Calamity Jack, written by Shannon and Dean Hale and illustrated by Nathan Hale. Bloomsbury, Penguin. 2010. $18.50 ages 8 and up

"My plan was to hide from the giants, wait for Goldy to lay some eggs, then head back to make things up with Momma - build the nicest tenement and bakery in all the New World Territories. Show her I could be good. Then things got complicated."




In the follow-up tale to Rapunzel's Revenge, Jack becomes the main character. He fancies himself quite the brilliant man, with a bad luck streak. He's always plotting, scheming, planning his next caper. He's got Goldy, who lays golden eggs and he has Rapunzel...fresh from the happy ending to her story.

Giving up his prize possession (his father's jacket) for money to buy supplies for his next adventure, Jack is again tricked into parting with that money by a green sprite with some magic beans. Now, if only they work as fast as promised. He's ready to take on the big guys (giants, that is) and all he needs is a little help from his past in the form of a pixie, and Rapunzel (with her specatacular braids). He is out to prove himself worthy of his mother's love and trust, and he's got a plan....well, there are some complications.  The troubles at home have grown much grimmer and dastardly while he has been gone. Can Jack prove himself worthy of Rapunzel's love, too?

The Hales have created an extraordinary world...rife with adventure and magic. It looks like the old west, but smacks of the future, too. Their setting, the thoroughly likeable characters, the smattering of magic and the quest for a better life make it worthy of a wide audience. Action fills the pages, from ant people to dangerous escapes, from giants to dirigibles.  Jack and Rapunzel are always on the move. We are never sure where Jack might land next. 

He has many worries and doubts. But, he wants to atone for his mistakes and he does his very best to make things right. He doesn't always take the best path, but he is sure of his goal. He is in love with Rapunzel but not sure that he is worthy. The happily ever after ending takes some time and patience, hard work and big mistakes. In the end, I think readers will think it is worth it.

The Hales have not lost their touch with language. They are articulate, humorous, entertaining and their pace is perfect. The art will be equally appealing to a wide-ranging audience. It is terrific, allowing all readers to take the story and characters seriously, as he does. No wonder kids are grabbing onto graphic novels with tight fists and great interest. This is a brilliant example of what graphica can be for our readers. It would be my advice to read the first book first; not because this story won't stand on its own, just because it is equally as enjoyable and will give background information about Rapunzel and her many skills.

The Birthday Ball, written by Lois Lowry and illustrated by Jules Feiffer. Houghton, Thomas Allen, 2010. $19.95 ages 8 and up

"A warthog has large upcurled tusks, and Duke Desmond, being human, had none. He did, however, have huge, crooked, brown-spotted teeth, and a tuft of coarse copper-colored hair; the two features combined to make him resemble such an animal, so the princess was not inaccurate in her description."

Putting Lois Lowry and Jules Feiffer together to create a book seems a match made in heaven. As she crafts wondrous words filled with wordplay and alliteration, he creates his signature pen and watercolor art to bring her spunky characters to life. Princess Patricia ­Priscilla has the lead in this original fairy tale by an honored and honorable team. The plot is simple...'Pat' is about to turn sixteen, a time when the young princess must choose a husband from a set of three unsuitable suitors. It is the Law of the Domain.

Patricia Priscilla is not your run-of-the-mill princess. She is not enaomored of the genteel life led by royalty. In fact, she finds her days to be quite boring. She is an independent young girl, with a wish to know more about the world around her, rather than the posh surroundings of the family palace.  The time is coming for her to choose a mate, and nothing is further from her mind. She trades places with her chambermaid, leaving her to read Alice In Wonderland and to let everyone know, who might be looking, that the princess is indisposed. Off she goes to attend school, where she meets Rafe, the teacher, who is quite interested in her bright mind and her concern for the other students.

I have read that this is a book that will appeal to fans of Roald Dahl, and I agree. The suitors will especially amuse with their appalling manners, their humorous peculiarities and their fully detailed descriptions. They would hold their own with the Twits, Aunts Spiker and Sponge and Miss Trunchbull. Anyone who has read other Lois Lowry books will know her ability to create character, and she proves herself adept at every turn. We come to know each minor and major player, through apt description and often humorous dialogue. Jules Feiffer provides emotion and action in his accompanying artwork.

The Birthday Ball is fun and will find an audience with readers who enjoy light fantasy, wrought with astute wordplay and wonderful characters, who each have a part to play in Princess Patricia's quest for a say in the way she will lead her life.

Project Seahorse, written by Pamela Turner with photographs by Scott Tuason. Houghton, T Allen, 2010. $22.50 ages 10 and up

"The male seahorse's brood pouch bulges like a balloon. It puffs in and out, in and out, like the cheeks of a trumpet player. The seahorse pumps with his tail, bending and folding like a jackknife, working hard to give birth. A squirt, a gush - two babies pop out. Each is a tiny, perfect copy of its father."

Will I ever stop singing the praises of the Scientists in the Field series from Houghton Mifflin?  I doubt that completely. As long as they keep publishing such unbelievably welcome and accessible nonfiction for young (and older) readers, I will continue telling you about each new addition to the series. They are that good! 

I need to make it plain that this book in not entirely about seahorses; rather, it is about a project that focuses on the seahorse population in the Philippines to help bring health back to the ocean's coral community. While scientists monitor the area for signs of improvement in the protection of the coral reef, a local fisherman makes nightly dives to catch the fish that ensure his family's survival. A balance must be struck.  Project Seahorse was developed to help both the scientific and local community to bring this about...ensuring the future for the ocean inhabitants and those who live by its bounty.

The seahorse stories captured my attention and actually made me wish (for a very short time) that a dive would bring the wonder of their world into my realm of knowledge. Instead I will trust these scientists to provide me with stories and wondrous photographs of this incredible underwater world. Here is a brief glimpse at one of the reasons for their dedication:
"Amanda still remembers a pair of White's seahorses she studies in Australia. The pregnant male was attacked during the night by another animal that bit a hole in his pouch and sucked out his babies. Amanda didn't expect the male to survive his terrible injury. Though nearby males tried to lure the female seahorse away, she refused to abandon her wounded mate. Every morning the female greeted her partner with the courtship dance that seahorse couples use to keep their reproductive cycles in harmony. After a few months, the male's pouch healed and he fathered another brood. "For any animal, that level of devotion is extraordinary," says Amanda."

Now, there's a story to share! Amanda's interest in the biology of the seahorse and, in part, this story led to her lifelong commitment to activism in assuring the conservation of these intriguing creatures of the sea. Thus, Project Seahorse was born. It has been up and running since 1998. Pamela Turner has done an exceptional job of telling the story of the Philippine community, its dependence on the reefs and its willingness to help protect them. It is, at times, a tricky balancing act. But, it is worth the hard work that is being done, and she gives us up-to-date findings on the impact the project has had in stemming the loss of this amazing creature and the other sea life that shares the habitat.

You will wonder at the remarkable shots of the ocean world that Scott Tuason has captured! I cannot imagine the patience, the stillness that must be achieved and the delicate maneuvering it takes to get such clear and detailed photographs. He makes the reef come alive for those of us who live beyond it!

As with other honored nonfiction, Pamela Turner's narrative acumen lets us read this as story...a powerful telling that captures our interest, our empathy and hopefully, our need to help in any way that we can to conserve the wide expanse of ocean that lies mostly unprotected. We can make a difference when we care!

Zero Kisses for Me, written by Manuela Monari and illustrated by Virginie Soumagnac. Tundra Books, 2010. $14.99 ages 3 and up

"I'm tired of being
everybody's tootsy-wootsy,
everybody's huggy-bear,
everybody's kissy-snooks.
NO MORE MUSH!"




You know from the very beginning, this little guy is a force to be reckoned with...and quickly.  He's got a mean streak going on, and he wants his mother to know it. He scowls while she offers up yet another smooch! On the title page, he carries a sign that suggests he has made up his mind about something very important....ZERO KISSES. His mother seems oblivious, but he is adamant. It is a problem for him that everyone wants to plant a kiss upon his person. He is tired of it, and he wants no more of it. As he wields his sign at the scrambling kisses (heartfelt and heart-shaped), we know he means business.

