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Children's Bookwatch

Volume 25, Number 9 September 2015 Home | CBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Social Issues Shelf Cookbook Shelf
Native American Shelf Folktale/Fairytale Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Graphic Novel Shelf Audiobook Shelf Music CD Shelf
Multimedia Shelf Judaic Shelf Biography Shelf
Geology Shelf Board Book Shelf Picturebook Shelf
SciFi/Fantasy Shelf Fiction Shelf Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Fantasy/SciFi Shelf Books in Series  


Reviewer's Choice

Farmer David: The Dunster Show
Stuart Crane, author
Zack McLoughlin, illustrator
Outskirts Press, Inc.
10940 S. Parker Road - 515, Parker, CO 80134
www.outskirtspress.com/farmerdavidthedunstershow
9781478748335 $26.95 www.amazon.com

"Farmer David: The Dunster Show" is a cheerily illustrated chapter story based upon the author's rural boyhood experiences on a farm in Somerset, England, near Dunster. It is Dunster Show time and all the animals and people of Cherry Blossom Farm are busy getting ready for their competition class entries. The family farm has seven major entries - a giant marrow, a ram named Rambo, a milk cow named Daisy, a bull named Henry-a-Bull, a rooster named Dougal, a working sheepdog named Bryan, and a jumping horse named Flying Fred. Farmer David and wife Kaci have much to do to prepare the entries. Finally the day of the beginning Dunster Show arrives and all the Cherry Blossom Farm entries are packed up and transported to the show, in the meadow near the castle. The story of each competition is exciting, from the giant marrow to the Dunster Hunt Cup. In the end, Cherry Blossom Farm collects a pile of lovely trophies and awards, and the family and animals return to Cherry Blossom Farm in a glow. To extend the fun, there are 8 Comprehension Tests, with answers, to help young readers remember and recount chapter details from each competition story. "Farmer David: the Dunster Show" is a charming collection of English rural show memories that will appeal to a wide audience of readers.

Who Handles RETURNS? And, Maybe Repayment?
Daniela Gherghel, author
Max Scratchmann, illustrator
www.maxscratchmann.com
Bouncy Books, Publisher
8 Bellbury Cres., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M2J 3J7
9781511561181 $9.13 www.amazon.com

"Who Handles RETURNS? And Maybe Repayment?" is a hilarious, zany, rhyming story about how stop tolerating a new sibling..... or maybe how to reconsider the situation. Filled with colorful cartoon-like illustrations a la Dr. Seuss, "Who Handles RETURNS?" never stops delivering fun, even while complaining. The gist of the story is, big sister Leeanna's world has been disrupted and changed by a demanding, grubby newcomer who can do no wrong in mommy's eyes, and someone must pay. But in the process of deciding to go in search of the delivery stork to make the complaint, a funny thing happens. The list of Leeanna's complaints somehow transforms into a list of funny, good things that she will always associate with her baby sister. Maybe having a little usurper move in isn't so bad, in a few more years, Leeanna will be five, then surely she can share many of her baby toys with her little sister, whom she really doesn't mind so much after all..... "Who Handles RETURNS?" will ring a loud bell for every older sibling who remembers a similar experience. Children and adults will embrace this new first time classic from a talented team.

The Old Man and The Tree
Richard Schlatter, author/illustrator
SDP Publishing Solutions, LLC
PO Box 26, East Bridgewater, MA 02333
9780991316786 $13.95 www.amazon.com

"The Old Man and the Tree" is an inspirational story, based on the author's real life experiences, which appeals to all ages. A quotation by Nelson Henderson underlies the message of "The Old Man and the Tree:" "The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit." Fred began his lifelong friendship with a young maple tree on Applewood Lane when he was a young man. He liked the tree growing in his back yard, but wished it would grow bigger so it could provide more shade. Gradually the years went by, the tree grew, and Fred's appreciation of his friendship with the tree grew also. The two friends grew old together. As Fred aged, he noticed that the aging maple tree had some bad habits, such as shedding helicopter seeds and leaves that he had to clean up. This work grew harder for Fred as he grew older, and finally he told the tree he would have to hire a man to cut the tree down, painful though this was to him. In the end there was only the stump, and Fred was ill with missing his friend, the old maple tree, wishing it could come back. Finally Fred found a helicopter seed from the old tree, planted it in a pot, and transplanted it in the back yard near where the old maple tree had stood. He hoped someday others would enjoy the growing tree's shade, colorful leaves, and sweet songs of birds in its branches. Fred's message to all readers is to make a promise: "I promise to never cut down my friends," because saying or doing the wrong thing can end a friendship forever. "The Old Man and the Tree" has generation-spanning appeal, with its delicate realistic illustrations and heartfelt wisdom.


The Social Issues Shelf

Nobody! A Story About Overcoming Bullying in Schools
Erin Frankel, author
Paula Heaphy, illustrator
Free Spirit Publishing
217 Fifth Avenue North, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1299
www.freespirit.com
9781575424965 $9.99 www.amazon.com

"Nobody! A Story About Overcoming Bullying in Schools" is a creative, appealing book of ways to survive, endure, and prevent or turn around bullying behavior in children. Thomas is a unique blonde boy with glasses whose life is impacted by mean, bullying comments and behavior from Kyle. This makes him feel like nobody, which is very sad. Eventually, with help from some of his friends and teachers, Thomas figures out some tactics to change the way he feels, and to avoid being bullied so much. "Nobody!" has specific suggestions for a child who experiences bullying that are carefully expressed and demonstrated. There are also specific suggestions for kids who are bystanders, or friends of the child being bullied, and even for the child who is bullying. The helpful Reflection questions at the end of the story are good for parents, teachers, and adults to cement the understanding of bullying behavior and what to do about it. A final note about online bullying, or cyberbullying addresses this increasing concern among elementary age children.

