By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: May 4, 2011
To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, take a look at the bilingual books that we’ve been reading …
The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred
by Samantha R. Vamos (Author), Rafael Lopez (Illustrator)
Mama and Me
by Arthur Dorros (Author), Rudy Gutierrez (Illustrator)
Ten Little Puppies/Diez perritos
by Alma Flor Ada (Author), F. Isabel Campoy (Author), Ulises Wensell (Illustrator)
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Add this book to your collection: Ponyella
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 25, 2011
Astro: The Steller Sea Lion
By Jeanne Walker Harvey (Author), Shennen Bersani (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-9
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: SylvanDellPublishing (August 10, 2010)
Source: Author
What to expect: Sea lions, Marine mammals, Fictionalized non-fiction
Astro is an orphaned sea lion pup who is rescued and taken to the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA—a nonprofit veterinary research hospital and educational center dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of ill and injured marine mammals. Harvey adeptly tells the true story of Astro’s nurtured recovery and the many attempts and struggles to reconnect him with living in the wild. Being such a young pup at the time of his rescue, Astro’s bond with people has him continually returning to the shores and resisting the ocean. Left with no other choice, the wonderful team at the Marine Mammal Center found Astro a new home at the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT, whose mission is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration. The mixed-media illustrations by Bersani, at first glance, are of photographic quality and match the tone of the story well, adding depth and sentiment to Harvey’s words. The text is well placed and large, making it easy to read.
The publisher, Sylvan Dell Publishing, only publishes picture books that have a strong educational purpose and this shows in the support materials included at the back of the book. The “For Creative Minds” section boasts sea lion facts (including comparisons between sea lions and seals), maps, and other fun and educational information. Visit the publisher’s website and you’ll discover many links to further explore the world of Astro. Children will be fascinated by Astro’s touching story and the back matter makes it a great choice for homeschoolers or the classroom.
It is also a treasure to know that the author donates a percentage of her royalties to the Marine Mammal Center and the Mystic Aquarium.Thank you, Jeanne Walker Harvey, for bringing young readers attention to the care and needs of our local wildlife!
Add this book to your collection: Astro: The Steller Sea Lion
If you like this book, you may also like: Winter’s Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned To Swim Again by Juliana Hatkoff, Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff
Visit: http://www.jeanneharvey.com/
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JacketFlap tags: Ashley Wolff, Compost, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Picture Book - Wordless, Environment & Ecology: Earth conscience, Mary McKenna Siddals, Add a tag
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 12, 2011
Compost Stew
By Mary McKenna Siddals (Author), Ashley Wolff (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-7
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Tricycle Press; 1 edition (March 23, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth uses a clever and entertaining rhyme that, just as the title suggests, gives a great recipe for making compost. All of the ingredients are familiar household products, such as vegetable trimmings, coffee grounds, and oatmeal. At the back of the book the “Chef’s Note” can be found—it’s another witty rhyme all of its own and teaches readers what shouldn’t go in compost. The illustrations, which are rendered in gouache and collage, compliment the tone of the recipe with the use of more familiar recyclable materials.
Illustration by Ashley Wolff
Illustration by Ashley Wolff
Illustration by Ashley Wolff
Illustration by Ashley Wolff
About the Author: Mary McKenna Siddals is the author of several picture books for the very young, including Millions of Snowflakes. In addition, she has written dozens of children’s stories, articles, poems, and activities appearing in a variety of magazines. A former teacher, she lives in British Columbia, Canada, where she enjoys tending to her own batch of Compost Stew. Learn more about Mary at www.siddals.com.
About the Illustrator: Ashley Wolff is the author and/or illustrator of more than sixty children’s books, including Baby Beluga; I Love My Mommy Because; I Love My Daddy Because; Mama’s Milk; Stella and Roy Go Camping; I Call My Grandma Nana; I Call My Grandpa Papa; When Lucy Goes Ou
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 12, 2011
Learning to Nurture Nature
Gardening, recycling, composting, and being at one with nature (including our vanishing honeybees) and all it has to offer; these are great ways to connect young children with our environment and encourage them to nurture our special one-of-a-kind Earth.
