outerspace and illustrates good sportsmanship with slug-like aliens playing slimeball.
Adam Rex shows a hapless evil scientist trying to instill a few goodtable manners into his evil monster creations.
Judy Schachner has a warm andcolorful spread of good manners at a happy birthday party with a huge varietyof children and activities pictured.
Frank Morrison gives good advice for beinga good visitor – which the wild group of kids in the living room don’t seem tohave listened to!
Sophie Blackall has a darkly humorous illustration of whatnot to do in a doctor’s office, including the instruction “prosthetic legsaren’t toys.”
Dan Santat instructs on proper behavior at the theater – evenwhen it’s grand opera!
Joe Berger shows some of the things you should NEVER doin a grocery store.
Kevin Sherry gives pool rules, which should be followedeven by giant squids.
Tao Nyeu has a beautifully embroidered spread…about notpicking in public, noses, toenails, etc.

The final pages give the authors achance to talk about their goofiest manners mishap and gives a brief listof each author's titles.

Verdict: This is an amusing book that kids will enjoy looking over,but it’s not particularly substantial and there’s no actual plot to make it agood read-aloud. An additional purchase.

ISBN: 978-0803734807; Published February 2011 by Dial; Borrowed from the library

Great big book of families by Mary Hoffman, illustrated by Ros Asquith

This book explores the many different kinds of families insimple text and cartoonish illustrations. The story begins, “Once upon a time,most families in books looked like this: One daddy, one mommy, one little boy,one little girl, one dog, and one cat.” The author encourages children to lookfor a family that matches their own in the following pages, as well as to findthe cat who appears on every page.

The first spread in the main body of thebook is titled “Families” and the border is childlike drawings of variousfamilies. It talks about the kind of families children might live with – twodaddies, two mommies, foster or adoptive parents, grandparents, or singleparents. The next spread continues the border of childlike family drawings andtalks about “Who’s in your family?”; siblings, relatives, or just two people.Then the book talks about where families live, go to school, different kinds ofwork, holidays, food, clothes, pets, family celebrations, hobbies,transportation and how families express their feelings. The book ends with anexample of a family tree and a recap of how families are the same, no matterhow different they appear on the outside. The cheerful cartoons that decoratethe pages include some silly examples (kids using rocket packs in thetransportation section for example) and lots of little details to pore over.There’s plenty of humor and honesty in the book, showing a wide variety ofcultures, ethnicities, and individual family traditions and behaviors.

Verdict: Know your audience – the book does reference twomommies and daddies at the beginning, so don’t choose it for storytime if it’sgoing to inspire a walk-out of your entire storytime group, but it’s certainlya great choice for your library collection and a good title to hand to parentswho are trying to explain family changes to children or kids who live in an“untraditional” family.

ISBN: 0803735162; Published April 2011 by Dial; Borrowed from the library

An edible alphabet: 26 Reasons to love the farm by Carol Watterson, illustrated by Michael Sorrentino

I’m always looking for new farm books. Living in aquasi-rural community, I’ve become aware there just aren’t too many realisticbooks about life on a farm (my own rural experience was shown to be painfullylacking when I visited a fifth grade class and my question of “what do you dothat’s creative?” was met with the enthusiastic response, “Pig racing!”uh…wha…?)

Anyways, this is a really fun alphabet book with, onceagain, my favorite design – simple text for reading aloud to younger childrenand more detailed facts and information for older readers or one-on-one sharing.This book has multiple threads you can follow, a very simple one suitable fortoddlers, longer sentences just right for preschoolers, and simple paragraphsfor elementary readers and listeners. The book is packed with a plethora offood, creatures, machines and more. In order…

Ants on asparagus
Blueberries, beets, and beans
Clip, Clop, Crunch (carrots)
Dig in for dinner (root vegetables)
Eager ewes
Flip flop fry (fish)
Gaggle of giggling geese
Happy Herefords hiccupping home
Ice cold ice cream
Juggling jiggly jams and jellies
King-sized kohlrabi
Ladybug’s lunch
Making merry in the mud and muck (pigs)
Nibbling nectar (pollinators)
Oh! Overalls in the orchard (apples)
Pea pods pop!
The queen’s quivering hive
Reliable red rooster
Stink, stank, stunk (manure)
Tip top tasty tomato
Udders under umbrellas
Vegetable voyage
Woolly bears worry watermelons
Xtra-large eggs with yummy yellow yolks
Zoom zoom zuchinni

The text also includes rhymes, facts, silly stories, andmore! The final pages include a list of words and images to find throughout thebook.

The illustrations are bright and colorful, created in collagewith acrylic and hand painted paper. Some of the faces are oddly structured, butthe overall effect breathes enthusiasm and colorful life.

Verdict: This book is packed with so many different things,it’s a great choice for programs, storytime, reading aloud, and display. Highlyrecommended.

ISBN: 978-1582464213; Published July 2011 by Tricycle Press; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library

How did that get in my lunchbox? The story of food by Chris Butterworth, illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti

Ok, first just a question…do any kids talk about lunchboxesanymore? Seems like that word is a little outdated. Yes? No? Well, moving on…

Neatly divided clumps of text explain the process of food;growing, harvesting, cooking, preserving, packaging, and shipping for a simple lunch; bread, cheese, tomatoes, apple juice, carrots, chocolatechip cookies, and clementines.

The illustrations are bright and cartoony with a tinge of50s style graphics. Smiling workers are shown farming, harvesting, cooking andpackaging food, extra whimsical touches, like the bunnies after the farmer’scarrots hopefully following the boxes of packaged carrots off to the trucks.

Extras: A final page explains the importance of a balanced diet and additional food facts are also included, as well as an index.

Verdict: This is a nice introduction to the process of food,especially for kids who only see food in a grocery store. But part of me felt thewhole thing was too…cheerful. There’s no mention of artificial additives orchemicals and all the workers look happy, healthy, and simply thrilled to bepreparing a healthy lunch (and how many kids actually see a lunch like this?Not the kids I meet at the library, who seem to subsist on candy and softdrinks, or the menus I’ve heard announced at the schools, which always seem tobe choices between chicken nuggets, pizza, and fish sticks.) On the otherhand…this isn’t meant to be a book about sustainable farming, environmentalconcerns, organic food, or healthy eating. It’s a simple introduction to howfood gets from the land to your lunchbox and its cheerful images are suitablefor early elementary students learning about this subject. I’m on the fence onthis once, you’ll have to supply your own verdict.

ISBN: 978-0763650056; Published January 2011 by Candlewick; Borrowed from the library

Rah rah radishes: A vegetable chant by April Pulley Sayre

An infectious, enthusiastic rhyme and glowing photographsintroduce children to a variety of vegetables in this crowd-pleasing nonfictionread-aloud. “Eggplant’s extraordinary/Pumpkin’s art/Don’t eat zucchini?/Time tostart!”

The format of the book is simple; solid colored backgrounds of purple,orange, red and green show up couplets in bold font and a large photograph oneach page. The photographs show a huge variety of vegetables in all their gloryat a farmer’s market, in bins, tubs and piles. The acknowledgements give thesource of the photos as the South Bend Farmer’s Market and “A few more bites”explains what a vegetable is and why they should be an important part of ourdiet (not to self – eat more vegetables!)

Verdict: I’ve read this in multiple story times and it neverfails to raise a giggle from parents and delighted enthusiasm from kids. Beprepared for them to want to investigate the photos more closely, pointing todifferent vegetables and colors. Have them try out unfamiliar names and pointto their favorite vegetables. This would also be a great read-aloud in ahealthy eaters class! Highly recommended.

ISBN: 978-1442421417; Published June 2011 by Beach Lane Books; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library

Watch me grow: A down-to-earth look at growing food in the city by Deborah Hodge, photographed by Brian Harris

I loved the previous book by Hodges and Harris, Up we grow,but this one is even better. Based in Vancouver, this book shows how gardenscan grow anywhere – even in a city. The book is divided into four sections;Growing, Sharing, Eating, and Caring.

The growing section shows the many placesin the city where gardens are growing and the people who are caring for them. Thereare suggestions for small spaces to fit in a little garden, like herbs on asunny windowsill. Animals in the city are also included, like chickens andbees. Sharing talks about the ways people share land and crops; in communitygardens, with city farmers, and with wildlife. Eating celebrates thedeliciousness of fresh-grown fruit and vegetables and talks about ways toharvest, preserve, and share crops. The final section, Caring, talks about howgrowing gardens together not only cares for the land and nature, but alsobuilds community relationships.

A final note about the book explains a little more abouturban agriculture and lists the gardens and groups pictured throughout thebook.

Verdict: This book is a great starting place for simple gardens,whether you live in the city or the country. It has great ideas for tuckinggrowing things into small spaces and building community through gardening. Andlots of great photographs of kids and adults working in and enjoying theirgardens. (Incidentally, this is also the book that sparked off my dormant desire to move out tothe northwest coast when I read it last year and I moved that goal back to thetop of my list)…Highly recommended!

ISBN: 978-1554536184; Published February 2011 by Kids Can Press; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library

How hybrid cars work by Jennifer Swanson, illustrated by Glen Mullaly

Cartoon-style illustrations and some comic panels help explain how a hybrid car works. Photos, timelines, and more show the history and evolution of hybrid cars, back to when cars ran on steam to present-day electrical hybrids. Information also includes greenhouse gases and how hybrid cars help decrease pollution, as well as alternative fuels.

An index, glossary, and link to the publisher's website for more information are also included.

Verdict: There was a lot of information in this book, but the organization was a little confused (this may be because I read it as an electronic pdf). I really didn't care for the mix of fuzzy photos (again, could have been epub) and cartoon-style illustrations. Also, this is one of the publishers who charge an arm and a leg for library-bound nonfiction, which will be outdated in a few years. An additional purchase if you have interest in alternative energies.

ISBN: 978-1609732172; Published August 2011 by Child's World; Electronic review copy provided by publisher for Cybils

Relativity by Michael Smith, illustrated by Octavio Oliva

A confused jumble of rhymes that supplies no actual information. The pictures are passable, but can't make up for the bewildering text which offers a series of comparisons and then tells the reader to find out on their own what relativity is. Not worth reading.

ISBN: 978-0979933981; Published September 2011 by East West Discover Press; Electronic review copy provided by publisher

Nonfiction Monday: New series from Bearport!

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

I'm looking at five new series from Bearport this Nonfiction Monday. I order my nonfiction sets in January usually and always pick at least something from Bearport. They're one of my favorite nonfiction series publishers because they offer great bindings, affordable sets, and lots of high-interest subjects with nice layouts! Animals, sports, biggest/smallest/weirdest, careers, I have a little of everything today.