Sydney the Monster Stops Bullies
Dr. Tom DePaoli, author
Laurie Barrows, illustrator
Apollo Solutions Business Consulting and Books
www.apollosolutions.us
9781511749954 $12.99 www.amazon.com

"Sydney the Monster Stops Bullies" is a fun new anti-bullying strategies book that is dedicated to all children, relatives, parents, and teachers who stand up to bullies. Filled with fantastic, rainbow-faced three-eyed monster cameos, "Sydney the Monster Stops Bullies" uses hyperbole and comedy to encourage children to tackle fear of bullying. Sydney is a lovable jelly-bean polka dotted monster who protects children from other mean monsters. Sydney loved to teach the children to laugh and appreciate each monster for their different good qualities. Sydney liked to help and cheer the children in many unusual ways, like cleaning up dust bunnies from under the bed and squirting water to clean up the walls after having fun water games. Sydney's day job was working on re-organizing and cleaning closets, so they became places where Sydney and the children could hide and snuggle. Other mean, scary monsters teased Sydney because he was different from them. He was not afraid of the bully monsters. He stood his ground, reported them to monster parents and teachers if they became too mean. They helped teach all monsters not to bully, to be kind, and to talk about problems or issues. Sydney also became a famous monster hero for helping to rescue children from a burning house. He knew exactly where the children were in the house because he had played there with them, and could show the firemen where to go to rescue them. Sydney was made an honorary fireman for his rescue efforts, and the other mean bully monsters no longer teased him. "Sydney the Monster Stops Bullies" is a wonderful children's anti-bullying story because it offers new tools to children to overcome bullying, such as using their imagination, sense of humor, and finding something good in every different person or monster.


The Cookbook Shelf

The Kudzu Cookbook
Carole Marsh Longmeyer, author
Kristen French, illustrator
Gallopade (Bluffton Books)
P.O. Box 2779, Peachtree City, GA 30269
9780635120441 $7.99 www.gallopade.com

"The Kudzu Cookbook: Cooking Up a Storm with That Wild & Crazy Vine That Grows in Miles-per-Hour!" is full of riveting history, befuddling trivia, humor, song, verse, fun, and easy, tasty healthy recipes made with, of course, kudzu! This must be a case of "If you can't beat it, eat it," at first glance. It turns out those evergrowing leaves are in fact nutritious and edible, like so many other greens. Talk about living on a renewable resource! Brought to you from its adopted home in the deep South, here are handy recipes for Kudzu Greens, Kudzu Hush Puppies, Kudzu Quiche, Kudzukraut, Kudzu Stir Fry (Easy), and even Cream of Curried Kudzu and Cauliflower Soup. There is even Kudzu Pizza and Kudzu Pasta. In addition, there are snippets and references and even a song called "The Kudzu Shag!" A home recipe example is Kudzu & Hominy Homestyle Breakfast. An ethnic treat is Kudzu Manju (Kudzu Dumplings in Cherry Leaves), a traditional confection sold in Japan in June and July, made with azuki beans and kudzu powder. "The Kudzu Cookbook" is very witty and fun, more entertaining than your average cookbook. For a zany trip down a kudzu lined lane of plenty, try reading and cooking from "The Kudzu Cookbook" with your kids.


The Native American Shelf

Kunu's Basket: A Story From Indian Island
Lee DeCora Francis, author
Susan Drucker, illustrator
Tilbury House Publishers
12 Starr Street, Thomaston, Maine 04861
9780884484615 $8.95 Www.tilburyhouse.com

"Kunu's Basket: A Story From Indian Island" is a sensitively illustrated story of a Penobscot Indian boy's determined efforts to create a traditional woven ash strip basket. Working at the complex task independently, Kunu encounters many difficulties, but he rejects his father's offer of help, hoping to tackle the task with more success later. He casually requests Kunu's help with ash pounding, ash stripping, and making basket bottoms, giving encouraging tips and instruction while allowing Kunu to experience his own success with each separate task. When Kunu gets discouraged and wants to give up, Muhmum shows him a basket he made when he was Kunu's age, explaining that it took him seven different tries to get the pack basket bottom just right. "Take your time, gwos, and try again," he counseled. A fabulous series of orange and biscuit colored paintings on two pages reveal a complicated series of basket weaving stages that Kunu attempts and finally succeeds. The story unfolds with Kunu working with Muhmum's direction and encouragement through each stage of the basket - making, counseling patience and discernment of rightness and strength at each step of the process. Also woven into the story are reassurances that the legacy of teaching and learning these special ash basket making skills are something passed down from grandfather to grandson in the Penobscot tradition over many generations. Finally Kunu is finished making his first ash carrying basket. He is proud to show it to his father. "Kunu's Basket" is a special tribute to the Penobscot people's history of skilled basket weaving, a task that helped support Penobscot families in past times of need that also provides a way for passing traditions from one generation to the next. Thus "Kunu's Basket" honors these special bonds and traditions, and shares them with a wider, appreciative audience. The narrative and the stunning but gentle paintings complement each other perfectly in this beautiful indigenous culture story book, which also includes embedded Penobscot language words and a map of Indian Island, Maine.

An Inuksuk Means Welcome
Mary Wallace, author/illustrator
Owl Kids Books
1700 Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781771471374 $17.95 www.owlkidsbooks.com

"An Inuksuk Means Welcome" is a beautifully illustrated guide to inuksuit, stone landmarks that were built by different Arctic peoples over the last 4,000 years to guide travelers safely and welcome them. Presented as an acrostic, each page represents one letter of the word inuksuk, accompanied by a an Inuktitut word that helps to build a survey or overview of life in the Arctic. Breathtaking paintings of the stone messenger that stands at the top of the world accompany "I is for inuksuk," for example. The narrative is in English, but each word is also written in Inuktitut. Frequent sightings of Inuksuit are found throughout the pages, as welcome guides and figures of culture. At the end of the book, smaller portraits of all seven famous Inuksuit are reproduced and named, with further explanations of their significance and functions. "An Inuksuk Means Welcome" is a multi-sensory tour through life in the Arctic for thousands of years, beautifully presented for children of all ages.