Picture Books
Compost Stew
By Mary McKenna Siddals (Author), Ashley Wolff (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-7
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Tricycle Press; 1 edition (March 23, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth uses a clever and entertaining rhyme that, just as the title suggests, gives a great recipe for making compost. All of the ingredients are familiar household products, such as vegetable trimmings, coffee grounds, and oatmeal. At the back of the book the “Chef’s Note” can be found—it’s another witty rhyme all of its own and teaches readers what shouldn’t go in compost. The illustrations, which are rendered in gouache and collage, compliment the tone of the recipe with the use of more familiar recyclable materials.
Add this book to your collection: Compost Stew
Sofia’s Dream
By Land Wilson (Author), Sue Cornelison (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-7
Hardcover: 19 pages
Publisher: Little Pickle Press LLC; 1st edition (November 24, 2010)
Source: Author
Sofia’s Dream was written for the sole purpose of inspiring children to take care of the earth. Beginning with the cover image of an angelic young girl soaring high in the sky, her eyes full of hope and untarnished optimism, a magical tone is set for the story. Wilson’s appreciation for nature and environmental protection shine through in this powerfully uncomplicated picture book.
Add this book to your collection: Sofia’s Dream
Water, Weed, and Wait
By Edith Hope Fine (Author), Angela Halpin (Author), Colleen M. Madden (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-7
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tricycle Press (August 10, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Gardening requires a little hard work and patience, but the benefits are plentiful. In Water, Weed, Wait, Miss Marigold&rs
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 4, 2011
Spring brings warmer weather, fragrant and bright colored flowers, adorable baby farm animals, and taller children. Spring also brings more books—books that encompass all of those topics and more, for our taller children with blossoming minds. It’s time to select a book that matches the tone of the season, grab a blanket and find a nice spot outside for a spring story time session.
From bunnies to eggs to butterflies to chicks and even a spring shower, these books that have been selected all harness some kind of special spring power and celebrate Easter in its secular form.
Picture Books
Quiet Bunny’s Many ColorsBy Lisa McCue
Reading level: Ages 4-6
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sterling (March 1, 2011)
Source: Publisher
Hands down, the best spring book of 2011. The colors, the critters, the bugs, every illustration captures the essence of spring. The story is light and bounces with fun read-aloud words and finishes with a gentle-but-powerful message of self-acceptance. Simply gorgeous!
Add this book to your collection: Quiet Bunny’s Many Colors
Little White Rabbit
By Kevin Henkes
Reading level: Ages 2-7
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Greenwillow Books (January 25, 2011)
Source: Publisher
Kevin Henkes is brilliant and so is Little White Rabbit. The pastel colors of the pencils and acrylic paint give off friendly charm as the rabbit explores nature and his own abilities. The gentle details given to the rabbit’s face allow the readers to truly experience the delicate emotions experienced on every page—especially the bliss of true devotion from his mother. The double-page spread of Rabbit imagining what it would be like to flutter through the air with butterflies provides sheer elation.
Illustration by Kevin Henkes
Add this book to your collection: Little White Rabbit
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 1, 2011
Here’s the scoop on the most popular destinations on The Children’s Book Review site, the most coveted new releases and bestsellers.
THE HOT SPOTS: THE TRENDS
Kids’ Earth Day Books: Green with Environmental Awareness
The 39 Clues Blog Tour: Access Granted, Peter Lerangis
How Picture Books Play a Role in a Child’s Development
Where to Find Free eBooks for Children Online
THE NEW RELEASES
The most coveted books that release this month:
The 39 Clues, Book 11: Vespers Rising
by Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis, Gordon Korman, Jude Watson
(Ages 8-12)
Ranger’s Apprentice, Book 10: The Emperor of Nihon-ja
by John Flanagan
(Ages 9-12)
Big Nate Boredom Buster: Super Scribbles, Cool Comix, and Lots of Laughs
by Lincoln Peirce
(Ages 8-12)
by Deborah Underwood
(Ages 1-6)
Athena the Wise (Goddess Girls)
by Joan Holub
(Ages 8-12)
THE BEST SELLERS
The best selling children’s books this month:
PICTURE BOOKS
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 1, 2011
Bestselling author Deborah Underwood
Deborah Underwood is the New York Times bestselling author of The Quiet Book, The Loud Book, A Balloon for Isabel and Granny Gomez and Jigsaw. She lives in San Francisco, California.