I'm going to start with one of Bearport's quirky series - So Big Compared to What? Freaky-Strange Buildings by Michael Sandler. Last year I purchased several titles of the World's Biggest series - roller coasters, trucks, airplanes, etc. This new series is a little like that, only this one features weird buildings!

In addition to high-interest topics like sports, animals, and machines, Bearport also provides interesting nonfiction series on out of the way topics, like this latest addition. This book highlights eight weird and amazing buildings across the world, from the Turning Torso in Sweden, a unique skyscraper that appears to be twisting in the air, to the Hotel Luna Salada in Bolivia, which is entirely constructed from salt. Additional information on strange and wacky buildings is included as well.

This will be a popular topic for kids who like the weird and the wonderful, even if they aren’t particularly interested in architecture. Hand it to your Guiness World Record fans and watch them pass it on to friends!

Next we have Super Bowl Superstars: Aaron Rodgers and the Green BayPackers

This is a must for a Wisconsin library, of course. The bookstarts with Rodgers’ early life and football dreams, then his difficulty inwinning over fans who were upset when he replaced Brett Favre. A play by playaccount of Super Bowl XLV follows, finishing with the Packers’ exciting win.Throughout the book there is additional information about the photographs, andfacts about Rodgers’ life and game. Some of the captions are a bit ridiculous,like the one labeling a photo of Rodgers holding the trophy “Aaron holds theSuper Bowl trophy.” Um…duh! But the book is written in brisk andattention-grabbing style, additional information about players, a glossary,index, and further reading is included. This is an affordable, well-boundseries on a popular subject, definitely worth adding to your library.

Yummy Tummy Recipes: Artful snacks

This book focuses on healthy snacks and healthy eating.Throughout the simple recipes, Quick Peanut Butter Bars, Healthy Lemon Hummus,Apple Puzzle, and more, historical and statistical information on food andhealth tips are included. The recipes have symbols showing the tools needed,prep time, serving size, ingredients, and easy-to-follow steps. The book endswith more healthy tips, glossary, index, and bibliography.

This was a nice combination of recipes, but leans heavily onthe simple snacks kids can make themselves with a few ingredients and there areplenty of “cookbooks” that focus on these things. The illustrations are oddlydistorted photographs and not at all attractive. I wouldn’t recommend thisparticular series; if you need cookbooks pick up DK’s Cook It Together.

Big Dogs Rule: Great Dane, Gentle Giant

I recently purchased Bearport’s Cat-o-graphics series, whichhas been a huge hit at our library, and I’m definitely putting Big Dogs Rule onmy series order list!

This sample focuses on Great Danes. The book’s centralcharacter is Gibson, the tallest dog in the world and a favorite therapy dog.The story begins with Gibson’s visit to a school where the kids were stillshocked over a recent car crash which had killed several students. The bookcontinues with the history of the Great Dane breed, illustrated with historicalartifacts and paintings, then the breed’s evolution from working animal to pet.Facts about the breed’s disposition, appearance, and caring for their puppiesfollow. Is a Great Dane a good pet for you? Several pages discuss the needs ofthis special dog and how to decide if it will be a suitable dog for yourcircumstances. The story finishes with some more special Great Danes, fromtherapy dogs to sport mascots. Additional information on the breed, a glossary,bibliography, and additional sources are also included.

Work of Heroes: Paramedics to the rescue

This book on paramedics begins with a life or death storyabout a young girl hit by a car. A paramedic nearby, Ted Zeigler, was able tosave her life and get her to the hospital on time. After this excitingintroduction, the book explains what a paramedic is and their responsibilities,then talks about their history and how they began as firefighters with basicmedical training. Current training methods are discussed, with plenty ofphotographs of simulation experiences and hospital observations. Some unusualparamadeic teams and their rescues are described; Flight for Life and Searchand Rescue. A paramedic during 9/11, Lisa Desena, is highlighted as is aparamedic in a snake bite operation that same day, Al Cruz. The book describesthe good and bad parts of being a paramedic in more general tersm and finisheswith information on equipment, a glossary, and further resources.

Some of the photographs are a little overly staged,especially the cover, but this book has an excellent mixture of true-lifestories and factual information.

So Big Compared to What?

Freaky Strange Buildings by Michael Sandler and Paul F. Johnston
Verdict: Recommended Series
ISBN: 978-1617723056; Published August 2011 by Bearport; Review copy provided by publisher

Super Bowl SuperStars

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV by Michael Sandler

Verdict: Recommended Series

ISBN: 978-1617723094; Published August 2011 by Bearport; Review copy provided by publisher; Purchased series for the library

Yummy Tummy Recipes

Artful Snacks by Marilyn La Penta

Verdict: Not recommended. There are better cookbooks for kids out there and a plethora of simple snack books. Weird photography/illustrations.

ISBN: 978-1617723070; Published August 2011 by Bearport; Review copy provided by publisher

Big Dogs Rule

Great Dane: Gentle Giant by Stephen Person

Verdict: Recommended Series

ISBN: 978-1617722974; Published August 2011 by Bearport; Review copy provided by publisher; Purchased series for the library

Work of Heroes: First Responders in Action

Paramedics to the rescue by Nancy White

Verdict: If you're planning on updating this section of your library, this is a good choice

ISBN: 978-1617722820; Published August 2011 by Bearport; Review copy provided by publisher

This week at the library; or, the year speeds by

2011-12-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

Everything is moving in ultra-fast motion now, as we finish up for the year.

Monday - staff meeting, still debating library changes, finalize program schedule for the winter/spring.

Tuesday - only a couple girls showed up for Make it and Take it. I am hoping the new afternoon program I will be debuting in January will be more successful, the Elephant and Piggie Kids' Club!

Wednesday - still lovely giant groups for Preschool Interactive! 32! Oddly, almost all girls. Of course, it being our last Lego Club of the year, we had almost 40 people, more than we've had all semester. Sigh.

Thursday - much confusion as I finalize my move - I'm moving to the next town over. I also visited the Lakeland School, which is the county's special education school. I've had a group of the younger kids visiting a couple times and they were really fun. This time I went to see the junior high kids. The school is fairly new and REALLY AMAZING. They should have tours! I took a variety of stuff, a mixture of picture books, samples of all our different formats, and some of the most popular books I've taken on my sixth grade visits. The kids were great, very attentive. The older books were mostly too long, although they liked hearing about them and their teacher said she reads aloud. I think next time I visit I'll bring more funny younger chapter books, nonfiction, and easy readers. The picture books were a hit! This is what I brought:

Sample of dvds (nonfiction), blu-ray, wii games, playaway, audiobook on cd, and magazine.

Alanna the first adventure by Tamora Pierce
Mal and Chad by Stephen McCranie
Boys are dogs by Leslie Margolis (cd book)
I'd tell you I love you but then I'd have to kill you by Ally Carter (playaway)
Zombies Calling by Faith Erin Hicks
Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to not reading by Tommy Greenwald
Killer Pizza by Greg Taylor
Villain.net and Hero.com by Andy Briggs
Candor by Pam Bachorz
Kiki Strike Kirsten Miller
Sugar and Ice by Kate Messner
Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton
This book made me do it: Cool things to make, do and explore
I'd really like to eat a child by Sylviane Donnio
Stuff that scares your pants off by Glenn Murphy
Oh no! by Mac Barnett
Footprints in the snow by Mei Matsuoka
The book that eats people by John Perry

Friday - The thousands of AV security cases and other sundry items we ordered arrived, beautifully timed. Immediately after the city guys had left, too early for the middle schoolers to be there to help, and right as the senior travel club was letting out, so there were cars everywhere as we unloaded boxes from the semi and carted them across the street to the library and up the stairs to the back door. Of course, the shelves I desperately need have NOT arrived, while the magazine cases, which could have waited until January, did.

I participated in our town's Santa visit for the first time. It happens after hours in the community room and is sponsored by a local bank. I was there to read stories while the kids lined up for Santa. It was crazy! Hundreds of kids and parents! Two separate piano recitals, one in the lobby, one in the community room. Tables of cookies, crafts, and more. It was lots of fun and I met regular library patrons and some new people, but I was hoarse after the first book, it was so loud. Anybody have a magic formula for reading over two piano recitals and 100+ excited chattering kids and parents?

Have Fun Anna Hibiscus! by Atinuke, illustrated by Lauren Tobia

2011-12-02T07:00:00.031-06:00

In her fourth adventure, Anna Hibiscus is finally taking her long-awaited trip to Canada, to stay with her maternal grandmother. Anna thinks she is completely ready and her family is sure they've given her all the things and advice she will need, although her mother looks a little worried over some of their advice!

But when Anna arrives and meets Granny Canada, it's not quite what she expected. She couldn't possibly have imagined such cold, and everything is dull and gray. Her granny lives alone, a big shock for Anna who is used to living with a big family and many relatives. Worst of all, Granny Canada has a dog. Grandfather warned her that people in cold countries have dogs inside their houses, but Anna didn't believe him. Dogs are filthy, sick animals that bite. How could you have such a thing in your house? And just when Anna thinks she may have met some new friends, who will teach her to play in the snow, they tease her and say she's not good at skating because she is from Africa.

However, with the help of Granny Canada and her own optimistic spirit, Anna overcomes all difficulties. She learns to love the snow and cold, to be friends with Qimmiq the dog, and to change the prejudices of the Canadian children she has met. Soon, Anna will be just as sad to leave cold Canada as she was to leave her beloved Africa - but she'll be taking a new friend back with her!

This is another wonderful addition to the story of Anna Hibiscus. We've seen her world from her point of view - now we see a whole new culture through her eyes. The prejudice of the other kids may seem simplistic, but it's a very simple age - and their responses are completely believable. It's a look at a culture most children are familiar with from a very different perspective and plenty of warm and happy adventures are included.

Verdict: This is a wonderful series to add to your series collection. After a while, most beginning chapter series seem to run together, but never Anna Hibiscus. Every story keeps the strength and familiarity of the characters while opening up a new world to the readers. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 9781610670081; Published March 2011 by Kane Miller; Review copy provided by publisher; Purchased for the library.

Cybils Nonfiction Picture Book Nominations

2011-12-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

Only the mountains do not move: A Maasai story of culture and conservation by Jan Reynolds

In this nonfiction picture book, Jan Reynolds introduces thereader to the culture of the Maasai and their struggles to conserve their landand traditional way of life. Each page is filled with photographs and many alsofeature a traditional saying or proverb. The book begins with the traditionalroles for women, men, and children. It introduces these roles with real peopleand shows how they all work together to survive. In addition to work, we seesome of the games the adults and children play and the rhythm of life in theirenkang, or village. Food, and how the Maasai use the bush and protectthemselves, follows and then the author moves into the changes in the Maasai’straditional way of life, especially those caused by droughts, climate change,and loss of territory and how they are changing to deal with these newchallenges. The Maasai must find new ways to make a living and survive on theland now that their traditional way of life is no longer feasible. Farming andtourism are two of the ways they are changing to meet these challenges.

