PICTURE BOOK
GRACE FOR PRESIDENT by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Hyperion) Grace is appalled that no woman has yet been president of the United States, but decides to remedy it when she grows up, and gets a jump start by seeking to win the school election. The author ingeniously and seamlessly is able to explain the sticky wicket of the electoral college by assigning each of Grace's classmates a state with a number of votes, instead of a single vote. Grace's rival from the other class figures that the boys have more electoral votes than the girls and rests on his laurels, but when it boils down to a boy representing the Equality State of Wyoming, will the best kid win? This story is a great read-aloud, and is just as wonderful and heart-pounding on the re-read. Pham's expressive, jubilant illustrations are absolutely irresistable, and perfectly compliment the high-energy, competitive campaign. The last wordless picture tells all: Grace taking the inaugural oath in front of the Capitol, and the endpapers show her face carved into Mount Rushmore. This may be a work of fiction, but it will be true for some little girl...somewhere, someday! (6 and up)

OUR WHITE HOUSE: LOOKING IN LOOKING OUT by 108 renowned Authors and Illustrators and the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance (Candlewick) This book is an ambitious and eclectic endavor, as over a hundred children's book talents contribute imaginative responses to all things White House. From Nancy Willard's remembrances of looking at a book of paper dolls featuring dresses worn by First Ladies, to Jane Yolen's imagined conversation between John and Abigail Adams, Don Brown's true telling of Dolley Madison's rescue of George Washington, Paul Janeczko's poem "Mary Todd Lincoln Speaks of Her Son's Death, 1862," Dwight Eisenhower's prayer for peace, haunted White House legends from M.T. Anderson, Jean Craighead George's tribute to Teddy Roosevelt in "Executive Order for Nature," illustrations of Franklin Roosevelt's "Four Freedoms" by Peter Sis, Calef Brown, Ed Young, and Stephen Alcorn, an amazing double-page rendering of presidential pets by Steven Kellogg, Jimmy Carter's memories of Christmas, a behind-the-scene sketchbook by David Small, and perhaps the most affecting: a mini graphic novel by Matt Phelan that captures the callousness of "Hoover's One Term," plus Jack Prelutsky! Jerry Spinelli! Katherine Paterson! Meg Cabot! Richard Peck! Linda Sue Park! There are more stars in this book than on the American flag. Whatever is happening to our economy, we can find a great book value and the richness of America within these pages. An amazing resource to be treasured over time; invaluable to teachers, and informative to all citizens. (9 and up)

Also of interest:
More forays into history and politics for kids!

PRESIDENT PENNYBAKER by Kate Feiffer, illustrated by Diane Goode (Simon and Schuster) After his father refuses to let him watch television even after finishing his chores, Luke Pennypacker makes the startling revelation that life isn't fair. In order to amend this situation in the interest of all children, he decides to run for office, not under the Democratic or Republican Party, but the Birthday Party, with a platform that promises children will be treated as if it is their birthday every day of the year. Luke is very good at thinking outside of the box (painting the White House orange!), but if Luke didn't like doing chores, he finds the work involved in running the country to be an even more trying task. Light and full of laughs, this book ends with the smart and subtle suggestion that anyone who takes office will have their own agenda. (6 and up) And a reminder: older children who like to imagine what it would be like to rule a country should check out KING MATT THE FIRST by Janusz Korczak (Algonquin), a great introduction to the grown-up world of politics and one of the best books for children ever written. King Matt always gets my vote! (10 and up)

IF I WERE PRESIDENT by Catherine Stier, illustrated by Dyanne Disalvo-Ryan (Whitman) An explanation of the duties of the executive branch for the very young. (4 and up)

LADY LIBERTY: A BIOGRAPHY by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Matt Tavares (Candlewick) Poets, construction workers, artists, engineers, journalists, and a little girl with two pet roosters...told in free verse from these many points of view (a la Nikki Grimes' TALKIN' ABOUT BESSIE), we come to know how the Statue of Liberty came to be, the collaboration she really represents, and what a truly marvelous gift she is to us all. Illustrations bear a stoic dignity, and the story will choke you up. (7 and up)

THE ELECTION CONNECTION: THE OFFICIAL NICK GUIDE TO ELECTING THE PRESIDENT (Nickelodeon) Generally, I do not consider titles that have characters on them that were on television before they were in books, or that don't have an author on the cover, but there is an exception to every rule, and the genius of Spongebob is usually that exception. I was able to build a full fourth-grade unit around the election process using this book that answers virtually every question about the election process. In clear language, the political party system, campaigns, debates, electoral college, ways to vote and the role of the media are all addressed. Hmmm, maybe it's a handy guide for grown-ups, too? (7 and up)

QUIET HERO: THE IRA HAYES STORY by S.D. Nelson (Lee & Low). A shy Native American boy fights personal and military battles during WWII, and ultimately serves most honorably and memorably at Iwo Jima. Fascinating photographs add to a richly historical author's note. (7 and up)

THE IMPOSSIBLE PATRIOTISM PROJECT by Linda Skeers, illustrated by Ard Hoyt (Dial) When the children are supposed to come up with something that represents the big idea of "patriotism" for Parent Night, a sad little boy rallies with something that inspires the room. Children lonely for parents serving in the military is a reality, and the sensitivity to this experience is recognized in these pages. Readers will be encouraged to reflect on the meaning of the word in their own lives. (6 and up)

CHILDREN OF THE USA by Maya Ajmera, Yvonne Wakim Dennis, Arlene Hirschfelder and Cynthia Pon (Charlesbridge) A state-by-state tour of our country, with double-page spreads for every location and a focus about the lives of kids at each stop. Young readers will find manageable the bites of history and what makes the location unique, as well as general facts and colorful people-watching-worthy photographs. Useful for reports, armchair travel, and gaining an appreciation of the exciting diversity of cultures within our nation. Parts of the book's proceeds will be donated to The Global Fund for Children, which support community organizations that serve the world's most vulnerable children and youth. (8 and up)

LARUE FOR MAYOR: LETTERS FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL by Mark Teague (Scholastic) Correspondence tells the story of a canine who manages an underground, grassroots campaign to create the most dog-friendly adminstration ever. Dirty politics and anti-gog hysteria kep the story spicy. (5 and up)

TWO MISERABLE PRESIDENTS: EVERYTHING YOUR SCHOOLBOOKS DIDN'T TELL YOU ABOUT THE CIVIL WAR and KING GEORGE: WHAT WAS HIS PROBLEM? EVERYTHING YOUR SCHOOLBOOKS DIDN'T TELL YOU ABOUT THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION by Steve Sheinkin, illustrated by Tim Robinson (Roaring Brook) Revisionist history perfectly packaged for reluctant readers, with plenty of quirky spot illustration and historical play-by-play sectioned off into manageable chunks that are colloquially described ("Bravery in battle earned [Colonel Johann "the Lion" Rahl] his nickname. But he was also kind of a lazy guy"). These books are like having a really fun uncle help you with your history homework. (9 and up)

BABAR COMES TO AMERICA by Laurent de Brunoff (Abrams) Our favorite French colonialist pachyderm takes a shine to our great country. Take the greyhound (or grey elephant) tour old school with this retro reissue from 1965. Gotta love big daddy Babar resting with room service at the Hilton, and a carriage ride through New Orleans ("Finally, in an excellent restaurant, they feast on fried chicken and pecan pie"). From football to Black Angus beef to Los Angeles traffic, the American spirit is covered from sea to shining sea. If your youngster is part of the mod squad, they may prefer the more contemporary BABAR'S USA, which overlays the cartoon characters on to real photographs from landmarks around the country (I appreciated the nod to Chicago's "El" train). (5 and up)

And finally, the subject of women in history and politics has fared very well in the season of books. MARGARET CHASE SMITH: A WOMAN FOR PRESIDENT by Lynn Plourde, illustrated by David McPhail (Charlesbridge). Formalistic, solid writing tells a tender story of a very strong and accomplished woman, who besides running for president in 1964 served in the Senate and stood against McCarthyism while others kept silent, earned ninety-five honorary college degrees, and kept a copy of the constitution in her purse unbtil the day she died. Truly helpful and insightful timelines are on every page: "US women working outside the home," "US life expectancy," "US incomes," which are very effective in putting Margaret's experiences (and our own) in a historical context. Pair with A WOMAN FOR PRESIDENT: THE STORY OF VICTORIA WOODHULL by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Jane Dyer (Walker), the compelling story of a controversial figure who used money she earned from palmistry to start her campaign, and also by Krull we have DREAMS TAKING FLIGHT: HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, illustrated by Amy June Bates (Simon and Schuster). Bates does a remarkable job of really capturing Clinton without caricaturing her, and we do sense the dewy-eyed dreamer who really did want to be an astronaut during a time when women were not encouraged to reach for the stars. The author does an equally good job of removing the figure from current political tensions or leanings, and instead tells an age-appropriate story of a little girl who was inspired, and then went on to inspire others. (5 and up) We also have ELIZABETH LEADS THE WAY by Tanya Lee Stone, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon (Henry Holt), a folksy and succinct picture book introduction the spunky suffragette Elizabeth Cady Stanton, to whom all women owe a debt of gratitude this November 4th; PHILLIS'S BIG TEST by Catherine Clinton, illustrated by Sean Qualls (Houghton Mifflin), about the famous black poet of the times of George Washington, who underwent intense examination because no one could believe a young slave girl could produce such accomplished work; and, while a bit too busy to be a read-aloud, we have the still well-researched and informative INDEPENDENT DAMES: WHAT YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT THE WOMEN AND GIRLS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION by Laurie Halse Anderson, illustrated by Matt Faulkner (Simon and Schuster), combining a general overview of the situation from a woman's point of view, countless biographical salutes to women from history that will allow children to springboard into deeper research, and a detailed revolutionary timeline that flows from page to page, plus the humorous and historical ink-and-watercolor sketch style we saw in THANK YOU, SARAH: THE WOMAN WHO SAVED THANKSGIVING.

On a personal note: what finally sent me over the edge


Because I love people with whom I do not always agree and I am unhappy about the divisions this election has caused between friends and neighbors, I generally strive to keep politics out of my conversation, and certainly out of my blog. However, during the third domestic presidential debate there were some statements made that were so audacious, unsubstantiated and so potentially damaging to the education of children, I feel I would be remiss in my advocacy if I did not point them out. At one point in the debate, one of the candidates suggested that we "need to encourage programs" such as Teach for America and Troops to Teachers specifically because they allow people to "go right to teaching and not have to take these examinations...or have the certifications that are...required is some state[s]."

Both Teach for America and Troops to Teachers are fast-track programs that fill a logistical need for teachers to be employed in geographic areas that are most challenging to staff. They often attract people who have previously studied for other careers, but are now eager to contribute positively to the lives of children through the classroom and want to hurry up and do it. My foremost concern is the suggestion that teachers who do not have the education training to be qualified enough to serve in affluent white suburbs should be sent to serve children who are so predominantly of color and from a lower socioeconomic background. This, as far as I'm concerned and despite the best of intentions, is an overt breach of the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling of 1964, which outlaws separate but equal education. Further, children in the urban areas that these programs serve generally are at the highest risk for academic failure, in overcrowded settings that require the most classroom management and parent outreach, to say nothing of the need for professionals to be able to assess and address critical learning deficits and differences. Why on earth would we assign our least trained and experienced teachers to serve this population? This doesn't negate the best efforts of the wonderful people who try to fill these voids in urban schools, but I wish, as a country, we would not suggest that these programs are the answer to the problems of urban education, and instead recognize them as aid we receive while we are supposed to be genuinely working on solving these problems.

If we were to decide that the likes of five weeks of teacher training before entering the classroom were sufficient, my other concern is that an accepted lack of training undermines the profession, hardly the thing to do when we are trying to make the career attractive enough to enlist "an army of teachers." I do think that if someone really cares about doing their best, they will value the importance of training so they can deliver the quality of education that children deserve, and this does take time. Just as we don't have fast-track pediatrician programs, I can't imagine why someone would think a few weeks is enough time to begin to absorb the stages of child development, capably diagnose roadblocks to learning, or to know how to individualize instruction in a large group. I know that I could not have survived my own experience teaching in inner-city Chicago without comprehensive preparation, including classroom management work alone that went on for fifteen weeks, hundreds of hours of observation, student teaching and mentorship. Life experience is not a substitute for pedagogy, and knowing something is a different ability than knowing how to teach someone else what you know; this is a mantra from the world of veteran teachers. What failures will it take to make people outside of the profession believe it?

I see why the credentialing of teachers would come under fire. Established university certification programs are not the be-all-end-all. Requiring full-time unpaid student teaching makes the experience out of reach for some. Complaints of the impracticality of training falls on deaf ears of entrenched academia. Traditional training programs take years, and people need jobs now, schools need teachers now. It may be true that tests for credentials are hardly a reliable measure for what a teacher is able to share, or how capably they will share it. Public education is already built on a historical model of Ford Schools, in which sixteen-year-olds taught roomfuls of sixty kids, with the hope of indoctrinating immigrants in American citizenship and creating reliable workers. I know that many teachers come out of Teach for America and other programs are ultimately successful at what they do, and perhaps it is hard to tell the difference between certified and uncertified teachers after they have been working for a number of years. It may be argued that any new teacher does a certain amount of learning by doing anyway, so really, what's the difference? The difference is, to have to initially rely so heavily on instinct instead of research, theory, and learned management skills involves a lot of unnecessary reinventing of the wheel on the children's time. Minimal training is also unfair to these teachers going through these fast-track programs, who are almost invariably assured a trial-by-fire. Even the many teachers who enter alternative certification programs still strive to become ultimately certified, and many experienced teachers have been revitalized to reflect on their practice by rising to the challenge to become National Board Certified, another eschelon of professionalism. Scoffing at the preparation and formalized assessment process by which one becomes a teacher is at best, unsettling, careless, and insultingly dismissive to a workforce dominated by women; and at worst, dangerous, both to teachers who are sent into situations they aren't prepared to handle, and to our national security, when we choose to bank our children's futures on pedagogical practices of a hundred years ago or those of developing countries. If necessary, I would hope we can adjust the way teachers are prepared without moving backwards, making better use of seasoned teachers as part of that equation.

Politicians, left and right: please! If we need to change the ways teachers are credentialed, so be it, but we cannot say to teachers that they are going to be held accountable in one breath and then undermine the level of training that would allow them to be accountable. We cannot continue to send teachers out of credentialed teacher training programs with (maybe) one children's literature course under their belt; sending a teacher into a classroom who doesn't know children's books is like sending a plumber out without a wrench...and even Joe the Plumber gets a wrench (and a license for what he does). We cannot ignore the need to integrate literacy across the subject areas, and then expect children to perform well on math and science tests if they can't read the questions. We cannot value the insights of military veterans in deciding what resources are needed to lead to victory, and then shrug off teaching veterans when they have so much to say about what is needed to create victories on the home front. Most of all, we cannot laud ourselves as civil rights activists and against segregation in one breath and then continue to 1) have a double-standard about which teachers are qualified to teach in inner city schools serving minority children and 2) fund schools based on property taxes, an inherently inequitable modus operandi which makes socioeconomic class the new school segregation... something that neither candidate, for all of their charter schools and vouchers and choices, were willing to dare to address directly.

These weeks have been times of tremendous stomach aches for most Americans, and our crystal ball is cloudy...but let's take heart! Luckily, a great book in the hands of a rich child is the same great book in the hands of a poor child. Children's literature remains our best hope for equalizing education in America, and read aloud remains our most successful practice across the grade levels for academic achievement. I hope that teachers, whatever path they are taking, embrace these truths that will ultimately create a future (and by Heaven, a present!) for the children they serve, and allow them to live the American Dream: and by that, I don't mean a house, a dog and two-and-a-half children, I mean the promise of possibility, of telling the truth to children when we say, "if you can dream it, you can do it."