He's too big for this nonsense to continue. OK! Mom agrees to his demands and is seemingly content to kiss Bunny goodnight, and that's it! Bunny has no complaints. When sleep won't come, Mama is called and only kisses will scare away the fear of the dark. 'Bunches and bunches' of kisses later and all is well! No more fears...only peaceful slumber.

Doesn't everyone long for independence? Of course, we do. Honest and telling, this simple story brings that need to the forefront, while also allowing the young one to change his mind when he suffers anxiety over the decision made on his own. Its simple text will soon be part of a beginning reader's repertoire and they will long to share it with loved ones. The bold, expressive images created for the story will capture the attention of its intended audience and help with determining mood and drama when reading this charming tale.

Mama does have the final say...albeit, silent and subtle.

Rapunzel's Revenge, written by Shannon and Dean Hale and illustrated by Nathan Hale. Bloomsbury, Penguin. 2008. $16.50 ages 8 and up

"I lived in a grand villa...with loyal servants...tasty food...and my mother. Or who I thought was my mother. But more on that in a minute. The Villa had three stories, seventy-eight rooms, one thousand and twelve chairs. I know, because I counted them all. There wasn't much else to do. Yep. Home."


You think you know the story of Rapunzel? Not this one, you don't! As a young girl Rapunzel lives with the woman she believes to be her mother. Rapunzel is nothing, if not inquisitive and quite intelligent. As she gets older, she begins to question some of the goings on in the castle where she lives. She has a healthy interest in what is happening beyond the pretty garden where she spends much of her time. Finally, she climbs to the top of that walled garden and is astonished at what she sees! Her cursiosity does not sit well with 'her mother' and she is soon banished to a lonely tower, with no one for company. We suspect she is waiting for a handsome prince to come forth and rescue her. Again, we would be wrong! She doesn't need a man to get her out of the trouble she has gotten herself into...she needs chutzpah, and that she has in spades.

In this spirited retelling of an old and traditional fairy tale, Shannon and Dean Hale give us a story that will entertain and delight their readers. Add to that, Nathan Hale (no relation) has drawn this tale in graphic form
with all of the spirit and humor that the words and settings convey. They all seem to take great delight in the telling. They are not averse to mixing elements of other familiar stories in, and they do so with great success. It begins in all innocence, sticking close to the original story of a mother and her much loved child. The mother is definitely in control and the child is aquiescent to her mother's suggestions and directions. They live well. Rapunzel is naive to the outer world, until she develops a sense of social justice. She finds her real mother, living in reprehensible conditions. When she is found out, she is sent into exile.

As her hair grows, she develops a plan for escape. Ultimately successful and free of her prison, she escapes to the forest where she meets Jack, a young man on the run. He is a thief (of a goose that lays golden eggs). When she learns that her 'real' mother has been imprisoned by her 'witch' mother, Rapunzel is livid and sets out to alter that situation.

Funny and fast moving, this great adventure will have its readers quickly turning its pages, laughing out loud at the witty dialogue and  the over-the-top antics of the two main characters, and rooting for them to get the job done! Ah, and there is a little romance, in keeping with the best fairy tales.

What I Saw and How I Lied, written by Judy Blundell. Scholastic, 2008. $11.99 ages 14 and up

"I breathed in and out, perfume and smoke, perfume and smoke, and we lay like that for a long time until I heard the seagulls crying, sadder than a funeral, and I knew it was almost morning.

We never went to the hotel dining room now. They knew who we were; they'd seen our pictures in the paper. We knew they'd be saying, Look at them eating toast — how can they be so heartless?

I rode a bike down to the beach instead. In the basket I had a bottle of cream soda and two Baby Ruths. Breakfast."


Evie and her mother have been on their own while Joe, the husband and stepfather, was off fighting in WWII. Evie is longing to be grown up, wearing lipstick and smoking cigarettes. She emulates her mother, a lovely and very glamorous woman, who is overprotective of her only daughter, wanting her to maintain her childlike innocence. All seems to be much the same when Joe returns. But soon after, Evie begins to notice little differences and that things are not exactly as they seem. Joe is drinking more, and getting phone calls that leave him angry.  A family trip is planned and the family ends up in Florida where few people are staying due to the lateness in the year. Evie meets and falls for a young man named Peter. Joe is disturbed by his presence. Joe met him overseas and is very uncomfortable when Peter is around his family. Evie's mother is often gone, apparently on long shopping trips.

Tragedy changes her world in an dramatic turn, and Evie is left to decide how she will protect all of those she loves. How does she make the choice between her mother, her stepfather and Peter? What will she decide? I am always quick to say that I am not a mystery buff, but I loved the feel of this book. It was like a movie playing in my head, and I had visuals of all the characters, their motivations and their behaviors. It is a powerfully told tale of the 1940s, when the war was ended and life was good. The author has created authentic, remarkable characters in a setting that is easy to imagine and with enough twists and turns to be totally absorbing from the first page to the last. The final action is perfect...just right for a 'truth teller'.

Sweethearts, written by Sara Zarr. Little Brown, Hachette. 2008. $8.99 ages 13 and up

"By lunch, the work of being the birthday version of Jenna Vaughn started to wear on me. I'd been smiling all morning at the Happy Birthdays and the hugs and compliments while Jennifer Harris dogged me. I kept looking over my shoulder for I don't know what..."

Jennifer and Cameron are soulmates, tied together by bonds of friendship and ostracism. Both are social outcasts at school and not much caring as long as they have each other. You should know they are fifth graders when Cameron suddenly does not come back to school, and Jennifer’s mother tells her that he has died. In high school Jennifer reinvents herself and becomes Jenna, pretty, popular and perpetually perky. She is hard to recognize as the fat, unhappy whiner of her younger years. She's dating the popular guy, her mother is remarried and she has a great stepfather...she should be happy!

Jenna can't forget her ninth birthday, the day when Cameron's father does something unspeakable. Soon, Cameron is gone and her mother gives her the bad news. Now, she hates her birthday and all the memories that it evokes. From that day on, Jennifer had only herself...she was alone and lonely for her best friend. As Jenna she seeks happiness, and tries to bury the long ago feelings of love and loss. There are many times when she feels overwhelmed but she keeps those feelings at bay, always moving forward.

Then one day, she sees Cameron and her world swivels on its axis. In learning his story and facing her mother’s deceit, Jenna must come to grips with feelings hidden but not forgotten. Cameron’s arrival and subsequent departure leave her with an indelible imprint on her heart…one that doesn’t change with time and space. Don’t miss this wonderful story of friendship, love and loss, peopled with characters that matter and are memorable.

I loved this book. The characters are real and have layers, as do their relationships. Sara Zarr has delivered a story that will long live in my memory and I urge readers to find a copy and meet these wonderful characters for yourself. They are worthy of your attention. The sense of mystery about that fateful afternoon holds you right to the end. Bravo!

Lizards in the Sky, written by Claire Eamer. Annick, 2010. $12,95 ages 9 and up

"To air-breathers like us, the underwater world is as alien as the moon or Mars. We swim clumsily, frightening the fish. Without a supply of air, we can't spend more than a couple of minutes below the surface. We can't set up house there, or prepare a meal, or raise a family. But a few air-breathing animals have found surprising ways to live, forage, hunt or hide in the world of the fish."

Perhaps you know the animals that Claire Eamer is talking about...perhaps not. If not and you are interested in knowing more about them, you will have to find this book at your local library or bookstore and begin to fill your head with finding animals in places where you least expect them. It is fascinating and lots of fun!


While Earth is our home, this informed and informative author assures us that we cannot live in every part of it. Well, maybe with help, and a lot of it! Keeping warm is an issue in many parts of the world, and breathing can also be difficult, especially when three-quarters of our earth is covered in water.  We need to live on land, have fresh water and food to sustain us. As we adapt to a variety of conditions, so do animals. To survive they have moved to a place of safety and made the changes needed. Take the American dipper: 'Flaps close over its nostrils when it dives, and transparent membranes slide across its eyes so that it can see underwater. An extra-thick down undercoat keeps the dipper warm, and waterproof oil from a large gland above its tail keeps it dry. Its blood can hold extra oxygen for its underwater hunting expeditions.' How is that for adaptation? And, we are only on page 11.