TCBR: Your first three picture books were released in 2010: A Balloon for Isabel, Granny Gomez and Jigsaw and The Quiet Book. How did it come about that they all released in the same fantastic year?
Deborah Underwood: I sold Granny in 2003, and Isabel and The Quiet Book in 2008—all to different publishing houses—so it was just a strange publishing quirk that they came out during a two-month period last year. What’s more, I initially wrote Isabel in 2004, but it was one of those books that just took a long time to gel. It sat in my virtual drawer for a few years before I pulled it out again and got it into marketable shape. It was great to see all those projects finally come to fruition.
I can only imagine! Word is that it’s hard to get a book published that is considered “too quiet.” Was this book your hardest sell? And, this being the case is it satisfying to know that The Quiet Book is a New York Times bestseller?
It certainly wasn’t an easy sell. You’re absolutely right about publishers shying away from “quiet” books; in fact, “too quiet” is a common rejection-letter line. I’m grateful that my editor saw the potential in the manuscript and was willing to go against the prevailing non-quiet trend. And yes, given that quiet books are hard to sell, the success of The Quiet Book is extra-sweet. I hope it helps open the door for other writers who want to write quiet picture books.
It makes sense that The Loud Book should follow closely behind its predecessor. Were you surprised at how quickly it came to fruition?
We actually started working on The Loud Book well before The Quiet Book came out. I was rewriting the text during the summer of 2009. I feel fortunate that the folks at Houghton Mifflin had enough faith in The Quiet Book to sign a sequel before it was released.
Bravo to Houghton Mifflin for having such gre
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Add this book to your collection: Little White Rabbit by Kevin Henkes
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 20, 2011
The Loud Book!
by Deborah Underwood (Author), Renata Liwska (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 3-6
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (April 4, 2011)
Source of book: Author/Publisher
Last year, Underwood and Liwska’s New York Times bestselling The Quiet Book (2010) reminded us of the many different kinds of quiet that there are. This year, in the companion book, we get to discover different kinds of loud! From the surprising moments to the accidental to the fun and the oops (burp during quiet time loud) moments, this talented writing and illustrating duo know how to hit the emotion button (along with the alarm clock ‘loud’ button)—they use just the right amount of commotion. The best part about this book is that it gives all the power to the reader: Read gently with attention brought to the humor in the pictures, it’s the perfect way to reassure a sensitive listener or reader who is easily startled by loud noises. Read with enthusiasm, added sound effects, and, once again, attention brought to the humorous pictures, it’s a crowd pleaser for the rambunctious five-and-under crew. There is an opportunity on every page for a reader or listener to make a connection either internally or with their story-time partner(s).
Underwood, who is certainly in-touch with her inner-child, provides the clear and defining text that is the backbone to this book. Each loud moment that she has shared has been interpreted by Liwska with expressive pencil drawings that have been colored digitally. It is these touching illustrations of lovable animal critters with expressions-to-boot that bring Underwood’s words so beautifully to life. You could not have one without the other. This book deserves a cheer that is equal to “home run loud!”
Add this book to your collection: The Loud Book!
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 8, 2011
Our shared history unites families, communities, and nations. Although women’s history is intertwined with the history shared with men, several factors – social, religious, economic, and biological – have worked to create a unique sphere of women’s history. ~ The National Women’s History Project
by Margaret Cardillo (Author), Julia Denos (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (January 25, 2011)
Source: Publisher
From her life as a child in Nazi occupied Europe to her rise to fame as an actress to her empowering work with UNICEF, Hepburn’s kindness and compassion has been highlighted clearly and carefully and will most definitely inspire young girls. The beautifully painted artwork truly captures the eloquence and signature style that exuded from Hepburn her entire life. Just Being Audrey certainly has a special je ne sais quoi.
Add this book to your collection: Just Being Audrey
My Name Is Not Isabella: Just How Big Can a Girl Dream
by Jennifer Fosberry (Author), Mike Litwin (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; Reprint edition (September 1, 2010)
Source: Publisher
This picture book is a brilliant way to introduce young girls to some very wonderful women. It’s empowering and inspiring and a whole lot of fun. These are some of Isabella’s role models: U.S. Astronaut Sally Ride, activist Rosa Parks, and sharpshooter Annie Oakley.