The Folktale/Fairytale Shelf

The Green Musician
Retold by Mahvash Shahegh
Illustrated by Claire Ewart
Wisdom Tales Press
1501 E. Hillside Dr., Bloomington, IN 47401
c/o National Book Network (dist.)
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.nbnbooks.com
9781937786427 $16.95 www.wisdomtalespress.com

The Green Musician is a children's picturebook adaptation of a 1,000 year old story in the Persian "Book of Kings". The tale is of the talented musician Barbad, whose greatest aspiration in life was to play before the king. But the king's court musician Sarkash was jealous, and feared being replaced. He did everything in his power to keep Barbad away from the king. Instead of giving up, Barbad befriended the king's gardener; with the gardener's aid and some masterful camouflage, Barbad discovered a unique way to share his musical gifts with royalty! Beautiful color illustrations and a final page about the historical figure on whom the tale is based enrich this wonderful fable about never giving up on one's dream. Also highly recommended is Joseph Bruchac's "The Hunter's Promise: An Abenaki Tale" (9781937786434, $16.95), retelling a traditional Native American fable about a hunter who falls for a mysterious, magical woman - but when the chief's daughter covets him as a husband, will he forget about his first love?

The Spirit of the Sea
Rebecca Hainnu, author
Hwei Lim, illustrator
Inhabit Media Inc. (Iqaluit)
P.O. Box 11125, Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 1H0
146 A Orchard View Blvd., Toronto, Ontario M4R 1C3
9781927095751 $16.95 www.inhabitmedia.com

'The Spirit of the Sea' is a haunting recreation of an Inuit traditional tale or story, which has many different variants or versions told in different regions. In this story, a beautiful young woman named Arnaq is spoiled by her father, Ataata because she lost her mother at an early age. Arnaq was courted by many successful hunters but she refused all their suits because she did not want to work hard. Living a solitary life near the sea with her father, Arnaq became ensorcelled by a fulmar (seabird) shaman named Qaqulluk who wooed her with tuneful singing promises, filled with deception. She left traveling in his kayak to live with him, believing his lies and promises of wealth and warm furs and good provisions to eat. The reality that awaited her was harsh: her home was smelly, disgusting fish skins, full of holes and cold, and all she had to eat was fish. Lacking warm soft fur pelts, Arnaq tried to make a blanket of a tattered walrus hide sewn together. She wept and sang a song to her father, Ataata, asking him to come and take her away from her wretched marriage and home. Finally after a year, Ataata came in his boat and took Arnaq away in his boat on the sea. Qaqulluk heard from the other fulmers of Arnaq's flight, and he became very angry, stirring up the waves of the ocean with a storm. This threatened the lives of Ataata and Arnaq, and the terrified Ataata tried to save himself by offering Arnaq to the fulmers and waves instead of himself. He thrust her overboard, but she clung to the side of the kayak. He desperately used his long snow knife to cut off her first joints of her fingers and fingernails, which fell into the sea and became whales and whalebones. Then she still clung and he cut off her remaining finger joints, which became seals and swam away. Arnaq sank into the sea surrounded by the sea mammals, while the wretched Ataata survived in his kayak. Arnaq sank to the bottom of the sea to a home of stones and whalebones, and she became Nuliajuq, the spirit of the sea. Sea mammals obey her because they were once part of her. After this, Nuliajuq would become displeased when humans disrespected the land or the sea, and cause great storms and kept the sea animals away from human hunters. Sometimes humans were forced to send a shaman to the depths of the sea to soothe the angry Nuliajuq to obtain a calm sea and good hunting. Nuliajuq also took away the voices of the fulmars so they could not deceive another innocent woman, but they still call and wail in regret. The story of "The Spirit of the Sea" is poetically illuminated with swirling illustrations that express the power of the sea and wind, and the beauty of Arnaq and her fulmer suitor. A pronunciation guide teaches both pronunciations and meanings of Inuktitut words used in this traditional Inuit story.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Amphibians and Reptiles: A Compare and Contrast Book
Katherine Hall, author
Arbordale Publishing
612 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite A2, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
www.arbordalepublishing.com
9781628555516 $17.95 www.amazon.com

"Amphibians and Reptiles" is a new title from the Compare and Contrast series about teaching young readers to use critical thinking skills to explore and understand the natural world around them. "Amphibians and Reptiles" uses detailed color photographs and narrative text to present portraits of three types of amphibians, including frogs and toads, salamanders and newts, and caecilians. This example is followed by four portraits of the four different types of reptiles: crocodylians, tuatara, lizards, worm lizards, and snakes, and turtles and tortoises. The text proceeds to present illustrated facts and traits of both amphibians and reptiles in pairs, making it easy to compare and contrast characteristics of the two different classes of animals. Like all books in the Compare and Contrast series, further learning activities for young readers are included in the For Creative Minds pages, with an additional learning exercise of sorting amphibians from reptiles in photos using clues from the book, information on herpetology, and an amphibian life cycle sequencing word unscrambling game. Also a comprehensive teaching guide is available at www.arbordalepublishing.com. The information in "Amphibians and Reptiles" was vetted by Dr. Kenneth L. Krysko of the Florida Museum of Natural History. "Amphibians and Reptiles" is an excellent natural science teaching resource for students who are early readers.


The Graphic Novel Shelf

Drowned City
Don Brown
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
9780544157774 $18.99 www.hmhco.com

Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina & New Orleans arrives on the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and uses Brown's art and mixed with a you-are-there approach to bring to life the disaster that Katrina brought to New Orleans. The difference between this survey and others lies in its use of a graphic art and comic format, which uses full color to capture the interest of kids who normally read comic books and eschew other books.


