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The No. 1 Car Spotter
By Atinuke
Illustrated by Warwick Johnson Cadwell
Kane/Miller (a division of EDC Publishing)
$5.99
ISBN: 978-1-61067-051-7
Ages 7-11
On shelves September 1st.

When I discovered the amazing, remarkable, one-of-a-kind, never before seen Anna Hibiscus books by Atinuke last year I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. It just didn’t seem possible. A contemporary early chapter book set on the continent of Africa? To understand how rare this was visit your local library sometime. Ask for fiction about Africa that takes place today for early readers. Specify that you’d rather not take out a work of older fiction that’s deadly serious, but rather something light and fun. And while you’re at it, why don’t you ask for the moon as well since you’re just as likely to get that as what I’ve just described unless it’s Anna Hibiscus (in America anyway). Now Anna is joined by yet another Atinuke character. No. 1 lives in a rural village with his family and friends and his stories, like those of Anna Hibiscus, linger in your brain long after you’ve read them.

Meet No. 1. He’s what you might call a car spotter. If there’s a car driving past his village, you can be sure he’ll not only spot it but identify it and long before anyone else. Life in No. 1’s village isn’t easy, of course. If a cart breaks down then everyone’s got to figure out how to get the produce to the market (it’s No. 1 who comes up with a brilliant solution). If a woman wants to get lipstick at the market she sometimes will have to send a boy (No. 1 ends up doing the right thing entirely by accident then too). If people need chores done they have to rely on the kids (a problem when No. 1 wants to only help the auntie who makes the best food). And if someone gets seriously sick… well, sometimes it’s not always No. 1 who comes up with the solutions to problems. But he’s always around to help out.

I adore Atinuke’s ear for language. This book just begs to be read aloud as you go through it. Pitch perfect bedtime reading fare, that’s what you have here. You get such magnificent lines out of it too. For example, there’s the section where No. 1 aids a single particular mama in the hopes of getting some of her delicious akara. At one point the author just writes, “As I was an able-bodied boy in the vicinity of a shouting mama I started to run around as well.” Something about the construction of that sentence just pleases me to no end. Later No. 1 explains to Coca-Cola that he can’t risk helping him out anymore because he might end up with a name like 7Up. Coca-Cola, visibly upset, points out that his own nickname is from a soft drink. I love No. 1’s method of comforting his friend. “That… is because Coca-Cola is the number one soft drink. Some people prefer Fanta. It is true. And some people prefer Sprite. Some people don’t touch Coca-Cola. But Coca-Cola is still number one.” As pep talks go, I’ve never heard on

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I did indeed, faithful readers!  Just about the time this blog was headed to an all new format I was traipsing the halls of the Javits Center during Book Expo 2010.  Being a working librarian and all, I was operating my library’s reference desk for most of BEA, but I was able to escape for a Thursday to see what there was to see.  I had about two hours on the floor, max.  That is a short amount of time, but it is amazing what one can accomplish when one is wearing shoes so uncomfortable that you are inclined to walk fast to dull the pain!

Sidenote: Historically, librarians aren’t BEA’s focus.  This is a bookseller convention and over the last few years librarians have started to trickle in.  They are not by any means catered to.  What I like about BEA is that I get to run into booksellers I wouldn’t normally run across.

Here then is my highly scientific view of all things BEA.  Ahem.

HIGHLY SCIENTIFIC VIEW OF ALL THINGS BEA

That was one of the staircases visible during the conference.  I admit, I was impressed.  I was unaware that Vladimir Tod had the clout to acquire the ENTIRE visible staircase at BEA.  Extra points for the colors as well.

After getting my press pass I went inside.  Rather than scout out where anyone actually was, I wandered around, vaguely heading towards any area where there was a large group of people.  This is sort of how I tackle ALA Conferences as well.  Call it my SMS or Systematic Meandering System.  In this particular case, I found myself at the end of the conference floor where the authors were signing.