The Extras: the story begins with a map, showing where thespecific tribe lives which is featured in this book. After the main story, theauthor discusses int more detail the modern challenges to traditional life notjust for the Maasai, but for other cultures and speculates on how things willcontinue to change. A glossary and source notes are also included.

Verdict: This is an interesting book and would be a goodstarting point for a student researching other cultures. I would suggest buyingit in paperback if possible, as the rapid changes in political andenvironmental cultures may make this outdated very soon.

ISBN: 978-1600603334; Published October 2011 by Lee & Low; Electronic review copy provided by publisher

Swirl by swirl: Spirals in nature by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Beth Krommes

Confession time: I wasn’t enthusiastic about House in theNight. I didn’t really see why it won the Caldecott. But this, oh yes, thistitle I can get behind, text and art! Krommes’ gorgeous scratchboard art isperfect for the poetic sentences of Sidman and together they have created anamazing read-aloud nonfiction picture book. In clear, large type, Sidmanpresents spirals in nature in lyrical but general terms, “A spiral is a growingshape/It starts small/and gets bigger,/swirl by swirl.”

Her simple, lovelylanguage is gorgeously expanded by Krommes. The art accompanying the quotedtext shows a nautilus, both swimming in cross-section, showing how the shellgrows from a tiny baby into a large adult. Each page follows this pattern, withthe art expanding and explaining the text. Neat captions adorn the variousspirals from “breaking ocean waves” to “spiral galaxy.”

Extras: Each page on spirals is expanded into moreinformation about spirals in nature with small illustrations.

Verdict: This is a must-have for your library collection andstorytime repertoire. Pair it with Sarah Campbell's Growing Patterns for a science program. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 978-0547315836; Published October 2011 by Houghton Mifflin; Borrowed from the library; Added to the library's wishlist

Bugs by the numbers by Sharon Werner and Sarah Forss

It’s impossible to separate the text and art in thisintriguing book on insects. 23 different bugs, insects, and othercreepy-crawlies are combined with statistics and numbers to create unique artand text. The introduction features a cheery rhyme explaining theubiquity of bugs and why the authors chose to bunch insects, bugs,arachnids, and others together under the heading “bugs.” Each creaturestretches across a full spread, its body composed of numbers. Cut paper flapsconceal and reveal more information and additional facts – all mathematicallyrelated of course – abound.

For example, on the spider’s page we learn thatspiders have 8 legs and a little about what those legs do. On the left, a bluepage divided into six sections tells us that Daddy Longlegs aren’t spiders andhave only 1 body segment, Golden Orb Web spiders make the biggest webs, spidershave 6 silk glands, Tarantula is the largest spider, and a Black Widow’s poisonis 15 times more venomous than a rattlesnake’s. Lift the blue flap and you willsee a web composed of 1s and sentences about spiders and three spidersconstructed out of stylistic 8s.

Many children will be thrilled to spend hours finding allthe numbers and facts about the different creatures and learning fascinatingnew facts. However, I was disappointed to see there were no sources listed forthe many facts and numbers. Where did they get the numbers from? Also, some ofthe facts are a little vague, for example, the spider page tells us that DaddyLonglegs are not spiders, but doesn’t tell us what they are. Despite theintroduction at the beginning, it’s confusing and disappointing to tell buddingscientists that it’s ok to call things by the incorrect name because “mostfolks” do (although I’ve never met anyone who called an earthworm a bug!)

Verdict: This book is unique and fascinating and would makea fun addition to your library collection, but make sure you have plenty ofmore solidly grounded factual books on insects, arachnids, and whateverearthworms are (looked it up – invertebrates apparently?)

ISBN: 978-1609050610; Published April 2011 by Blue Apple; Borrowed from the library

A butterfly is patient by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long

The Text: Dianna Aston does one of my favorite things witheasy nonfiction: she has two parallel texts, one simple sentences perfect forreading aloud, another a longer paragraph for reading alone or with olderchildren. The simple sentences give facts and attributes of butterflies, “Abutterfly is patient/a butterfly is creative/a butterfly is helpful” while thelonger text explains in further detail. “A butterfly is patient” explains howan egg is hidden and hatches into a caterpillar. “A butterfly is creative”explains how a caterpillar grows and begins metamorphosis. “A butterfly ishelpful” discusess butterflies’ role in pollination. The differences betweenmoths and butterflies, butterfly species, migration, feeding habits, and moreare also included.

The Illustrations: Sylvia Long’s illustrations glow withbrilliant color. Her watercolors are delicately detailed and perfect foridentifying butterflies or just basking in their beauty. The book washandlettered by Anne Robin and Sylvia Long and most of the butterflies andcaterpillars are neatly labeled. The layout of the illustrations and text is abig part of this book as they are so carefully integrated. Some of the spreadsswirl across the entire page with asection of text carefully placed in the middle. Other pages spotlight a fewpictures against a white background, alternating with text.

The Extras: The acknowledgements include a long list ofprofessional sources on butterflies. No guide to identification is needed, asthe illustrations include captions.

Verdict: This is a beautiful, beautiful book. Perfect forreading aloud or enjoying alone, highly recommended for any library collection.

ISBN: 978-0811864794; Published May 2011 by Chronicle; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library

All the water in the world by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Katherine Tillotson

Like Swirl by Swirl, This is another beautifully illustrated, lyrically writtentitle about an aspect of nature. This time, it’s the water cycle. George EllaLyon’s beautiful poem about the amazing beauty of water and the water cycle is perfectly spread out over Katherine Tillotson’s digital illustrations onhandmade paper. The poem has a warm, friendly feel, “Everything waits/for anopen gate/in a wall of clouds/for rain sweet and loud/to fill the well/andstart the stream/Honey/living things dream/of water/for all to drink/use in tubor sink/wash in, splash in.”

Tillotson’s illustrations show the progression ofwater through the water cycle as well as droughts, but her illustrations alsoexplode with the life that comes from water, with a spray of droplets and waveshiding animals and people in its splashes. The book ends with an exhortation toconserve water and keep earth green for everyone.

Verdict: This is a great way to introduce very youngchildren to the water cycle as well as being a fun and lovely read-aloud. Isuccessfully used it with my pre-kindergarten classes last summer and theyloved the exuberant language and details in the pictures. The text isintegrated into the illustrations, so you’ll need to practice reading thisaloud as it’s not always easy to follow the words. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 978-1416971306; Published March 2011 by Atheneum; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library

Dead end in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

Jack's life has gone down the drain. Everything seemed like it was going great - school was out, his dad wasn't there to see Jack sneak his Japanese war souvenirs, and he's all set for a summer of playing baseball with Bunny, the closest thing he has to a friend. The only drawback is his constant nosebleeds.

Then his mom hires him out to assist the elderly Miss Volker, his dad comes back with some crazy ideas and everything is out of control. Before Jack knows it, he's mixed up with dead bodies, melting wax, airplanes, and he's gotten grounded for the whole summer.

Filled with people that range from the mildly eccentric to the completely insane, Jack Gantos' newest novel is packed with strange characters, odd reflections, and throughout the whole story runs the theme of history and how it affects us and we affect it. By the end of the story, Jack may not be much better off or even sadder but wiser although he's learned a few lessons, but he's had one unbelievable summer.

I was feeling a little doubtful about reading this book because Jack Gantos leans heavily on the "quirky and not in a good way" type of characters, but I found myself snickering throughout most of the first half of the book. Then staring at the pages in disbelief, then reading insanely, unable to stop until I found out What Happened Next.

Now, I'm not sure how I feel about this title. Is it well-written? Yes. The characters are consistent, the prose is addictive, the historical sections are seamlessly blended into the plot and dialogue. Is it interesting? Well, it definitely held my attention throughout. Does it have kid-appeal? I don't know. I can certainly see myself booktalking it "Jack has a whole summer ahead of him...unfortunately, his mom has volunteered him to write obituaries, the town is dying - literally - and his dad is hatching one crazy scheme after another." Or, "This book is about melting wax, blood, death, and history." But will kids read past the first couple chapters and get involved in the quirky characters, historical meanderings, and oddly depressing atmosphere of life in a dying small town in the 1960s?

I'm not sure how I feel about the cover. It certainly represents the book well, but will kids pick it up? Gantos' other works aren't hugely popular at our library, although I've had one or two kids ask for Joey Pigza. I can see this title winning awards - historical fiction always seems popular with the committees, but I don't see it becoming a popular favorite.

Verdict: If you have enough budget to speculate, purchase it. I don't, so I'll wait to see if any kids ask for it or if it wins an award. Meanwhile, I'll pass out the arc to some selected test subjects and see what they think.

ISBN: 9780374379933; Published September 2011 by Farrar Straus Giroux; ARC provided by publisher

Cybils Nonfiction Picture Book Nominations

2011-11-29T07:00:00.001-06:00

Eliza’s Cherry Trees: Japan’s gift to America by AndreaZimmerman, illustrated by Ju Hong Chen

The Text: In short, brisk sentences, Zimmerman tells thestory of the life of Eliza Scidmore, traveler and journalist, and of her longquest to plant cherry trees in Washington D.C. Eliza was the first woman “tohave an important job” at the National Geographic Society and she traveled tomany places most people had never seen, certainly not the average Americanwoman – Alaska, Russia, Japan, and more. Her interest in Japan and its cultureencouraged her to take on the task of convincing Washington park keepers toplant cherry trees. It took over twenty years for her to convince them it was agood idea, but although Eliza is mostly forgotten, her cherry trees are asymbol of Washington D. C.

The Illustrations: Ju Hong Chen’s illustrations are mixturesof brilliant color, like Eliza’s first meeting with the parks keeper in a blazeof orange, and surrealistic landscapes as in Eliza’s introduction to cherrytrees, where cherry blossoms float in giant cotton candy blobs above a flatgreen and blue background.

The Extras: A timeline of Eliza Scidmore’s life is included

The Verdict: This is not one of Andrea Zimmerman’s betterefforts. The language sounds bland and choppy “She worked hard and made goodmoney.” “Eliza was very happy” and is often vague, as when we are told Elizahas “an important job” with the National Geographic Society…doing what,exactly? The illustrations were uninspired and often had a flat, lifelessquality. Eliza’s life is interesting, but the text is too long for the averagepicture book – or preschooler - and the illustrations will not hold theattention of older children. I would have liked to have seen a chapter book ofher life with more discussion of her travels and life in general and moreoriginal documents.