To say that the author has filled the rest of this intriguing and well-written nonfiction book with absorbing text, clear photography and a useful amount of back matter is an understatement. In clear captions, informative word bubbles, and highly accessible text, she takes us with her on a journey in the sea, on land, in arid deserts, in the sky, underground and to the ice and snow. It reads like a story and offers up more facts than you could recall, even after a second reading. So much to know and she gives us access to it. Unexpected and surprising are words that I would use to describe much of the information garnered in my first reading.

Following the lively and engaging treks to various parts of the world, she adds an appendix which provides the scientific names of the featured animals (all 36 of them),  suggestions to encourage further reading, her own extensive bibliography, a useful index and acknowledgements. 

Worthy of a place on your bookshelf, this book is exemplary in its content and will hold your interest for an enjoyable afternoon. Kids will love hearing about the many ways that animals have learned to adapt to the environment in which they find themselves. Well done!

Shoe Bop! Written by Marilyn Singer and illustrated by Hiroe Nakata. Dutton, Penguin. 2008. $17.50 ages 5 and up

"Sneakers

Sneakers for basketball,
Sneakers for running.
Sneakers with sequins
that make me look stunning.
Sneakers for gym class
(p.u. how they'll reek).
But where are the sneakers
to wear when I sneak?"


Marilyn Singer, poet extraordinaire, has something to say about the inspiration for this book of shoe poems that Erin will love...she is a 'shoe fanatic.'  Here, in Marilyn Singer's words, you hear about this homage to the shoe and those who love them:

"Well, I'm not a big shoe shopper, but I do understand how any shopper can be both excited and daunted by a huge variety of something. And I do like the possibilities that shoes suggest. The challenges involved researching that variety and those possibilities and writing the poems in the voice of a young girl. I'm always conscious of voice and being consistent with it. Funnily enough, when I started working on the book, my husband and I began to take ballroom/Latin dance lessons (which we're still doing!), and I bought my first pair of dance shoes with special suede soles for moving easily on the floor. That helped me understand shoe shopping the most."

I do not like shoe shopping, so I have little experience that helps me understand the great joy that this young and enthusiastic shoe shopper has for the task. It is when her sneakers die that a trip to the shoe store is imminent. Mama seems excited and so is her daughter. The store's impressive collection offers shoes:

"for walking and whirling and watching TV,
for enclosing your toes or setting them free,
for riding, for striding, for comfort, for speed."

The decision is difficult. The salesman measures for size and offers up a wide array of styles. She looks at a number of shoes for school, but remembers that sneakers are what is needed. And the colors are amazing; but, no purple. Well, maybe she should try party shoes, or exploring shoes, or noisy and quiet shoes. The list is endless. None of them suits:

"Shoes I'm Not Getting Today

Toe shoes,
snow shoes,
swimming flippers.
White nurse shoes,
matching purse shoes,
winter boots with zippers.
Teeny shoes,
genie shoes,
golf shoes with spikes.
First base shoes,
outer space shoes,
any shoes my brother likes!"

Ah, she really does like sneakers and that is the end result for this warm, funny 'shoe bop'!

Can you guess the color? I think not! Hiroe Nakata gives you a hint on the front cover and then offers up a boldly colored, detailed look at the quest for new shoes. Her full spreads, single page spreads and many spot illustrations match the poetry with panache and purpose. I love the changing personality of the young girl as she is mesmerized by the endless number of choices the shoe store offers. And her brother is a bother at every turn. What an engaging book of poetry to share!

Ling & Ting, written and illustrated by Grace Lin. Little Brown, Hachette. 2010. $$17.99 ages 4 and up

"Soon all the dumplings are done.

"Our dumplings do not look the same," Ling says. "My dumplings are smooth. Your dumplings are fat."

"Yours are dump-Lings," Ting says. "Mine are dump-Tings!""

It has been proven by scientists that identical twins are not exactly the same. As they grow and experience the world in which they live and are influenced by the events and people in their lives, they become even less so. Ling and Ting are out to prove those scientific findings true...they are experts, as they are 'identical twins'. 

They remind us of that fact in each of the six, short stories in this charming book. A visit to the barbershop seems sure to make them look exactly alike, even though they know they are not. A sneeze from Ting at a most unexpected time ensures a difference.  A magic trick goes awry when Ting has a sudden lapse in memory. Even making dumplings (as noted above) show marked differences in their character and attention to detail. While trying to eat the dumplings with chopsticks, Ling has difficulty. Ting does not. After a number of hilarious attempts to solve the problem, Ling resorts to my stand-by...the fork! Works every time for me!

While searching for a library book for herself and and her sister, Ting is reminded of the card trick fiasco and rushes home to tell her sister, forgetting that she promised she would bring a book for Ling about dogs. OOOPS!  In the final chapter, they return to the mixed-up story of their life so far. The ending is the only part that Ting gets exactly right...'They were not exactly the same, but they always stayed together.'

This is a wonderful early reader with all the right ingredients...appealing characters, humor, dialogue, storytelling and funny chapter endings. Young readers will soon be sharing this lively and lovely book, just as the sisters share love, laughter and story. The illustrations are framed and helpful for new readers, giving them context for the tales told and inviting characters whose individuality is evident, despite their apparent similarities. Vivid colors and matching dresses add interest and clarity for each of the interconnected vignettes.

As early readers discover this wonderful book they will, like me, eagerly anticipate the next one. That is perhaps the most meaningful praise.

I don't want a cool cat! Written and illustrated by Emma Dodd. Little Brown, Hachette. 2010. $19.99 ages 2 and up

"I don't want a cool cat.
A treat-me-like-a-fool cat.
I don't want a stuffy cat.
A huffy, over-fluffy cat."






If you haven't read  I Don't Want a Posh Dog (Little Brown, 2009), you might want to check it out of the library or see if you can find a copy. Then, you need to meet the cats in this lively, enjoyable, and oh so, readable companion. You can tell by the cat on the cover that we will be dealing with attitude as these feisty felines saunter, caper and languish across the double-page spreads created to accompany the brilliant rhythmic words. Young readers will soon be reading this on their own with all the expression suggested in the well chosen language.

The characters are well-drawn and detailed. The space changes with the cat's size and gives young readers an accurate portrayal of those mentioned. As you read, there will be much to discuss. Cats have a reputation to uphold and uphold it they do in these humorous illustrations.

But, the little girl is pretty particular herself and she is not about to become the owner of a cat that doesn't measure up to her expectations. She has no use for the prize-winning cat, or the snobby one, or even the 'cool' one. She knows what she wants and she gets it!

Young listeners will find enough fun here to ask for a repeat visit, and it will be just as much fun the second time around. Enjoy!

Time You Let Me In, written by Naomi Shihab Nye. Harper, 2010. $22.50 ages 14 and up

"Sweat Lodge Prayer

Grandmother, give me
The strength of a bear, show me
Your wedding gown watered in white, your eyes
Like Rita Hayworth, your Chicago
Smile, beams like a porch light, like a full
Friday night. I can gasp in your love,
Like your veins, like the blue
Threading roads on the backs of your hands.
I can burn with your breath
As you read me my name, Grandmother,
                                     Give me the strength of a bear."
                                                               -Lauren Eriks

Naomi Shihab Nye is an honored and celebrated anthologist. She is also a poet. She knows the importance of voice and here she presents 25 poets under 25 (well, 26...she is 'good with words, bad with numbers') and their words. Each of these young poets tells a story that is their own, and they each contribute four poems. Some of their topics are related, some are not. They write about love and war, comfort and great joy, family and heritage, trauma and identity.

As we read their poems and each of the short notes about the contributors that follow the text, we come to know about them and the lives they lead. I loved that little glimpse and found it enlightening to read some of the poems that express so much about who they are and who they are likely to become; it is also uplifting to know they find solace in words and expression. The styles differ, the subjects are diverse and the tones range from very funny to very serious. There is a needed balance in the choices made by this adept and thoughtful anthologist.

We need to hear these voices and I cannot imagine the joy that Naomi Nye must have felt when poring over the unique, often urgent submissions. You will find your own favorites as you first read and then share this book with older students, or adults. Some of the lines have found their way into my poetry journals and I will read them again and again. I will leave you with this:

"I love them,
the children whose homes are FEMA trailers bordering
the wreckage of their once houses _
Over and over they thank us,
like my group and I were misfit angels
with paint on our clothes and in our hair,
mud covering the bottom of our shoes."
                         -Kayla Sargeson

Ducking for Apples, written by Lynne Berry and illustrated by Hiroe Nakata. Holt, H B Fenn. 2010. $19.99 ages 3 and up

"Five bold ducks
on ten thin wheels
Wobble, bobble,
squeak, and squeal."