BATS AT THE LIBRARY by Brian Lies (Houghton Mifflin)
An open window means open house at the library for a bunch of literary bats, who at first are a bit feral, playing with the copy machine and creating shadow plays on the overhead projector ("Please keep it down--you must behave! The library is not your cave!"), but soon settle down to storytimes, during which they are all ears (and wings). Many delights await on these dark pages, as the bats explore a pop-up book, but builds into a crescendo of artistic inspiration as we are treated to not one but two amazing double-page spreads of bats engaged in reading, and their interior imaginings: bats crossing the street uder whistling policeman's guard a la Robert McCloskey's MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS; a blind bat Rochester blundering in the darkness in search of Jane Eyre; a bat at attention in a tribute to Ed Emberley's DRUMMER HOFF; Peter Rabbit scuttles under McGregor's fence with a bat-like wing instead of paw; an upside-down Cheshire Bat, a bat sporting Pippi longstocking's braids and a bat at Pooh Corner; and besides all of these nods to beloved classics there are many clever details, such as bats reading books upside-down and a bat mother reading her preschooler from a copy of "Goodnight Sun." A companion to BATS AT THE BEACH, it stands solidly on its own; enthusiastic and largely unobtrusive couplets make for the text, but the visual wit of this book is what is truly boundless, an unbridled tribute to all that we love about the children's section. My one complaint about the book would be since the book is set in darkness, there is not a stark contrast between the action and the background, which is fine for laptime or a few children, but more difficult to see when held up in a larger storytime group...that said, it is certainly worth the effort to lean in, to point out, or to use the opaque projector to share with a crowd. Worthy of a Cybils award (not yet nominated!) and recognition beyond, this title is inspired and actually beautiful, a bona fide booklover's delight. So many children rail against bedtime, thinking that when they sleep, they are missing something; now I see what we all are missing. (5 and up)

The trouble with October is that even with thirty one days, there isn't enough time to read all of the great seasonal and thematic books available. I always open my bat storytimes with a little non-fiction, namely the wild and crazy full-page photographs in EXTREMELY WEIRD BATS by Sarah Lovett (sadly out-of-print, but still easy enough to find used on-line) which always inspired screams and squeals, then I like to share my other favorite bat-in-the-library tell-all, LITTLEBAT'S HALLOWEEN STORY by Diane Mayr, illustrated by Gideon Kendall (Whitman). Don't forget Randall Jarrell's THE BAT POET (HarperCollins), a masterful and elegant nature story for older kids and good listeners, and I know you won't forget everyone's favorite, Jannell Cannon's STELLALUNA (Harcourt). Keep swinging these bats all through the fall...not just just for Halloween!

Also of interest:
Another spooky new offering!
NIGHTMARE AT THE BOOK FAIR by Dan Gutman (Simon and Schuster)
A sporty non-reader gets roped into helping out at the PTA book fair, and after being clouted by some falling books, he finds himself in a fantasy world of characters that have come to life...many of whom would be better off in the bindings. While a bit of a sitcom-like premise (and peppered with some R.L. Stine-ish gore...try Eth Clifford's HELP! I'M A PRISONER IN THE LIBRARY if you need something tamer), the popular Dan Gutman knows how to hook those reluctant readers with improbable storylines, and continues to establish himself as the creator of books with a Danny Dunn-like appeal for a modern audience. (9 and up)

WANDA GAG: THE GIRL WHO LIVED TO DRAW by Deobrah Kogan Ray (Viking) Thought of as the mother of the modern picture book thanks to her scrappy 1929 tour-de-force MILLIONS OF CATS, Wanda Gag did not always have it easy, but she always had the drive to succeed. Using primary sources (as she did in TO GO SINGING THROUGH THE WORLD: THE CHILDHOOD OF PABLO NERUDA), the author captures the struggles of young Gag as she followed in the footsteps of her hardworking father. His imaginative dreams were thwarted by his need to support his family, but on his deathbed he fortells, "What Papa couldn't do, Wanda will have to finish." Most teenagers would have would have folded under the weight of caring for six young siblings and a sick mother, but the resourceful Gag not only gets her family through the hard times (two sisters became teachers!), but was published and earned a scholarship to study art in New York, where her creative genius began to truly blossom. This is a story that will truly inspire any creative spirit who encounters it, with lovely cozy-brown soft illustrations reminsicent of Don Freeman; you will have to resist pulling pictures out to frame (or maybe you don't have to resist). The story is penned with a personal touch that allows the reader to warm their own skin against the heat of Gag's passion for art ("I can't help it that I've got to draw and paint forever; I cannot stop; I cannot; cannot, CANNOT...I have a right to go on drawing...") and to genuinely revel in Gag's accomplishments, especially in the face of such hardships. By the last page, any reader would want to be friends with sweet Bohemian Wanda, and bring a basket of ginger cookies to her as she draws in "a sagging farmhouse she called 'Tumble Timbers.'" It's exciting to read about somebody who put dreams first, even when it wasn't easy to do. (7 and up)

A RIVER OF WORDS by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet (Eerdmans) What a beautiful tribute to the poet who brought us a red wheelbarrow upon which so much depends and the apologetic eating of plums, a man who worked hard all day as a busy doctor, and then fled to a world wallpapered in his own imaginings when the moon rose. The story captures not only the romance and beauty of being a poet, but the bravery and hard work as well; it's hard not to fall just a little bit in love wit ol' William. Illustrator Melissa Sweet has a lot of titles out these days (TUPELO RIDES THE RAILS CARMINE: A LITTLE MORE RED and BABY BEAR'S BOOKS to name a few), all consistently darling, but I this one in particular has a texture that goes beyond Sweet's sweetness, that I hope will warrant a closer gander by awards committees for the subtle and ecelectic genius she brings to books; she is one of those very gifted illustrators whose pictures truly bring something more to the text. Here, she weaves the words of the poet in and out of her artwork like a fine and golden thread. Thorough and affecting, this book also includes a timeline, notes from the author and the illustrator, and poems on the endpapers. (7 and up)

BUFFALO MUSIC by Tracey E. Fern, illustrated by Lauren Castillo (Clarion)

During the terrible pioneer massacres of the buffalo, Mary Ann Goodnight had the foresight to cultivate the first captive buffalo herd, helping to save the species. Succinct, captivating writing with both strong description and dialogue hits hard but without any unncessary prosaic fuss, making anyone who reads it aloud seem like a seasoned storyteller, and a thoughtful bibliography with young readers in mind will keep kids following the buffalo trail. Homey illustrations accent the tender heart and common sense of a woman who made a big difference. (6 and up)

SHE TOUCHED THE WORLD: LAURA BRIDGMAN, DEAF-BLIND PIONEER by Sally Hobart Alexander and Robert Alexander (Clarion) Before Helen Keller there was Laura Bridgman, the first blind-deaf child to receive a significant education in the English language. Anne Sullivan learned the manual alphabet from her, and the knowledge of Laura Bridgman's accomplishments are what inspired the mother of Helen Keller to seek help for her daughter. Many detailed biographies bury themselves in their own research, but this rich story is truly readable for its intended audience. Little Laura's movement into the land of communication is one of a benevolent spiritual awakening to her, as well as one of secular interest to all. The pages brim with interesting photos that really contribute to an understanding of the experience and the period in history, including a stirring photo of Laura's bust, eyes covered, sculpted by Nathaniel Hawthorne's wife, Sophia Peabody. The co-author is blind and has experienced some hearing loss herself, and contributes a very thoughtful afterword, "If Laura Were Alive Today." (8 and up)

SANDY'S CIRCUS: A STORY ABOUT ALEXANDER CALDER by Tanya Lee Stone, illustrated by Boris Kulikov (Viking) With a few masterful twists of wire, an artist entrances the Parisian audiences with his playful scrap circus, and a world of joy and play. An angel-like muse seems to follow Calder from page to page. I found myself wishing there were more photos of Calder's actual work included (see Melissa Eskridge Slaymaker's BOTTLE HOUSES: THE CREATIVE WORLD OF GRANDMA PRISBEY), as I was not sure that a child would be able to recognize Calder or his work based on this book alone (a concern that was confrimed when a child noted that the man in te photo has a moustache and the man in the drawings does not), but supplemented with additional images, this book makes for a very exuberant introduction to the inventor of the first mobiles. Play on, playa! (6 and up)

PRISCILLA AND THE HOLLYHOCKS by Anne Broyles, illustrated by Anna Alter (Charlesbridge) One of the great joys of reading is learning something you really didn't know before, and I really didn't know that some members of the Cherokee tribe who were trying to assimilate with European settlers owned African-American slaves (though not without controversy within the tribe). This is the true story of one young African-American girl who, as a result of being enslaved in a Cherokee family, accompanied them on the Trail of Tears, a five hundred mile genocidal treck in freezing weather. She was rescued by a man who saw her by chance, tracked her down and bought her freedom, raising her as one of the family. The growing and blooming of flowers through the story is a moving and hopeful allegory, and the stark differentiation of a life under another's thumb compared to a life of freedom and inclusion is effectively drawn. A powerful, interesting book that retells a painful chapter in American history through the eyes of a brave child. (7 and up)

PORTRAITS OF JEWISH-AMERICAN HEROES by Malka Drucker, illustrated by Elizabeth Rosen (Dutton) From the well-known such as Harry Houdini, Albert Eisnstein, Leonard Bernstein and Gloria Steinem, to the lesser known and the modern (Henrietta Szold, Hadassah founder; Abraham Heschel, civil rights advocate; Judith Resnik, astronaut; and a very moving closure of the book with a tribute to Daniel Pearl, the journalist, and a poem by an Arab Muslim), Twenty-one thoughtfully selected personalities are presented and given a colorful portraiture in word and in picture. A fine addition to multicultural collections, a great gift book for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, high holidays and a must-have for Jewish American Heritage Month in May (what, do you want to wait until the last minute?) (9 and up)

WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE? by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham (Scholastic)

Plans were being made to send the irrepressible Miss Alice Roosevelt to Miss Spence's boarding school to become a proper young lady. "Alice was appalled. The idea completely shriveled her." But with a little consistent effort, Alice manages to get herself homeschooled. Let loose in the library, the dear little autodidact "taught herself astronoy, geology, even Greek grammar. She read Twain, Dickens, Darwin, and the Bible, cover to cover." But what better home to school in than the White House? As her father's career rose to the highest power, Alice (and her pet snake Emily Spinach) make the move to D.C. Her high spirits and propensity not to listen to her father made headlines, and a difference in what women started to think they could do...and what fun they could have doing it. The goodwill ambassador and serious party girl gets celebrated here in a way that will have little girls snorting at the poor little Paris Hilton. Some of the most charming pictures seen since McKinley's time happen here, and fans of Shana Corey and Chesley McLaren's YOU FORGOT YOUR SKIRT, AMELIA BLOOMER will appreciate the retro feel of the characters laid out with crisp, dynamic line and composition. Favorites pics include Alice having a tantrum with her head beneath a pillow, or zipping from shelf-to-shelf beneath a stuffy stuffed moose-head in the library; honestly, it makes me want to write something just so Edwin Fotheringham can draw it. What to do about Alice? Read about her idays spent making the point: well-behaved women rarely make history. (6 and up)

Also of interest:
The Cybil Awards are just getting started, which are the premier web-based award for children's and young adult literature! A very fun part of this award is that you, dear reader, can nominate titles for serious consideration! Check out what others have recommended, and you'll find a pretty amazing list of some of the best books of the year. Happy reading!

CUTENESS ALERT! CUTENESS ALERT! Wooop! Wooop! Wooop! Oh, brother. I don't particularly even like panda bears, but good gravy, the gentle, expressive, and virtually perfect fine pencil lines reminscent of early Martha Alexander are irresistable. Little Bao Bao plays learning games with his mother: running, wrestling, and climbing trees, though his special talent seems to be falling down from them. When Mama is away getting food and a menacing tiger tyke creeps nearer and nearer, what skill will save his hide? If you have been missing that "old school" flavor of picture book excellence: straightforward telling and charming illustration without the glare of the overproduced, then it's definitely time to order Chinese. A compelling, read-it-again-and-again story with subtle but brilliant artwork, all nestled into an intergenerational bear hug. Pair with Helen Bannerman's LITTLE BABAJI, a culturally sensitive retelling of the dreaded Little Black Sambo, in which a boy matches wits with some fashion-conscious tigers. (4 and up)

Also of interest:
High marks on the cuteness scale!

KNITTY KITTY by David Elliott, illustrated by Christopher Denise (Candlewick) Just in time for the fall chill in the air, here is a cozy bedtime story about a mitten-knitting mama cat, whose children all agree that even her capable stitching can't compare with the warmth of curling up beside her. Who could resist the lopsided stocking cap slipping down that sweet kitten's brow? (3 and up)

A CUP FOR EVERYONE by Yusuke Yonezu (Miniedition/Penguin) Little penguin Pucca's daddy has exhausted the local market for his cup-making business, and leaves to see if he can fare better in the next village. While his father is away, the little penguin does a brisk business by making pottery modeled after his many friendly animal neighbors. Pucca's being left all alone may be slightly alarming for American audiences (though parenting protocol, admittedly, may be different for penguins), but if you can get past that, a far more permeating theme is the joy of being able to step up and help your family, even while you're still small. A double-page spread with shelves full of cheerful pottery makes for a grand finale...which cup would you choose? (4 and up)

On a personal note:
Tearfully, I was not able to attend this year's Kidlitosphere Conference in Portland, the monumental gathering of bloggers on the subject of children's and young adult books, but I had a good reason...I had to stay home and blow out a few candles on a delicious cake. But if you would like to join me in vicariously hanging with the AV club, check out this Mr. Linky roundup of posts by attendees. Kim Kasch even has generously posted lots of video feed...is it live, or is it Memorex? I would have preferred to watch the zombie sock puppet show and eaten a Voodoo Doughnut live and in person, but hey, a cyber-version will have to do. And guess what! At the conference, author Sara Ryan was inspired by Leonard Marcus's MINDERS OF MAKE-BELIEVE. Have you gotten in on the giveaway yet? We still have about a week to go.

Speaking of links, the always magical Shelf Elf has awarded PlanetEsme with an "I heart your blog" honor, which is delightful and is to be reciprocated to seven worthy sites, giving me a much-needed goose to offer props to a few of the most diligent and inspiring book bloggers. The Miss Rumphius Effect? MotherReader? Big A, Little A? Chicken Spaghetti? Cynsations? Vintage Kids' Books My Kid Loves? The ever-popular Fuse 8, or the Herculean efforts of Jen Robinson or Anastasia's Picture Book of the Day? Ahhhhggh, I'm pretty sure the likes of these Alpha Dogs have been hearted already! Well, that's a great chance to visit with some other friends. I wonder if these guys have been tagged:

THIS IS YOUR LIFE CYCLE WITH SPECIAL GUEST DAHLIA THE DRAGONFLY by Heather Lynn Miller, illustrated by Michael Chesworth (Clarion)
While this generation may not be familiar with the Ralph Edwards program, the format that follows the arc from egg to nymph is effective in conveying the drama of a dragonyfly's life. From the tear-jerking (but understandable) demise of her mother after laying eight-hundred eggs to nail-biting escapes from predators to the tender coming of-age story that is molting, and, of course, a word from the sponsor ("Bird-B-Gone"), the efforts of the chronology are not wasted on Dahlia ("I'm so excited, I popped my exoskeleton!") or on readers. The illustrations are as busy and manic as live televsion, and the story is written in such a back-and-forth dialogue that read-aloud is a challenge (pair and compare with Kingfisher's crazy excellent Backyard Books series by Judy Allen, like ARE YOU A DRAGONFLY? for a more demure treatment); but if you manage to convey the format, it's a content-rich book that begs for more scripted episodes based on the lives of other creatures in the animal kingdom, which the children can write and then act out on YouTube for all of our entertainment. Salmon: this is your life! Elephant: this is your life! Apple: this is your life! Paramecium: this is your life! Beats a dry old oral report any day. (8 and up)

Also of interest:
Round and round we go with more life cycle fun!