I’m not a signing type o’ author, but if I ever become one I hope that the universe will acknowledge that I feel great boatloads of sympathy for any first timer or small press writer stuck next to a big name.  There were a couple of those roundabout 10 a.m. on a Thursday morning, but I shan’t name names.  I went over to the big board at this point to see if anyone interesting was coming up.

Dang!  Lemony Snicket had been signing the previous day.  If I were playing some perverse version of Author Bingo, Snicket/Handler would be The One Who Got Away.  I’m horrendously afraid of him, to the point where I was at a party thrown for him once and managed to give him a berth of about six yards at any given time.  I can’t explain it.  I adore him but he intimidates the eyelashes off of me.  Not his wife, the lovely authoress Lisa Brown, she of the YA novel Picture the Dead.  If I ever meet her I’ll bloody talk her ear off.  But Handler… someday, man.  Someday.

So who was around and about?  Well, I think Adam Rex was signing, but it wasn’t like I’d be able to engage him in conversation or anything.  No sir… I wanted someone I’d never met before.  Someone, ideally, I’d read as a kid.  The answer?

This guy.

Aw, yeah baby.  That’s James Howe, author of everything from Bunnicula to Totally Joe to his newest picture book Brontorina.  Which I got signed for the niece.  I like to call that a mission accomplished.

With my signed book in tow, I set out to see what was new from the pubs this season.  And not the New York based o

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WASHINGTON D.C., September 22, 2008 -- Kane/Miller Book Publishers has been selected for the 2008 Best of La Jolla Award in the Publishers category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA):

U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Local Business Association

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Little Brothers Are...
Little Sisters Are...
Author and Illustrator: Beth Norling
Reading level: Ages 0-3
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub (March 1, 2008)
Language: English



I'm wrapping up my "Books for Expectant Siblings" week with a pair of books that are just perfect for big brothers and big sisters. Part of Kane/Miller's Toddler Tales series, Little Brothers Are... and Little Sisters Are... describe little brothers and sisters using fun adjectives and equally fun illustrations featuring big brothers and sisters with their younger siblings.

Here's an excerpt from Little Brothers Are...
"Little brothers are wriggly, bubbly, naughty, and scared." The illustrations that span four pages show:

• A little brother trying to wiggle out his brother's arms to reach a cute little dog below him (wriggly)
• Another little brother blowing big bubbles with his adoring big sister (bubbly)
• Another little brother pulling a cat's tale (Naughty)
  
• The same little brother jumping into his big brother's arms and being chased by the cat whose tail was pulled (Scared)
  

You can expect the same format in Little Sisters Are...:
"Little sisters can be tiny, cuddly, smelly and sad." The illustrations include:

• A tiny newborn baby sleeping (tiny)
• A big sister lovingly cuddling what looks like the same baby (cuddly)
  
• A big sister holding her nose as a little sister with an obviously heavy and stinky diaper approaches (smelly)
• A little baby girl reaching out and crying (sad)
  

Both books end with the same sentiment. "My little brother/sister is my best friend. I love my little brother/ sister."

I really like these books first because they're funny. Kids will get a kick out of the illustrations and some of the funny adjectives used to describe little brothers and sisters. They'll also probably be able to relate to many of them. The books also convey the positive message that even though little brothers and sisters may sometimes be a bit of a pain, you still love them. This may definitely help children who are adjusting to new siblings in their lives.

You can also use these books to help teach about adjectives and even work with your child to come up with your own descriptions of younger siblings.


The books are also available in Spanish. Visit Kane/Miller's website for more information.

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What's Going On? by Elena O'Callaghan, illustrated by Africa Fanlo
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub (March 1, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1933605650
ISBN-13: 978-1933605654
Source of book: Review copy from publisher

After I had my daughter, I suffered from serious "baby brain." I remember taking a shower one day and putting shampoo on my face instead of my hair and then doing it again right after I washed it off, and I once even went to the grocery store, filled up my cart and only realized at the checkout that I had left my purse at home. So, when I read What's Going On? , I completely sympathized with the mom in the book who used to be neat and put together who now looks frazzled and disorganized and is spraying bug spray in her hair, the eight-armed father who is juggling all kinds of stuff and wearing mismatched shoes, and even the child narrator in the story who realizes that things just aren't the way they used to be.