Add this book to your collection: My Name Is Not Isabella: Just How Big Can a Girl Dream
Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart
by Candace Fleming
Reading level: Ages 8-12
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (February 8, 2011)
Source: Publisher
Candace Fleming is a non-fiction writing master. There are many books about Amelia Earhart that have been written for children, howev
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 1, 2011
Here’s the scoop on the most popular destinations on The Children’s Book Review site, the most coveted new releases and bestsellers.
THE HOT SPOTS: THE TRENDS
How Picture Books Play a Role in a Child’s Development
20 Sites to Improve Your Child’s Literacy
Superhero Books: Batman, Superman, Spider-Man
Where to Find Free eBooks for Children Online
THE NEW RELEASES
The most coveted books that release this month:
by Shaun Tan
(Ages 8-12)
Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad
by Jacky Davis
(Ages 3-7)
The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Midnight
by L. J. Smith
(Young Adult)
by Jane O’connor
(Ages 4-8)
Scorpia Rising: An Alex Rider Misson
by Anthony Horowitz
(Young Adult)
THE BEST SELLERS
The best selling children’s books this month:
PICTURE BOOKS
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By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 1, 2011
To Tell the Truth
Princess Kim and too much truth
By Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Reading level: Ages 4-7
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Albert Whitman and Company (March 1, 2011)
Source: Author
What to expect: Themes regarding honesty and empathy
Ever find yourself in an awkward situation at the supermarket or the mall when your little one points to someone who’s different and makes an unkind—but in all honesty, truthful—comment? It’s happened to me any number of times and each time I found myself wishing there was a book or a song or something that could help me explain the difference between being honest and being hurtful. And as if the literary gods had heard my plea, here is the book I’d longed for.
Princess Kim and too much truth tells the tale of little Kim and her decision to always tell the truth. No matter if that truth is hurtful or mean. We follow Kim from the breakfast table to the school bus to her classroom, telling the truth to all around her but hurting her friends’ feelings along the way. Without giving away more of the story, Kim eventually realizes that there’s a difference between always telling the truth and being honest. And that finding something nice to say is a thousand times better than hurting anyone’s feelings.
Add this book to your collection: Princess Kim and Too Much Truth
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By Tina Vasquez, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 28, 2011
The Crows of Pearblossom
by Aldous Huxley (Author), Sophie Blackall (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 28 pages
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers (March, 2011)
Source: Publisher
For anyone who’s ever taken a high school English class, the name “Aldous Huxley” may ring a bell. That’s because the English writer was the author of Brave New World, a now classic piece of literature about a futuristic society. In the children’s book The Crows of Pearblossom, we get to see a different, softer side to the prolific writer.
In this charming tale we’re introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Crow, who live in a cottonwood tree above an old rattlesnake. Mrs. Crow, a devoted wife and avid homemaker, has wanted baby crows of her own for years and can’t quite figure out what happens to her eggs when she goes off to the market each day. The astute reader will quickly figure out that the old rattlesnake is the one eating Mrs. Crow’s eggs each day, but when she finds out one afternoon it comes as quite the shock.
When Mrs. Crow informs her husband of what the rattlesnake has been doing, Mr. Crow and his friend Old Man Owl devise an ingenious plan to teach the rattlesnake a lesson and keep him from eating any more of Mrs. Crow’s eggs.
It’s a simple, sweet story, but what really brings it to life are the brilliant illustrations created by Sophie Blackall, who gives each creature in The Crows of Pearblossom an infinite amount of charm and character. From Mr. Crow’s hat and briefcase and Mrs. Crow’s pearl necklace and polka dot dress to the rattlesnake’s “rattle watch” and Old Man Owl’s bunny rabbit slippers, Blackall has created an intricate world that these soon-to-be-beloved creatures inhabit. Hopefully, this delightful tale will become a classic, much like Huxley’s other works.