ISBN: 978-1589809543; Published March 2011 by Pelican; Borrowed from the library

Olivia's Birds: Saving the Gulf by Olivia Bouler

11-year-old Olivia Bouler was very upset when she heard about the Gulf oil spill. She'd always loved birds and wanted to help, so she started an online fundraiser with her bird art. In this book, she combines her pictures of birds around the world with facts and information about the amazing world of birds. The book ends with Olivia's story of her efforts to aid conservation, the plight of birds in the Gulf oil spill and in other areas, what she would do if she were president, and how kids can help.

Verdict: Kids will be interested to see a real book written by one of their peers. There's nothing particularly outstanding about the art or text, but if you're looking for books to inspire kids to get involved and make a difference, this is a good choice.

ISBN: 978-1402786655; Published April 2011 by Sterling; Borrowed from the library

A place for fish by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Higgins Bond

Stewart follows the formula of her other "place" books, mixing a few simple sentences about the various threats to fishes' well-being with a sidebar of facts about a specific species of fish and how they are in danger. The simple sentences give environmental information including the danger of over-fishing, pollution, capturing rare fish for pets, and invasive species, among other threats. The sidebar information includes species such as hammerhead sharks, smallmouth bass, lined seahorses, Atlantic salmon, and more.
Bond's acrylic illustrations are photographic with intense detail in the landscapes and fish.

Extras: There is a list of simple things kids can do in the last sidebar, as well as additional fish facts, bibliography, suggested websites, and the endpapers contain maps showing the location of the various species highlighted throughout the book

Verdict: This series seems to be popular among librarians, but I've never quite gotten the point of it (although I love Melissa Stewart's Under the Snow and similar books). In this particular volume, the simple sentences seem aimed at a younger audience, but what purpose does telling kids "When people find other ways to make electricity, fish can live and grow" serve? The suggestions for kids to get involved are ok, but these books are basically a list of all the things that are killing fish; very few of them are things kids can affect, and the "solutions" are so vague and general they don't offer much hope. I would rather have practical books about ways kids can recycle and help the environment, concrete examples of how scientists and activists are making changes, and books about fish that are just...books about fish. Feel free to try to change my mind and explain how you use these books!

ISBN: 978-1561455621; Published March 2011 by Peachtree; Borrowed from the library

About hummingbirds: A guide for children by Cathryn and John Sill

Sill's "About" series pairs simple facts with exquisite watercolors detailing species, habitats, and details of the featured animals.
This title focuses on hummingbirds and Sill talks about their feeding habits, different species of hummingbird, reproduction, and more. The illustrations are, as always, beautifully detailed and perfectly illustrate the simple sentences.

Extras: The afterword includes extensive details on each color plate and the hummingbird or aspect of hummingbirds it features. There is also a glossary, further reading, sources, and information about the authors and their other titles.

Verdict: This is a popular series which I use frequently in story time as it works well with young children. The text in this particularly title felt a little bland in comparison with some of their other titles, but this is still an excellent addition and one I recommend for any library.

ISBN: 978-1561455881; Published July 2011 by Peachtree; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library

Bring on the Birds by Susan Stockdale

The Text: Susan Stockdale’s simple rhymes introduce youngchildren to a variety of birds and their special attributes. “Swooping birds/whooping birds/birds with puffy chests/dancing birds/diving birds/birds withfluffy crests.” The rhythm of the text is perfect for chanting aloud. A guideat the end of the story identifies each bird and explains a little more abouttheir special ability from the rhyme.

The Illustrations: Stockdale’s colorful acrylicillustrations are simple enough to be easily seen by a large group of children,but detailed enough to identify the birds. Each picture is set within a simplered border and the colors are carefully harmonized to make the birds show upbrilliantly against their surroundings.

The Extras: In addition to the identification guide andinformation about the birds mentioned above, further resources/sources on birdsare also included.

Verdict: This title, like Stockdale’s Fabulous Fishes, is aperfect nonfiction read aloud for story time. You can read it straight through,have the kids echo the lines to chant along, or read it with the kidsidentifying the birds (with help from the guide as needed) or all three! Highlyrecommended, especially for preschool and kindergarten.

ISBN: 978-1561455607; Published February 2011 by Peachtree; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library

Nonfiction Monday: Off to Class by Susan Hughes

2011-11-28T07:00:00.005-06:00

Hughes explores schools around the world from a green school in Canada to an orphanage for street children in Honduras, from schools in caves to schools on water. Every school has one thing in common; working to help children grow, learn, and have a better life.

Teachers and students at these schools often face incredible challenges; poverty, weather, culture, and funding. The schools in this book are divided into three chapters, "Working with the environment" which showcases schools that face environmental challenges or focus on environmental concerns, "No school? No way!" which talks about schools that serve children who didn't previously have a school or are disadvantaged by poverty, gender, or tradition and "One size doesn't fit all" showing alternative schools that adapt to non-Western cultures, or unconventional philosophies.

Some of the interesting schools show in this book include:

Boat schools in Bangladesh that bring education to children in areas with frequent flooding.

Arthur Ashe charter school in New Orleans, which offers an edible schoolyard, and environmental education on caring for wetlands.

The Stung Mean Chey Center in Cambodia, which offers free schooling, school supplies, and a small amount of money and rice to the children who live in the slums around the dump, Stung Mean Chey.

The Dongzhong Primary School, serving some of the Miao people in China - and housed in a cave!

A school in Siberia that follows the nomadic Evenk people and teaches children to deal with the modern world as well as retain their heritage.

An unschooling family in the US who has school in a treehouse.

A specially designed school for the children with sensory impairments in Hazelwood, Scotland.

The text is written clearly and in short, readable sections with plenty of photographs and interesting facts. This is a great look at how children go to school around the world and well worth adding to your nonfiction collection.

Verdict: It's easy to be fascinated by other children's lives when they're as interesting as this book! Kids and parents will enjoy reading about the variety of school around the world and the excellent layout of the book makes it accessible and intruiging. Recommended.

ISBN: 978-1-9268863; Published August 2011 by OwlKids; Review copy provided by publisher; Purchased for the library

This week at the library; or, how could a 3 day week have so much aggravation?

2011-11-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

No programs this week, instead we are interviewing for our cataloguer position and I am desperately searching for a car, since I have no transportation and need something by Dec. 1 when I have outreach visits...also had a committee meeting and a scheduling meeting with Miss Pattie.

Also planning next year's programs and sorting summer reading books and walking back and forth across town looking for a car...

No car! No internet! Argh!

Anna Hibiscus' Song by Atinuke, illustrated by Lauren Tobia

2011-11-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

Anna Hibiscus stars in her own picture book! After several great beginning chapter books, the team of Atinuke and Lauren Tobia have created a lovely and joyous picture book.

Anna Hibiscus is happy, so so happy! She goes to each member of her family in turn, asking what they do when they are happy and is invited to join in squeezing hands, pounding yams, turning somersaults, dancing and more. Anna Hibiscus' joy grows until she finds her own special happiness activity - singing!

The simple, joyful text celebrates the everyday happiness of life, while Lauren Tobia's illustrations show an exciting world very different from that of American children, but still full of special places to go and things to do, and loving families.

Children and parents will want to think about their own happy things to do and explore the simple, uncomplicated happy things in life like spending time with family, singing and dancing, after reading this exuberant tribute to family.

Verdict: This picture book is a great introduction to the wonderful world of Anna Hisbiscus. Kane Miller is now a subsidiary of Usborne, so librarians and parents will want to either order direct from Usborne or Kane Miller, or purchase a like-new copy on Amazon, since this book may not be available through your usual vendor. Definitely worth a little extra effort though!

ISBN: 9781610670401; Published August 2011 by Kane Miller; Review copy provided by publisher

Cybils Nonfiction Picture Book Nominations: History

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

I feel better with a frog in my throat: History’s strangestcures by Carlyn Beccia

The Text: In a quiz format, Beccia introduces us to theweird, wacky, and just plain gross medical cures throughout history. The bookshows cures for a disease, for example “History’s strangest cures for Sorethroats” gives “A frog down the throat/A necklace made of earthworms/A dirtysock tied around the neck” then the reader turns the pages to see a moreinformation on which cures actually worked and why people thought they would.

The Illustrations: Beccia’s medieval caricatures are theperfect fit for her gruesome text, showing reluctant children and adults tryingout the often disgusting cures given to them.

The Extras: An author’s note explains the difficulty oftracking the exact origin of many old cures and gives a selected bibliography.

Verdict: A fascinating, funny, and icky book. Packed full ofwell-organized information, this will be a hit with kids who like history andthe gross and weird. Beccia’s Raucous Royals has been a huge hit at my library,even for kids who aren’t history buffs, and this title will be even morepopular. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 978-0547225708; Published October 2010 by Houghton Mifflin; Borrowed from the library

Franklin and Winston: A Christmas that changed the world byDouglas Wood, illustrated by Barry Moser

The Text: Wood introduces the two key players in thisexcerpt from history, Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt, with quotes anda brief description of the events that led them to become powerful worldleaders, set to save the Allied nations from the Axis in December 1941.Churchill made the dangerous trip to America to meet with the president.Churchill charmed the press and staff, although he was often an eccentric anddifficult guest. Together Churchill and Roosevelt built an alliance and afriendship that had far-reaching impact on the world.

The Illustrations: Moser’s lush watercolor illustrationsshow the world of 1941 as well as the characters of Roosevelt and Churchill.Their friendship is an overarching theme through the illustrations of meetings,speeches, meals and daily life during Churchill’s visit. The illustrations werebased on photographs, giving them a realistic style while still allowing theartist to add depth and emotion to the characters.

The Extras: An afterword lists the important accomplishmentsof Churchill and Roosevelt during their visit and an author’s note mentions thepersonal connections of World War II for Douglas Wood. An extensivebibliography and information on the art and typeface is also included.

Verdict: This is a beautiful and well-written book, focusingon an interesting aspect of World War II. However, I think it would be bestused in a school library setting, where it could offer supplementary materialto students studying World War II. The picture book format and lack of actionmake it unlikely to be a browsing choice in a public library.

ISBN: 978-0763633837; Published September 2011 by Candlewick; Borrowed from the library

Big Wig: A little history of hair by Kathleen Krull,illustrated by Peter Malone

The Text: Kathleen Krull traces hair from prehistory, whenpeople groomed each other, to wigs in Egypt, hair dyes in 16^thcentury Venice, elaborate wigs in Versailles, to present day styles madepopular by celebrities.