Told in a lighthearted manner, the book is presented in "then" and "now" scenarios (i.e. "This was my mom then. This is her now"). Something strange is going on in the house, and young kids will have fun trying to guess what has caused it all.

I really like this book because it helps kids prepare for a new baby in a fun way and lets them know that things will be different for a while...and that's perfectly okay. It will also help kids who may be experiencing some of the upheaval feel reassured that what is happening is normal and to make the best of the changes that are occurring.


Oh and for the record...a couple of "hopefuls" have been suspicious about me dedicating a week to books for expectant siblings, and sorry to disappoint you, but my daughter will be an only child for the foreseeable future. ;)

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Kira Lynn, Kane/Miller's Publisher, was interviewed recently for Cynsations, the blog written by author, educator, speaker, and of course, kidlit blogger, Cynthia Leitich Smith.

The questions she was asked:

What kind of young reader were you?

What inspired you to make children's literature your career focus?

How about publishing specifically?

How did you prepare for this career?

How did you break into the business?

How did you get from day one to your current position?

What makes Kane/Miller special? How is it different from other houses?

Would you please describe the list?

How are your books acquired?

Why is international/multicultural publishing important to you? To young readers?

In what ways does the house work with and/or reach out to teachers and librarians?

What new directions should we know about?

What new books are you especially excited about in 2008?

How have you seen publishing change for the better since you began your career? What are the new challenges?

What do you do outside your editorial/publishing life?

Is there anything you would like to add?

Her answers can be found here...

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Sally and Dave, a Slug Story by Felice Arena

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub (March 1, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1933605715
ISBN-13: 978-1933605715

Sally the slug is the kind of girl…er slug…you love to hate. “She’s sensational at sports. She’s sleek, slim, and simply stunning.” You name it, she can do it superbly from shooting soccer goals to performing spectacular snowboard stunts. Oh, and she’s a little obnoxious in my humble opinion.

Her neighbor, Dave on the other hand is a “common fat slug.” His favorite activities include “sleeping sideways in his own slime…[and] “sidewalk sunbathing in summer.” He’s perfectly happy with his life, until one day, Sally makes a snide and insulting remark. It takes a scary situation and a heroic act for Dave to regain his confidence and for Sally to change her tune about this “slimy slacker” who turns out to be pretty darn “special.”

In addition to the engaging and fast-paced storyline, the cartoonish illustrations are hilarious. In one scene, Dave is in the bathtub sulking about Sally’s comments, a frown on his face, his shoulders hunched, and his googly eyes looking down—a pretty sad scene except “she’s a superfreak…superfreak…” is playing on the radio. Another great scene is of Dave sidewalk sunbathing. He’s wearing sunglasses and a colorful Hawaiian shirt and lounging in a chair with his hands behind his head (do slugs have limbs?). He’s even got a bottle of “Slug Screen” to protect his sensitive slimy skin from the scorching sun.

This book would make a great read aloud for younger children, and definitely cheer anyone up who’s had a particularly grumpy day. If you’re looking for a book that will make your child chuckle,Sally and Dave, a Slug Story would make a perfect choice.

What other bloggers are saying:

Book Buds Kidlit Reviews: “Sally and Dave: A Slug Story begs to be read aloud. Toddlers to emergent readers will enjoy hearing the hiss of the words as they stream by.”

Jen Robinson’s Book Page: “…This is a highly entertaining title that is sure to please preschoolers. I think that the fact that the main characters are slugs, with the hero a boy slug, will make this book especially pleasing to young boys, though I'm sure girls will like it, too.”

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Kids crave cubbyholes. I'm sure there's some evolutionary reason for this tucked away in the hidden recesses of our frontal lobes. Whatever the reason, though, you give a kid a basement full of abandoned furniture and watch the enormous castles they're able to create. So while this isn't the same thing exactly, it's nice to see an entrepreneurial furniture company tapping into our odder desires.

Anyone care to lend me 9,000 Euro? I'm good for it.

Thanks to Bookninja for the link.

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