Add this book to your collection: The Crows of Pearblossom
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By Phoebe Vreeland, The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 26, 2010
Snook Alone
By Marilyn Nelson (Author), Timothy Basil Ering (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 5 -10
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Walker & Company (January 2011)
Source: Library
How might you discuss subjects like longing and faith with young children? Marilyn Nelson has given us a gem of a spring board with the book Snook Alone. She has chosen the ideal protagonist for such a lofty subject: the faithful dog. Masterfully illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering, the story takes us to a faraway atoll in the Indian Ocean where Abba Jacob, a contemplative monk, spends his days in silence, prayer and work shadowed by his rat terrier Snook. As the monk rises early to sit for prayer, Snook curls up behind him, closes his eyes, and takes in all the sounds of the island in early morning. While the monk tends to his chores, Snook faithfully shadows his master, dutifully hunting rats and mice. The two even share the monk’s modest lunch. “Each day was a striped flag of silence, work, food, silence, work, silence.”
Click to enlarge
That is, until one day when Abba Jacobs travels by motor boat to a nearby island to catalog the flora and fauna. Snook goes along for the “micing.” A storm comes up and Snook is abandoned alone on the island. Here begins his great adventure. The terrier fares quite well as a survivor, yet all the while longing for the return of Abba Jacob. Snook, as we know, is an expert listener. The painting of him poised, alert at the sea’s edge listening for Abba Jacob is heartbreaking. “Every molecule listened for his friend.” Who has not witnessed the intensity of a dog waiting for the return of his master? Pure faith. Deep concentration…meditation.
As author Marilyn Nelson says, the book can be read on two levels. On the surface it is an adventure story—Robinson Crusoe with a dog cast away. This gives the book great boy and nature lover appeal with the interaction between Snook and the native animals that have never seen such an “exotic” creature and vice-versa. The interaction between Snook and a sea turtle laying eggs on the beach proves epiphanous for Snook and fosters the seed of compassion in him.
Illustration by Timothy Basil Ering
Abandoned, Snook eventually becomes quite feral—“a wolf-size cloud of stink”—yet he never stops longing for the return of his friend. Abba Jacob’s silence has been replaced by the constancy of the wind, the rhythmic sound of the surf and by the love inside Snook. In essence, Snook’s deep longing becomes the presence of Abba Jacob and the
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JacketFlap tags: Lewis Carroll, Disney, Alice in Wonderland, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Books into Movies, Add a tag
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 10, 2011
Alice In Wonderland (Two-Disc 60th Anniversary Blu-ray/DVD Combo)
Language: English
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: February 1, 2011
Run Time: 75 minutes
Source: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
There are many reasons why Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite Disney movies for children, not only does it nurture the imagination, the absurdity and the senselessness speak directly to a child’s humor. And, unlike many other movies for children, no deep emotions or feelings are over explored (besides curiosity)—a few chuckles from an adult in the right places can get a sensitive child through the brief-but-dramatic ending when the Queen of Hearts is yelling, “Off with her head.” If you’re not offended by the hookah-smoking, cranky caterpillar (r u?), Disney’s Alice in Wonderland is a great interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s famous pieces of literature Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, it captures the essence of dreams and the brilliance of a child’s imagination.
One of the bonus features, “Reflections On Alice“, offers insight to Alice’s journey from Lewis Carroll’s clever mind to animated movie character. The movie and this featurette combined, offers an additional learning segment for those that are exploring Carroll’s books; opening up opportunities for character discussions, comprehension, and exploring the differences between paper and screen. Perhaps watching the movie first could lure a reluctant reader into the world of classic literature?
Alice in Wonderland is like a little bottle of nostalgia begging to be enjoyed with each new generation.
Add this DVD to your collection: Alice In Wonderland (Two-Disc 60th Anniversary Blu-ray/DVD Combo)
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Read the books: “Alice” Favorites
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By Tina Vasquez, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 7, 2011
Bonyo Bonyo: The True Story of a Brave Boy from Kenya
By Vanita Oelschlager (Author), Kristin Blackwood and Mike Blanc (Illustrators)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 42 pages
Publisher: Vanita Books (April 1, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Bonyo Bonyo: The True Story of a Brave Boy from Kenya is a must-read for every American child. In the land of plenty, it’s vital to remind yourself and your children of how lucky they are to live in a country where education is considered a human right. Bonyo Bonyo is the moving story of real life Dr. Bonyo and his dream of becoming a doctor, as told by Bonyo himself to author Vanita Oelschlager.