The Illustrations: The kooky illustrations match thetongue-in-cheek text, showing prehistory punk Scotchmen scaring properEnglishmen in bowlers with their chalked hair, ancient Greeks battling overcures for baldness, and a slyly smiling French courtier shooting a miniaturecannon in her elaborate wig towards her friend’s matching bird in a cageembedded in her hair.

The Extras: An author’s note begins the story, explainingKrull’s interest in the history of hair. “Big Wig Hair Extensions” gives atimeline of additional information about hairstyles through the ages and theirconnections to history. A list of sources, marked with the best pictures andbest for young readers, is also included.

Verdict: This is a weird and interesting book with a slysense of humor. While I would have liked to see more sources and lessspeculation, it’s all in good fun and kids who like wacky facts will scoop thisone up right away.

ISBN: 978-0439676403; Published August 2011 by Arthur A. Levine Books; Borrowed from the library

Basketball Belles: How two teams and one scrappy player putwomen’s hoops on the map by Sue Macy, illustrated by Matt Collins

The Text: The beginning of women’s basketball is toldthrough the eyes of Agnes Morley, one of the first players. From her childhoodon a ranch, Morley went to college at Stanford, where she was introduced tobasketball. The story then focuses on a play by play recounting of the firstbasketball game played between two women’s teams, Berkeley and Stanford.

The Illustrations: The paintings are slick and glossy andfocus on the movement and interaction of the players throughout the game. Ididn’t quite get the feeling of movement and excitement from them that Iexpected; the players barely seem to be mussed at all, even in the final spreadwhen it says “Our hair is messy. Our bloomers are torn. Our faces are streakedwith sweat.” all I see is a little loose hair. The artist did do a good job ofshowing the various plays and ways the older basketball rules differed fromtoday in the way the players move around the court.

The Extras: An author’s note explains why Macy chose to useMorley as the narrator of the story and gives more details about her life. Atimeline of women’s basketball and resources, books, museums and websites, arealso included.

Verdict: I felt that the scope of the book was too limited.After only two spreads on Agnes Morley’s early life, the rest of the book is aplay by play account of the game. The story doesn’t really explain the subtitle“How two teams and one scrappy player put women’s hoops on the map” since itends with Agnes’ excitement about winning the game. The additional informationexpanded on the story a great deal, but I would have liked to see all of itincorporated in a longer book for older children. It’s hard to interest childrenor adults in historical sports titles and including more history about women’sbasketball up to the present would have made it easier to interest patrons inthis book.

ISBN: 978-0823421633; Published April 2011 by Holiday House; Borrowed from the library

Mali under the night sky: A Lao story of home by YoumeLandowne

The Text: A little girl named Mali loves her peaceful, happyhome in Laos. She loves her family, climbing trees, and celebrating together.But war is coming closer and nothing is safe or happy anymore. So Mali and herfamily run through the night, cross the great river in a small boat, andescape. When they arrive in a new country, they are put in jail “for not havinga home.” Mali keeps her memories and stories close though, knowing they willstay with her through the journey to a new home.

The Illustrations: The pictures have a simple, childlikequality. Mali and her family and the world they live in are shown in swirlingcolors. The illustrated spreads are bordered with colored patterns, making eachpicture stand out like a separate glimpse into Mali’s life.

The Extras: Malichansouk Kouanchao has included a messageabout her experiences and her belief in the power of creativity and stories.One of her pieces of art, Self Portrait, is also included. An additionalmessage from author and artist Thavisouk Phrasavath is also included.

Verdict: The simple text and illustrations do a good job ofexpressing the story of a refugee from a child’s point of view. However, Iwould have liked more background information and framing for the story. Icouldn’t figure out what Phrasavath had to do with the story and there isn’tany information about the events in Laos/Thailand. We don’t even know the namesof the countries from the stories, only from the publisher’s flap copy. Is there some significance to the patterns in the borders? How did Mali get from Thailand (presumably the country where her family was imprisoned) to the US? Did Youme collaborate with Mali to write this story? Too many questions are left unanswered.

ISBN: 978-1933693682; Published October 2010 by Cinco Puntos Press; Borrowed from the library

Right where you are now by Lisa Montierth, illustrated byAshley Burke

The Text: The author looks at prehistory, showing how “rightwhere you are now” the landscape was very different, with volcanoes,prehistoric animals, jungles, and oceans.

The Illustrations: The pictures and wild and colorful, butdifficult to identify even with the visual dictionary at the end of the story.Some of them are odd and creepy and don’t seem to fit into the story, like theending spread showing children and a dog imagining what might be there in thefuture; something that looks like a Pacman with massive teeth, a bone with aribbon, and a flying rabbit?

The Extras: A visual dictionary identifies most of theanimals and a few geographical events introduced in the book.

Verdict: Some of the pictures were attractive and it’s agood basic concept, but the art was uneven and there weren’t enough sources andinformation about the massive amounts of information condensed into the book. Ididn’t like the vagueness of “right where you are now” which makes it soundlike there were volcanoes, jungles, floods, and prehistoric animals all in thesame place. Also, when I saw the author list her favorite dinosaur as abrontosaurus, that made the rest of the information suspect to me and I wantedto see a bibliography and sources and maps. Not recommended.

ISBN: 978-0984442225; Published September 2011 by Craigmore Creations; Review copy provided by publisher for Cybils

Underground: Finding the light to freedom by Shane W. Evans

The Text: Brief, powerful words and short sentencesaccompany the illustrations, showing the emotional impact of escaping on theUnderground Railway. The main focus of this story, for example the first threepages’ text reads, “The darkness/The escape/We are quiet”

The Illustrations: The illustrations are rough images in thedark, showing the fear and tense atmosphere of the journey on the UndergroundRailroad, until the passengers arrived at the light and freedom and thepictures blossom into flaming gold , yellow and orange.

The Extras: An author’s note explains briefly how he came towrite this story and expands on a modern person who helps the homeless, PastorAlice, to whose organization a portion of the book’s proceeds are given.

Verdict: This is a powerful and beautiful book, but thereare so many titles on the Underground Railroad and the information in thistitle is extremely sparse. I would only recommend purchasing this if you are alarge library with the budget for and interest in extended/additional purchasesin this area.

ISBN: 978-1596435384; Published January 2011 by Roaring Brook; Borrowed from the library

Unforgettable season: the story of Joe DiMaggio, TedWilliams and the record-setting summer of ’41 by Phil Bildner, illustrated byS. D. Schindler

The Text: Bildner tells the story of Joe DiMaggio and TedWilliams record-setting streaks in the summer of 1941 in excited, breathlesssentences. The story alternates between the two men, showing their initialunpopularity among fans and the slow build of enthusiasm as people watchedtheir hitting streaks continue.

The Illustrations: The art is watercolor, ink and gouacheand focuses on the faces and attitudes of the players and fans. There are smalltouches of advertisements, clothing, and furniture, bringing the reader intothe time period of the 1940s. The enthusiasm and cheerfulness of the text isshown in the faces of the players and fans.

The Extras: Some additional baseball statistics are includedat the back of the book. Sources are included in the copyright information atthe beginning of the book.

Verdict: I’m generally reluctant to purchase historicalsports books, but this is a nice introduction to two very famous players foryounger children. The writing has a brisk pace, the illustrations areattractive, and overall I would recommend this title for any librarycollection.

ISBN: 978-0399255014; Published March 2011 by Putnam; Borrowed from the library

The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Jim LaMarche

2011-11-23T07:00:00.022-06:00

Tiger Rose loves her happy, peaceful home. She loves all the beautiful things in her world. But she's old and tired and her body hurts. She says goodbye to the animals that have been her friends, and the animals she has chased, to the parents who have fed her and the children who have loved her. She says goodbye to everything and then curls up to sleep and in her sleep makes one last jump into the sky and becomes part of everything around her.

Jane Yolen has written a beautiful, poetic text which is joined by Jim LaMarche's soft pastel illustrations to create a comforting story about the natural cycle of life and death. Depending on your beliefs about death, for humans and/or animals, this is a gentle and reassuring story for children dealing with the death of a pet.

I wouldn't recommend putting this into the general picture book collection, since most parents will want to review it before reading it to their children, but it's a good addition to your parenting or tough topics collection.

Verdict: This is one of the better children's books about death, especially of a pet, and if you have a suitable place for it in your collection, I recommend purchasing it for parents looking for a general "it's all natural" approach to death and grieving.

ISBN: 9780375866630; Published May 2011 by Random House; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab Associates

Cybils Nonfiction Picture Book Nominations: Geography

2011-11-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

This next installment of Cybils nominations are all roughly geographical, centered around places both modern and historical.

Orani: My father’s village by Claire Nivola

The Text: In lush, breathtaking prose, Nivola presents theSardinian village where her father was born and grew up and which she visitedoften as a child. Her childhood memories form the bulk of the book, as shevisits cousins and experiences all the life of the small village, including thesmall businesses, often owned by family, the festivals, and all the warmth andexcitement of summer.

The Illustrations: Nivola’s lovely illustrations capture thelife and color of the small village, as well as the wilderness of thesurrounding mountains and hills. The vibrant colors and and simple housescombine to perfectly show the simple, happy life she experienced as a child.

The Extras: A lengthy author’s note talks about herchildhood and family’s experiences in leaving Orani and her own feelings aboutthe small village when she returned. The endpapers contain drawn maps of theMediterranean and the island of Sardinia.

Verdict: This is a lovely book, but I have trouble seeing anaudience for it. It is a somewhat idealized vision of a child’s memories oflife in a small, rural town. Some children may be interested in the exoticfeel of the very different experiences and the illustrations are attractive,but it’s appeal to the children in general is limited. It will be of moreinterest to adults, especially those who immigrated as children from similarsmall towns.

ISBN: 978-0374356576; Published July 2011 by Farrar Straus Giroux; Borrowed from the library

T is for Taj Mahal: An India alphabet by Varsha Bajaj,illustrated by Robert Crawford

The Text: This is the latest addition to Sleeping Bear’sDiscover the World series. Framed by the alphabet, the reader is introduced to26 people, places, events and general concepts in India. Each page has asomewhat forced poem presenting the subject, for example “A is forAryans/Ancient history tells us/the Aryans came to stay./The Vedas tell usstories/about life in their day.” The concept is further explored in a fewparagraphs. The book includes the following: Aryans, Bollywood, Cricket, Dress,Epics, Festivals, Gandhi, Himalayas, Independent India, Jewelry, Kathak,Languages, Music, Neighbors, Ocean, Prime Minister, Qutab Minar, Religion,Spices, Taj Mahal, Urban Centers, Villages, Wildlife, eXports, Yoga, and Zero.