TROUT ARE MADE OF TREES by April Pulley Sayre, illustrated by Kate Endle (Charlesbridge) You think you know what you're made of? You think you can handle the truth? Well, the truth is, trees are made of trout, and trout are made of trees, and this simple little book of few words and huge ideas does a deliciously unsentimental job of laying out life cycles and our interconnectedness. Reminicent of sitting with a pot-head having an epiphany, and almost as enlightening and provocative a children's book as Mordicai Gerstein's MOUNTAINS OF TIBET, even the youngest readers will see the world in a new and thoughtful way. (4 and up)

HOUDINI THE MAGIC CATERPILLAR by Janet Pedersen (Clarion) "You will do amazing and magical things, Houdini," whispered Houdini's mother when he was just a tiny egg, nestled on a bright green leaf. Watch carefully as a little class pet who loves the spotlight performs a magic trick that has all eyes on him. Inspired by some classroom posters, Houdini does an impressive disappearing act that ends with quite the "ta-da!" Funny, sweet, and sincere, Houdini's fetching eyebrows are worth the price of the book alone, and scenes are painted with colorful, wet strokes on large pages, easy for sharing with a group. Almost every kindergarten class studies metamorphosis, and this really perfect combination of story and science offers up a very hungry caterpillar with a fresh personality. Grab a butterfly garden and watch the show live! (4 and up)

Thanks to all who attended the Matzo Balls with Leonard Marcus event at the PlanetEsme Bookroom, we really did have matzo balls and we really did have the celebrated scholar Leonard Marcus, and best of all, we had some very lively conversation! I felt very proud of the community of booklovers that gathered and had such intelligent commentary and questions, many strong and outspoken women persisting in trying to find out the best way to serve children through literature through the exchange. Wow, my cup runnethed over, being in the room. I also was very excited to see some new faces, including author Emily Ecton, who was just so lovely and sweet as a cookie, you'd never know just by looking at her that she'd give R.L. Stine some goosebumps of his own with her own grisly brand of older-kiddie-horror (try THE CURSE OF CUDDLES MCGEE , about an angry hamster who has come back from the grave).

I couldn't get enough of that Marcus stuff, so I went to see him speak again a week later at National Louis University's Center for Teaching through Children's Books, where he was our tour guide through a timeline of children's book history a la MINDERS OF MAKE-BELIEVE: IDEALISTS, ENTREPRENEURS AND THE SHAPING OF AMERICAN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE. Though I don't imagine it was his intent, at one point in the lecture I was struck with how much influence New York has had on children's publishing as its American geographical hub, and I wondered 1) what sort of regionalism has been infused into children's publishing as a result, consciously and unconsciously, and 2) with all due respect, from a business standpoint, why the heck is New York, one of the most expensive cities in the world, still the capitol of children's publishing? The only other big success story mentioned was indeed Midwestern: Golden Books originally out of Wisconsin, and one of the most enduring and successful children's publishing enterprises of all time; the more recent Pleasant Company, also located in Wisconsin, is another Midwestern success story. Fast on the heels of these thoughts came the big article in New York Magazine: "Have We Reached the End of Book Publishing As We Know It?" Well, at the risk of alienating my wonderful New York readers, I am going to have to nominate Chicago as the new geographical hub of children's publishing and give you a few reasons why. We have much more elbow room, and the rent is cheaper. We have one of the most active and supportive SCBWI chapters in the nation. We are home to the national headquarters of The American Library Association, hundreds of amazing independent award-winning booksellers in the area, including veterans like The Bookstall, Women and Children First, and Anderson's Bookshop (who hosts behemoth booktalks with teachers from all over the state) and more independents opening all the time. We are geographically central and home to O'Hare International Airport, one of the biggest in the world, making it easy and relatively inexpensive to travel to and fro any where else, plus we have a solid public transportation system throughout the 'hoods. We have a commitment to our environment, with a mayoral plan to keep us on the list of greenest cities. While New York may rightly boast about the inimitable Broadway, Chicago also has great theater traditions (Steppenwolf and Second City are nothing to sneeze at), we have outstanding restaurants (Rick Bayless lives here, we have deep-dish pizza and the world's finest hot dogs!), art and cultural museums (don't miss Coleen Moore's Fairy Castle at the Museum of Science and Industry) and two outstanding zoos (sorry, Central Park and Holden Caufield, you haven't lived until you've ridden the endangered-species-go round at the Lincoln Park). Chicago has a reputation for being cold, but I'm guessing that's just something we say to keep out those who aren't hearty and hale. Though we certainly take some icy gales, it's really not much colder than New York; it just seems that way because we get a chill from running alongside that amazing lake that looks like an ocean, and almost thirty miles of beach. And as far as literacy initiatives go, we have Dave Eggers' Boring Store, NLU's aforementioned initiative, one of the world's leading research libraries (currently exhibiting 700 Years of Children's Books), the ever-expanding Rohner Letterpress , and the entire City of Readers program (which inspired whole subways full of everyone reading To Kill a Mockingbird; what a sight!) and of course, the fabulous PlanetEsme Bookroom. Inventive, always new, and always growing, this was the place to be at the turn of the last century, and I think it's the place to be at the start of this one. Here in Chi-town, we are a city with big shoulders...and that means we can carry a lot of books.

But let's talk about the M.O.'s in NYC publishing that are causing a financial 9-1-1. Smaller lists with more equitable distribution of publicity would probably make more sense than buying the work of authors and then not giving the kind of attention that is necessary for the book to find its audience, as the New York magazine article suggests. Kind of like buying a car and never driving it, but how could they ever get it out of such an overcrowded lot, even if they wanted to? The market is glutted, far exceeding the demand and most publishers know it, though nobody wants to bell that cat by tightening their lists and investing in what (and who) they already have. Would Margaret Wise Brown or Leo Lionni have been published or kept in print given the current model? It's hard to imagine; and I see for myself how many outstanding books fall by the wayside and are out of print in a couple of years. This is a disservice to the children on top of a waste of resources. I know from my "small is beautiful" approach that one of the signs of a business failure is when the resource of the human element is undervalued. When publishers lose money, they also start firing and displacing editors and publicists who require higher salaries by virtue of experience and track records, and bring on undertrained newbies or have staffs continually in flux. So, yes, publishing will fail this way, you bet. But in the interest of life cycles and metamorphosis, I know there in a butterfly-in-progress, and I am excited to see publishing's next incarnation, which will undoubtedly and necessarily be the result of a lot of change.

So. With Chicago making its energetic Olympic bid, I have to get into the spirit and remind the powers that be that, like Horton's Whos, "we are here, we are here, we are here,"in the midst of these changes and challenges. Dear New York, I love a good Judy Holliday movie as much as the next person, and have no qualms with your sensational skyscraping town. But Chicago is a less expensive place to live and to do business, but with many of the same cultural and culinary perks. Please, the next time you consider relocating your office, or for any publishing/agenting/book-promoting/bookloving mavericks out there, please look past the stereotypical corncobbery of the Midwest and into our potential. Imagine a publishing house with less overhead and more money to spend on the talents it takes to create and promote good books, and a standard of living that allows employees to live better (or at least in bigger apartments) at a rate employers can afford. So much depends on the survival of the industry in one form or another, not only in terms of individual jobs, which are certainly important, but also in terms of the education of children and the forward trajectory of critical thinking and democracy, all of which we can ill afford to take for granted. So publishing people, I put this forth: I double-dog-dare dare you to revitalize yourselves. No, I double-Chicago-style-Vienna-beef-hot-dog dare you.

That's my opinion! Decide for yourself what the next best chapter is in the history of children's literature by reading Leonard Marcus's new book, and with that in mind, I offer a giveaway of a free autographed copy to one winner, chosen from comment-posters below in the next week. Good luck!

PICTURE BOOK
GHOSTS IN THE HOUSE! by Kazuno Kohara (Roaring Brook)
When a little girl moves into her new house, she finds it's haunted, but luckily, this is not just any little girl, but a witch who chases the ghosts down with the vim of a game of tag, and puts them to home decorating uses that Martha Stewart (or Martha Boowart?) would be proud of. Not since Linda Williams' THE LITTLE OLD LADY WHO WAS NOT AFRAID OF ANYTHING have we seen a pumpkin-pusher with such fortitude. Bold lino-cut lines and the limited palette of orange, black and white packs a punch, but the story is far more sweet treat than trick, making it a perfect atmospheric preschool pick. Jacques Duquennoy's inventive ghost stories for young children and Stephanie Calmenson's TEENY TINY TEACHER are both scandalously out-of-print, but if you can raise them from the great beyond, throw them into the storytime cauldron with some eye of newt or a few fig newtons, and mix well. (3 and up)

Also of interest:
I'm not ready to leaf you alone yet! Rake up some reading points with these fall favorites:
FALL IS NOT EASY by Marty Kelley (Zino Press) In this book, a tree tries to change color, and ends up looking like a rainbow, a hamburger, a smiley face and more! One of my storytime fall staples, I personally wouldn't go into autumn without it. It's so whimsical, you may want to balance your storytime with by some nifty seasonal nonfiction like Ken Robbins' AUTUMN LEAVES or PUMPKINS...if the children aren't too busy drawing their own trees in the midst of changes, that is. (4 and up)

JOHNNY APPLESEED by Jane Yolen (HarperCollins) One of the most prolific children's authors tries her hand at separating the legend from the truth. Free verse and folksy, painterly art set this biography apart. Remember, Johnny Appleseed's birthday is September 26th! (8 and up)

THE PERFECT PUMPKIN PIE by Denys Cazet (Atheneum) Another tried-and-true fall favorite! Slightly rowdy illustrations make this a pick for your older and more fortified group, who will howl and shiver as Mr. Wilkerson rises from the beyond in order to bully a piece of perfect pie from Jack and his fearless grandmother. A balanced combination of put-the-flashlight-under-your-chin-and-speak-slowly prose and join-in-the-refrain verse ("Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkin pie!/ I must have one before I die./ It must be round and brown as toast/ Or I'll haunt this house as a hungry ghost") will make for perennial pumpkin fun. Just as a perfect pie must have all the right ingredients, so does this book have the right dashes of fright and delight, and as the ending suggests, old Mr. Wilkerson may put in a few more appearances before all is said and done (apple pie, anyone?). Believe me, if you stood in line for a half an hour at the bakery, you could not come up with a more delicious fall storytime treat. (7 and up)

On a personal note:
This week we lost a true legend of children's literature. Coleen Salley was a distinguished professor of children's literature at the University of New Orleans, a celebrated storyteller, the author of several books for children including the famous EPOSSUMONDAS series of picture books illustrated by Janet Stevens, a children's books salon hostess, a Mardi Gras queen and and a bit of a character out of a children's book herself. But for all of these titles she wore with grace and spirit, the moniker I think of immediately is friend; she was a friend to all booklovers, and to all who created books. The first time I met Coleen was when I was attending a conference in New Orleans. I was a brand new author out of the gate, and she had invited me to her cozy home in the French Quarter, which was awash with books (of course), an impressive collection of kitchen witches and Bremen Town Musician collectibles, authors and illustrators with otherworldly talents whom I had admired for years shmoozing from room to room like ordinary people; I remember sitting in her garden with Trina Schart Hyman as if it was a dream. And, like music floating in the air was her lovely southern drawl, ordering folks to try her homemade grits (delicious). Wherever she was, that was the place to be; she knew how to turn her cozy spot in the French Quarter into a literary Mount Olympus, she knew how to turn a Holiday Inn hotel room into sparkling party setting worthy of an Auntie Mame. She knew that books were a connecting force, and she was the living conduit. What impressed and inspired me was the feeling of sincere welcome that she emanated, without any pretension, and the feeling that who you are and whatever you have to give the world was enough, as long as you gave it all you've got. To know Coleen was to be under her wing and to be her special "dawlin," but this was not a sparrow's wing, this was the wing of a mother phoenix! Wherever she sat, that was the table that was laughing the hardest; wherever a bugle call sounded for literacy, she was leading the charge and wherever there was a new author or illustrator, she was there with words of encouragement, leaning on her cane to start the standing ovation. It is you who deserve the ovation, dear Coleen Salley! In Frank Capra's movie It's a Wonderful Life, the angel suggests that "no man is poor who has friends," and surely, Coleen died one of the richest women in the world. To say she will be missed is a laughable understatement and to try to measure her influence would be impossible, but her spirit lives on and on in the example she set for a brave life well lived in the service of children and art. I was blessed beyond measure to know her, and I wish I could give her one more hug and say thank you one more time...though that's a lie, a tall tale, a yarn. Because even a thousand more times would never be enough, dawlin'.

Kimberly Willis Holt has written an outstanding tribute that captures some of her inimitable and contagious joie de vivre. Please check it out as well as tributes linked from Chicken Spaghetti, and then please consider honoring her memory by making a donation to her foundation with the special mission of connecting children with the real people behind the books. Yes, her spirit lives on!

After showing us THE WAY THINGS WORK, a lifetime achievement by any standard, Macaulay outdoes himself by turning his attention to the most complex machine of them all: the human body! Scaffolding from the smallest cells, readers move from system to system within the body and ultimately, to the creation of another life. The book took years to create, during which time Macaulay attended dissections, surgeries, studied anatomy at length and had the pleasure to handling a spleen. His hands-on and all-eyes approach paid off in a book that makes the intricate workings human body at once familiar and beautiful; he depicts the respiratory system as a roller coaster , describes DNA as "old family recipes" or a virus as a "population explosion," and draws microvilli like mountains rising out of the mist. His conversational writing style, matched with clear, well-labeled illustrations make this book not only remarkably informative, but remarkably accessible. You don't have to be a brain surgeon to understand this book, but it may very well inspire a few young people to become one someday. (9 and up)

DELTORA QUEST by Emily Rodda (Scholastic) An epic fantasy quest adventure played out against a richly rendered fantasy landscape is waiting to be discovered within the bindings of this international sensation. The missing gems from the powerful Belt of Deltora are all that stand between the Shadow Lord and his plan to enslave the population. While the city spirals into despair, hopefulness and action are wielded like swords by Leif, Barda and Jasmine, who bravely traverse some of the most fearsome corners in the kingdom and show a myriad of monsters who's boss, determined to restore the belt before their dreadful enemy gets the chance. For the first time, all eight of the books in the series are collected in one handsome and affordable volume, so there will be no need for the reader to stop and catch his or her breath. Even better, this is a fantasy series that is appropriate for the early intermediate reader, so a younger audience can enjoy the status of finishing a book as thick as Harry Potter without sacrificing comprehension or author intention. Ten million readers around the world have found their way to this series and Japanese anime has embraced it, with good reason; themes like the need to know history, the necessity of leaders to stay connected with the common people and the power of optimism will resonate after the last pages are turned. Give it to your favorite dragonslayer with some ceremony. (8 and up)

And then we have another exciting quest, against a more realistic backdrop:
THE 39 CLUES: THE MAZE OF BONES (BOOK ONE) by Rick Riordan (Scholastic, ages 9 and up). Imagine the choice: to find out your family was among the most powerful in human history, or get a million dollars? After the reading of their grandmother's will, Dan and Amy forgo the cash and start on the first of thirty-nine clues that will reveal the source of their power. Readers follow the story, use the "clue cards" included and join the on-line search, which offers readers over a hundred grand in prizes. Nothing shivers my timbers quite so much as a volume that says "book one" on the cover, let alone a book that requires a Happy Meal toy collector's mentality, but hey, it has Wonka-Golden-Ticket-like potential that I'm sure I'd be all over like a cheap suit if I were ten, and moreover, it's Rick Riordan, whom I trust intrinsically to create something kid-tastic after composing the compulsively readable novel THE LIGHTNING THIEF. This book is no exception; he has the gift of making you want to know what happens next. This type of book delivers quality with a gimmick, and brings to mind talents like Ann Martin, who spent years creating the fun but pulpy BABYSITTER'S CLUB, and then went on to create what might be considered "serious" (and certainly wonderful) literature for children like THE DOLL PEOPLE and A CORNER OF THE UNIVERSE. Both styles of books contribute to creating readers in their own ways, and the fact that these authors can create both kinds should be commended. I'm just wondering...it seems "back in the day," an author wrote more commercially in order to earn enough trust from the publisher to invest in the more artful attempts, and nowadays, it seems to be the other way around? Who knows, just a thought. Moving on...