Despite overcoming extraordinary circumstances and unbelievable hardships, Bonyo’s story is relayed in a way not intended to illicit sympathy. The young boy’s experiences are related rather matter-of-factly, giving the impression that it went without question that Bonyo would do whatever necessary to obtain an education.
Growing up in Western Kenya in a family of struggling farmers, Bonyo enjoyed the simple things in life and was a happy child, but it was the death of his sister when Bonyo was nine that forever changed the path his life would take. Akinyi, Bonyo’s sister, died because his village did not have access to clean water or medical care. From that day forward Bonyo swore that he would grow up to put a hospital in his village to help other children like Akinyi.
The problem was that Bonyo’s family could not afford the dollar it would cost to send him to school that year, but a chance encounter with the principal of a school sends Bonyo on an amazing lifelong journey. Eventually, he would find himself at medical school in Texas with a blanket and $11 in his pocket and years later, he would fulfill his lifelong dream.
Illustraion by Kristin Blackwood and Mike Blanc
Bonyo’s emotional journey is only made more beautiful by the illustrations of Kristin Blackwood and Mike Blanc, whose striking artwork will take your breath away. Portions of the book are in vivid, bold colors, while other portions only feature daring black and white silhouettes— though all of it is amazing.
Vanita Oelschlager’s book dedication is the perfect summation of Bonyo’s story and a reminder of the millions like him “whose dreams brought them to America with the promise they might be fulfilled.”
Add this book to your collection: Bonyo Bonyo
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 31, 2010
This year, Chinese New Year falls on February 3, 2011. It is the Year of the Rabbit—the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The rabbit represents hope, and it is widely shared that “People born under the sign of the rabbit are gentle, sensitive, modest, and merciful and have strong memory. They like to communicate with others in a humorous manner. They cannot bear dull life, so they are good at creating romantic or interesting spice…”
The picture books listed below, offer solid introductions into the Chinese New Year and are then followed by some good-old bunny tales to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit.
by Grace Lin
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 34 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (January 8, 2008)
Publisher’s synopsis: This exuberant story follows a Chinese American family as they prepare for the Lunar New Year. Each member of the family lends a hand as they sweep out the dust of the old year, hang decorations, and make dumplings. Then it’s time to put on new clothes and celebrate with family and friends. There will be fireworks and lion dancers, shining lanterns, and a great, long dragon parade to help bring in the Lunar New Year. And the dragon parade in our book is extra long–on a surprise fold-out page at the end of the story. Grace Lin’s artwork is a bright and gloriously patterned celebration in itself! And her story is tailor-made for reading aloud.
Add this book to your collection: Bringing in the New Year
by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith (Author), Lawrence Migdale (Photographer)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Holiday House (October 1999)
Source: Library
Publisher’s synopsis: A Chinese-American boy’s family observes a cherished tradition.
Add this book to your collection: Celebrating Chinese New Year
Celebrating Chinese New Year: An Activity Book
by Hingman Chan
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Asia for Ki
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Add this book to your collection: Interrupting Chicken
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 28, 2010
Winter. A very fun season: Ice skating, skiing, sledding, building snowmen—or snow-ladies—and the perfect excuse for some good-old hibernation. Definition of hibernation: staying inside watching movies, playing board games, and reading books.
From picture books to a young adult novel, check out this uber-cool list …
Picture Books
by Brett Helquist
Reading level: Ages 2-7
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (December 21, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Publisher’s synopsis: Wintertime is here, and that means it is bedtime for Bear. But Bear’s friends don’t think so. They want Bear to come and play outside in the snow. Bear can hear his friends calling. He hears them laughing and playing. Bear can’t sleep. But it’s bedtime! What is a bear to do?
Add this book to your collection: Bedtime for Bear
Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee
by Chris Van Dusen
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (October 27, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Publisher’s synopsis: One winter morning, Mr. Magee and his little dog, Dee, head out bright and early to learn how to ski. But what begins as a pleasant day in the snow quickly goes downhill when a run-in with a curious moose sends them flying through the air and hanging above an abyss! How will Dee and Magee find their way out of this snowy situation? Chris Van Dusen, the creator of Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee and A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee, has crafted yet another fun-filled adventure for Magee fans old and new.