The Illustrations: Crawford’s illustrations show a varietyof historical and contemporary people, places, and concepts, from a richlydecorated Kathak dancer, with stylized facial features and large eyes, to asimple set of flashcards showing various words that have been adopted intoEnglish. The landscapes are broadly painted with panoramas of oceans,skyscrapers and more. The pictures focusing on people are richly colored anddecorated, showing the vibrant life and color of the various groups in India.

The Extras: A detailed map of India is placed at thebeginning of the book.

Verdict: India has a wide variety of ethnic groups and itappeared to me that only the lighter-skinned groups were depicted. Some of theskin colors are indeterminate, being closer to gray, but most are uniformlylight. One boy in the picture depicting “Independent India” has darker skin andappears to have slightly curly hair. I was disappointed that none of the peopleshown had the rich, dark skin I’ve seen in many of my own friends from India.The facial depictions vary wildly from unrealistically stylized,with largecurved eyes, to more realistic expressions. The information about India isinteresting, but the short poems are clunky and the alphabet device seemsoverworn to me – the lengthy information about the subjects is directed atchildren who are certainly beyond alphabet books. It’s an interesting concept,but one I don’t see a place for in my library.

ISBN: 978-1585365043; Published March 2011 by Sleeping Bear Press; Borrowed from the library

Arlington: The story of our nation’s cemetery by ChrisDemarest

The Text: Chris Demarest follows the history of Arlingtonfrom the construction of Arlington House in 1802 to the rules and regulationsthat govern it as Arlington Cemetery today. Arlington House was built by GeorgeWashington Parke Custis and filled with paintings and memorabilia of GeorgeWashington. In 1831, his daughter Mary married Robert E. Lee and the two livedin Arlington House until the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, when Leeresigned from the army and went to lead the Southern troops. In 1864, Arlingtonwas turned into a military cemetery for Northern soldiers. Over the years,soldiers from the Revolutionary war, Spanish-American conflict, World War I,and every other war were buried in Arlington. Demarest explains some of thespecial monuments and people in Arlington, including the Tomb of the Unknownsand presidents Kennedy and Taft. Throughout the timeline of the history ofArlington, Demarest includes information on the rituals and ceremonies associatedwith Arlington and the design and maintenance of the grounds.

The Illustrations: Demarest is an official artist for theCoast Guard and his paintings capture the cemetery during many historicalperiods. One of the most interesting things about the illustrations are thecarefully researched views of Arlington from a variety of angles. Demarest alsoincludes some interesting notes, like an oak tree that begins as a sapling inthe first illustration and continues to grow throughout the history of thecemetery, finally being surrounded by new saplings.

The Extras: A few black and white photos, timeline, partiallist of memorials, and a brief section on Freedman’s Village, where slaves fromthe Arlington estate and some freed slaves from the south lived for many yearsduring and after the Civil War. An author’s note discusses the significance ofArlington Cemetery and the illustrations. Acknowledgements, recommendedreading, and websites are also included.

Verdict: This title will not have a wide audience, but fillsa niche, especially if you have military families in your community. It’s alsoa useful title for people planning to visit Arlington. Recommended forpurchase.

ISBN: 1596435178; Published October 2011 by Flash Point; Borrowed from the library; Added to my library's wishlist

Celebritrees: Historic and famous trees of the world byMarji Preus, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon

The Text: After a brief introduction, the reader is shown awide variety of famous trees around the world. Each tree has a name or title,species, location, and estimated age with a few paragraphs about the history ofthe tree. The history includes explanations of some of the things that makethe tree special For example, the section on Methuselah explains that it is theoldest known living thing on earth with an age estimated at 4,800 years,mentions the age of Methuselah during some major events, and notes the namecomes from the Biblical character who was said to have lived 900 years. Treesfrom around the world are included; the tallest and biggest Redwoods inCalifornia, the thickest trees, a Chestnut and Cypress in Italy and Mexico, thefamous Bodhi tree sacred to Buddhists, The Chapel Oak in France, The Major Oakin England, The Boab Prison Tree in Australia, a variety of trees withhistorical significance in America, and trees planted on the moon.

The Illustrations: The pictures are cheerful and colorful,with many small touches of humor and interest. Faces are usually smiling andhave an almost doll-like quality. Some of the illustrations areanthropomorphized, like the smiling moon.

The Extras: Further information about the trees is given inthe section following the main portion of the book, adding details about thetrees’ species and history. Ecological information to help trees grow andthrive is included and a bibliography and list of websites.

Verdict: This is an interesting book with cheerfulillustrations on a unique topic. I think the illustrations would have beenbetter suited to a picture book; I enjoyed them, but found it frustrating that Icouldn’t really identify the trees because of the style of the paintings, forexample the Tule Tree in Mexico is supposed to have unusual bark formations,but the illustration just shows a mass of brown with finer line scrawls acrossit. However, I did enjoy this book on the whole and would recommend it for purchase.

ISBN: 978-0805078299; Published March 2011 by Henry Holt; Borrowed from the library

Cursed Grounds by Steven L. Stern

The Text: The author presents eleven reputedly cursed placesin the world, beginning with the cursed city of Bhangarh in India, and endingwith the Billy Goat curse on Wrigley Field in Chicago. Other cursed placesinclude the Devil’s Pool in Australia, the Palmyra Atoll in the Pacific Oceanand various towns in the USA. Evidence on both sides is presented for the scaryphenomena.

The Illustrations: A variety of paragraphs are includedthroughout the story. The backgrounds and edges of the pages show a spider’sweb of tree branches and the creepy cobweb effect is continued down over someof the photographs. Other photographs show reconstructions of historical placesas well as photographs of skeletons, mummies, and the frightening places wherethey were found.

The Extras: Small captions appear throughout the bookidentifying various images and information. A map of the places discussed inthe book, glossary, short bibliography, suggested reading, and link to moreinformation on Bearport’s website are also included.

Verdict: The creepy photographs and stories will make this ahit with kids who like scary nonfiction. This is one of the newest additions toBearport’s Scary Places series and this series is a good choice for filling inyour 133 sections. Recommended.

ISBN: 978-1617721472; Published January 2011 by Bearport; Borrowed from the library

A Walk in London by Salvatore Rubbino

The Text: A mother and her daughter go on a trip throughLondon, visiting famous landmarks and places. They start in Westminster,hearing the sound of Big Ben, visit St. James’s Park, watch the Changing of theGuard at Buckingham Palace, travel through Trafalgar Square, eat and watch theperformers in Covent Garden Piazza, then enter the oldest part of the London,the City or Square Mile. They visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Bank of England’smuseum, see The Monument commemorating the Great Fire of London, and finallyend their tour with a trip to the Tower of London and a ferry journey on theThames. Throughout the story, which is told through simple dialogue between themother and daughter, detailed captions explain various landmarks, historicalevents, and give facts about monuments and geographical information.

The Illustrations: Rubbino’s mixed media illustrationscharmingly capture the bustle and excitement of the city, emphasizing the manyhistorical landmarks. His sharp-nosed characters peer excitedly around cornersand up at buildings, showing a variety of activities centered around the variousplaces visited in the story.

The Extras: The endpapers show a map with the route followedby the main characters show in red arrows and souvenirs of their trip scatteredabout.

Verdict: I don’t think I would put this title in thenonfiction section of the library, because of the fictionalized dialogue thatcomposes the story, but I’d definitely add it to the picture book collection.Children will enjoy poring over the detailed pictures and following the motherand daughter on their journey throughout the city.

ISBN: 978-0763652722; Published March 2011 by Candlewick; Borrowed from the library

Nonfiction Monday: Arcadia Kids city/state guides by Kate Boehm Jerome

2011-11-21T07:00:00.081-06:00

This series is a nice mixture of local history and tourist destinations kids will find fun as well as educational. I even learned a few things about my own hometown, Austin!

Each book starts out with a spotlight on the city, including population, sports teams, and one interesting fact about the city. More fun numbers follow, then an overview of the city through the senses; sound, smell, sight, and more. Other sections include Strange but True, Marvelous Monikers (interesting names and the places they represent), past historical events. The second half of the book is an exploration of the whole state by geographical features, then by historical events, and finally through the people, environment, and local features like celebrations and jobs. The book ends with more facts and photographs and further resources.

This won't be useful for parents looking for a travel guide to a specific city, but it's great for a family planning to visit a city in a new state and wanting an overview. It's easy to pick out interesting destinations from the facts and stories offered throughout the books as well. The set I was given to review included:

Austin: I completely missed the renaming of Town Lake; it's now Lady Bird Lake, but everybody I know still calls it Town Lake, so it's doesn't really seem to have "taken." The other facts and highlights are accurate, although I wouldn't have highlighted Keep Austin Weird Fest instead of Austin City Limits or SXSW. The book does a good job of including a little bit of everything about a state with a lot of variety.

Philadelphia: I don't know that I would have included coal mining in the "Creating Jobs" section. Right after the protecting the environment section and right before local celebrations. Of course, not living in PA, all I see are the news stories about the coal industries effect on the environment, school propaganda, and coal miners trapped and dying. Is PA really a huge agriculture state? I've just been reading some statistics on the history of agriculture in the United States and it doesn't seem like enough people are actually still employed on farms to merit it being included as a major part of workforce economy.

I also looked at Boston and Richmond. All of the titles claim that people of the state love to be outdoors...well, I guess it could be true. They also each have a note in the jobs section "Pennsylvanians have a great respect for all the brave men and women who serve our country." Or Texans, or whatever...Reading a large stack of series nonfiction simultaneously may be a bad idea, huh? By about the third book it all kind of sounds the same.

Verdict: If you want an affordable series that combines state and tourist information, this would be a perfectly acceptable choice. It doesn't offer enough information to replace your State books, if you have a lot of school assignments calling for them, and they aren't designed to be travel guides (but there aren't many travel guides for kids, except for the Kidding Around series anyways). If there's not much call for these subjects, I'd recommend this series to efficiently do the job of two expensive nonfiction series. A bit repetitive, but what nonfiction series isn't?

ISBN: 9781439600887; Published May 2011 by Arcadia; Review copies provided by the publisher through Raab Associates.

This week at the library; or, The secret to teen programming

2011-11-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

Monday was Monday. I was happy Miss Pattie was able to do evening storytime after all, so I didn't have to come back tonight.

Tuesday. I have discovered the secret to teen programming - having someone other than me doing it. We had about 14 people at our Twilight party, evenly divided between adult and teen fans. Fun! And our Friend Katie did most of the work!

Wednesday. HUGE preschool interactive! I think at least 35 people, maybe 40! Small Lego Building Club.