INTO THE VOLCANO by Don Wood (Scholastic) Illustrator of beloved preschool picks like THE NAPPING HOUSE and KING BIDGOOD'S IN THE BATHTUB tries a very different tack with this imaginative survival story aimed at preteen reluctant readers. Every lava-hot comic-book style frame delves us deeper into the volcano's boiling innards, where we find two brothers lost and pursued by evildoers. And you thought you had a bad vacation! (8 and up)

Speaking of sulfur, we have HECK: WHERE THE BAD KIDS GO by Dale E. Basye (Random House) about two siblings who perish in a marshmallow bear-related accident. Kleptomaniac sister Marlo may belong in the underworld's reform school known as "Heck," but bystanding brother Milton (get it?) sets out to prove they don't belong there. It's a tough task convincing the instructors, though, with the likes of Lizzie Borden teaching home ec and Nixon teaching ethics. The allusions are often adult, but are balanced with a Bullwinkle-like sensibility that suggests the story may be enjoyed on many levels...or at the very least, is balanced out by a heavy preponderance of poopy-doody jokes. Oh, dear, I can hear the scritchy-scratch of pencils on "request for reconsideration" forms in libraries across the country as we speak! Enjoy this subversive little devil while you can. (9 and up)

BAD KITTY GETS A BATH by Nick Bruel (Roaring Brook) The author/illustrator of BAD KITTY and POOR PUPPY proves he never runs out of funny in this redux that feels like a picture book but reads like a chapter book, a hairball-in-cheek how-to for cleaning the cat that will leave readers howling. Fans of Dav Pilkey, rejoice! This new series is as fun and even easier to read than good ol' CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS. (7 and up)

When not waving Captain Underpants's Fruit-of-the-Loom flag, all reluctant readers bow down before the mighty John Sciezska who writes books like THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS and THE STINKY CHEESE MAN which make readers snort and giggle like victims of a ruthless armpit-tickling. He now delves into the primordial brew from whence his quirky humor first took legs via an autobiography for kids, KNUCKLEHEAD: TALL TALES AND ALMOST TRUE STORIES OF GROWING UP SCIESZKA. In short, succinct, and (of course) hilarious chapters, Scieszka offers words of wisdom ("There is something about boys and fire that is like fish and water, birds and air, cats and hairballs. They just go together.") and speaks eloquently of his secret love affair with MAD Magazine, the despair in receiving socks for your birthday or being in the backseat with five carsick brothers, the joy of receiving your first boy scout knife, the peril of swearing in front of nuns, and most of all, the importance of family through all the ups and downs. Full of photos and funky paper ephemera, good luck even getting into the book because you will have to spend some significant time on the back cover, which reads like one of those comic book ads for x-ray specs and sea monkeys. This Gen-X'er and memoir-writer personally salutes the author for bridging the generation gap in such a readable way.

LAZY LITTLE LOAFERS by Susan Orlean, illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Abrams) A rivalrous big sister tries to explain the drawbacks of the new baby from a purely anthropological perspective. I didn't personally cotton to the narrator's contemptuous tone which seems more aimed at entertaining the adult than the person in the adult's lap, but that's what comes of being a bestselling author for grown-ups. That said, Karas's illustrations of babies were so utterly scrumptious that I could practically feel the thump baby kicking in a stroller, the warmth of baby's hand, tread alongside his slow, waddling gait, and breathe in the powdery smell of baby belly. It made me want to get pregnant again (for a few minutes). Oh, the power of art. (5 and up)

A better-matched sibling pair may be found in ADELE & SIMON IN AMERICA by Barbara McClintock (Farrar Straus Giroux). Fans of Adele and Simon's French foray will be glad to have them return to port, with little Simon misplacing things from sea to shining sea. While ambitious, I don't know if sporting around an entire continent is ultimately as effective as their prior picture book tour of Paris, but ultimately, who cares? Who could possibly get enough of McClintock's Edwardian-flavored, etching-inspired genius? Booklovers will go wherever she leads. (6 and up)

A trippier kind of getaway is booked in WHAT A TRIP by Arthur Yorinks and Richard Egielski (Scholastic), the same zany team to bring us the Caldecott classic HEY AL, and this latest title is no less surreal. When Mel, an ordinary boy, klutzes his way into another dimension where everything is pointy, his attempts to convince others of the way he has seen the world makes his sanity suspect. This book about accepting differences without labeling definitely has a point. (6 and up)

Another author/illustrator that many folks will be happy to see has a new offering is David Shannon, of NO, DAVID! fame, tapping into some more testosterone with TOO MANY TOYS (Scholastic). Spencer has a lot of toys. A LOT. "There was an entire zoo of stuffed animals and a gigantic army of little action figures. He had a fleet of planes, trains, and toy boats, and a convoy of miniature trucks and cars. He also had lots and lots of musical instruments, art supplies, and alien spaceman weapons." Shannon perfectly captures the hysteria of consumerism on both ends, whether depicting the motley crew of relatives burying Spencer in birthday gifts, his barefoot dad howling over stepping on a Lego, or his mother desperately trying to negotiate some downsizing (met with huge doleful puppy-dog eyeballs from Spencer, a la Margaret Keane). What toy will Spencer be left with in the end? Shannon obviously had a lot of fun with this, and so will readers, as page after page explodes with jubilant, colorful, messy piles to pore over. Anyone who has ever had to clean a child's room will relate. Follow a group storytime with a big toy swap, or better yet, use the book as an impetus gather up all those extra toys and give them to charity. (5 and up)

GINGERBREAD FRIENDS by Jan Brett (Putnam) In this stands-fine-on-its-own sequel to THE GINGERBREAD BABY, our cinnamon-sprinkled buddy sets out to find some companionship, only to be disappointed by the cool response he receives by his inanimate brethren at the bakery. As is always the case with the inimitable Brett, set your eyeballs on stun, as the Gingerbread Baby is carried across snowy double-paged spreads on a chariot pulled by an exquisite black hen, details in the borders cumulate to offer a recipe for gingerbread, and the last page folds open to reveal an over-sized panorama of frosting, sprinkles, and hooray, plenty of smiling friends! The scene in the mouse hole in which very realistically rendered rodents are nibbling on the Gingerbread Baby's marshmallow pom-pom might be intense for the very young, but older picture book readers will thrill to the drama of it all, and will understand the yearning to find someone to play with. So much to look at and savor again and again, it really is as delicious as choosing treats from a display case. Read with THE GINGERBREAD GIRL by Lisa Campbell Ernst (Dutton) for more fresh flavor added to an old folkloric favorite. (6 and up)

MADELINE AND THE CATS OF ROME by John Bemelmans Marciano (Viking) In this exciting new addition to the Madeline family of books, the youngest girl in Miss Clavel's famous lineup is is hoodwinked by the Protector of the Colonia Felina, a conniver posing as a street urchin. While our heroine contends with a female Bad Hat, readers are taken on the most pleasant Italian tour since Roman Holiday. A nice cameo by hound Genevieve and the tender placement into good homes of several stray cats will make this a repeat read for animal lovers. Though I am a Bemelmans purist and was initially skeptical of his grandson's efforts, I found myself flipping around to double-check whether the book wasn't a reissue or done under a nom de plume, so authentic did it seem in both the meter of the writing and the flow of the brush. Obviously, wit and a flair for Fauvism is in the gene pool. (5 and up)

After setting out bird-feeders, he is chagrined to find them barraged by squirrels, and not just any squirrels, but squirrels who are good at math, can build box kites, can launch themselves to avoid lasers and swing on spring-loaded trapeze (helmets on) when necessary. Realizing that they have gone over Fookwire's line, the squirrels try to make amends. If Fookwire can't beat 'em, will he join 'em? Ahh, who could resist? We know we are in for a hilarity even from the dedication page ("To my father, for his love of backyard bird-watching and Breakstone dairy products, and to my mother, who sleeps like a horse"), and, as is the mark of truly great humor, we sense that it is coming from a very real place. Sparse, stylized drawings are modern and full of personality. See if you can keep a straight face as the squirrels wear disguises, or Fookwire shakes his "old man fist" over a bowl of cottage cheese (Breakstone's, of course). Silly Chicks, are you on this? Besides bearing some resemblance to the work of (dare I say it?) the late great James Marshall, the story makes for a nice fall man vs.nature-themed counterpart to Candace Fleming's springy MUNCHA! MUNCHA! MUNCHA!. Mix with Melanie Watts' SCARDEY SQUIRREL for more smiles, plus a dash of comparative non-fiction with Lois Ehlert's NUTS TO YOU! or Brian Wildsmith's wonderful SQUIRRELS for a storytime that will leave listeners bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and most importantly, laughing out loud. A children's book debut worth going nuts about. (5 and up)

Also of interest:
More fun with rodents!
OBI, GERBIL ON THE LOOSE by Michael Delaney (Dutton) Left with an irresponsible neighbor, a little gerbil named for a favorite Star Wars character aims to survive. May the force be with him! This book has many strong points: well developed characters (grouchy dog, nefarious tarantula, snake with an inferiority complex), a believable and steady gerbil's-eye point of view, and enough contemporary allusions to really engage a modern audience. Spunky and sparkling, it will be a hit with fans of Betty Birney's THE WORLD ACCORDING TO HUMPHREY series (favorite line: "I'll never squeak to her again!"), and like Birney's books, it makes for a stellar chapter-book read-aloud for primary grades. (7 and up)

A BRAND NEW DAY WITH MOUSE AND MOLE by Wong Herbert Yee (Houghton Mifflin) After moths eat holes in his clothes, Mole finds it hard to find threads that will help him to be be cool and groovy. Sample exchange with friend mouse who is looking through shopping bag: "I thought you didn't like buttons?" "It's a brand new day!" declared Mole. "I am trying something--different!" "Mouse pulled out the green pants. "Don't you have some like this?" "My old pants are brown," huffed Mole. "Green pants are--new!" Well, of course we can expect that a mole might look like he gets dressed in the dark, but he manages to set a few trends among his woodland fashion police all the same. A funny, realistic and highly readable friendship story with the kind of problem-solving that is always in vogue. (5 and up)

OH, THEODORE! GUINEA PIG POEMS by Susan Katz, illustrated by Stacey Schuett (Clarion) "Theodore stretches/his hind legs./Hello, morning./Theodore gnaws/the edge of his cage./Hello home. /Theodore sees me/coming close./Goodbye, scary giant." In the spirit of Kristine O'Connell George's LITTLE DOG POEMS, observational free verse and endearing artwork captures the comings and goings of a furry family friend. When Theodore goes missing, it adds some drama and arc to the collection. If you have a guinea pig as a class pet, you know you need this! (5 and up)

MCFIG AND MCFLY: A TALE OF JEALOUSY, REVENGE AND DEATH (WITH A HAPPY ENDING) by Henrik Drescher (Candlewick)
Widowers and neighbors McFig and McFly hit it off big time; they have so much in common. Their children enjoy playing together, and their houses look exactly the same. But when McFly makes use of some spare lumber to make a small addition to his abode, so begins a rivalry that climbs sky high. From bungee-jumping platforms to flying buttresses to Egyptian pyramids to garbage-can weather vanes, "helter-skelter the ramshackle towers rose. What wasn't tick-tacked together with glue, nails or bubble gum was tied together with shoelaces or spaghetti." When the unwieldy contest finally leads to an untimely demise, it is left to the children to make peace, a yard sale to end all yard sales, and a home that they can share. Embracing the spirit of the truly absurd with an artistic bravery and abandon that the artist has cultivated through his career, the illustrations are fittingly wonky, inky and oddly disconcerting, as if done by a young boy who has spent his day laboring on creating the Word's Greatest Picture with his set of markers. This effort will not be lost on children, who will shriek with delight at the increasing preposterousness and height of the architecture, culminating in a vertical pop-open display. A great cautionary tale about the pragmatic benefits of love and cooperation, and though the buildings are dismantled, the lesson stands: love thy neighbor, or else. (7 and up)

Also of interest:
Other towers of power!
THE APPLE-PIP PRINCESS by Jane Ray (Candlewick) Perhaps a version of MCFIG AND MCFLY with a more feminine touch, we have three princesses vying for the inheritance of a kingdom by showing their father they can make him proud. One sister builds a tower made of all the wood in the kingdom, and another with all the metal, ignoring the repercussions of their ruthless demands on their subjects. The youngest sister simply plants her mother's seeds, and in doing so, replenishes the spirits and resources of her land. A timely allegory about the power to be gained by putting into the earth once in a while instead of taking out all of the time, it is nicely paired with Paul Fleischman's WESLANDIA, about a boy who builds his utopian society using a mysterious crop, or as a pairing with magical folkloric stories of sibling rivalry such as Robert D. San Souci's THE TALKING EGGS. Jane Ray's illustration style is distinctly lovely; beautiful multicultural princesses and landscapes glow against blues and greens and glowing bronzes. Sure to plant a few good ideas for the future. (6 and up)

THE THREE ROBBERS by Tomi Ungerer (Phaidon) A touching, classic story about three scary robbers who collect a lot of gold but don't know what to do with it, so they build a home for lost and unwanted children. The children grow up and form a town, in which they build three towers, in honor of their foster fathers. Sniff, sniff! And anyway, it's always hard to come by a really good earnest robber in a story for young children in these dreary PC times...though there's a fine dramatic baddie to be found in Ungerer's CRICTOR, too. Somebody knew what kids like! (5 and up)

A little boy tries diligently to find his voice in a family of fine artists, and discovers that chicle is his medium of choice. But will his gooey pink masterpieces garner enough respect to win him the school art contest? The unconditional and enthusiastic support from Lester's family is a thing of beauty, though his bubble shaped like Mona Lisa eating a hot dog, pickles and a side of cheese fries comes in a close second! Though this story is painted in many shades of silly, on the straight side it has many visual allusions to famous art that is handily referenced in the back. When the story is over, can the children find a Mary Cassatt? A Pablo Picasso? A Munch, a Vermeer, a Van Gogh? A great picture book pick for art appreciation, and for appreciating the artist in all of us. (6 and up)

OGGIE COODER by Sarah Weeks (Scholastic) Oggie has skills when it comes to "charving," or chewing cheese into any shape he wants, and is particularly adept at chomping them into our fine fifty states. Recognized as a contender for the wacky Hidden Talents television show, will his skill be enough to beat out the likes of the boy who can stick quarters up his nose or the girl who paints with pudding (hey, Lester Fizz, I think I can hook you up!)? Hardest of all for Oggie is keeping up with Hollywood appearances, even with some serious pushing from Donnica Perfecto, his talentless junior manager and celebrity social-climber. Though personally I found the "charving" premise rather repulsive by chapter three and I couldn't stop thinking the boy was named "Oogie" instead of "Oggie," Weeks' voice is modern and her characters quirky and distinct. Several boys (who surely represent more of the intended audience, and had stronger constitutions than I) cottoned to Oggie and look forward to more situations featuring their down-to-earth, cheese-charving friend. (8 and up)

Another PlanetEsme Bookroom event, to which you are invited! On Sunday, September 14th at 3:30 p.m., I am honored to host a cozy, soup-slurping afternoon with the legendary Leonard Marcus, one of the most respected writers, speakers, historians and critics in the world of children’s literature! Monsieur Marcus is the author of A GOLDEN LEGACY: HOW GOLDEN BOOKS WON CHILDREN'S HEARTS, CHANGED PUBLISHING FOREVER AND BECAME AN AMERICAN ICON ALONG THE WAY; A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION: SEVEN ARTISTS AND THEIR PATHS TO THE CALDECOTT MEDAL; DEAR GENIUS: THE LETTERS OF URSULA NORDSTROM (one of my favorites!); PASS IT DOWN: FIVE PICTURE BOOK FAMILIES MAKE THEIR MARK and THE WAND IN THE WORD: CONVERSATIONS WITH WRITERS OF FANTASY, among others. (Finally, an author whose book titles are longer than mine!)