The Audiobook Shelf

Charlie Bumpers vs. The Perfect Little Turkey
Bill Harley, author and narrator
Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
1700 Chattahoochee Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30318-2112
9781561458936 $16.95 www.peachtree-online.com

Read by the author (Parents' Choice, ALA, and Grammy Award-winner Bill Harley), Charlie Bumpers vs. The Perfect Little Turkey is an unabridged audiobook rendition of the fourth book in the Charlie Bumpers series following a precocious fourth grader. Thanksgiving is fast approaching; the big family dinner is scheduled to be at the bumpers household, and Charlie dearly looks forward to Uncle Ron's arrival. Uncle Ron always brings something cool (and maybe a tiny bit dangerous?) for the kids to do. But Charlie will also have to deal with another guest, in his very own room - his irritating younger cousin Chip! A rollicking, rambunctious adventure, Charlie Bumpers vs. The Perfect Little Turkey is an excellent pick for public and school library children's audiobook collections. 2 CDs, 2 hours 12 min.

The Boxcar Children: The Mystery of the Empty Safe
Created by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Narrated by Aimee Lilly
Oasis Audio
289 Main Place, Carol Stream, IL 60188
9781613755099 $9.99 www.oasisaudio.com

The Boxcar Children: The Mystery of the Empty Safe is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of novel #75 in the classic young adult mystery series following the Alden children, who once lived in a railway boxcar. In The Mystery of the Empty Safe, the Alden children are helping out at neighborhood birthday parties; then a house's hidden safe is robbed during the fun. It's up to the Boxcar Children to uncover the culprit's identity! A brief, engaging adventure that will appeal to all ages, The Boxcar Children: The Mystery of the Empty Safe is especially recommended for public library young adult audiobook collections. 2 CDs.


The Music CD Shelf

Ralph's World Rocks and Reads
Ralph's World
Waterdog Records
$14.98 CD / $7.99 download www.ralphsworld.com

Ralph Covert (a.k.a. "Ralph's World") presents Ralph's World Rocks and Reads, a family-friendly music album collecting songs based on his children's books. The album comes packaged with a mini-picturebook illustrating the song "Do the Math". Lighthearted and just a touch educational, Ralph's World Rocks and Reads encourages young listeners to discover the joy and adventure of reading. Highly recommended! The tracks are "Follow the Leader and Dance", "Welcome to Christmas Wood", "Me and My Animal Friends", "Monster", "We Are Ants", "Freddy Bear the Teddy Bear", "Harry's Haunted Halloween Circus", "Happy Lemons", "Dump Truck", "Peggy's Pie Parlor Polka", "Emily Miller", "Do the Math", "Surfin' in my Imagination", "River Flow", "Sunny Day, Rainy Day, Anytime Band", "Old Red #7", and "Sawdust and Spangles".

Meshugana
Joanie Leeds and the Nightights
Limbostar
$15.00 joanieleeds.com

Multi award-winning singer-songwriter Joanie Leeds teams up with The Nightlights to present Meshugana, an all-ages music album filled with songs and stories about Jewish traditions. Individual tunes teach young listeners about Jewish holidays, culture, and more; a few Hebrew phrases are incorporated, but the songs are primarily in English. Inspired by a decade of teaching in Jewish nursery schools, summer camps, and more, Meshugana is a wonderfully educational experience for children of all backgrounds. The tracks are "Meshugana", "Ahava", "Hello, Goodbye, Shalom", "Honey and Apples", "Al Cheit", "Sukkah Shakin'", "Spinning", "Tu Tu Tu B'Shevat", "Haman", "Mi Chamocha (Wade in the Water)", "PJ Party", "Lila Tov", and "Mayim".

Now That We're Friends...
Mil's Trills
Privately Published
$12.99 CD / $9.99 download www.milstrills.com

Now That We're Friends... is the second album by award-winning children's musician group Mil's Trills, created especially little ones but with a catchy appeal to all ages. The free-spirited, sing-along songs embody valuable life lessons, embracing the theme of cooperative friendship. Highly recommended! The tracks are "Say Hey" (2:22), "Let's Be Friends" (2:17), "Singing Together" (2:26), "Special" (3:28), "Y.A.Y. (You Are You)" (2:23), "Everybody's Got a Body" (3:01), "Just a Little Bit" (2:06), "Great Big Sky" (2:46), "When You're Gone" (2:26), "All of the Colors" (2:52), "I Believe in Love" (2:42), and "Be Kind" (3:07). 32 min.

Chips & Salsa
Rolie Polie Guacamole
Privately Published
$15.00 www.roliepolieguacamole.com

Award-winning "kindie" guitar/bass/drum musicians Rolie Polie Guacamole present Chips & Salsa, their fifth album brimming with delightful lyrics and upbeat rhythms. Intended especially for little ones ages 2-7, most of the songs are playful, original creations; some reinforce positive habits such as "Always Brush Your Teeth", while others are just good clean fun. A heartwarming performance of the classic "This Land Is Your Land" rounds out this excellent, family-friendly collection. The tracks are "Rolie Polie Guacamole", "Always Brush Your Teeth", "Wake Up Shake Up", "Apples", "Bird Bellyfull", "The Mantis", "Acai", "Hello My Name Is", "Museum of Natural History", "Red Light Green Light", "Central Park", "Carpenter Paul", and "This Land Is Your Land". 37 min.


The Multimedia Shelf

Gustafer Yellowgold's Dark Pie Concerns
Apple-Eye Productions
c/o Redeye Worldwide (distributor)
www.redeyeworldwide.com
$20.00 gustaferyellowgold.com

Part of the delightful Gustafer Yellowgold series, Gustafer Yellowgold's Dark Pie Concerns is a DVD and music CD combo for ages 4 and up. Viewers will enjoy seeing Gustafter Yellowgold, a former resident of the Sun, explore the culinary arts, including the joy of cooking and the tastiness of eating! A medley of upbeat songs pepper this humorous adventure by award-winning cartoonist and songwriter Morgan Taylor. All videos are playable in normal or karaoke style! Highly recommended for family fun. 80 min., playable in all regions.