Thursday. Came in late to work, spent the morning and early part of the afternoon getting my friend Sara The Librarian to drive me back and forth trying to junk my wrecked car. Ended up having to buy a replacement title because I couldn't find mine.

Friday. My internet provider goes out of business. Why can nobody offer simple, affordable internet service? This is my THIRD ip in three years.

Can I pleeeeease skip November next year?

Bloomswell Diaries by Louis Buitendag

2011-11-18T07:00:00.034-06:00

Ben is a little worried about going to America to stay with his mysterious uncle, but it's more exciting than getting left behind by his parents yet again. But when Ben arrives something mysterious is happening and he makes a horrible discovery; his parents are missing, presumed dead.

Or are they? The newspaper accounts can't be right; they were alive and with him on the date they went missing. Then his uncle mysterious disappears and terrifying men take him prisoner, men who include one of the strange and frightening tinmen. Ben finds himself locked up in a Dickensian orphanage/school with cruel boys and a possibly insane headmaster.

Desperate to find out the truth about his parents and uncle, and even more worried about his sister, at a boarding school in Switzerland, Ben manages to escape with the help of another imprisoned boy named Mackenzie.

Will Ben make it to Switzerland before the mysterious criminals capture his sister? Where is the rest of his family? And who is the sinister figure following Ben everywhere he goes?

This is a fast-paced adventure story with a flavor of steampunk and a definite Dickensian touch a la Joan Aiken. I read it quite breathlessly, eager to find out what happened at the end - and was sadly disappointed that it is, of course, a series. However, when I thought about it some more afterwards, I wasn't quite as happy with the story. It's strung out unnecessarily in my opinion. I would have skipped the entire school sequence and a large number of the mysterious hints and packed the whole story into one volume instead of dragging it out into sequel(s). This is a first novel, so hopefully the author will tighten his plots a little more in future writings. Although the plot could have been refined and some of the plot points tightened, and a little less of the constant shifts in friends/enemies cleared up, this was overall a fun adventure story with exciting pace and interesting characters.

Verdict: An additional purchase if you have kids who are fans of Lemony Snicket and are willing to read more stories with the Dickensian flavor. Sadly, I haven't met any middle grade fans of Joan Aiken or steampunk, but if you have them you'll want this fun adventure.

ISBN: 9781935279822; Published March 2011 by Kane Miller; Review copy provided by the publisher

Cybils Nonfiction Picture Book Nominations: Biographies

2011-11-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

When Bob met Woody: The story of the young Bob Dylan by Gary Golio, illustrated by Marc Burckhardt.

The Text: Golio introduces us to Bob Dylan's early life up until his meeting with Woody Guthrie and the influences that shaped his later life and music. Each stage in Dylan's life is told in simple language and with many quotations from Dylan and his friends.

The Illustrations: Burckhardt's style has a 1950s feel, with simple, clean lines and images. The backgrounds of the art have a crackled look, as though they were illustrations pulled out of an old box of memories. The text is framed in smaller illustrations and borders facing the larger paintings of scenes from young Bob Dylan's life.

The Extras: The afterword lists some of Bob Dylan's accomplishments and notes his storytelling propensities. This is followed by a list of sources and resources; books, audio, video, and websites. The author's note talks about how difficult it is to separate fact from fiction in a biography, especially with someone like Bob Dylan. A list of quotation notes are also included.

Verdict: This is a more accessible biography than Golio's earlier picture book on Jimi Hendrix. It has an open, pleasant feel and would make a good longer read-aloud for elementary ages, and will also be appreciated by older fans of Bob Dylan. Pair this with the picture book version of Dylan's God Gave Names To All The Animals, illustrated by Jim Arnosky.

ISBN: 978-0316112994; Published May 2011 by Little, Brown; Borrowed from the library

The Incredible Life of Balto by Meghan McCarthy

The Text: McCarthy tells the well-known story of Balto, the sled dog who saved the citizens of Nome by bringing diphtheria serum. But do we really know the story? Careful research reveals Balto as the inexperienced dog, surprisingly chosen to lead the team on the last leg of the race to Nome. Balto became famous, a statue was erected to him in Central Park, he met celebrities, a movie was made about him...but then Balto was sold. He was abused and shown as a sideshow freak until a businessman named George Kimble put together a fundraising campaign to purchase the famous Balto and his sled dog team. Balto spent the rest of his life happily at the Brookside Zoo in Chicago.

The Illustrations: Meghan McCarthy's pop-eyed illustrations show the people and places that Balto encountered throughout his tumultuous life. The paintings are in subdued shades of brown and blue and include paintings of photographs and newspaper articles.

The Extras: The author includes a "Detective Work" section, where she talks about her research, looking for the real story of Balto and what happened after his famous trek. Information on the other dogs and sled drivers is included, and there are quotations from them. She examined photographs and descriptions to determine Balto's actual appearance and coloring. Activities on researching past events are included and a bibliography of books and newspaper articles (and one radio show). The end papers are illustrated with a map of the area covered by the sled dogs.

Verdict: It's interesting to see an account of Balto that attempts to set the record straight on this confusing historical event. However, there's a lot of confusing speculation in the book - the contrast between the presentation of "facts" in the story and the author's discussion of how unreliable those facts are is jarring. While I enjoyed McCarthy's illustrations in Pop! The Invention of Bubblegum, they really didn't fit this story; when it is so focused on finding the truth behind the story, seeing the artist's imagined pictures of how things might have looked is incongruous. A good idea, but too many discordant elements.

ISBN: 978-0375844607; Published August 2009 by Knopf; Borrowed from the library

The Quite Contrary Man: A true American tale by Patricia Rusch Hyatt, illustrated by Kathryn Brown.

The Text: This is the weird but true story of Joseph Palmer, who stubbornly insisted on growing a beard despite his neighbors' horror. He eventually landed in jail, where he insisted on keeping his tremendous beard - and writing letters about the miserable treatment of prisoners. Palmer was finally released, still sticking to his principles, and his beard.

The illustrations: Brown's illustrations are a combination of watercolor and pen and ink sketches that give a homey, folksy feel to this story. Her people are caricatures with big noses and wildly flapping arms - and beard. Each section of text is framed in a drawn border of wood and vines.

The Extras: A historical note confirms the truth of the story and briefly discusses the way fashion changed to make beards so unfashionable. A brief note on the future life of Palmer and his family and some speculation on the motives behind the townspeople's persecution of his whiskers is also included.

Verdict: I would have liked a little more from his family's point of view - his wife is quoted as saying "Even though he is stubborn, I know he is right. He should be free to keep his beard." Did she really say this? How did she feel about supporting their family while her husband was in jail? Meandering even more into my personal bias, I'd like to see fewer biographies about people like Palmer and more biographies about the long-suffering wives and families who cared for children, kept house, and supported the family while their husbands and friends were indulging their eccentricities and standing up for their principles. Ok, personal bias aside, this is an amusing tall tale, but without any source notes or research shown, I wouldn't purchase it and it remains in the no-man's land between fiction and non-fiction.

ISBN: 978-0810940659; Published May 2011 by Abrams; Borrowed from the library

The Watcher: Jane Goodall's life with the chimps by Jeannette Winter.

The Text: In simple language and short sentences, Winter tells the story of Jane Goodall. She begins with her childhood, when Jane excelled at listening and watching animals and moves on to her first trip to Africa, to Kenya. There she met Louis Leakey and travelled to Gombe in Tanzania, which would become the heart of her research. Jane Goodall waited and watched and gradually the chimps in Gombe accepted her. As she watched and watched, she learned things about Chimps no one had ever discovered. Eventually, Jane left to become an advocate for the chimpanzees and their disappearing habitat.

The Illustrations: Jeannette Winter's simple illustrations add depth to the lyrical text and show Jane as a child, in her first year's of research, and as an older woman traveling around the world. She shows the vast landscapes and the individual behavior of the various chimpanzees with simple colors and shapes.

Extras: An author's note explained how the author refined Jane Goodall's life to the basic essentials in order to introduce her story to young children, adds some details about Goodall, and mentions some further resources. A note at the beginning of the story says the quotes within the text were taken from Goodall's autobiographies.

Verdict: This is a perfect picture book biography. Simple enough in text and illustration to be read aloud to children, but containing plenty of facts and information. There are few truly readable nonfiction picture books for younger children and this is a stellar example and one I look forward to reading aloud in storytime.

ISBN: 978-0375867743; Published April 2011 by Schwartz & Wade; Borrowed from the library

Tillie the terrible Swede: How one woman, a sewing needle, and a bicycle changed history by Sue Stauffacher, illustrated by Sarah McMenemy

The Text: In exuberant, exciting language, Stauffacher tells the story of Tillie Anderson, a young Swedish immigrant, who embraced the bicycling fervor of the 1890s and became a famous racer and female cyclist.

The Illustrations: The illustrations were created in gouache, hand-painted paper collage and black india ink. They are awash with colors, most of the illustrations are painted primarily contrasting colors.When Tillie dreams of cycling, her bright yellow dress clashes cheerfully with her mother's purple gown and dainty parlor. There are few details of faces, all of the characters are drawn as fleshed-out stick figures, with Tillie's wooden doll smile and blonde hair beaming steadily throughout the pictures.

The Extras: The back endpapers contain a timeline of Tillie's cycling victories and record breakers as well as an author's note that briefly explains the cycling craze and how it liberated women around the turn of the century. Additional resources are given in the acknowledgements at the beginning of the book.

Verdict: The illustrations are bright and cheery, but without depth or emotion. I would have liked to see actual photographs and reproductions instead of the stylistic drawings. The additional information could have been arranged more helpfully for readers. This is a fun picture book, but I would recommend Wheels of Change if you're looking for a title on this topic.

ISBN: 978-0375844423; Published January 2011 by Knopf; Borrowed from the library

The House Baba Built: An Artist's Childhood in China by Ed Young with Libby Koponen

The Text and Illustrations: The story and illustrations in this book simply cannot be separated; they are completely interwoven in an intimate portrait of Ed Young's childhood before and during World War II in the house his father built in Shanghai. Photographs, paintings, line drawings, collage, cut paper, and more are used to tell the story of the house built by Ed Young's father, which became home not only to their family, but also to relatives and refugees. We see the war as it impacts a child; brief glimpses of rationing, a few moments of fear, thoughts about their refugee neighbors. Young simply presents his memories in a simple kaleidoscope; celebrating the New Year, raising silk worms, fighting crickets, swimming, roller skating, reading adventure stories, and struggling through Japanese lessons. Every page is a work of art, a symphony of colors, shapes, and language. In his author's note, Ed Young explains his struggle to write the book coherently and how it came to it's present shape; gives photos, maps, and timelines, and shows blueprints of the house Baba built.