I am loving these 'duck' books by Lynne Berry. Young childen love familiar characters and they will remember them each time you read a new story. The expressive text, the lilting rhymes, the common experiences and pitfalls will have little ones talking about similar events and asking for more.

As with anyone learning to ride a bike, there are bound to be some difficulties. As they wobble, they also teeter, swerve, totter and curve. It is a typical outing for five adventure-seekers. After hill climbing and downhill soaring, they are ready for a rest. Where better than under an apple tree? How to get at the apples is cause for concern...but not for long!

The top duck in the five duck stack reaches for the desired treats and starts pitching them one after the other to the ground. He picks more and more and more, until the four ducks under him (standing precariously on a rock) begin to shake. When the tower crumbles, they gather the apples on the ground and fill their baskets. Once home, they cut, mix, press and bake...a special apple treat! Sated and sleepy, the ducks find comfort in front of the fire and drift off to soft slumber.

You will also want to read Duck Tents (Henry Holt, 2009), Duck Dunks (Holt, 2008) and Duck Skates (Holt, 2005). If you are thinking about Christmas gifts for a young reader, why not? Spring camping, summer swimming, autumn apple picking and winter skating...it's a seasonal celebration!  Hiroe Nakata has drawn glorious watercolor artwork for each one, full of light and action as the five ducks experience their world in a humorous series of mishaps, mischief, and camaraderie. Together they are and, we can only hope, together they will always be.

A Paddling of Ducks, written by Marjorie Blain Parker and illustrated by Joseph Kelly. Kids Can, 2010. $18.95 ages 4 and up




"A band of Gorillas.
A bloat of hippos.
A colony of iguanas."

Alphabet books and their design have always been appealing to me. I am intrigued by the many ways that imaginative authors and illustrators decide to portray the twenty-six letters that have all the power of our language. This book keeps me believing! It is a simple book, it seems; but it has a bit of a twist and is definitely original in style and for its artwork. Many of the words for animal groups are new to me, and some were quite surprising. The text is pretty straightforward...four words to provide the group and the animal. That's it! Or, is it?

No, it is not! The illustrations add a spirited dimension that glows with light. As a reader, you are drawn right into the scene being depicted. There is so much to see and to discover as you pore over the detailed, colorful
oil paintings. The animals are hilarious! The ducks are everywhere...reading over the shoulder of the aardvark at his laptop on the army of Ants page as he enjoys coffee and a bagel, being coddled by a baby bear on the sloth of Bears page, sipping tropical tasty treats with the bask of Crocodiles. You get a real sense for the personality of each of the groups and the ducks provide uncontrolled frivolity at every turn.

It needs to be read up close and personal to catch all the humor and the interplay of words and art; there are jokes and puns galore. Plus, it's educational and wonderful fun for all who will share it!

No Such Thing As Dragons, written by Philip Reeve. Scholastic, 2010. $19.99 ages 10 and up

"A growl bubbled softly, deep in the sound box of the creature's chest. The eye it aimed at him was sulfur yellow. It opened its mouth, and its teeth were icicle white and sharp as nails and its tongue was a pink spike. as it launched itself off the crag toward him, Ansel saw the long tail lash out behind it, striped like a serpent and frilled with feathers."

There is no picture, but there must be one in your mind of the terrifying meeting between Ansel and his first dragon...funny, when there is no such thing. He definitely tries to convince himself of the truth of that statement! I did not expect to like this book as I am not a fan of dragon lore; I generally leave that to Erin. But, love it I did and I found it hard to stop reading once I got started.

It is the Middle Ages and there are con men around every corner. Brock is one of them, determined to make the villagers believe that he is a dragon slayer. He is, in fact, an errant knight who has conjured up stories of his past brave deeds. On one such trip he buys Ansel, a young mute boy, from his greedy and heartless innkeeper father. Ansel is in awe of Brock but it doesn't take him long to discover the truth about his dragon slaying. Brock assures Ansel that there are no such things.

Chancing upon a village that claims there is a dragon in the mountains nearby, Brock and his team set out to find it. A nefarious Friar accompanies them, sharing stories of a sacrifice the villagers have made. They have tied a young village girl to a tree in hopes that she will appease the dragon and thus, leave them to their quiet lives. They are astonished when they encounter something evil and terrifying on the mountainside, and also find said girl. Winter, hunger, fatigue and the fearsome creature cause untold terror and much adventure.

But, it is the characters who stand out in this quick-paced, wonderfully written tale. Ansel faced two great losses as a young child...his mother and his voice. Will he speak again? Is Brock all bluster with a heart, or an evil, self-centered man with no concern for anyone but himself? Are the villagers so terrified they will do anything for the greater good, even sacrificing one of their own to protect the rest? And then, you must consider the beauty of the storytelling itself. Philip Reeve is an incredibly adept word weaver. His language is quite delectable and I often reread passages to taste those words a second time. Not enough for you? He also did the small detailed interior illustrations that accompany each new chapter.

There is nothing about this book that I did not like, except perhaps the anxiety felt in tearing through each new encounter with the dragon, the fierce weather, the harsh mountain setting. It is a ride and I loved it. There was a time when I believed the title adage...now, I am not so sure!

Pirate Bob, written by Kathryn Lasky and illustrated by David Clark. Charlesbridge, 2008. $9.95 ages 4 and up

"Pirate Bob is an expert in wrecking wheels and rudders. He is fast. He is exact with his cutlass. He leaps over the rails. Others swarm aboard with him. They carry daggers, pistols and hand grenades made by filling old bottles with gunpowder."

It's 'TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY' and I'm hoping you will take the time to find the pirate books in your library and share them with avid listeners. There are so many out there to enjoy! I want to tell you about this one which is new to me, and great fun!

AAARGH! Nothin' Bob likes more than treasure! His nose itches when gold is near and right now that nose is itching. He lies in wait with his captain and crew, beneath a pirate's moon, for a ship to plunder. As we wait with him we learn much about the life of a pirate. We are introduced to Bob's friend Yellow Jack, who has scurvy and a yellow tinge to his skin. He has been a pirate longer than Bob, and therefore has more treasure, which he has buried in a secret place. Bob is concerned that Jack might die because of poor health before he tells someone (perhaps a best friend) where that booty is buried. That would be a real disaster!

We learn that pirates work hard to learn their trade, and become skilled at certain tasks. When they attack the galleon Concordia everyone has a job to do to ensure success and thus, untold wealth. Once the ship's cargo has been plundered and taken aboard their own ship, the Blackbird, the spoils are divided according to rank and seniority. Jack, once again, gets more than Jack. While Jack thinks he should be happy he is feeling a bit of unease about his life...the dangers, the constant threat of capture and incarceration or death, the growing wealth that must be hidden to protect it from others' greed and even the uncertainty of friendship.

The expressive, and humorous, watercolor illustrations bring the pirates to full and glorious life for readers...with extreme close-ups and much action. While they are mean looking and very greedy, they are also vulnerable and thoughtful. But they want what we all want...friendship and love. They may live to loot unsuspecting ships and terrify other seamen; but, they have hearts filled with wishes for a good, and long, life. Despite the many dangers, they do their work and revel it their successes.

Pair this with one of my favorite pirate books by Mem Fox called Tough Boris (Harcourt, 1994) and you can't go wrong!

Feeding the Sheep, written by Leda Schubert and illustrated by Andrea U'Ren. Farrar, Douglas & McIntryre. $19.95 ages 3 and up

"What are you doing?" the little girl asked.
"Drying the wool," her mother said.
Windy day, wool ballet."

Leda Schubert has this to say about her new book:

"I interviewed sheep, sheep farmers, spinners, weavers, and knitters. But I didn’t really think of Feeding the Sheep as a book about the process—I thought of it as a book about the love between a mother and daughter."

I call this type of book 'faction'; it tells a story that is steeped in factual information. It is about raising sheep, caring for them and using what they provide to make life better and sustainable. And, it is a picture book that will delight its readers!