His latest and possibly his most accomplished title is MINDERS OF MAKE-BELIEVE: IDEALISTS, ENTREPRENEURS AND THE SHAPING OF AMERICAN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE, which is the most comprehensive and readable history of children’s books available (“best summer nonfiction reading,” says NPR, and “a tour de force,” says his starred review in Booklist). Come and meet this remarkable scholar and awfully nice guy, and ask anything you’ve always wanted to know about children’s literature, past and present!

The Bookroom is a private venue on Chicago's north side, and space to this event is limited, so RSVP via e-mail reply (esmeATripcoDOTcom), with where I might know you from and your contact info, and you’ll receive a confirmation reply with the exact address this week. The event is for grown-ups and admission is free, but we do ask that attendees purchase at least one title, available at the event, in support of our special guest! Mr. Marcus will be available to sign books purchased at the Bookroom. It's sure to be an enlightening and delightful afternoon. Hope to see you there!

Thanks also to all who attended the Wish List Wednesday book talk this past month. We touched on over fifty great new titles, what a marvelous marathon! Hope to do it again later in the fall. Whoever left the lovely plate of cookies, I still have the lovely plate. Not the lovely cookies, though; they are all gone!

So begins the romantic misadventures of Lottavim and Normis, two chummy big boys who travel from mountain to mountain in search of suitable brides. Frustrations and folkloric tomfoolery abound as one vegetarian brother encounters a curvaceous carnivore and the meat-eating man meets up with a macrobiotic missus, but when the brothers try to switch dates, the ladies can't tell them apart and refuse them both on grounds of incompatibility. When the brothers finally meet the girl of both of their dreams, will there be enough of her to go around? By the author of BABE, THE GALLANT PIG, this master storyteller's sense of humor quells any questionable mush ("There were of course plenty of girls of marriageable age in the rich and fertile valley below, but neither twin was the least bit interested in such midgets, mostly less than five and a half feet tall"). Illustrations are appropriately colorful and chunky, with diverse and animated layouts, making it an attractive pick for both the picture book set as well as the child reaching for first chapter books. Children, living in a world of veritable giants, can be depended upon to enjoy a tale where bigger isn't always better; pair with Mordicai Gerstein's CAROLINDA CLATTER or the hilarious "How Big Mouth Wrestled the Giant" from DIANE GOODE'S BOOK OF GIANTS AND LITTLE PEOPLE for big belly laughs. This jolly read-aloud with an unabashedly happy ending will leave readers with a giant-sized smile and a belief that yes, there probably really is someone out there for everyone. (5 and up)

Also of interest:
More fun from a fairy-tale world!
KENNY AND THE DRAGON by Tony DiTerlizzi (Simon & Schuster) A chapter book, read-aloud retooling of Kenneth Grahame's The RELUCTANT DRAGON in which Kenneth, a bunny, has to stage a faux fight with his friend Grahame, a dragon, in order to satisfy the bloodthirsty horde. This slim volume is prettily packaged, from the gold-gilded lettering on the cover to the plethora of elegantly detailed pencil drawings stylistically reminiscent of early Wallace Tripp (for case in point, see A GREAT BIG UGLY MAN CAME UP AND TIED HIS HORSE TO ME...could somebody please explain how on earth could a children's book with such a title could ever go out of print?). The original story, with a plot that endured, unfortunately had a language that did not; the classic's erudite lingo belabors the average bear. Thanks to this more modern but still magical treatment by The Spiderwick Chronicles collaborator, bookish boys will find a kindred spirit, and a new generation will get a chance to encounter these inventive ambassadors of peaceful solutions. (7 and up)

Did you know that older elephant siblings babysit the younger ones? That peregrine falcon families like to pretend together? That nine-banded armadillos are always born as identical quadruplets? That whiptail lizards only have sisters? That a termite has over a million siblings (makes one or two not seem so bad!) and they all cooperate? That in the world of naked mole rates, the younger sibling must bow down before the elder (as an oldest child, I like this precedent!). Graced by muscular paper-cut illustrations against a white backdrop, surprising facts are divided into meaty and readable bites, manageable for newbies to nonfiction as well as the more seasoned naturalist. Also check out Steve Jenkins' recent LIVING COLOR for an impressive zoological compendium that covers the spectrum. Children can never get enough animal books, and this author always finds the unique angles that keep the subject fresh. (7 and up)

ANIMALS CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS SAW: AN ADVENTURE IN THE NEW WORLD by Sandra Markle, illustrations by Jamel Akib (Chronicle) A nifty new series by a nonfiction veteran, the perennial visitation upon the explorer's route is renewed through silk worms spinning along the silk road, stowaway rats, bugs in the grub, sharks swimming the Sargasso and and manatees mistaken for homely mermaids. You can also get on board with ANIMALS ROBERT SCOTT SAW: AN ADVENTURE IN ANTARCTICA; penguin stew, anyone? (8 and up)

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Unfair advantage of people who read novels: their books fit easily in the purses. That's why I heart my new "I heart children's books" messenger bag, which accomodates all those twelve-inch picture books, and is nice and wide for my multiple-title-shlepping pleasure. Handier than a Prada any day! Another perk is that its purchase supports the Kidlitosphere 2008 conference in Portland, which tragically I am not able to attend this year but is sure to be a blast. Visit their Cafepress shop to see the full line of stylish swag, including a "Grown-Ups Read Kid-Lit, Too" t-shirts designed by the talented Laini Taylor.

On a personal note:
Happy back-to-school to Chicago and Chicago-area teachers and students, with a special shout out and big hug to my son and favorite person, Russell, who starts the eighth grade today! And also, my heart goes out to those involved in the controversial Chicago Public School funding boycott. Your cause is just; whether the actions are right or wrong, I applaud the personal commitment and family sacrifice that went into the decision to participate. If only we as a country knocked ourselves out to fulfill the mandate of Brown vs. Board of Education the way we have done to fulfill No Child Left Behind, our kids would be better served. Until that day, children's books remain our best hope for equalizing education in America; a great book in the hands of a rich child is the same great book in the hands of a poor child. I am so thankful for the wonderful books and the teachers are parents who go that extra mile to read them aloud and share them in so many ways, keeping our country democratic by leveling the playing field through literacy. Keep up the great work, and have a great school year!

Cross Pippi Longstocking with The Great Gilly Hopkins and you've got Annie, code name "Elvis," who strongarms the otherwise cautious Natalie, code name "Olive," into a summer of spying on the neighbors. From the moment we are dragged along with Natalie under the porch with the near-feral topless wild child Annie, we are drawn into her world of unlikely and outlandish stories, and readers will share Natalie's wish that they are true; but the real truth is that Annie's lies are covering a deep and secret hurt. Clever Annie knows she's not the only one with something to hide, and from an uninvited vantage point the girls witness a harmless jig of frustration danced by an unhappy businessman and the whimsical hobby of a retired army sargeant, the more dangerous admission of shoplifting methodology by a teen beauty queen, and finally, in an effort to prove to to Annie that she is capable of taking risks, Natalie bears witness to vandalism. When a few too many secrets are revealed for the community's comfort and Natalie's secret crush is on the table, Natalie has to think hard about what she can do to redeem reputations, and to recoup the unlikely friendship she has come to treasure.

This story walks the fine line between innocence and innocence lost in a way that is appropriate for the tweenagers walking that same line. With a style like a modern-day Carolyn Haywood, the swell of the story's plot builds steadily and the characters are both interesting but comfortably recognizable. Although this book sports two girls on the cover, the spy-theme and opportunity for classroom discussion crosses gender lines. When is it all right to tell secrets, or to keep them? Why do people tell lies? Why do we want to believe them? Why do parents sometimes disapprove of the friends we choose? Do opposites really attract? What are the lines we draw between friend and enemy? What are some different ways this story could have gone? In an overflow of girl-on-the-cover fiction, this stand-out is one that shouldn't be kept secret for very long, and this new author is definitely one to watch, with or without binoculars. (9 and up)

Also of interest:
AFTERNOON OF THE ELVES by Janet Taylor Lisle (Putnam)
A poignant and resonant Newbery honor book about a girl whose friendship with a poor but imaginative neighbor leads her to abandon the mores of the rest of her community. Is Sarah-Kate really an elf with an enchanted backyard, or a neglected girl with more on her plate than a child can handle? A beautifully wrought story about a girl who learns to form her own opinions, for better or worse, and a wonderful choice for reading circle and book club comparisons with ELVIS AND OLIVE. (10 and up)

Links are provided for informational use. Don't forget to support your local bookseller.

"The Red Brick Library was having a contest: Write the best story. Win first prize."

First prize is a ride on the Super Duper Looper roller coaster with the author of The Runaway Roller Coaster. Wow! First prizes don't get any cooler than that.

But what makes the best story? The aspiring author's brother says the best stories have lots of action. Dad says the best stories have plenty of humor. Aunt Jane likes stories that make people cry, and teenage cousin Anika quips, "if it's not romantic it's a loser." Trying to please everyone all the time creates quite a muddle on the page, with pirates in polka-dotted pajamas and and monkeys in love and runaway school buses and goldfish funerals and...and...and...will our heroine ever find her happy ending?

I once saw Marcus Zusak (THE BOOK THIEF) speak, and he said something along the lines of "you have to write the book that is in you, the book that you would write even if no one else reads it." This also makes me think of the advice my high school English teacher gave me, echoed by Miss Pointy in SAHARA SPECIAL: "a writer writes," meaning that it's the act of writing that makes you a writer, not prizes or praise. It turns out the best story is the truest story one can tell, the one that speaks from the author's heart and not from trying to please other people. This lands the biggest reward of all...maybe even better than a Super Duper Looper rollercoaster ride. This little picture book speaks to that big idea, with a tenderness and truth that might even choke you up. With succinct storytelling, this may be Spinelli's "best story" yet, and nobody captures the exuberant flailing of real children like Wilsdorf. A celebration of the value of writing about real, honest, everyday things, this is a great title to start any young author program, and to get any young author off on the right track. (6 and up)

Also of interest:
WE'RE OFF TO LOOK FOR ALIENS by Colin McNaughton (Candlewick)
This may not look like a book about writing at first glance, but that's just another surprise from this offbeat author. Dad is a picture book author who finally gets a bound copy of his outer-space book in the mail. With some trepidation, he shares it with his family. How will they respond? This clever and pedagogically useful book-within-a-book allows readers to form their own opinion about Dad's work before hearing the unexpected review from his kinfolk. Who knew a book about creatures with eyeballs in their bellybuttons could inspire debate about the difference between fiction and non-fiction? (6 and up)

On a personal note:
Attention, Chicago area teachers, librarians, booksellers, parents, author/illustrators and enthusiasts! Speaking of finding the "best stories," I have very good news, and an invitation for you! I’m slowly but surely getting back in the saddle with programming at the PlanetEsme Bookroom in its new location in a high third floor near Touhy and Western in Rogers Park, Chicago (described very nicely at A Chair, a Fireplace and a Tea Cozy). I’m starting with a "Wish List Wednesday" on August 20th at 4:00 p.m., which is an informal booktalk for grown-ups about the best new children’s books for grades k-6. This a great way to see the new space, network with like-minded booksharers and page through PlanetEsme picks in person! Space is limited, it has to be a little more exclusive than in days past (no more street traffic for now), so if you'd like to come, I need an RSVP (esmeATplanetsmeDOTcom) with where I might know you from and your contact info, and I’ll reply with the exact address. Please feel free to bring a friend or tell a friend. This event is free, though cookies and snack-y stuff is always welcome for sharing. Hope to see you soon!

MINJI'S SALON by Eun-hee-Choung (Kane/Miller) While mother is getting her hair done, a preschool stylist is working her magic on the family dog. With Mama's progress on one page and Minji's efforts on the other, readers can witness for themselves two beauty transformations worthy of an Oprah makeover show. It's amazing what a little strawberry ice cream can do as a hair relaxer...who knew?! Good-intentioned mischief relies heavily on the expressive mixed-media of the illustration for its storytelling arc, making it a real winner for emergent readers still relying on visual cues. Just look at that thoughtful pout as Minji scrutinizes her work! Faaaaabulous, dahhhling! Fans of Niki Daly's charming and original South African Jamela series and Peter Spier's OH, WERE THEY EVER HAPPY! (out of print, for shame!) will appreciate Minji's freewheeling, problem-solving personality. Your multicultural shelf will be all the prettier when you add this tribute to creativity. (4 and up)

Also of interest:
More girl (and liberated boy) power!

LADYBUG GIRL by Jacky Davis and David Soman (Dial) Now, I'd be lying if I told you that I adored this story; while not bad, I'm afraid that girl-being-left-out-by-brothers was a little been-there-done-that for my taste, but I'd also be lying if I didn't tell you that I was asked to "read it again" seven times by a five-year-old girl. No wonder, the illustrations on the end papers alone are as worth poring over as a wordless picture book: a spirited double-page cavalcade of a girl vogue-ing in costumes such as a ballerina, movie star, unicorn, astronaut, aviator, roaring tiger, detective, swami, pirate and more! This loose-lined, confident style with Manga influence is a departure for the illustrator, and an exciting one that speaks to her versatility and makes her an artist to watch. This title's popularity is sure to flourish among reading fashionistas who enjoyed Jane O'Connor's FANCY NANCY, and might also induce similar haute couture on the kindergarten catwalk. (5 and up)

Also in the lovely pictures category is MERMAIDS ON PARADE by Melanie Hope Greenberg (Putnam), a very busy, colorful and summery tribute to Brooklyn's East River Mermaids who strut their stuff in a competitive parade. Besides, there's instructions on "how to make a mermaid tail in 3 easy steps," people! (5 and up) Net it along with THE MERMAID'S TREASURE by Stephanie True Peters (Dutton, 6 and up) for more fish-tailed fun and folklore.