The Judaic Shelf

Time to Start a Brand New Year
Rochel Groner Vorst, author
Shepsil Scheinberg, illustrator
Hachai Publishing
527 Empire Blvd., Brooklyn, NY 11225
9781929628537 $10.95 www.hachai.com

"Time to Start a Brand New Year" is a bright and cheery verse story of the Jewish customary celebration of Rosh Hashanah, with boldly colored illustrations on laminated pages. Children help with apple picking, honey collecting, sending special greeting cards with good wishes, and more. Then there is challah baking and preparation for the special Rosh Hashanah feast after which the family listens to the shofar inviting them to temple worship. Finally, they take a Tashlich trip to a little stream where they pretend to throw all the past year's mistakes into the water to be ready to start a brand new year! "Time to Start a Brand New Year" is fun, educational, and irresistible in its jolly presentation of Jewish Rosh Hashanah celebrations and customs. A glossary list of terms is included on the introductory page, defining terms such as challah, L'Shanah Tovah, mitzvos, Rosh Hashanah, shofar, and Tashlich. Filled with action, celebration, and joy, "Time to Start a Brand New Year" is perfect fall cultural/religious education reading for all students returning to school.


The Biography Shelf

Jean Jennings Bartik, Computer Pioneer
Kim D. Todd, author
Truman State University Press
100 E. Norman Avenue, Kirksville, MO 63501
9781612481456 $32.00 www.tsup.truman.edu

"Jean Jennings Bartik, Computer Pioneer" is an exciting historical biography in the Notable Missourians photo-illustrated series for young readers in grades 4-6. This exciting biography details in 48 pages the history, legacy, and contributions of a significant female pioneer of computer programming, Jean Jennings Bartik. Although she grew up on a farm in Northwestern Missouri, Jean achieved her unique dreams of having an impact on the larger world. Jean helped create the first successful electronic computer. One of her noted sayings was, "If my life has proven anything, it is that women (and girls) should never be afraid to take risks and try new things." From her growing up years in rural Missouri beginning in 1924 to her college days at Northwest Missouri State Teacher's College, Jean progressed steadily, working as a "computer" at the Ballistics Research Lab at the University of Pennsylvania for the military. A Timeline of her significant dates and life events is included, along with many special infobytes from the Jean Jennings Bartik Computing Museum, Northeast Missouri State University and other vetted sources of biographical information. Jean's life and achievements in computer science technology emergence span the years between 1924 and 2011. Inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame along with other ENIAC women programmers, Jean received many awards and honors for her life achievements in computer science. "Jean Jennings Bartik, Computer Pioneer" is characterized by many high interest sidebars of specific cultural and era information, plus a detailed bibliography of books For Further Reading, as well as a list of related websites and other sources. This is a distinguished volume in a highly successful educational series, Notable Missourians. Another recent title from the same series that is also highly recommended is "Stan Musical, Baseball Hero (9781612481517, $32)," by James N. Giglio.


The Geology Shelf

When the Earth Shakes
Simon Winchester
Viking
c/o Penguin Young Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10014
9780670895360 $18.99 www.penguin.com/youngreaders

New York Times journalist, explorer and scientist Simon Winchester has crossed the world to explore the facts about earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis, and provides them here in a vivid and revealing read that ranges from discussions of the science behind world-changing events to the modern-day natural disasters that have affected humans around the world. Color photos, vintage historical images, art, and science blend in a presentation that is lively and contemporary, promising to involve readers with good picture book reading skills in a scientific and human exploration.


The Board Book Shelf

Zuri Pi Wonders Why: Do I Have To Go To School?
Maria Perez-Brown, author
Chuck Gonzales, illustrator
Zwoosh Media, LLC
9780996261104 $9.99 www.Zwooshkids.com

First of the "Zuri Pi Wonders Why" board book series for children ages 2-6, Zuri Pi Wonders Why: Do I Have To Go To School? follows a dark-skinned young girl who is very anxious on her first day of preschool. "Don't you want to help choose a name for your class fish? / Yes... but what if the fish turns into a shark and tries to eat me? // And what if my snacks / turn into chocolate covered-ants?" Fortunately, Mommy has just the secret to encourage her nervous daughter, and preschool just might be more fun than Zuri Pi could ever imagine! Simple, colorful artwork enlivens this wonderful read-aloud book for parents to share with young children.

A Fish to Feed
Ellen Mayer, author
Ying-Hwa Hu, illustrator
Star Bright Books
13 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
9781595727077 $6.99 www.starbrightbooks.com

"A Fish to Feed" is an exciting new board book from the Small Talk Books series to encourage early communication and socialization skills in children from the age of 6 months to 2 years. Featuring interactions between an African American father and young daughter about buying a new live goldfish to care for, "A Fish to Feed" highlights both illustrations and narrative to focus a child's attention on the subject. In addition, this colorful and imaginative board book has circular cutouts to frame featured pictures, encouraging further interactions and analysis by the early reader, with adult encouragement. In each page, the father explains to his daughter exactly what they are looking for, a live goldfish that they can feed and take home to live in a fishbowl. The child discovers a fish to wear, and a toy fish to play with, but these are not the live fish they are seeking, her father explains. Finally the cutout hole frames a live gold fish swimming in an aquarium in a pet shop, and the girl and her father find their fish to feed. The conversational tone of "A Fish to Feed" promotes early language development and awareness, and the book's appealing illustrations increase environmental awareness as well as the concept of cultural diversity. "A Fish to Feed" is a delightful experience to enhance the learning and literacy of very young children. Also highly recommended from this series is a second board book by the same author and illustrator titled "Red Socks (9781595727060, $6,99)."


The Picturebook Shelf

The Seeds of Friendship
Michael Foreman
Candlewick Press
99 Dover Street, Somerville, MA 02144
9780763678340 $16.99 www.candlewick.com

Award-winning children's author Michael Foreman presents The Seeds of Friendship, a children's picturebook about adapting to change. Adam is a dark-skinned young boy from a hot, forested homeland, who feels lonely and uneasy in his new home - a tiny high-rise apartment in washed-out, grey city complex. But he learns of ways to make friends and improve the area around him. A winter snow provides the perfect opportunity to play with other children, and when he goes to school he has further opportunities to make friends. Then he learns the basics of how to raise plants in class. Can a garden of greenery transform the grey concrete of an urban jungle? Gentle illustrations add the perfect touch to this inspiring story. Also highly recommended is Tom Gates' "Everything's Amazing (Sort Of)" (9780763674731, $12.99), a lighthearted, slice-of-life novel that peppers every single page with black-and-white doodles, making it especially accessible to young adult readers ready to take the next step beyond picturebooks.