It begins in a farmyard with snow falling and a small child asking her mother a question. As the young one plays, the mother works hard to make sure that the sheep are well-fed and healthy. The snow disappears and the next double-page spread shows the mother with scissors in one hand, a sheep in the other and a young daughter peeking out from billowing clouds of sheep fleece. The 'what are you doing?' question is answered in clear and simple terms. As the wool is washed, dried, carded, spun, dyed, knit and worn, the year passes by. In the final spread, the tables are turned and the mother is the one asking the question of her child, who has learned enough now to be of some assistance. It is a warm and reassuring tale.

Life on a small farm is pastoral and satisfying for this mother and child. The pets are constant companions as the work is done and reflected in the shared harmony of mother and daughter. As Mom washes the wool, the child encourages the dog's bath. As Mom cards the wool, the daughter grooms a relaxed and contented dog. The dog chases his tail, the cat preens and the child does endless somersaults for entertainment. On that day when Mom is finally finished spinning...so too are the child, the pets and a sedate teddy bear.

Each new activity sparks a question and elicits a short rhyming answer. The brightly colored and detailed artwork provides a visual display for each part of the process. The love between mother and daughter and the patience in answering each new question is evident in every spread. There is much play, and it is shown in the antics of the pets and the young girl as she delights in the learning that is taking place.

Meant to inform and entertain, this book hits just the right note for all who will share it.

Happy Birthday, Roald Dahl!

I think that this is the fifth year his family has celebrated Roald Dahl's birthday with the world. A recent website offering states:

"Roald Dahl was born in Wales and spent his childhood in England. After a stint in the Royal Air Force, he moved to Washington, D.C., and it was there he began to write. After establishing himself as a writer for adults, Dahl began writing children’s stories, many of which were dedicated to his own children. Roald Dahl is now considered one of the most beloved storytellers of our time. Although he passed away in 1990, his popularity continues to grow. His stories are currently available in almost fifty languages.

The official Roald Dahl website currently attracts two million visitors per year, with an online membership of about 200,000 fans. Ten percent of author royalties from all Roald Dahl books, films, plays, and merchandise are donated to the two Roald Dahl charities.

Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity (formerly called The Roald Dahl Foundation) makes seriously ill children’s lives better by raising money to support crucial care and support services across the UK. By providing nurses, equipment, carers, and toys—by working with hospitals, charities, and directly with parents—it improves the lives of children who are living with specific serious and life-threatening conditions. Since being founded in 1991 by Roald Dahl’s widow, the charity has distributed nearly £7 million and is proud of its strong record in funding crucial nursing posts in the areas of epilepsy, acquired brain injury, and haematology. There are currently forty-six Roald Dahl Nurses throughout the UK.

The first national Roald Dahl Day was celebrated on September 13, 2006. The event proved such a success that Roald Dahl Day is now marked annually. In the UK the day has been expanded to the whole month of September, and is now celebrated throughout the world."

Our family celebrates with all of Roald Dahl's fans. We spent many happy hours reading about Charlie, Matilda, Mr. Fox, Danny, The Twits, The BFG, The Grand High Witch, and James and his aunts, Spiker and Sponge. We missed none and many were reread together, and in solitude. What a remarkable time we had! I also shared them year after year in my classroom and still have former students stop me to tell which was their favorite tale. It is an honorable legacy.

If you haven't read any of Roald Dahl's books, now is the time. I guarantee that you will be entertained. I am lucky enough to have been gifted a collection of Robert Harrop figurines depicting many of my favorite characters. It began when David, Vicki and Victoria went to England and brought back James and the Grasshopper, in conversation. And then it grew and grew and grew! Today it reminds us of the lovely and lively times shared with each of them over the years and even today in conversations and memories.

Here are some enduring quotes:

"A whizzpopper!" cried the BFG, beaming at her. "Us giants is making whizzpoppers all the time! Whizzpopping is a sign of happiness. It is music in our ears! You surely is not telling me that a little whizzpopping if forbidden among human beans?"


"I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book, not daunted. Books shouldn't be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage."

"The prime function of the children's book writer is to write a book that is so absorbing, exciting, funny, fast and beautiful that the child will fall in love with it. And that first love affair between the young child and the young book will lead hopefully to other loves for other books and when that happens the battle is probably won. The child will have found a crock of gold. He will also have gained something that will help to carry him most marvelously through the tangles of his later years."

Roald Dahl helped us do just that!

Going, Going, Gone! Written by Alan Katz and illustrated by David Catrow. Simon & Schuster Canada, Toronto. 2009. $19.99 hardcover ages 4 and up

On top of the bleachers,
that’s where we just sat.
Dad bought me a pennant,
a scorecard, and hat.”

He got me some peanuts,
a soda, and chips,
a ballplayer puppet
that swings as he flips.

Next I got a helmet,
a bat, and a glove,
a giant foam finger
the crowd doesn’t love.”

Alan Katz looks to sports for his next silly songs. You can just picture the ball game! Mouths agape at the the constant commotion, ardent fans pass you by with popcorn, pretzels and pop. Then, they follow it up with pennants, programs and puppets. Not to mention the twelve trips to the bathroom. Who has time to see the game? It is a never ending cacophony of sound and swirling eddy of movement. There is no stillness!

Alan Katz has created a series of books about chosen subjects from bedtime to manners, from Christmas to school, and now sports! You'll be singing for hours and kids will be begging for more. They are like the old camp songs that we used to sing, with a little more pizazz and funny, brightly colored accompanying illustrations. The tunes to be used are suggested and that makes for an easy transition for someone like me who has no musical training (or ability). They are quickly learned and you don't even mind making a fool of yourself as you share and learn them together. Perfect for performance assembly and sure to be a hit! You might even try taping them for a listening center.

There are 14 songs and they run the gamut of sports from baseball, fishing and ice skating to archery, soccer and bowling. Some information is added in sidebars and each has a surprise ending that is sure to elicit laughter and a pleading 'sing it again, please!'

Change-up, written by Gene Fehler and illustrated by Donald Wu. Clarion. Distributed in Canada by Thomas Allen & Son, Toronto. 2009. $21.95 hardcover

"Well, I'm not superstitious
Not me. No, not a bit
But now I'd better kiss my bat
it's almost time to hit."

Baseball fans CAN find poetry books that will amuse and delight them. I remember telling you about Gene Fehler’s wonderful novel in verse, called Beanball (Clarion 2008). As fingers itch to throw the ball, coaches begin preparing for their new recruits, and baseball tossing between aspiring players heralds spring, this fine book explores all aspects of the ‘great game of summer’. It begins in earnest with avid players using snowballs to keep muscles limber and takes the reader through an entire season, ending...

"In December

Our ball field is barren now,
except for snow,
except for memories."

I love baseball and look forward to any Blue Jays, Yankees, Boston Red Sox game on television when I am home in the evenings. So, I was happy to receive this book by accomplished writer and poet, Gene Fehler. I know that there are many who will enjoy it with me. It is an homage to the 'grand old game' and put a smile on my face as I read each well-written and descriptive poem.

It takes readers through an entire season with a young boy who delights in playing the game, sharing it with his Dad, his Grandpa and his Mom.

"Some moms are too busy
to ever come to your ballgames

My mom pitches me batting practice
hits me grounders, then dives
in the dirt to field mine..."

It runs the gamut, and Gene Fehler makes provides an excellent collection for his rapt audience. On one hand he describes the zany pitch that is a knuckleball and on the other includes a poem about Gabby, a girl with a great arm, who is a pitching ace for the team.

The illustrations deserve your undivided attention to the detail on each page. The expressive faces, the baseball field, the broken overhead light, and the players whose focus never shifts from the job they are there to do will enchant and engage interested readers. There are many magical moments here and they make you feel like you are right on the field with the players and the officials.

Poetry is such a relief to reluctant readers. There is not too much text, it tells a story quickly and with well chosen words. To find a book that attracts ardent baseball fans and gives them such a clear picture of a beloved sport is a real accomplishment.

The Road to Paris, written by Nikki Grimes. Putnam, Penguin, 2006. $8.50 ages12 and up

"Sometimes I wish I was like my name, thought Paris, somewhere far away, out of reach. Somewhere safe down south or on the other side of the ocean. Instead, she was neither Paris nor Richmond. She felt like a nobody caught in the dark spaces in between. A nobody on her way to nowhere."