THE CHICKEN OF THE FAMILY by Mary Amato, illustrated by Delphine Durand (Putnam). After Henrietta's taunting older sisters call her a "chicken" one time too many, she decides to go and live in the coop, where she will be appreciated. A quirky family story about appreciating our differences and speaking kindly, with a googly-eyed underdog (or underchicken) that is hard to resist. (6 and up)

BOOMING BELLA by Carol Ann Williams, illustrated by Tatiana Mai-Wyss (Putnam). Bella's teacher is nearing the end of her rope...does this girl think anything she doesn't say, and say loudly? But when there's a mix-up on the school field trip, Bella's verbal verve saves the day. The illustrator has a smooth, understated watercolor style that so beautifully captures school-aged children, which is not an easy thing to do. Call kids to storytime with a megaphone, and read this along with Sofie Laguna and Kerry Argent's TOO LOUD LILY (Scholastic) and Alexis O'Neill and Nancy Carpenter's LOUD EMILY (Simon and Schuster). Shout it out, sisters! (6 and up)

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Yes, I still review chapter books. I'm just gunning for some stellar new ones for intermediate readers that kids don't hand back to me after two chapters or don't require sequels or read like movie treatments, or are actually for kids. Coming soon (I hope), but meanwhile, Tweendom and Kidsreads seems to have better luck than I do.

BIG YELLOW SUNFLOWER by Frances Barry (Candlewick)
Seed to flower, yeah yeah, think you've been there, done that? Well, here's a fresh pick! Different creatures encounter the germinating seed in different stages, and as each page is turned, the pages open outward, unfurling petals to culminate in a sensational sunflower finale. The center of the sunflower's head lifts up to reveal simple instructions on "how to grow your own sunflower. Always a trend-setting cut above when it comes to book design, this latest ingenious offering from the Candlewick house has yet to meet a teacher who didn't ooh and ahh and exclaim how perfect it is for sharing with a group. Folding the book back into the binding takes a little care, but it's definitely worth the effort when you imagine paper-plate sunflower art projects and pairings with Laurence Anholt's CAMILLE AND THE SUNFLOWERS, Janet Anderson's SUNFLOWER SAL, or the activities in Sharon Lovejoy's gardening book for families, SUNFLOWER HOUSES. The other in this "Fold out and Find Out" series, LITTLE GREEN FROGS, opens up to reveal a lily pond with lesser dramatic effect, but paired with the likes of Karen Wallace's TALE OF A TADPOLE, it will also prove useful. (4 and up)

Also of interest:
Hey, look out! In Richard Louv's LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS, he makes a compelling argument that a lot of the emotional ills and cognitive challenges children experience are a result of an increased disconnection to the natural world. Well, on the off-chance the kids come inside for a bit, you can still impress upon them the glories of the great outdoors with a few recent picks:
MAISY'S NATURE WALK: A MAISY FIRST SCIENCE BOOK by Lucy Cousins (Candlewick) Sturdy pull-tabs allow readers to join Maisy on a stroll, watching flower petals open, bunnies bounce from their burrows, and a snail leave a slick and silvery trail. Bold black-line illustrations on big pages make this the rare pop-up that you can share with a group. Pair with Paul Showers' THE LISTENING WALK to help open up children's senses to nature all around them. (3 and up)

RIVER OF WORDS: YOUNG POETS AND ARTISTS ON THE NATURE OF THINGS edited by Pamela Michael (Milkweed) This anthology showcases some of the most outstanding entries to "River of Words," one of biggest international children's writing contests in the world, a project which strives to help children find their place in the natural world through the arts. In the spirit of the great Stone Soup magazine, we find a wide breadth of young talent, interesting and original illustration, and a reminder of children's abilities and possibilities. "Swim in me/i'm yours/my waves/yours/my rivers/yours..." (Gracie Jordan, age 12). Make this book yours, and you and your children will realize and own treasures: watersheds, and inspiration. (8 and up)

On a personal note:
Thanks for your patience between posts. I have been out of town and sans computer. My friend and author Dianna Aston (AN EGG IS QUIET, NOT SO TALL FOR SIX) moved to San Miguel de Allende in Central Mexico a couple of years ago and has steadily beckoned me to come visit her in her magical place. This summer, I've been at a bit of a career crossroads. Should I write another novel? Go back to teaching in the public schools (if they have forgotten or forgiven or maybe not read my first book)? Expand my Bookroom and create a new and comprehensive support program for new and first-year teachers? Pursue other dreams of being an acquisitions editor (any houses out there?), or reading aloud children's books on the radio? Waitressing? I'm taking votes here, people. Meanwhile, I thought a trip to another place might give me some perspective. Chicago also has one of the largest Mexican populations in the nation, so I also thought it might be nice for our family to have a better sense of where our neighbors and friends are from. Plus, my husband suggested that plane travel might become prohibitively difficult and expensive in the near future. True dat, Nostradamus! So, I booked our tickets and we were south of the border for the better part of July.

San Miguel de Allende is a medium-sized colonial city. They say you don't really have to speak Spanish here, and that's true, if you're really good at charades or if you only plan on meeting Americans. They also say it's a walking town, and it is, if you don't mind walking at a 90-degree angle. It's really in the mountains, over 7,000 feet above sea level. Bring your inhaler.

San Miguel was more busy and urban than I expected, but it felt relatively safe. There was a perpetual feeling of good cheer that permeated everything. The colors of the market, men selling balloons and blow-up-toys and bouncing balls, women grilling corn on street corners, ice cream in every flavor from rose petal to octopus. In the middle of the town is an enormous pink church, La Parroquia, and a park with neatly manicured trees over a hundred years old. The people were warm and helpful at every single turn. They also did the best job of working a piece of tissue paper since Eric Carle.


Who makes an alleyway look like a fiesta? Cool Mexicans from San Miguel, that's who.

Dianna was out of town for our first few days, but there were still friends to be found. I was fortunate enough to connect with the charismatic author and storyteller Patricia Hruby Powell, an Illinois SCBWI member who had coincidentally posted on a listserv that she was going to be in San Miguel all through July, and she had been keeping up with an invaluable blog about her south-of-the-border experience. Here she is in one of the region's hot spring grottos, looking very much like a mermaid, and she was just about as enchanting as one. She hosted a very lovely dinner party with spaghetti and chorizo and many nice people, and a little white dog to keep my son entertained during our conversations. It was a special treat to meet a Midwestern friend while so far from home. Small world, as they say!

When Dianna came back, she kept telling us she was going to take us to Willie Wonka's house, and I wasn't sure what she meant until she took us to the incredible home of former figure skater and current artist extraordinaire, Toller Cranston. It's been a while since I have been so inspired by art on the canvas; with a similar sensibility to illustrator Jane Ray, his imaginative and whimsical paintings were everywhere, glowing like lights and glinting like gold. Above is the chandelier he designed, and below, a tree covered with blown-glass hearts he designed in his kitchen nook. A jungle of blooms and vines exploded around the house, and enclosed it. It was like being inside a flower, or Thumbelina's dream. Or, yeah, okay Dianna, you were right. Willie Wonka's house. Some publishing company should snap him up as a talent for a fairy tale collection. Maybe the Snow Queen?


People who know me well know that when I'm not about the books I'm all about the food, and at the first place we stayed, the homey and authentic Casa de Reyna, Reyna herself prepared both breakfast and lunch with an extra effort to accommodate my vegetarian husband. Here is the chile relleno in a light cream sauce with pomegranates, stuffed with soy meat, apples and raisins. Oh, man. Another day, she made us soup with squash blossoms and exotic mushrooms and a delicious mild white cubed cheese, with homemade spinach enchiladas. I think my son was ready for a hot dog, but my husband and I were sorry to leave.


Dianna lived way outside of town in el campo, or the countryside, up against the mountains, right outside a little pueblo full of children who were happy to speak the international language of basketball with my son while we enjoyed the view. Not too shabby, huh?


I was jealous of Dianna's yellow kitchen (even though you shouldn't be jealous of friends). Note to self: paint everything. Mosaic everything. Fear no color.


My son and husband went on a hike where they met a large snake of questionable intent (luckily, my husband was a good boy scout at one time and remembered to knock rocks together), and Dianna showed me her haunted clearing (which I'm pretty sure was really haunted) and her orchard full of baby trees. Dianna was living in the boonies, but even in her remote surroundings she had managed to surround herself with many brilliant, kind, capable and dynamic bilingual people who shared her enthusiasm for hot-air ballooning. She was excited for me and my family to share in the experience that had changed her life, so at dawn we came out to see the launch. Free tethered rides for all the children in the town, or whichever early bird managed to get out of bed!
It took a bit of doing...and a whole lot of cooperation and muscle and know-how...but slowly and astonishingly, it filled with air...


Up, up and away! Some of the children crossed themselves before we elevated. But no worries! Hot-air balloon pilots have to be very well-trained. Hot-air balloons are, actually, very hot (who knew)! There was a big flame whooshing into the balloon's gullet. I was glad I didn't put too much product in my hair that morning.

I went up with some of the sweeties. Look how small everything is getting! That's right, little girl, maybe it's better if you don't look down. But who would want to miss even a minute of it all? Dianna said riding in a balloon is like being in a bubble. To me, it was more like being in an elevator without the shaft. Either way, it was one smoooooth ride.


On landing, everyone had to run up and hold the basket down while people climbed in and out. Like a horse chomping at the bit, that balloon was tugging like a live thing, trying to climb back up toward the sky!


After many, many rides, the propane ran out and it was time to "milk" the balloon, or do a funny back-and-forth pulling dance with everyone helping on both sides to release the air. Then it was time to squish it flat and roll it up (Dianna, below, is squishing), and it took at least half a dozen strong folks to get it on its cart to haul away. It looked very light, but it was really very heavy!

Dianna moved to Mexico and made a lot of changes in her life in order to follow a dream of learning to fly hot air balloons and to continue her mission of opening up possibilities for all children. Dianna's Oz Project, which just gained not-for-profit status, aspires among many other helpful things to take children "over the rainbow" and open up vistas for children who might not otherwise see them, and what better vehicle than a balloon for that? For me personally, seeing the process of the balloon going up and then putting it away was chance to appreciate the power of cooperation, and how much we need one another to make miraculous things happen. Kudos to brave Dianna for embarking on this exciting initiative.

I can't resist a book recommendation here. If you would like to ride a hot-air balloon from your armchair while you're waiting for your turn in the clouds, check out William Pene du Bois's wildly inventive Newbery-winning read-aloud THE 21 BALLOONS, about a professor who dreams of spending his retirement aloft, only to find himself crashed upon the volcanic island of Krakatoa amidst an idiosyncratic civilization built on restaurants.

"One day I started thinking of a balloon in which I could float around out of everyone's reach. This was the main idea behind my trip: to be where no one would bother me for perhaps one full year; away from all such boring things in the lives of teachers as daily schedules...one year of truly delightful living, a year in a balloon!"

The story's set-up is a bit detailed and old-fashioned, but give children support for the first few chapters and then they'll be off and running--or flying--with the best adventure since Verne's AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS.

Also, I do want to recommend that you check out Dianna Aston's fall release, THE MOON OVER STAR, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, about the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing as seen through the eyes of an African American girl and her grandfather. Though I can hardly seem anything but biased at this point, I will say in all honesty that I think it is her best writing to date, a great multicultural, intergenerational and historical story.

Well, never mind eighty days, that was about all the adventure I could take for thirty days. Now I hope to get back in the blogging groove, with great books that will have every young un' ready for September. Adios for now, but please check back!

Silly, silly, silly and as pitch-perfect as a baby's scream on an airplane are Patricelli's board books, capturing the discoveries and tribulations of the diaper set. Whether learning the proper use of the potty or the peg mallet, giving daddy chase or obligingly holding hands, sitting demurely amidst toys in the tub or having a "eureka!" moment with a finger up the nose, this fetching little baldy plays out baby's best and most natural instincts on every page. Black outlines (a la Lucy Cousins' Maisy) against bold scritchy-scratched acrylic backgrounds happily catch and hold the eye. All of Leslie Patricelli's books brim with plenty to recognize for both parent and child; this, along with BABY HAPPY, BABY SAD, are her latest. Pair her titles with a nice "Born to Read" onesie for a sweet little shower gift. Yes, yes!

Also of interest:
Let's keep on keepin' it short and sweet...for the shortest and the sweetest: babies! It's never to early to start reading aloud, you know!

WHO'S HIDING? by Satoru Onishi (Kane/Miller) Who's hiding? Who's crying? Who has horns? Who's sleeping? Who's backwards? Who can possibly resist the simple and recognizable patterns of snazzy stylized animals, all lined up for your child's repeated point-at-the-picture pleasure? Colors, animals, and a keen eye are all honed in this cleanly designed and clever concept book.

PEEK-A-WHO? by Nina Laden (Chronicle) Peek-a-Moo? It's a cow! Peek-a-Boo? It's a friendly little ghost! Peek-a-Choo-Choo? Look what's coming down the track! Peek-a-Zoo? All the animal friends have come to say hello! And as for peek-a-YOU, there is a little child-safe "mirror" for the grand finale and a big smile. The cuteness quotient is off the charts, and even the smallest children will love the confidence of knowing what comes next. An oldie but goodie, this little book is sure to be a big hit at your house, if it isn't already.

CLASSIC ANIMAL STORIES, compiled by Cooper Edens (Chronicle) All right, I know this is cheating as it is not a book for babies per se, but my goodness, it's hard to imagine entering kindergarten without having sampled every bit of what's between these bindings. Lovely mannered original versions, poems and excerpts abound from very classic work such as The Goose Who Laid the Golden Egg, Fuzzy Wuzzy, Lassie, Peter Rabbit, The Ugly Duckling, Goldilocks, Octopus's Garden, Zippity Doo-Dah, Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, The Spider and the Fly, The Frog Prince, The Owl and the Pussycat, as well as choice excerpts from Lewis Carrol, Aesop, A. A. Milne, Rudyard Kipling, Emily Dickinson, and mucho Mother Goose. Whether you whip it out when you're not sure how to make a conversation with a nursing baby or using it to send off a preschooler's nodding head to dreamland, this treasury has an accent on treasure, and will serve a child's recognition of literary allusions for years to come. Bedecked with classic turn-of-the-century artwork, you may need a second copy to rip out pages (gasp!) for framing and decoupage.

Links are provided for informational use. Don't forget to support your local bookseller.

What's a caveboy to do when his parents are too busy to find him a snack? Go hunting, of course! After earnest but unsuccessful attempts with a bunny, a porcupine and a saber-tooth tiger, he finally encounters a woolly mammoth, but has our loinclothed lad bit off more than he can chew? This title does exactly what a good picture book should do: it uses a minimal amount of text paired with simple, bold and expressive illustrations tell a sweet story of friendship and cooperation. While there is not enough mammoth meat to serve for a storytime main course, this picture book "short" will be a welcome and often-requested addition to your rotation. Visit the author's promotional video on YouTube, and check out his other popular pick, GRUMPY BIRD (Scholastic), a contagious cure for the bad-mood blues. Fans of Mo Willems' brevity and wit will find a new friend in Tankard, and with any luck, this author might enjoy equal success. We hungry for more. (3 and up)

Also of interest:
All right, we have a cave-comrade for the little ones, how about a Cro-Magnon man for the older set?
STIG OF THE DUMP by Clive King, illustrated by Edward Ardizzone (Puffin Modern Classics) is about a little boy who discovers a gruff little caveman living in the quarry near his grandmother's house, and shares a series of inventive adventures, kind of British and anecdotal like Mary Poppins but with a lot more mischief and grunting. Though little Barney openly shares his excitement about his new companion, they dismiss Stig as a figment of imagination. My son's middle name is Edward after this wonderful illustrator (my husband thinks it's after Edward Gorey, but no matter, it's win-win), and Ardizzone's sketchy genius makes for perfect gritty and shadowed accents. I hear the audio read by Tony Robinson is very good, though I have not listened myself...yet! In any event, it should be read aloud in serial form, as it is perfect for funny voices and summer bedtime reading. Oh, to find a friend like Stig! (7 and up)

On a personal note:
Oooo, with this theme I can't resist the chance to share one of my favorite numbers by my all-time favorite movie star, the saucy and sensational Ann Miller!!! Here she is with Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Jules Munchin, and Betty Garrett in the film "On The Town" (1949). Why the producers felt the need to throw in that stereotypical "ooga-booga" weirdness is beyond me, but please ignore the dated stuff and instead pay attention to the timeless appeal, namely the world's greatest emerald green dress, and the eighth and ninth wonders of the world: Ann's legs like butter, topped with toesies clocked at 500 taps a minute. "I love self-expression!"