Add this book to your collection: Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee
by Kim Norman (Author), Liza Woodruff (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 3-7
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Sterling (October 5, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Publisher’s synopsis: Author Kim Norman (Crocodaddy) and illustrator Liz
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By Devon Kinch, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 27, 2011
The Spirit of Pretty Penny
The Pretty Penny series became the subject of my thesis while a graduate student in graphic design. I had put off my graduate education until I could afford it – which wasn’t until I hit thirty years old. I spent the better part of my twenties getting my personal finances in order after digging myself out of credit card debt.
The experience of repairing my finances – which is a fancy way of saying I worked two jobs and slowly chipped away at the debt – was transformative. I couldn’t believe I had gotten myself into this kind of trouble. I had a lot of girlfriends who were in the exact same boat, so I set out to create a website and line of products to support thirty-somethings in the repair of their finances. However, as I dug deeper into my research, I discovered that the most effective place to start talking about money was with children. Suddenly, my thesis work underwent a dramatic transformation.
Click to view larger.
Financial experts say that you can begin teaching a child about money as soon as they can differentiate between a nickel and a dime. So what’s the best way to talk to kids as young as four years old about money? I needed a fun and relatable character to spearhead the mission. My childhood heroines were Punky Brewster, Pippi Longstocking and Annie. All three were smart, edgy, and fearlessly independent young girls. They had their own unique style and attitude that endeared me to them. (They also had totally awesome theme songs, but that’s besides the point.) I wanted Penny to embody the spirit of my childhood idols, but be very much a modern girl of today.
Illustration by Devon Kinch.
In each book, Penny takes her readers on new adventures by way of the Small Mall. She will reuse old objects to create new shops, she’ll curate exhibitions, print her own newspaper, direct a film, open a puppy dog beauty salon, and sell original one-of-a-kind creations to her friends and neighbors. She is a true mini-entrepreneur: passionate and resourceful. All the while, she will tackle various financial topics like earning, saving, investing, working with coupons, and understanding advertising. The more emotional aspects of money like stealing, fighting about money, overspending, and need vs. wants will also be explored. Penny will investigate these topics with humor, style, and that can-do spirit that Pippi, Punky and Annie were famous for.
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 14, 2011
by Karen Beaumont (Author), Leuyen Pham (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (January 1, 2011)
Source: Publisher
Who doesn’t like a good pair of shoes? Bestselling and award-winning author Karen Beaumont certainly does. Shoe-la-la is Beaumont’s latest rhyming picture book—and it’s all about, you guessed it, shoes. Four girls—Emily, Ashley, Kaitlyn, and Claire—go on a shopping expedition to find the perfect pair. The girls truly have the ultimate shoe experience in what appears to be an upmarket shoe store. The salesman, a European looking gent complete with curling moustache, brings the girls copious amounts of shoes in every possible style and color. However, sometimes decisions can be so hard to make. In the end, it is the bedazzled versions that the girls make at home that win them over. Rhyme and rhythm come with ease to Beaumont. Her text always flows and has a level of playfulness that enables illustrator LeUyen Pham to truly go to town on the illustrations.
Eeny, meeny, my oh my!
Just don’t know which shoes to buy.
Illustration by LeUyen Pham
Beginning with the sparkling and show-stopping cover, every picture is filled with razzle-dazzle, pizazz, and personality. Using her signature block-print artwork, Pham transforms the story, word for word, into the ultimate girlie experience. She uses mostly pinks and purples in vivid hues, combining them with softer shades and splashes of other less feminine colors which add individuality to each of the characters. At the beginning of the story, two of the girls are dressed in sneakers and one in a pair of Mary Janes and the other in a pair of ballet flats—this carefully selected attire also gives each of the girls an identity of their own. On the whole, Shoe-la-la is deliciously diva-ish, but Pham’s characterisations and humor add the grounded touch that a book of this nature requires.
Ooh-la-la (ha,ha,ha), Shoe-la-la is a fun and feminine treat that I can imagine will be gifted to children, but specifically with some shoe loving moms in mind.