Their mother falls into a deep depression when her latest husband leaves and turns to alcohol to assuage her fears and feelings. She often leaves Paris and her brother Malcolm unattended and finally, Family Services steps and sends them into foster care. Life with the Boones is filled with terror and scorn. They are beaten for the bad behavior of the daughter of the house and realize that they must run to protect themselves. They go to their grandmother.

Grandmother has done her child rearing and cannot cope; so, she puts them back in the system. Their worst fears are realized when the siblings are separated. Malcolm has always been Paris' link to ‘home’. Doubt and distrust are her constant companions as she is placed with yet another foster family, the Lincolns. With gentle persistence, her new family makes an impression and Paris begins to believe in goodness once more. She knows this family has nothing in common with her mom or the Boones. She has her own small but cozy bedroom, and no one beats her or locks her in the closet. She even joins the choir and finds solace and wonder in singing. Along the way she has many difficulties to face, including racism, a constant longing for Malcolm’s presence and malice. Ultimately Paris must make a daunting decision. Wrapped in the love of her foster family and brimming with newfound courage, she makes the choice that leads her ‘home’.

Harlem Summer, written by Walter Dean Myers. Scholastic, 2007. $20.99 ages 9 and up

"Mr. Dill made out the checks for the May issue. Langston Hughes got two dollars for a poem that had only twenty-five words. That was eight cents a word! The writing business was starting to look better."

I thoroughly enjoy historical fiction when it leads me to new discoveries. While I have read a few books about the Harlem Renaissance, none have introduced me to the many characters portrayed in this wonderfully funny and telling book about the summer of 1925. New York is a city of excitement and danger and our endearing main character learns much about both sides.

Mark Purvis needs a job that will save him from working at his uncle’s funeral parlor. When he signs on to work at The Crisis, a magazine designed to honor the work of the ‘New Negro’, he wonders if he has made a mistake. Wanting to play jazz and having met "Fats' and been offered a job loading trucks, he takes it in hopes that Fats will be impressed and willing to listen to the music that he and his jazz band play. Now, he’s on the run from Dutch Schultz who thinks he’s responsible for a missing shipment of bootleg liquor. A record deal now seems a distant dream, and that is what he wants more than anything else.

In a series of hilarious scenes, we meet some of the movers and shakers of the era. We celebrate with Mark when he makes the decision not to be a criminal, a “New Negro” or an undertaker but to follow his own path to happiness and freedom.

Walter Dean Myers is an articulate and honored storyteller. This story is proof that all the accolades are 'spot on'! I cannot imagine anyone not loving this story. Parents and librarians will love that their is no harsh language or sexual innuendo. Adolescent readers will love the humor, the fast-paced plot and all the action. Mark Purvis is such a memorable character. He is carefree and at times, without a clue about what is happening. He is also happy, loyal to his friends and has a good dose of common sense. It is a great read!

Sleepy, oh so Sleepy, written and illustrated by Denise Fleming. Holt, H B Fenn, 2010. $19.99 ages 2 and up

"Tiny baby panda,
sleepy, oh so sleepy."

Denise Fleming knows just how to create a stunning readaloud for our youngest audience. The repetitive text leaves nothing to the imagination and that is just right! Each spread features one 'tiny baby' animal who is delightfully sleepy. It is this regular rhythm that encourages settling and will be a stalwart addition to the best of bedtime reads. Its soothing cadence and the soft beauty of the illustrations make it one of those books that would have gentled me to sleep while reading to the kids, only to be awakened with a quiet 'Mommy, you fell asleep again' reminder from one or the other. It sounds so simple but that is what makes it so special; for Denise Fleming's careful craftsmanship is never without emotional impact. It is happy in tone and reassuring for the youngster ready to drift into slumber.

Her artwork is so rich in textures and she knows the appeal of any baby animal. The close-ups created are hard to resist and will fill the air with 'oohs' and 'aahs' as you read along. There is humor and tenderness and always an underlying coziness for the animals portrayed on these pages. The tones are warm and evoke sunset, the textures are soft and touchable. So much to admire and treasure in the images created for this sleepy, salubrious story that is sure to have your toddler nodding off before the last page is turned. Tomorrow, you will have to return to share the human baby and its sock monkey companion who is just another star in the story.

Big and Small, Room for All. Written by Jo Ellen Bogart and illustrated by Gillian Newland. Tundra, 2009. $20.99 ages 3 and up

"What is smaller than a flea?
A world of things
too small to see.""

It's always interesting to watch young children explore their world and learn about the many things that make it special. Part of the intrigue concerns the size of everything and how they fit in with all that is yet to be discovered. Their world is filled with why, what, when, where, and how. They like to know their place in the family, the community and the world. Jo Ellen Bogart has used this endless interest in the greater world to help our youngest readers make connections. She begins with the universe (ours is the Milky way) and then brings their world closer until she reaches what they know well.

The text is a lilting invitation to its audience to understand the scope of size. This accomplished author uses fewer than one hundred words to take readers from the immensity of space to the insignificant size of a flea and smaller organisms. She captivates by helping them find their place and space in the greater world. The illustrations are wonderful...watercolors that glow with the warmth of sunshine and the cool of the outer space sky. They add such beauty to the simple words and provide an impressive backdrop for the discussion that is sure to arise when this lovely book is shared.

Savvy, written by Ingrid Law. Penguin, 2008. $18.50 ages 12 and up

“When my brother Fish turned thirteen, we moved to the deepest part of inland because of the hurricane and, of course, the fact that he had caused it. I had liked living down south on the edge of land, next to the pushing-pulling waves. I had liked it with a mighty kind of liking, so moving had been hard – hard like pavement the first time I fell off my pink two-wheeler and my palms burned like fire from all of the hurt just under the skin. But it was plain that Fish live nowhere near or nearby or next to or close to or on or around any largish bodies of water. Water had a way of triggering my brother and making ordinary everyday weather take a frightening turn for the worse.”

Turning thirteen in Mibs Beaumont’s family requires guts and determination; for on that thirteenth birthday, they get their savvy. Figuring out what it might be can be a daunting task. The day before the big event Mibs’ father is involved in a pile-up on the highway and now lies in critical condition in Salina Hope Hospital. Her brother Rocket and their mother have gone to be with Poppa. While trying to settle on her savvy, Mibs becomes convinced that she is the only one who can ensure her father’s recovery. When she talks her siblings into stowing away on a delivery bus headed to Salina, their adventure begins. They meet up with a curious group of people and learn much about each as they travel together. There is love, laughter and an acceptance of each person for who they are, what they have to share and how they deal with their journey. Mibs' family and the 'savvies' that each have are pure entertainment. Wait until you finally discover Mibs' special ability...imaginative and original!

Written with charm and ‘savvy’ this book will hold enormous appeal to those readers who like a little magic mixed with stories of love and family. The characters are quirky and resonate with admiration for each other. Ingrid Law leaves us hoping that this won’t be the last we hear of them.

When you have finished your reading and you understand that having a savvy means having 'something that’s deep inside of us all. It’s something we do – our magic', you will want to go back and read this wonderful book again. Or, keep it on your bookshelf for another time...it is sure to be a classic!

I think that I have discovered Ingrid Law's 'SAVVY'!

Hip Hop Speaks to Children, edited by Nikki Giovanni. Sourcebooks, 2008. $21.99 ages 4 and up

"Poetry with a beat. That's hip hop in a flash. One part story, one part rhythm. And just like the church congregations from hundreds of years ago, listening to the "Call and Response," the people embrace the rhythm and remember the stories.

...Today there is hip hop everywhere. All over this world."

I sat in the porch, on a warm sunny day, and listened over and over again to these rhythms collected and edited by the amazing Nikki Giovanni. I thought it would give me a feeling for the hip hop cadence of some of the most notable poets and writers, and I was right! My toes were tapping, my head was bobbing and I was following along, hearing how these poems sound when gifted and talented performers share them. The CD is remarkable!