Cracks me up every time.

Imagine that you are child in the box seats of the great baseball game of history, and sitting right beside you, giving the play-by play, is a man who had been around the block and around the bases of the Negro leagues of the early 20th century, a man who wanted to whisper to you all the secrets, truths and legends of his day before it fades past memory; imagine that can really happen, that such a gift can be given, and you have a sense of the spell cast by this formidable book. The dust is stirred, the crowd is heard, and the crack of the bat and the sting of the mitt sings, sings, sings in these pages. Via first-person voice (which takes a little getting used to, but then becomes incomparably warm and confiding), readers discover a parallel sports universe, a dream manifested by some powerhouse business visionaries who created a league of their own, with rules that bent (six foot curve balls, sharpened spikes for sliding, umpires chased over center-field fences?!) and heroes that were larger than life. Descriptive and well-researched chapters celebrate the greats, Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell and beyond, and allow us to travel across the country with them as far as the Jim Crow flies, across the border to Cuba, and then, so bravely across the color line. Stoic painted portraits capture the serene beauty and almost loneliness of the field, the power of every sinewy muscle of the bat-swinging, ball-throwing arms, the dignity of every set jaw, and a double-page fold-out group portrait of the "First Colored World Series" will take. Your breath. Away. Nelson managed to match if not out-do the stirring visual tribute he gave in Ntozake Shange's ELLINGTON WAS NOT A STREET, and proved that his pen is as mighty as his brush. (And that's pretty mighty!)

A grand slam of sports history, African American history and All-American history, it's sure to sweep the ALA awards series and is the perfect gift for any baseball fan, but even more than that, it contains a piece of America that every child deserves to know. (8 and up)

In their honors, how about we go in for a few extra innings of baseball books?:

First things first, let's get the Jackie love-in out of the way:
JACKIE'S BAT by Marybeth Lorbiecki, illustrated by Brian Pinkney (Simon and Schuster) (6 and up) A fictionalized account from Jackie Robinson's bat boy is the vehicle for an accessible story about tolerance and how people even during times of terrible intolerance have still stepped up to the plate. Fans of Jackie Robinson will also love Myron Uhlberg's DAD, JACKIE AND ME (Peachtree) (7 and up), based on the author's experience of being the child of a deaf sports fan; the stirring scrapbook-style life story; PROMISES TO KEEP: HOW JACKIE ROBINSON CHANGES AMERICA by Jackie's daughter Sharon Robinson (Scholastic) (8 and up); STEALING HOME by Ellen Schwartz (Tundra) (10 and up), a well-developed novel about a mixed-race boy who finds hope and acceptance in his family and beyond, thanks to Jackie's rising star; then there's one of my very favorite children's books of all time, the brilliant novel IN THE YEAR OF THE BOAR AND JACKIE ROBINSON by Bette Bao Lord and illustrated by Marc Simont (Harper) (10 and up), about how baseball impacts a new immigrant. Gosh, if I could just get through reading that last chapter out-loud and not choking up...and I don't mean on my bat! Sigh!

HEROES OF BASEBALL by Robert Lipsyte (Atheneum) Gorgeous photos accented by commentary from an author who clearly loves and knows the game. Lots of pictures and lots of text, this one's a hot dog with all the trimmings for the hard-core young fan. (10 and up)

PLAYERS IN PIGTAILS by Shana Corey, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon (Scholastic) Did you know that "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" was inspired by a player from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in the tuen of the last century? Irresistible retro illustrations with smart, subtle humor add to this book's substantial charm. (6 and up)

BALLPARK: THE STORY OF AMERICA'S BASEBALL FIELDS by Lynn Curlee (Atheneum) Elegant and well-researched exploration of the history architecture behind the game's dreamiest fields, past and present. (8 and up)

BAT 6 by Virginia Euwer Wolff (Sholastic) An oldie but goodie (which means it's available in paperback), this provocative piece of historical fiction follows a girl's baseball team as two players struggle, one Japanese girl recently out of internment, and one girl who has lost her father in the bombing of Pearl Harbor. A brave storyline with plenty to discuss in mother-daughter book clubs or classrooms. (10 and up) A picture book on the same theme is the powerful BASEBALL SAVED US by Ken Mochizuki, illustrated by Dom Lee (Lee and Low) (8 and up).

Also an oldie-but-favorite on the baseball fiction shelf is Alfred Slote's FINDING BUCK McHENRY (HarperTrophy), about a boy who tries to "out" his school janitor as a catcher from the Negro Leagues. Plenty to learn and to discuss for baseball enthusiasts! (9 and up)

JUST LIKE JOSH GIBSON by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Beth Peck (Simon and Schuster) Seems African American men weren't the only ones to get hit by some discriminatory pitches, as young fan of the Negro Leagues takes a swing at her baseball dream in her pink dress. Language sails over the fence and the illustrator calls "I've got it!" with beautiful and evocative pastels. (6 and up)

THE SHOT HEARD ROUND THE WORLD by Phil Bildner, illustrated by C.F. Payne (Simon and Schuster) Folksy recounting of the legendary Brooklyn Dodgers' and New York Giants playoffs of 1951, told from the POV of the fans of the losing team. Wait'll next year! (6 and up)

HEY BATTA BATTA SWING!: THE WILD OLD DAYS OF BASEBALL by Sally Cook and James Charlton, illustrated in cool retro style by Ross MacDonald (McElderberry Books) What fun! Nicknames, slang, rule changes, changes in equipment and uniforms, legends and doctored baseballs make this required reading for any future umpires, commissioners, and present sports conversationalists. (7 and up)

PECORINO PLAYS BALL by Alan Madison, illustrated by Anna Laura Cantone (Atheneum) Hilarious account of a rookie's first little league game. (5 and up) Tee-ballers will also warm up to Leonard Kessler's classic I-Can-Read book, HERE COMES THE STRIKEOUT (HarperTrophy) (5 and up).

ROBERTO CLEMENTE: PRIDE OF THE PITTSBURGH PIRATES by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Raul Colon (Aladdin) The pride of both Pittsburgh and Puerto Rico, beautiful cross-hatched illustrations grace the picture book biography of a great hitter, fielder, and humanitarian. (7 and up)

BASEBALL CRAZY: TEN SHORT STORIES THAT COVER ALL THE BASES edited by Nancy Mercado (Dial) The title kind of says it all, doesn't it? Solid authors like Jerry Spinelli, John K. Ritter and Charles R. Smith help reluctant readers raise their page-turning averages with brief, high-interest sport spots. (9 and up)

ZACHARY'S BALL by Matt Tavares (Candlewick) Ever want to be one of the lucky few who catches a foul ball? The one Zachary's dad nabs at Fenway seems to have other-worldly powers to make baseball fantasies come true. Check out all of Tavares' baseball books (MUDBALL, OLIVER'S GAME, moments of magical realism captured in the alluring, black-and-white pencil style from the school of early Chris Van Allsburg.

THE BIG FIELD by Mike Lupica (Philomel) A sportswriting master creates a scintillating story of a mushrooming competition between boys, set against the backdrop of an impending chamionship game. Father-son dynamics, old school vs. new school styles and a real passion for the details and depth that make baseball our national pastime all converge to make this a home run for older readers. (11 and up) Some people are saying Lupica is the new Matt Christopher or John Tunis. But hey, don't retire these guys yet! Keep them in your rotation to get on base with intermediate readers who could use a squeeze play from sports fact to sports fiction.

If you have a baseball card collector in your home but still don't know Dan Gutman's BASEBALL CARD ADVENTURES (MICKEY AND ME, SHOELESS JOE AND ME and HONUS AND ME are a few to start with), you are in for a treat as addictive as peanuts and popcorn! These are highly imaginative and engaging stories in which characters on baseball cards come to life and lead young baseball fans in time-traveling jaunts. Just like baseball cards, you'll want to collect them all. (8 and up)

And finally, speaking of time travel, I just have to make sure everyone has a copy of Christopher Bing's rendering of Ernest L. Thayer's immortal poem CASEY AT THE BAT, a 2000 Caldecott honor winner. Stunning how-did-he-do-it illustrations in the style of turn-of-the century engravings, peppered with collaged remnants of baseball days past, perfectly frame the erudite language of the ballad and make it a home run even for modern readers. A great keepsake gift for any baseball lover of any age.

If you have a reluctant reader with a sporty streak, try this tack! On an index card, create a baseball diamond, and assign base values for books: a triple for a novel over 96 pages, a double for non-fiction, a single for a picture book, a home run for every four books read or two hundred pages...whatever motivates your player to round the bases without being overwhelming. Keep the cards all through the summer, and calculate the average through the season. Reward your rookie with a trip to the ballgame...go to the dugout early, and have the players autograph his or her favorite baseball book instead of a program!

Root, root, root for the readers...

PICTURE BOOK
THE SEA SERPENT AND ME by Dashka Slater, illustrated by Catia Chien (Houghton Mifflin)
Every now and then there comes a book so delightful, so lyrical, that we are reminded why children's books are art and not just product. This is one of those books. When a little girl takes a bath, a friendly little sea serpent emerges from a drop of water from the faucet. He tells her exciting and beautiful stories of the deep blue sea, "where manta rays swim like dancing blankets and there are crabs with antlers and fish shaped like guitars." She promises to return him to the sea when it stops raining, but meanwhile, he is growing at a rate a la Helen Palmer's A FISH OUT OF WATER. Still, the girl frets over the day she will have to release him, but when they reach the shore, it is the sea serpent who is reticent. Can she find the words encouraging enough to help him become brave enough to enjoy his own freedom?

Oh my goodness, this book is a bit of a miracle, awash in lovely watercolor scenes with the jubilance of Jean Jacques Sempé but with broader strokes and the abandon that more closely mirrors the imaginative world of children. Every single page is different and interesting, bravely traversing double-page spreads of the deepest fathoms and intimate frames that make both the girl (wearing a ducky buoy as she leans over a fish tank) and the serpent the reader's friends. Though the serpent is a monster of sorts, he is always wide-eyed, smiling and never fearsome. Best of all, the visual beauty of this book is matched by its subtle and meaningful content about growing pains, packing an emotional punch along the lines of Munsch's LOVE YOU FOREVER but without the ambiguous adult skeeviness. This would be a brilliant book to share with a child starting school or any other great adventure, and will fortify the adult reader as well to be brave as the ones we love embark on something new. Darling, deep and dear, this is the sort of book that children will remember for years, with images that wend their way into the landscape of dreams. (4 and up)

Also of interest:
While we have our wet suits on, how about another underwater book that's bound to make a splash:
MANFISH: A STORY OF JACQUES COUSTEAU by Jennifer Berne, illustrated by Éric Puybaret (Chronicle) As a boy, Jacques Cousteau fantasized what it would be like to breathe beneath water. Later in life, all things converge as he combined his love of film and his amazing invention of the aqualung to show the world
the undersea worth exploring...and worth saving. Smooth, flat art style against glossy paper goes far to capture the silky quiet of the sea, and the brilliant vertical fold-out that allows the reader to virtually and visually dive down into the depths of the ocean is a surprise. An inspiring life story clearly told for young readers across the grade levels, this beautiful book is a real catch. It appears that picture book biography remains the big fish in the sea of children's literature!

Also all new, tried-and-true and all wet:
ALISTAIR AND KIP'S GREAT ADVENTURE! by John Segal (McElderberry Books), a very simple story of two buddies who brave the waves and get a whale of a ride (nicely paired with William Steig's classic AMOS AND BORIS, and THE CASTAWAY PIRATES: A POP-UP TALE OF BAD LUCK, SHARP TEETH AND STINKY TOES by Ray Marshall and Wilson Swain (Chronicle), a wild, whirling rhyme for kids who just can't get enough of that pirate stuff. And also, don't forget the older, undersung little read-aloud treasure, SEA-CAT AND DRAGON KING by Angela Carter, illustrated by Eva Tatcheva (Bloomsbury), the whimsical tale of a cat who has to create a sweater for a kind but homely ruler beneath the waves; beautiful language, cunning line drawings and a creative conflict make this story sparkle. There, now you have plenty of material for a beach-blanket read-aloud in your library...or in your lap!

Shop with Esme
Oooo boy, this is dangerous shopping news, an auction of children's literature treasures from one of my favorite independent booksellers in the whole world. Visit the Debt Depletion Store within the next few days to bid on treasures like an original Max-the-bunny painting by Rosemary Wells, a Lily drawing from Kevin Henkes, a signed assemblage and art piece by Brian Selznick (who won the Caldecott for THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET), Arthur Geisert's complete hand-printed dummy for OINK OINK (heart be still! Out of my league, but my favorite of the bunch!), and a myriad of autographed and original collectibles from folks like Chris Raschka, Daniel Pinkwater, Jules Feiffer, Molly Bang, Jon Scieszka, David Small, Ed Emberley, Jack Gantos, and best of all, yours truly! ;-) Please check out my fairy godmother set which includes an audio and autographed print version of DIARY OF A FAIRY GODMOTHER, a magic wand and three bona fide wishes plus an autographed book and an unabridged CD; also available is the complete autographed set oof SAHARA SPECIAL and companion novel VIVE LA PARIS, ahem, a perfect end-of-year gift for a middle-grade teacher, if I do say so myself.

Friends! Librarians! SCBWI members! Booklovers all! Please spread the word about this unique auction being hosted by my friends at Reading Reptile in honor of their efforts to stay in business and continue serving children and families for coming up on twenty years! I have a bit of a girl-crush on owner Deb, who is one of the best artists in the universe in her own rite...check out my visit to see what I'm talking about! Truly this is an extraordinary and exceptional place in the universe, and Deb and Pete are truly good people who are beautiful parents and generous spirits. They support all of us through their good work and now they deserve our support, so bid early and bid often!


Links are provided for informational use. Don't forget to support your local bookseller.