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By Phoebe Vreeland, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 10, 2010
Busing Brewster
by Richard Michelson (Author), R. G. Roth (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 6-10
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (May 11, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Busing Brewster is a book about believing in one’s self, making friends across the barriers of race and the power of strong women in the lives of children—all themes that author Richard Michelson has written about before. The subject of this recent book is desegregation busing in Boston during the 1970’s. Michelson says he doesn’t aim at a particular reader, but relies upon the publisher to tell him what age his books are geared to. Knopf has targeted this book at ages 6-10, proving that, even after children have learned to read, picture books are still relevant. Michelson is a great believer in the value of visual literacy and a true spokesperson for picture books. He considers book illustrations fine art and his art gallery in Northampton, Massachusetts recently hosted the 21st Annual Children’s Illustration Show.
As a child growing up in a fairly poor Brooklyn neighborhood, racial issues were important to Michelson and have stayed near to his heart. His 2006, book Across the Alley tells of a friendship between a Jewish boy and his African-American neighbor. In 2008, his book, As Good as Anybody, about the friendship between Martin Luther King, Jr. and Abraham Joshua Heschel—a Polish rabbi who joined the Selma march—received starred reviews and won the Sydney Taylor Award Gold Medal.
Busing Brewster is told from the perspective of a six year-old boy who, along with his older brother Bryan, will be bused to an all white school an hour away. From the first page, Brewster’s challenges and support are neatly presented. The chain link fence he must scale to enter the playground is juxtaposed against the arms of his brother Bryan who reaches to catch him. The elements of family, community and familiarity are crucial. Thankfully, Brewster flies beneath the radar of racism somewhat, protected by his age, his brother, and the fact that he can’t read yet. His mother views busing as an opportunity to support the potential she sees in her sons and is encouraged by Central’s facilities: a proper library, art and music classes and a swimming pool. Brewster is buoyed up by his mother’s optimism and goes to bed with anticipation. His brother Bryan goes to bed beating his pillow, dreading rising early for the long bus ride and confronting the discrimination.
The next day, their bus is greeted by picketing adults and unwelcoming school children. Brewster takes a drink from the fountain, a boy shoves him and a fight ensues when Bryan intervenes. All three boys are sent to the library for a day of detention. They soon befriend a white boy whom they call Freckle-face. We see young Brewster’s ability to find similitude. Freckle-face’s laugh reminds him of neighborhood friend Big Earl. He imagines the librarian Miss O’Grady lo
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By Phoebe Vreeland, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 6, 2010
By Candace Fleming (Author), G. Brian Karas (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (August 24, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Children love to hear a good story. Conversely, some children are quite good at telling stories, often spinning a yarn not only to entertain but to get themselves out of a pickle. Author Candace Fleming apparently was one of those children. From a very young age she told great tales. Fortunately, Candace’s parents called her “imaginative” and encouraged her to write her stories down. In fifth grade, she wrote a ten page mystery so clever that it was “awarded” a Newbery. (She actually peeled it off the cover of the class copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond.) A lover of history, language, and literature, today Fleming writes award-winning books for children of all ages.
Clever Jack Takes the Cake is her most recent collaboration with illustrator G. Brian Karas. Previously, the team had great success with Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! and its sequel Tippy-Tippy-Tippy, Hide! This new book is an original fairy tale replete with classic characters and a noble message. Karas is a prolific illustrator and children’s author who has received copious awards and honors. He typically renders his drawings in pencil and gouache in a style that has proven appealing to the child’s eye. Fairy tales aren’t new for Karas who has illustrated several of the fractured variety for Frances Minters. Sleepless Beauty, whose villain caught my eye thanks to a New York Times review, appealed to urban Manhattan-ites. But Fleming’s fairy tale takes place “long ago” and Karas’ pallet of sepia and gold establishes just the right “Once upon a time” feel.
The story begins when a poor boy named Jack receives an invitation to the princess’ tenth birthday celebration. His mother says, “What a shame you can’t go…we’ve nothing fine enough to give her and no money to buy a gift.” This doesn’t deter Jack. Jack is a resourceful, “glass half full” kind of lad—scrappy and creative. By the end of the day, after trading his few belongings and putting in a bit of hard work, he has made a beautiful birthday cake adorned with the reddest, juiciest, most succulent strawberry in the land. A cake so fine it puts a proud smile on his mother’s weary face.
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