What an addition to my poetry collection, and it is a book I will share in the classrooms I visit in the coming school year. Many poets are included and the performances are often given by the poets themselves...so special to hear. The illustrations burst with joy and share the same exuberance and rhythm as the chosen poems. They are meant to be read by middle graders, but go well beyond that and should be shared with both younger and older listeners. I loved the variety in the selections and reading them aloud with family or in classrooms will have everyone enjoying the beauty of the words and the rhythms of the language. They run the gamut from playful delight to sombre reflection and are each worthy of inclusion.

Here's one that I genuinely enjoyed and had not read previously:

"Funky Snowman

Funky Snowman loves to dance.
You'd think he wouldn't
have much chance
without two legs
or even pants
Does that stop
Funky Snowman?
No!!

Turn up the music
with the disco beat,
when you're in the groove,
you don't need feet.
Crowds come out
and fill the street.

Kick it.
Funky Snowman!

Calef Brown"


Many talented poets have a place in this anthology...Eloise Greenfield, Walter Dean Myers, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Nikki Grimes, Queen Latifah and Tupac Shakur to name a few. It is historical, funky, funny, emotional, and it opens our hearts and minds to the sounds of lovely language, the power of the hip hop beat, and the emotional resonance of poetry as a way of expressing ourselves. The back matter provides additional information about the poets and the musicians whose work is included and adds interest.

fatty legs, written by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton. Annick Press, 2010. $12.95 ages 8 and up

"The school's smells were unfriendly and harsh against the tender skin of my inner nostrils. I craned my head in every possible direction I could, without moving my feet. It was like someone had enlarged the Hudson's Bay Company by many times and stripped it clean. My eyes darted from wall to wall, trying to take it all in."

Even as a very young girl, Olemaun Pokiak is strong-willed, inquisitive and set on going to the school run by the outsiders. She wants to read and that means she must leave her small village and attend a residential school. Her family warns her about the school, but she never lets up on her request. Her father finally agrees and they make the five-day journey that will take her there. She is eight. At school she soon meets the Raven, a nun with a hooked nose and bony claws. Her dislike for this strong, opinionated young girl is quickly evident. Her persecution would humble a weaker student. Despite embarrassment and unceasing cruelty, 'Margaret' does not falter. She shows dignity in the worst of circumstances and can hold her head high when she finally leaves the school, able to read and write in English...her dream fulfilled.

The strong voice of Margaret holds our attention and gives insight into the many changes and fears she faces in a new and lonely place. She is often set apart from the other girls because of the Raven's acute dislike for her and the bullying that she uses to try to make Margaret more obedient and less resolute. When the Raven makes her wear red stockings, thus the nickname Fatty Legs, it's the last straw for this resilient and tenacious ten year old. Only now, more than 60 years later, is she willing to share the secret of the disappearing red stockings. It is a testament to the will of a woman who went on to parent eight children, work for the Hudson's Bay Company and maintain and honor her Inuit heritage. Today, she can be found at the local farmers' market selling 'Inuit crafts and the best bread and bannock in the North Peace.'

Archival photos from Margaret's collection give readers a sense of immediacy for the story being told and the strong, boldly colored artwork of Liz Amini-Holmes provides the clear and often heartbreaking truths about this brave woman's journey to literacy.

14 Cows for America, written by Carmen Agra Deedy and illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez. Peachtree, 2009. $23.95 ages 5 and up

"Once they were feared warriors. Now they live peaceably as nomadic cattle herders. They treat their cows as kindly as they do their children.
They sing to them.
They give them names.
They shelter the young ones in their homes.
Without the herd, the tribe might starve.
To the Maasai, the cow is life."

“Because there is no nation so powerful it cannot be wounded nor a people so small they cannot offer mighty comfort.”

This is the story of Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah, told in collaboration.

The September 11 tragedy affected the people of the world...it showed us our vulnerability, our compassion for the plight of others, and had an impact that reached beyond our shores to the rest of the world. This story takes us to a remote village in Africa where the Maasai people live in peace and tend their cattle. Kimeli has been away in America studying. His villagers want to hear his stories, and so he tells the story of the Twin Towers and their destruction.

Once told, Kimeli patiently waits for their reaction. He knows they are 'easily moved to kindness when they hear of suffering or injustice.' In their world the cow is life. Kimeli offers his one cow to the people of the United States, wanting to help in some significant way. Members of his tribe follow his lead. An American diplomat makes his way to visit with the Maasai and to accept their gift of 14 cows, given in a sacred ceremony.

In this lovely telling, the author is able to convey the deep respect and concern that people half a world away feel for the plight of the Americans. The languge is uncomplicated and straightforward. It is a story for all. Thomas Gonzalez has created hauntingly beautiful images to convey the power and generosity of the Maasai, the warmth of their village and the maginificence of their gift. Some of the illustrations stand out for me. Kimeli's return is observed in a close-up of his American-made runners, his khakis and a walking stick as he crosses the grassland,
the beauty of his people as they welcome him with open arms into the fold once more, and the joy and celebration of the sacred dance when the cows are given in honor of the American people. Each fully conveys the strength of this story.

Kimeli sums up the gift eloquently:

“These sacred, healing cows can never be slaughtered. They remain in our care in Kenya under the guidance of the revered elder Mzee Ole-Yiampoi. The original fourteen have calved and the herd now numbers over thirty-five. They continue to be a symbol of hope from the Maasai to their brothers and sisters in America. The Maasai wish is that every time Americans hear this simple story of fourteen cows, they will find a measure of comfort and peace.”

A website provides further information for those looking for more at www.14cowsforamerica.com.

Chicken, Pig, Cow Horse Around, written and illustrated by Ruth Ohi. Annick, 2010. $6.95 ages 3 and up

"Chicken, Pig, and Cow loved each other. Outside...and inside, it was always Chicken, Pig, and Cow. Then one day it wasn't. There was also Horse."

I hope that you have met Chicken, Pig and Cow in previous books. They are quite the characters and Ruth Ohi has a lovely way of giving them life in her fun-filled and detailed watercolors. They are always together and have great love for each other. When Horse arrives, they are quite taken with his agility and strength. Then they begin other not so ingratiating things. He takes up space meant for them.

Ah, Chicken knows just what to do. She suggests a game of hide and seek. She sends Horse off to hide and then deilberately refuses to tell what she has done. Her conscience gets the better of her and she is off to find him. But, where?
She searches in all the normal hiding places and he is nowhere to be found. What? Can that be him in the fishbowl?

Clearly concerned for his safety Chicken flops into the bowl, only to find that Horse is not there. He is on the other side of the glass. To the rescue go Pig and Cow, soon quickly realizing that no one can float! Horse joins them. Chicken cannot tell a lie and sorrowfully apologizes to Horse for the trick she has played on him. All is well....except that they are all in the bowl with no means of escape. A bright idea from Chicken soon finds everyone safe and sound on the outside. There is something to be said about making new friends, isn't there?

This is a great readaloud for young listeners, with lively illustrations and not too much text. There is much subtext in the artwork. Once you meet them, you will want to read their other adventures...Chicken, Pig, Cow (Annick, 2008), Chicken, Pig, Cow on the Move (Annick, 2009) and Chicken, Pig, Cow and the Purple Problem (Annick, 2010). They are a delight!

A Flock of Shoes, written by Sarah Tsiang and illustrated by Qin Leng. Annick, 2010. $8.95 ages 3 and up

"They made small heart tracks in the sand and followed her all around the beach. They invited the wind to come and kiss her toes. Abby and her sandals had a wonderful summer together."

Those sandals seemed to be getting smaller, but Abby wasn't concerned. She loved them and she would wear them forever. Mom is trying to convince her that her sandals have done their job and now, she needs a new pair of shoes to wear. Abby is adamant...she wants her sandals. In the fall at the park Abby takes a ride on the swings and loses her shoes. Do they fall to the ground? No, they fly south!

"Her sandals flipped and flopped in the sky, pretty as birds, and joined another couple of pairs of sandals, all in a V."

Poor Abby! Walking home in sock feet, she is so sad. She is full of the story for her mother; but her mother won't listen to the 'fibs' and hauls out a box with a new pair of boots. Well, she will wear the boots but she won't stop thinking about the sandals. She draws them with a stick in the snow, daydreams about their adventures on a warm southern beach and finally receives a postcard or two:

"Our straps are aching to hug you again."