Verdict: This won't be an instant popular bestseller, but every child and adult who pulls it off the shelf, intrigued by the elaborate cover, will be drawn into the story and memories and will leave the book a little richer in mind than they came to it.

ISBN: 978-0316076289; Published October 2011 by Little, Brown; Borrowed from the library

Henrietta King: Loving the Land by Mary Dodson Wade, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth

Short, clipped sentences briefly tell the story of Henrietta King, wife of rancher Richard King, who eventually ran the ranch after his death. Oil paintings illustrate the various events in Henrietta King's life.

I didn't feel the story really explained who Henrietta King was; it mentioned frequently that she "loved the land" but didn't say why or what she did that showed it. It says "she used her money to do good things" but the section at the end simply says "Henrietta gave land and money for hospitals, schools, and a railroad. She took care of the people who worked for her. She gave land to build the new town of Kingsville and owned many companies there." The book talks about her wealth and the land she owned, but says her son-in-law, Robert Kleburg, actually ran the ranch.

A timeline, glossary, and further resources are included.

Verdict: This book could supplement a unit on Texas history and Henrietta King, but on its own the lack of information is frustrating and the short, bland sentences are not interesting, although the lush oil paintings are beautiful.

ISBN: 978-1-933979-64-9; Published September 2011 by Bright Sky Press; Review copy provided by publisher

Food Fight: A graphic guide adventure by Liam O’Donnell, illustrated by Mike Deas

2011-11-16T07:00:00.079-06:00

This graphic novel didn’t really work for me. Just so you know.

Devin is stuck at a stupid summer camp for babies for two whole weeks. His mom has just gotten a special research grant; his sister is excited to be a counselor, so it’s just Devin who’s suffering. Reluctantly, he helps out with gardening and tries to get away as often as possible, until suddenly his own worries and resentment are forgotten; somebody is sabotaging his mom’s research project and he has to figure out who it is – or she could lose her grant and her job!

The art is attractive and cleanly drawn with a clear progression between the panels. There are some good moments of adventure and Devin is a realistic enough character to interest kids. However, I have two complaints about this book. First, the story will be popping along, and suddenly, wham, we stop for a page of information. Now some of the information is ok and kind of fits into the story, like the page and a half on how to plant beans in a garden. But…um...the whole page on how to properly wash your hands? Seriously? Then we’re suddenly reading food labels and discussing healthy eating. For two pages. Now, you can skip these sections; they don’t add anything to the story and that’s probably what most kids will do. But, they break the story up badly and they are extremely…juvenile. Exactly what age is this book intended for? It’s my understanding that Orca specializes in publishing for reluctant readers. This particular graphic novel appears to be recommended for ages 8 – 12. However, the type is extremely small, a perennial complaint of mine; kids will not read graphic novels with small type! and while the overall mystery is older, the sudden drops into lecturing on washing hands and proper nutrition are not something a tween is going to want to hear.

Finally, the story is just…too convoluted for the projected audience and all the other stuff that’s been dumped into it. Devin’s mom is involved in plant research and an Evil Corporation thinks that since they are funding the research they should get to test their Environmentally Damaging Pesticides. Various groups have been protesting this, as well as genetically altered foods. Devin’s mom’s lab gets broken into and her experiments damaged and she’s framed for the plot. Turns out, the Evil Corporation is going to force their own special fertilizer on farmers, a fertilizer which will make farmers dependent on the company for more fertilizer. But, they’re not the ones damaging the labs or experiments; that’s just a jealous colleague. The Evil Corporation is discredited on the internet and has to withdraw their fertilizer and Devin’s mom keeps her job and finishes her experiments (no information on where the money came from after their sponsor presumably withdrew).

Verdict: It was a good idea and there are some “educational” comics that are fun as well, but this is just too complicated and the info dumps are too jarring. I think some of the other titles in this series might be better, there are several sports ones and I think kids would like fact sections in those, so while I don’t recommend this specific book, the format might work well for some of the other titles.

ISBN: 9781554690671; Published April 2010 by Orca; Borrowed from the library

Cybils Nonfiction Picture Book Nominations: Biographies

2011-11-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

Pablo Neruda: Poet of the people by Monica Brown, illustrated by Julie Paschkis.

The Text: Pablo Neruda's love of words is celebrated through a litany of the subjects of his poems; stones and markets, people and forests. This celebration is framed by a few simple facts about his life.

The Illustrations: Paschkis' illustrations show Neruda's love of words with Spanish and English words incorporated into each spread, swirling on the streets, marching across ferns, and spread in ribbons across the sky.

The Extras: An author's note adds a few facts about Neruda's life. Additional resources include a list of his poetry, a few books about Neruda's life, and some websites.

Verdict: This is a lovely book, but without substance. Although this purports to be a biography of the poet, not a single line of his poetry is included. The story sounds pretty, but additional rereading reveals few actual facts about his life and those given have no critical depth - Neruda is consistently presented as a wonderful, perfect person and even the mention of the soldiers coming after him and his flight sounds cheerful. Teachers doing a unit on Pablo Neruda may find this an interesting supplemental resource, but without any of Neruda's poetry included and only basic facts, this book is really nothing more than a beautifully written and illustrated fan letter.

ISBN: 978-0805091984; Published March 2011 by Henry Holt; Borrowed from the library

Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg

The Text: Van Allsburg tells the story of Annie Taylor, a sixty-two-year old widow and teacher. Forced to close her charm school for lack of students interested in learning dance and manners, Taylor hit upon the idea of a wild stunt that would ensure her fame and fortune for her declining years. After much argument and many problems, she finally achieved her goal: In 1901 she became the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrell. Unfortunately, her feat was quickly forgotten and the little money and acclaim she managed to get was taken by her unscrupulous agent and others. She eventually ended up selling souvenirs at the Falls and largely forgotten although she remains the only woman to ever go over the Falls alone.

The Illustrations: Van Allsburg's trademark illustrations in shades of gray give a fantastical flavor to the story, focusing on the faces of the various characters as they alternate between shock, surprise, amazement, and excitement. The illustrations seem like captured black and white photos, freezing moments in time in the story.

The Extras: A brief author's note explains how the author came to write the story of Annie Taylor, gives a list of successful barrel riders, and a brief bibliography.

Verdict: It's hard to adjust from Van Allsburg's fantasies to a nonfiction title. He says in his author's note that the story took on a fantastical flavor and it definitely does become more surreal as the tale progresses. However, the pictures don't really have the movement and excitement needed to hold the interest of listeners throughout the lengthy text. I would have liked to see this as a chapter book with Van Allsburg's illustrations inset like photographs. If you have a lot of Van Allsburg fans, this could be a popular title, but as a stand-alone nonfiction title, it's readership will be limited.

ISBN: 978-0547315812; Published April 2011 by Houghton Mifflin; Borrowed from the library

She loved baseball: The Effa Manley story by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Don Tate.

The Text: Vernick introduces the story of Effa Manley with her childhood separated from her darker-skinned siblings, then the excitement of Philadelphia and New York in the early 1900s, her marriage to Abe Manley and involvement in a movement to desegragate the businesses in predominantly black Harlem. Finally, she became the business manager for the Brooklyn Eagles, a team in the new Negro National League of baseball. After baseball was desegragated and the Negro National League ended, Effa Manley determined to keep their history - and the legacy of her deceased husband - alive. Throughout the rest of her life, she worked to see the players in her team and the league honored in the Baseball Hall of Fame. After her death in 1981, her players continued to be honored until in 2006 she became the first woman to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The Illustrations: Tate's elongated illustrations show the excitement and energy Effa Manley and the players and people she loved. He moves from crowd scenes to close-ups, showing Manley's interactions with her players and the various people involved in baseball.

The Extras: No extras.

Verdict: It's hard to interest children in historical sports - anything other than last year's most popular player and this year's scores seems hopelessly outdated. This biography isn't really about baseball, but about the life of Effa Manley. It's interesting, but I have trouble seeing an audience for it in a public library. The illustrations look like caricatures and seem to fall short of expressing the emotions of the characters they are portraying. Useful in a school environment, where you would have a captive audience for obscure sports history, but I wouldn't recommend it for a public library collection. There are several longer chapter books that kids are more likely to pick up for a report or free reading.

ISBN: 978-0061349201; Published October 2010 by Collins; Borrowed from the library

Sarah Emma Edmonds was a great pretender: The true story of a Civil War spy by Carrie Jones, illustrated by Mark Oldroyd.

Nurse, Soldier, Spy: The story of Sarah Edmonds, a Civil War hero by Marissa Moss, illustrated by John Hendrix.

The Text: Both of these biographies focus on the life of Sarah Emma Edmonds, who passed as a man named Frank Thompson, first to make a living and then to join the Civil War. She fought in battle, worked as a nurse, and then masqueraded as a spy - a woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman!
Eventually, she fell ill and was forced to leave the army for fear of being discovered. She eventually married, wrote a memoir, and donated the proceeds to help African Americans and veterans. Jones' biography focuses on Sarah's masquerades, from passing as a boy to escape her father's temper to her escapades in the war. Jones' emphasizes Edmonds' possible feelings throughout her story and has a confidential, casual tone. Moss' biography deals specifically with Edmonds' war years, writing crisply and briskly about her time as a spy and her work with wounded soldiers.

The Illustrations: Oldroyd's illustrations are hazy pastels. The cover is the clearest picture, with most of the spreads showing swirling, scratchy textures. Edmonds' face is the only clear one, peering through the mist of colors. John Hendrix' illustrations are more clear-cut caricatures, with brisk, definite lines and a variety of typefaces and designs to show off Moss' more dialogue-focused text.

The Extras: Carrie Jones' biography includes a brief author's note which speculates on Edmond's motivations in addition to offering some additional information about her life and a brief bibliography. Marissa Moss' biography includes a lengthy author's note on her writing methods and an extended history of Edmond's life after the Civil War. John Hendrix includes an artist's note that explains how he researched the drawings and has additional information about the hand-drawn typography. Moss' biography also includes an extensive glossary, two bibliographies, and index.

Verdict: Carrie Jones' biography of Sarah Edmonds has a lively tone, but the illustrations are uninspired and the information is more speculative. Marissa Moss' biography and John Hendrix' illustrations are altogether more brisk, and have an enthusiastic clarity and movement that will attract a wider readership. I recommend the latter biography for the library collection.

Sarah Emma Edmonds was a Great Pretender
ISBN: 978-0761353997; Published April 2011 by Carolrhoda Books; Borrowed from the library

Nurse, Soldier, Spy
ISBN: 978-0810997356; Published March 2011 by Abrams; Borrowed from the library