Whiffy Wilson the Wolf Who Wouldn't Go To School
Caryl Hart, author
Leonie Lord, illustrator
Barron's Educational Series
250 Wireless Blvd., Hauppage, NY 11788
9781438006208 $8.99 www.barronseduc.com

Just in time for back to school worries and snags, "Whiffy Wilson the Wolf Who Wouldn't Go To School" emerges for a smashing debut! Providing a hefty jump start of positive energy for lagging learners, "Whiffy Wilson the Wolf Who Wouldn't Go To School" tackles school beginners' doubts with a dollop of humor, a strong dose of heady verse, and a lot of fun and action. Rollicking illustrations show Whiffy, a wolf with self doubts about starting school, following his friend Dotty to the dreaded educational doors and proceeding to have a thoroughly marvelous time all day long. Dotty squires Whiffy from coatroom to bathroom to classroom, and then to the playground where Whiffy is cheered as the hero of the day at soccer, his favorite! From arts and crafts to math to story time, Whiffy is entranced. At the end, Whiffy declares he could do this every day! But this is Saturday, so he gets to rest and play with Dotty instead and look forward to school on Monday. The jolly narrative verse and whimsical illustrations pull the reader swiftly through the pages quickly. "Whiffy Wilson the Wolf Who Wouldn't Go To School" is destined to become a young readers' classic, cheering on many anxious new beginners to their first day at school.

Shoo, Fly! You Can't Eat Here!
Liller Hamilton, author
Bobbi Switzer, illustrator
Outskirts Press, Inc.
10940 S. Parker Road - 515, Parker, CO 80134
www.OutskirtsPress.com
9781478753634 $16.95 www.amazon.com

"Shoo, Fly! You Can't Eat Here!" is a funny tale about a hungry fly who attempts to sample several healthy lunch entrees of a table of kindergarten students. Bright colored comic illustrations highlight healthy children of different ethnicities sharing a table and different lunch foods. Each in turn waves his/her hands saying, "Shoo, fly! You can't eat here!" when the hungry fly settles on their food or drink. This part can be amusingly read by an adult who mimics different voices for the different boys and girls scaring the fly. Finally, after being refused a share of brown rice, fruit, a whole wheat sandwich, milk, chicken, and broccoli, the hungry fly gives up and flies into the next room, still seeking his lunch! Back to school elementary and kindergarten audiences will love this story, which slips in some nutritious food choice information and acceptance of differences along with its humorous narrative line. "Shoo, Fly! You Can't Eat Here!" doesn't have to preach about cleanliness and sanitary eating practices, the message is delivered by funny comic fantasy, effortlessly.

Button Nose The Sad Little Bear
Gina LoBiondo, author
Brittany Wilder, illustrator
Nephthys Publications
105 Green Briar Lane, Havertown, PA 19083
9780982264881 $ 10.00 www.ginalobiondo.com

"Button Nose The Sad Little Bear" is a creative new children's book, the second title by its author, that has deserved and received multiple juvenile publication awards, including the Silver Mom's Choice Award, the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, and the IndiePENdents Seal of Good Writing. Many years ago, Button Nose was a sad little soft brown teddy bear in a toy store who longed to be loved by his own forever child and family. His happiest time came when he was chosen by a mommy to take home to his own Little Girl. Many happy adventures ensued with Little Girl and Button Nose, but eventually Little Girl began to grow up. Button Nose was sold in a yard sale to another mommy for another little girl. This was the first of several other homes with different families, none of whom seemed to love Button Nose as much as Little Girl had. One day the grown up Little Girl, named Genie, found Button Nose again after a long on-line search for him. How happy they both were! Button Nose was also introduced to Genie's other stuffed friends, Trevor, Chipper, and Muffy. Heartwarming photographs of the real Button Nose and Genie over the years complete this actual story of a girl and her beloved bear. Children will be very comfortable and familiar with the emotions and feelings explored in this cycle of life tale.

Little Golden Bear
K. L. King, author
Doina Cociuba Terrano, illustrator
Book Publishers Network
P.O. Box 2256, Bothell, WA 98041
9781940598352 $16.95 www.bookpublishersnetwork.com

"Little Golden Bear" is a naturalist's story of a young golden bear growing up in Olympic National Park, where there are beautiful snow covered mountains, abundant clear water streams and many forests as habitat for animals, birds, and trees. Little Golden Bear hibernates with his family during winter months. In spring as the bear family awakens hungry from their long winter sleep, Mommy Bear leads the family to rushing waters to learn to fish for delicious, healthy salmon. The water is cold and deep and swift moving, but Little Golden Bear perseveres with his mother's encouragement until he catches his first salmon dinner. Another day, Daddy Bear takes his cub family to the meadow to hunt for berries and honey. Although Little Golden Bear is smaller and slower than his black siblings, he can smell honey from far, far away. After eating many berries, Little Golden Bear leads his family to a log full of honey and shares it with them. Their thick fur coats protect them from the bees stings. Another day, Little Golden Bear observes a human family preparing food at their campsite in Olympic National Park. He is curious and drawn by the food, but his siblings are endangered by the sound of a gunshot, fired into the air by a frightened man. Little Golden Bear rises on his hind legs and bravely advances towards the source of the gunshot. This frightens the man away, and the bear family soon also decide to retreat, leaving the human camp alone. All the pages of the three chapters of "Little Golden Bear are illuminated with wonderful paintings of Little Golden Bear and the bear family in their beautiful Olympic National Park Home.