It isn't long until Abby discovers the delights of her new winter boots...she falls in love again. They are great for having fun in the snow and for keeping her toes cozy. When the whistle of a northbound train shatters the silence of a warm spring morning, we are not surprised to see the boots make tracks for the boxcars as they pass. It isn't long until Abby hears the swishy approach of 'glorious pink and brown, with lime green trim' sandals. They have had their rest and she is elated to welcome them back.

A postcard ends the story:

"Early nights and gorgeous lights, but we still miss the warm wiggle of your toes."

What a collaboration! The spare text has energy and storytelling power, while the whimsical watercolors give life to the characters, the setting and the relationship between parent and child, and child and her much loved footwear. Bravo!

You need to get this book!

It's A Book! Written and illustrated by Lane Smith. Roaring Brook, H B Fenn. 2010. $15.99 ages 8 and up

"What do you have there?
It's a book.
How do you scroll down?
I don't.
I turn the page.
It's a book."

Oh boy, you know where we're going with this, don't you?

My daughter read this wondrous new book to me over the phone last week (she lives in Victoria and works in a book store) and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! Then, thanks to Lisa Mior, Rita Silva and the great people at H B Fenn, I went to my mailbox and there it was...on the very day that Erin read it to me! So, I called her back and read it to her! We sometimes do those things. Then, I phoned Calgary and read it to my son. And I took it to a workshop the next morning and asked if I could read it to the people there. I love it and when you get a book you love, you just have to share it! So, here I am again...sharing it with you.

Lane Smith uses his artistic talent to give us rich characters and down home humor in this story of a jackass, a monkey and a mouse. While Monkey reads, Jackass (with laptop firmly clutched under his arm) has many questions. He obviously knows nothing about books, and cannot seem to understand the concept. When he asks about Monkey's mouse, Mouse pops out from under Monkey's hat. On we go with all the things that a book cannot do....text, tweet, Wi-Fi, or make noises. Monkey offers his book to Jackass so that he might discover its many features. Jackass is not impressed. And then, he starts reading and he is still reading 5 hours later!

Monkey would like his book back. Jackass does not acquiesce. Monkey is off to the library to find another book for himself. Jackass is reassuring:

"Don't worry, I'll charge it up when I'm done!"

Kids will love the naughtiness of the final line and respond with heartfelt hilarity and a plea for a repeat performance! Well deserved! If it doesn't suit your sensibility, please lighten up! It's priceless!

Crunch, written by Leslie Connor. Harper, 2010. $18.99 ages 8 and up

"I lay on my back in the attic room. Vince twitched in his sleep in his bed just a few feet away. I felt guilty for not telling him what I knew. If he had told Lil- even accidentally - she'd think I'd somehow lost control of things in the Bike Barn. And I hadn't. But we were being robbed - just a little. I was sure of it."

When I was teaching kindergarten in the early 70s, I read my kids their first school chapter book...The Boxcar Children. They loved it, and when they were reading independently they came back to the kindergarten to borrow it for a reread. I asked them what they loved about it, and it was mostly the fact that those kids could take care of themselves. They lived vicariously through them. They will do that now with the Mariss children as they take care of themselves and each other while their parents are caught in a fuel 'crunch'. The two older children, Lil and Dewey, have taken charge while their parents enjoy a short trip away from them. Their father is a trucker and their mother loves to go on an annual trip with him, while the children are out of school and content to be alone.

This year, they run into difficulty when a shortage of fuel means rationing and waiting in long lines to fill up. Mom and Dad are concerned with their children's well-being and phone daily to check. Lil is taking care of the house and its many demands as best she can. Dewey and his younger brother Vince are keeping their Dad's small bike shop operating, while the demand for repairs and parts rises exponentially. Most people are biking to get where they are going and they don't have the knowledge or tools to keep their bikes in excellent condition. So, they bring them to the Bike Barn. The needs are great, the work is hard and Dewey is wearing himself out with worry.

As the lines grow and customers become more insistent, Dewey and Lil try to balance running the business and providing for the other three siblings. They are overwhelmed with responsibility but lucky to have support from a tight-knit farming community. Their thieving neighbor takes a few eggs at a time, and occasionally needs their help with lawn mowing. When parts start to disappear from the bike shop, he is their chief suspect. Dewey is able to come face to face with the robber and the whole community is in for a big surprise.

This is a great family story and readers will find themselves cheering for Lil and Dewey to keep the family thriving despite setbacks. There will be much to discuss when sharing it with your children or students. What might happen if we don't have the fuel we need to live the lives that we are so accustomed to living? How would you and your family deal without fuel powered transportation? How would it change your life? What happens when trucks can't transport food, water, and the other materials that make our lives easier? There is a lot to consider here.

Luckily, the happy ending adds just the right touch!

Big Book of Why, Time for Kids. H B Fenn, 2010. $23.95 ages 8 and up

"What was Mickey Mouse's original name?
In 1928, Walt Disney created a cartoon mouse he called Mortimer Mouse. Disney's wife didn't like the name Mortimer, so she renamed the character Mickey. Mickey Mouse made his movie debut in a cartoon called Steamboat Willie that same year."

Do you know any child who doesn't ask why, when, what, where and how all day long? If not for their curious nature, they would never gain all the knowledge that they seem to do in a very short time. This book will add hours of pleasure, information and new learning for you and for them as you share it together. It is perfect nonfiction, providing bits of information, great graphics, and the answers to questions you might not be able to answer! How great is that?

Nonfiction reading can be so much fun for all of us! Remember, it is what we mostly read...newspapers, instructions, lists, menus, charts, statistics. The list goes on. Our kids need experience with reading it, too. We all love learning new things and we learn about them in books such as this one. It has sections about animals, earth, space, humans, people and places, history, science, technology, art and culture and sports.

It is a book that you will turn to again and again, to sharpen your knowledge and to add to your kids' view of the world.

This one is for you, Jen!

"Why don't kids who are color blind see everything in black and white?

Life isn't black and white for kids who are color blind. In fact, color blind people can see most colors... Color blind kids might only be missing one particular type of cone, such as green or red. Although the person can see the other colors, they might see gray for the cones they are missing."

It's great fun, and oh, so informative. You will find yourself picking it up again and again to answer questions from your kids and even some that you have. ENJOY!

The Rabbit Problem, written and illustrated by Emily Gravett. Macmillan, H B Fenn, 2009. $19.99 ages 4 and up

"Foods I love

carrot cake
carrot soup
Steamed carrots
boiled carrots
Fresh raw crunchy carrots"

There is definitely a problem here and we are faced with it on the front endpapers, where five bunnies sit contemplating the blackboard. If newborn rabbits are fully grown at one month and able to be parents at two months, how many pairs will there be at the end of the month, or at the end of a year?

The sign on the fence calls it 'Fibonacci's Field' and states that the population is 1. It's January and that solemn and solitary bunny issues an invitation to another bunny for friendship and an end to the loneliness. In February the temperature takes a big dip and 'snuggling up' seems the best way to keep warm. It's much too cold to knit. In March, the lonely and cold rabbit problem has become one of babies...a new pair. The calendar sports a name chart, and a growing list of responsibilities for the new parents. A birth announcement is attached, with names, photos and the family 'carrot' to show lineage.

With each new month comes new hilarity in the burgeoning growth of the rabbit population. April brings much rain and more rabbits. May sports a ration book, with coupons to use to provide for each new addition and an order form for seeds for planting. The seeds arrive and the family grows in June. July brings boredom and a local newspaper offering news, birth announcements, weather reports and the birth rate dilemma. On we go through the months, with growing numbers and an explosion in carrot production.

December brings a solution with a sign change and an exodus from Fibonacci's Field. Whew!

There are books that delight and this is one of them! As you share it, you will find that you and your listeners (and they need to be close to see all there is to see) are poring over each turn of the calendar and astounded at the plight of the many rabbits who inhabit the field. Younger children will love the sharing and the talk, while older readers will have a heyday on their own!

If you have not seen Emily Gravett's work, please run (yes, run) to the library, or your nearest bookstore, and check her out. Her artwork is stunning, the premise for her storytelling is so original and entertaining and you will have found new favorites to read repeatedly. Watch the expressions, check out the many details and glory in the experience. It is worth every minute spent!

Get stacking up those Christmas gifts!