It's May, it's May, hooray, hooray! To tell you the truth, though I'm not one to wish away time, I'm happy to see April in the rear-view mirror. I was plagued with some sort of respiratory/allergy/asthma nonsense that had me canceling dates and moving deadlines, kvetching like a 98-year-old, and so high on Codine that one friend accused me of sounding like "Towelie" from South Park. But they say that laughter is the best medicine, so in the interest of spring fever I offer you this healthy dose of the funniest new picture books I could find:

PICTURE BOOK
JUMPY JACK & GOOGILY by Meg Rosoff and Sophie Blackall (Holt)
In the spirit of Monsters, Inc. without the corporate touch, we have a snail with a deep-seated fear of monsters, without realizing that his best friend is of that ilk. Googily, with sharp teeth but a disarming smile and eyes that are, indeed, googly, very endearingly checks wading pools, closets, under tables and beds for any culprits, and children will enjoy the inside joke of a monster inserting himself into every place that Jumpy Jacks fears one might be. After Googily has done a thorough job of easing Jumpy Jack's fears, can Jumpy Jack return the favor? Smooth, stylized illustrations in an unusually attractive palette are permeated with silliness, and besides being genuinely funny, it's a solid and sensitive little storytime stroll through themes of patience, empathy and cooperation. This author and illustrator duo has already has earned many fans with their naughty friends rooting around in MEET WILD BOARS; this story is kindler and gentler, but every bit as comical. I'm scared of how monstrously popular this book could become. (5 and up)

Also recommended:
STARRING MISS DARLENE written, produced and directed by Amy Schwartz (Roaring Brook) Darlene tries very hard to take direction in her acting class, but manages to botch things up most dramatically. She takes a little snooze during her big scene in Sleeping Beauty, find herself all wet in the flood of Noah's Ark, and does a little ad-libbing when she can't remember the lines. Thankfully, the theater reviewer who comes to three performances tends to appreciate the avant-garde. This book will go far to alleviate any stage fright, proving that there are no small parts, only small actors...and this hippopotamus is definitely not one of them. This book is full of inspired, unexpected twists and face-hurting laugh-out-loud moments. The treatment has murmurings of James Marshall's FOX ON STAGE, though clearly, Schwartz enjoys a genius all her own. Applause, applause! (5 and up)

DEAR MISS PERFECT: A BEAST'S GUIDE TO PROPER BEHAVIOR by Sandra Dutton (Houghton Mifflin) Perhaps you are a porcupine looking for a dance partner. An elephant unsure of where to lay your trunk during meals. A raccoon questioning the proper protocol when rooting through a garbage can. Or a shy turtle with an oral book report looming. When I first picked up this book, I was anticipating something more along the lines of Sesyle Johnson and Maurice Sendak's WHAT DO YOU SAY, DEAR? assuming that the beasts to whom the author was referring were actually (ahem) children, but she did, in fact, mean other members of the animal kingdom. Even though the characters are wild things, the eloquent letters and lessons of compromise and consideration easily transfer to other genus. Loose cartoon illustrations are from the school of James Stevenson and Betsy Lewin, and the hilarity of this book exceeded all expectations and bears repeated readings. Perhaps if we say please very nicely, there will be more Miss Perfect books to look forward to, hopefully a quest for the perfect companion as alluded to on the last page. For now, we'll just have to frequent Miss Perfect's lovely website, and make our best efforts to make good behavioral choices. A spoof on the advice columns that the author enjoyed as a child, I must say thank you for a truly outstanding and original book that I personally consider a "must-have." (5 and up)

BIG BAD BUNNY by Franny Billingsley, illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Atheneum) Baby Boo-Boo is clearly misunderstood. This is not a little mousie baby. Oh nooooo. She is a scratchity-clawed, pointy-toothed, growling, stomping, chomping roaring bunny! GRRRR! STOMP! ROAR! But when this Big Bad Bunny takes a wrong turn and gets lost, will she appreciate the coddling efforts of a well-meaning mommy? With the culminating intensity of Jez Alborough's WATCH OUT! BIG BRO'S COMING!, this book mounts to a satisfying conclusion. Children will certainly identify with Big Bad Bunny's desire to get her "props," and having a little girl be so loud and grouchy was refreshing (in a book, anyway). Super cute illustrations are perfect for spring storytimes; share by alternating your little sweetie squeaky voice with your growly-howly monster voice for best effect, and you'll find that your meekest mice will hop right on the bunny bandwagon. (4 and up)

DOCTOR TED by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by Pascal Lemaitre (McElderberry Books) When Ted Bear skins his knee and can't find a doctor, he becomes the change he wishes to see in the world. Unfortunately, his diagnosis generously offered at home and school might put him at risk for malpractice. ("His mother was in the kitchen. "You have measles," said Doctor Ted. "We should operate." "Those are my freckles," said his mother. "Eat your breakfast.") When he manages to do more harm than good with his teacher and principal, it looks like Ted is going to have to hang up his stethoscope, until a real emergency on the playground gives him the chance to exercise his skill as a caretaker. Bold, black-line and color illustrations against hospital white background are particularly pleasing to the early childhood eye. Andrea Beaty recently penned everyone's favorite book about the inventive builder, IGGY PECK, ARCHITECT, and it seems the craft of this talented storyteller just gets better and better; she is definitely an author to watch. With a daring and hilarious wit that aligns your funny bone page after page, this book is truly a perfect storytime prescription, and it was so nice to get it while still on an HMO. A must in every pediatrician's office, and every children's library; read one and call me in the morning. (5 and up)

DUCKS DON'T WEAR SOCKS by John Nedwidek, illustrated by Lee White (Viking) One day, while Emily was "in a serious mood, taking a serious walk, she met Duck." Duck is definitely not serious, riding a unicycle. In socks. Why is he wearing socks? Or a tie? Or a hat, for that matter? And certainly, there can be no excuse for a duck in...underwear...or can there?! Children who area bit more tightly sewn will find their stitches coming loose after some time well spent with this unconventional friend. Zhaohua Ji and Cui Xu's NO! THAT'S WRONG! (Kane/Miller) is also a story about some animal wardrobe malfunctions, in which a little rabbit is insistent that a frilly pair of red underpants makes for a fetching hat; the endpaper with various animals creatively sporting articles of clothing is worth the cost of the book alone, and should provide endless inspiration for anyone considering trying out for Project Runway. Both of these books provide the young reader with the delicious opportunity to correct someone else, and both these books allow you to use the word "underwear," and, as we learned from Jonathan London's classic FROGGY GETS DRESSED, that's always a good investment. (both 4 and up)

Too many titles, you say? I'm afraid it's tough noogies...if you have ticklish 4 to7 year-olds on your hands, you kind of need every single one. And to add insult to your funny bone injury, if you visit a couple of my favorite kidlit blogs, Three Silly Chicks and Bottom Shelf Books, you'll find more good humor than an ice cream truck. Go ahead! She who laughs, lasts!

Feel free to share your faves...what books get your young reader chuckling?

The diversity of our fine feathered (and furry and insect) friends is celebrated in this excellent exploration of these mysterious and dreamlike appendages. Excellent informational prose from points of inquiry take us on a first-class non-fiction flight. How fast can wings fly? How slow? How far, and how many? Why? To catch, to flee, to chase, to find mates, to travel, each answer is explained in the context of a particular winged creature. Helpful resources at the back of the book will lead children to continue to take flight on-line, and a glossary of all boldfaced vocabulary throughout the book is provided; this book is never dumbed down. I am so excited to just be learning about this prolific author, with a contagious passion for nature along the lines of children's literature's naturalist legends Jim Arnosky and Steve Jenkins, but I must confess that for all of this book's fine content, I was at first drawn by the stunning papercut illustrations. Readers will be sent into a veritable state of slack-jawed shock at the otherworldly textures this illustrator is able to accomplish with cut paper, from a blowing feather to the curve of a flower petal. This book is a delight for any booklover with an interest in animals, nature or science, and is a solid non-fiction read-aloud for primary grades, always a rare bird. (6 and up)

Also of interest:
In honor of the first robin of spring, which I saw yesterday, here are a few other fine feathered titles to add to your flock:
UNITED TWEETS OF AMERICA: 50 STATE BIRDS, THEIR STORIES, THEIR GLORIES by Hudson Talbott (Putnam) Fans of Laurie Keller's zany SCRAMBLED STATES OF AMERICA will enjoy this collection of true tales of every state bird, beak firmly planted in cheek. Lovely artwork and lots of laughs combined with solid research material make this a perfect spring pick for classroom libraries. (7 and up)
TODAY AT THE BLUEBIRD CAFÉ by Deborah Ruddell, illustrated by Joan Rankin (McElderberry) "Blue Jay Blues," "Mockingbird Warning," "Mrs. Crow Gets Dressed," "There's a Robin in My Bathroom," don't you just want to read them all? Well, you can! Hooray hooray hooray, this beautiful and engaging verse is matched with creamy pastel watercolors, making it a perfect collection to celebrate both the return of spring and National Poetry Month! (5 and up)
BIRDSONGS by Betsy Franco, illustrated by Steve Jenkins (McElderberry) Why should finches have all the fun? Join in the cacophony with this onomatopoetic counting book, with bold cut-paper illustration. (4 and up)
And there are two tributes to the red-tailed hawk of Fifth Avenue:
CITY HAWK: THE STORY OF PALE MALE by Megan McCarthy (Simon & Schuster), straightforwardly told for primary audiences, and who can resist those big googly-eyes that are a signature of McCarthy's illustration? (4 and up) And then there is the more detailed PALE MALE: CITIZEN HAWK OF NEW YORK CITY by Janet Schulman, illustrated in how-does-she-do-it gorgeous watercolor and colored pencil by the inimitable Meilo So. (6 and up) Teachers, Read them both and compare the treatment of the same subject by different authors and illustrators!

Shop with Esmé:

Hmmm, I don't know if I could afford to spend more on a bird's house than I spend on my own, but doesn't this prime real estate (above) from Uncommon Goods inspire the crafter in you? As does the "Fairy Tale Dreamcatcher" from OneGoodBumblebee (this would make a fun classroom activity, or Mother's Day gift for kids to make!) and the obscenely priced Songbird Chandelier from Anthropologie? They sell those little felt birdies and flowers at Michael's, people. Sorry to derail the consumer love train, there, but after all, DIY is the new Nordstrom's, dahhhling!

On that note, I love my soaring bird bracelet I got at Erm Originals on Etsy, it goes with everything. She's always got lots of lovely wing-themed jewelry, and in the spirit of the birds, her pieces are are cheep, cheep!

Also on the subject of crafting and birds, take cyber-wing to The Crafty Crow, an egg-ceptional blog featuring kid-friendly art-and-craft inspirations and plenty of pix! I know you will want to bookmark this fabulous resource to visit again and again!


Happy Earth Day, and happy robin-sightings, everyone!

NONFICTION
When Queen Isabella wasn't impressed by the gift of a sweet potato, Columbus told a teeny weeny little white lie about the new world being littered with gold and gems. This caused a rebellion and landed big C. in leg irons. But perhaps Isabella shouldn't have been so quick to judge the shortcomings of others, seeing that she boasted only two baths a year. Grace O'Malley marauded English ships for sixty years...who would suspect such a sweet little old grandma of being a pirate? Bad, bad Babe Ruth hung his baseball manager out of the window of a moving train. Bach hit a bassoonist with a stick after names could never hurt him, and Daumier painted the king of France as a pear, a leap of comedic faith that went highly unappreciated by the noblesse oblige. From Cleopatra to Rosa Parks, over a dozen famous figures who crossed the line in their time are given tongue-in-cheek due, accented by extra-pouty double-page cartoon portraits. This very light bite of history and will appeal to the irreverent tastes of those who enjoy Lane Smith (JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE AND BEN) and Jon Sciezka (TIME WARP TRIO). For older children, this is a great springboard into deeper exploration, and older kids can make reports of troublemakers of the 21st Century (there have been a few). Teachers, read it in combination with books like Mordicai Gerstein's THE MAN WHO WALKED BETWEEN THE TOWERS and Don Brown's KID BLINK BEATS THE WORLD to discuss the difference between civil disobedience and good ol' fashioned bad behavior.

Almost everyone thought they didn't deserve a time-out. A few were right.

It's possible that one or two of our time-outers looked deep into their hearts and thought, "Maybe, just maybe, I did need to cool down a bit." We can't know for sure.

The one thing we can know for sure is that someday, somewhere, someone will once again be badly behaved, out of order,ill-mannered, inappropriate, or just plain unwilling to follow the rules. And they'll need a time out.

Let's just hope that someone isn't you or me.

I have long said there is a book for every occasion, and I thank this author for providing a perfect pick for the chill-out chair. (6 and up)

Also of interest:
THE DOGGY DUNG DISASTER & OTHER TRUE STORIES: REGULAR KIDS DOING HEROIC THINGS AROUND THE WORLD by Garth Sundem (Free Spirit) Several teachers have asked me if I know of a good group reading book for the end of the school year. Wow, is this one a gem for reluctant readers, read-aloud or read-alone! Thirty articles about kids who have made a difference are ordered under headings such as "Kids Saving the Environment," Kids Standing Up for Themselves," "Kids Helping Others," "Kids Overcoming Challenges," and "Kids Using Talents and Creativity". The author gathered truly amazing achievements from around the world that will inspire any reader: from Santosh Yadav, in India, who had been told "girls can't climb mountains" but decided to climb Mount Everest twice, to the brave Farliz Calle in Columbia, a Nobel Prize nominee who used organizing skills garnered in student council to create the Columbian Children For Peace, or Alexandra Scott, who raised over a million dollars for cancer research by selling lemonade. The writing throughout the book is surprisingly solid and in tune with its intended audience, giving unusually clear explanations of circumstances and cultural differences. In fact, the author created this book after visiting a sixth-grade classroom and seeing that the kids needed heroes with whom they could really connect. This book is an achievement in itself, with can-do content that every child in grades 5-8 deserves to know. I'm saving up for a classroom set. (10 and up)

This re-invention inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale set against the backdrop of Martinique is startling in beauty and mystery. Little Thumbelina is carried through a wild and tangled backdrop awash with gruesome animal suitors, to whom she learns to say "no," sticking with her more flyaway lifestyle. The writing of the story is, in fact, a little all-over-the-place, but no great matter, because so is Thumbelina, floating from scene to harrowing scene like a pollinating seed. A "glossary of the exotic" is included, though it would have been helpful for children to know upon which page each item appears; it's rather tricky to search for an "ocelot" or "calabash" without knowing quite where to look. For all of the shortcomings, this book is fun to compare with the original during this month of Andersen's birth. It also speaks to adventurous children who want a truly unpredictable and dramatic reading experience, and who are prepared to lose themselves in the oversized illustrations. There is a fierce bravery in every brushstroke, and an explosive, expressive abandon of the conventions of the color wheel. The garden has taken over, and all we can say is: wow. (7 and up)

Also of interest:
Just in time for National Poetry Month we have this new offering by the same illustrator, who is one to watch; at this rate, I think he is worthy of Hans Christian Andersen Award consideration down the pike.

THIS IS A POEM THAT HEALS FISH by Jeanne-Pierre Siméon, illustrated by Olivier Tallec (Enchanted Lion Books)

"Mommy, my fish is going to die!
Come quickly! Leon is going to die of boredom!"

Arthur's mommy looks at him.
She closes her eyes,
she opens her eyes...
Then she smiles:
"Hurry, give him a poem!"
And she leaves for her tuba lesson.

But what is a poem? Is it the heartbeat in a stone, or when words beat their wings against the bars of a cage, or words turned, like an old sweater, backwards and inside out? Arthur rummages under the bed and in cupboards, interviews neighbors and grandparents, and by and by connects the cryptic quips and voices to create (what else?) a lovely poem out of the small and merry and honest things in his world. With illustrated flights of the imagination such as cresent moons hanging like fruit from the sky and palm trees growing upside-down, oh-la-la, that fish won't be bored for long. Funny and provocative, every teacher (and author!) needs to share this book to springboard into the conversation of what makes a poem...and where do we find our own?

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In honor of the trippy horticulture in Thumbelina of Toulaba, plant something besides the seed to read! Every season I plant these Renee's Garden "Magic Beanstalk" beans (scarlet runner beans) in my city-girl community garden. Their winding vines grow long and have pretty red blooms, but best of all, the seed pods contain beans that are the craziest un-bean-like fuchsia color. Open them up in front of children to hear them go "ooooo!" and believe that there just must still just possibly be some magic left in the world. I understand you can cook and eat them, but I never have; I just dry them until they turn their curious purple, and then they are just right for sharing with other storybook gardeners. Who says a seed is sleepy (besides author Dianna Aston)?

Also hope to meet up with these Velveteen Rabbits from the Victorian Trading Company, finally on sale aprés Easter but still spring-y. I'm afraid these will be the only bunnies welcome in my garden!