How the Trees Got Their Voices
Susan Andra Lion, author/illustrator
Satiama
P.O. Box 1397, Palmer Lake, CO 80133
9780983268758 $16.95 www.satiama.com

Already a multi award-winning title, "How the Trees Got Their Voices" is a nature story of the interconnectedness of species in a forest setting. Filled with intricate, colorful, appealing illustrations of trees, plants and animals in a typical mother Earth forest, "How the Trees Got Their Voices is actually at least two stories in one book. The first story is narrated in text beneath each page-filled illustration, explains the ancient magical myth tale of how the trees got their voices. Enchanting illustrations show the face of Mother Earth and the sighing presence and voices of the trees as they give their precious gifts to all the creatures they shelter. A second layer of the story is presented in many embedded sidebars of information and ideas about the trees, animals, birds, insects, and flowers that live with the trees. A stunning central illustration shows a maple tree trunk with falling leaves overshadowing a cross section of different hibernating creatures cradled and cuddled in burrows beneath the roots, including a fox, rabbits, a bear family, a skunk, a toad, mice, a bobcat, and ants, plus seed caches. Lovingly presented and peopled with living trees who shelter all manner of earth's creatures, "How the Trees Got Their Voices" is a children's classic, destined for many hours, days and years of enjoyment and wonder.

Mummy Cat
Marcus Ewert
Clarion Books
c/o Houghton Mifflin
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
9780544340824 $16.99 www.hmhco.com

Lisa Brown provides engaging drawings to accompany the story of a cat who lives in a pyramid and roams the tomb, longing for his owner. As he passes under murals that display his young Egyptian queen, he relives the events of centuries past in a tale hidden in hieroglyphs and time. Add a rollicking rhyme and a fun concept of afterlife and you have an engaging, different perspective on early Egyptians and their pets.

Red Cloud's War
Paul Goble
Wisdom Tales Press
PO Box 2682, Bloomington, IN 47402
9781937786380 $16.95 www.wisdomtalespress.com

Red Cloud's War: Brave Eagle's Account of the Fetterman Fight December 21, 1866 provides a commemorative edition marking the 150th anniversary of Red Cloud's War, and tells the tale of what happened using the thoughts of Brave Eagle, a fictional young Lakota warrior. This new edition enhances the original with a new layout, updated text, digitally enhanced artwork, and a new foreword by storyteller/author and Native American Robert Lewis, making it an outstanding survey for newcomers and those who wish to update their older editions.

Tundra Books
75 Sherbourne Street, 5th floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5A 2P9
www.tundrabooks.com

Maureen Fergus's InvisiBill (9781770496132, $19.99) receives fun drawings by Dusan Petricic as it tells of a boy who suddenly becomes invisible, even to his family. Nobody notices his request to pass the potatoes at dinner - but surprisingly, this results in something wonderful, and terrible. The unexpected gift a too-distracted family gives to an ordinary middle child makes for a lovely picture book saga that is hilarious, thought-provoking and unexpected, all in one. The Good Little Book (9781770494510, $18.99) by Kyo Maclear receives fun drawings by Marion Arbona as it provides a fable about a bad boy who encounters a good book. Banished to a study to think about his actions, with nothing else to do, he reluctantly reads - and finds a story that takes him on a journey. Will his newfound companion prove elusive? A fun saga evolves, filled with many unexpected moments. Both picture books are recommended for young readers looking for the unexpected in their reading.

Simon and Schuster
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
www.KIDS.simonandschuster.com

Daniel Miyares' Float (9781481415248, $17.99) tells of a boy, a small paper boat, a big imagination, and an adventure. Told in a wordless format, this offers a fun story that takes readers on a float trip of their own as they follow a boy and his boat to their inevitable conclusion. Lynne Berry's Pig and Pug (9781481421317, $16.99) pairs fun drawings by Gemma Correll with an encounter between two pets who are unsure of each other. The two are 'portable pets' that fit in an owner's pocket or purse - but they have very different personalities and bickering and problems emerge. How can they live close together when they are so different? An easy picture book story emerges.


The SciFi/Fantasy Shelf

The Wind and The Sea
Claire M. Caterer
McElderry Books
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
9781442457447 $17.99 www.kids.simonandschuster.com

The Wind and The Sea provides a fine magic sequel to The Key and the Flame and is set a year later since Holly and Ben went to England and visited a fantasy realm there. At this point it's time to return, but the two find that their friends are in prison, their alliance has been destroyed, and an evil sorcerer and a dangerous king are determined to find those they exiled and return danger to the land. Why? As the twists and turns take place, young adults will happily learn there's nothing predictable or dull in a vivid fantasy story that pits siblings against forces they can't understand and can barely cope with.

TOR Starscape
c/o Tor/Forge Books
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
www.tor-forge.com

Kristen Simmons's The Glass Arrow (9780765336613 $17.99) provides a novel in the vein of the classic The Handmaid's Tale and tells of Aya, who lives in a world where females are scarce, prompting men to use them to auction off breeding rights to bidders. Teen Aya has spent her life learning how to hide; but when she's caught by a group of businessmen on a hunting expedition, her world changes. A powerful, compelling saga comes to life in a story of survival set in a dystopian world where the sexes aren't just opposite, but highly unbalanced. Her vivid world comes to life in a blend of sci-fi and thriller touched with just the right dose of social commentary. Alan Gratz's Dragon Lantern: A League of Seven novel (9780765338235, $17.99) receives black and white drawings throughout by Brett Helquist as it tells of Archie Dent, who is convinced that he and his friends are the first three members of a new group of heroes destined to fight the Mangleborn monsters who are out to destroy humanity. They pursue a shape-shifting girl who has stolen an ancient artifact, and the course of their journey takes them to find Madame Blavatsky in New Orleans - the only person who knows how Hachi's father really died. New friendships, new heroes, and new revelations make for a fast-paced story of intrigue and fantasy.


The Fiction Shelf

Castle in Danger
Karen Rita Rautenberg
Wonderberry Press
9780990495307 $8.99 http://karenritarautenberg.com

Written especially for young adult readers ages eight and up, Castle in Danger is a historical novel set in the early 14th century. The adventure follows Emma, a pretty and compassionate girl, who lives with her wealthy father Baron Geoffrey in a gigantic castle. She befriends a handsome young peasant, Thomas, after he rescues her from an accident. The two of them embark on adventures to find Emma's cousin Helen (who was taken away as a small child); contest thieves who try to plunder the castle's silver, gold, and jewels; defy the greedy ambitions of evil Lord Utredus, who wants to seize the castle by force; and more. Can Thomas ever realize his dream of becoming a knight? An extraordinary glimpse into the daily life, harships, and challenges of the Middle Ages, Castle in Danger is highly recommended.

Malcolm Under the Stars
W.H. Beck
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
9780544392670 $16.99 www.hmhco.com

Malcolm Under the Stars tells of Malcolm the rat and a variety of Academy classroom animals who are looking forward to a calm semester at school. The only trouble? Malcolm's been causing most of the trouble and the school board is considering closing their school home, as a result. It's up to Malcolm to follow up on an old legend that might just hold the resources for saving the school. Intrigue, mystery, and resourceful actions on a rat's part make this a fun animal story for kids in grades 4-6.

Random House Knopf
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhousekids.com

John Stephens' The Books of Beginning: The Black Reckoning (9780375868726, $17.99) tells of three siblings who have become guardians of the sacred, magic Books of the beginning. They are on a journey to find the Books and reunite with their parents - but new challenges mean that they may die in the process of saving the world. The Books of Beginning can either make or unmake worlds and people - but are the last hopes of defeating powerful forces. Because this concludes the Books of Beginning trilogy and because so much has gone on in prior books, The Black Reckoning is a powerful recommendation for fans of the others who will find the conclusion logical, compelling, and in many ways satisfyingly unexpected. Gennifer Choldenko's Chasing Secrets (9780385742535, $16.99) is set in 1900 San Francisco and tells of Lizzie, stuck at a snobby school for girls and unable to satisfy her passion for science - something finishing-school girls don't get to explore. Her visits to her physician father allow her to go with him on house calls, there to explore the fact that plague has reached the City - and is not being spoken of. Despite denials, there's quarantine going on - and Lizzie finds herself immersed in the culture and challenges of Chinatown while trying to absorb a dangerous truth about everything she loves. The result is a powerful saga recommended for teens who like swift action, compelling drama, a historical setting, and a spunky protagonist.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

What Waits in the Woods
Kieran Scott
Scholastic Point
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999
www.scholastic.com
9780545691116 $17.99 www.thisisteen.com

What Waits in the Woods tells of city girl Callie, who seeks to bond with her popular new best friends by agreeing to join them on a camping trip, even though she hates the woods. As disaster after disaster strikes, Callie finds herself without resources - and then the bodies begin turning up. Recommended for mature teens, this gripping story of murder, stalking, and mystery creates a powerful plot centered as much around one girl's efforts to fit in as it is around a mystery that could ultimately kill them all.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Knights of 2nd Earth: Tears of an Honorable King
Terry L. Raimey
Black Streak Books
PO Box 4884, Austintown, OH 44515
9780990003069 $11.99 www.blackstreakbooks.com

Knights of 2nd Earth: Tears of an Honorable King is the first book in an urban fantasy/action-adventure series created especially for young adults. The saga follows three teenagers, each from a different background, who awakens to mysterious, alter-ego super-powers that they must use to battle corruption and monsters that threaten their city. Tylan Dean is a mixed-race 13-year-old boy living in the slums of the mega-metropolis of Vanguard. Vanguard's law enforcement, politicians, and big business are all mired in corruption, which only magnifies the suffering of its poorest residents. Tylan's bleak world is changed forever when he encounters a ferocious beast from another world, and suddenly rescued by a green-haired youth who can fly and summon powerful wind bursts at will. Tylan soon discovers that he also possesses miraculous powers, due to his body-mind connection with a willful fire spirit. Can Tylan keep his incredible new abilities under control? Brimming with adventure, danger, and excitement, Knights of 2nd Earth: Tears of an Honorable King is highly recommended.

Attack on Titan: The Harsh Mistress of the City Part 1
Created by Hajime Isayama
A novel by Ryo Kawakami
Art by Range Murata
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
c/o Penguin Random House (dist.)
375 Hudson Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10014
www.penguin.com
9781941220627 $10.95 www.vertical-inc.com

First of a two-part series, Attack on Titan: The Harsh Mistress of the City Part 1 is a sci-fi novel for ages 12 and up set in the perilous world of the "Attack on Titan" franchise. The overall saga about humanity's struggle to survive the incursion of monstrous Titans has been adapted to TV animation, video games, and a soon-to-be-released live action feature film. The Harsh Mistress of the City is set shortly after Wall Maria, the outermost defense of humanity, has fallen. Monsters flood the streets, and the town of Quinta is surrounded. Rita Iglehaut is a young Garrison soldier whose sudden rise to power leads to a sharp clash with her childhood friend Mathias Kramer. A handful of black-and-white illustrations enhance this edge-of-seat tense post-apocalyptic adventure! Also highly recommended are the previous Attack on Titan novels, "Attack on Titan: Before the Fall" and "Attack on Titan: Kuklo Unbound", both by Ryo Suzukaze.


Books in Series

Rev Up Your Writing series
The Child's World, Inc.
1980 Lookout Drive, Mankato, MN 56003
$28.50 List / $19.95 Library (each)
9781634071024 $199.50 List /$139.65 Library (set) www.childsworld.com

Rev Up Your Writing is a new seven-book hardcover series for children in grades 2-5 about improving one's writing and communication skills. Each title focuses on a specific type of writing, including its purpose, traits, and means of expression: Lisa Owings' "Rev Up Your Writing in Blogs" (9781634070614), Yvonne Pearson's "Rev Up Your Writing in Fictional Stories" (9781634070621), Julia Garstecki's "Rev Up Your Writing in Informational Texts" (9781634070638), Lisa M. Bolt Simons' "Rev Up Your Writing in Letters and E-mails" (9781634070645), Julia Garstecki's "Rev Up Your Writing in Nonfiction Narratives" (9781634070652), Lisa M. Bolt Simons' "Rev Up Your Writing in Opinion Pieces" (9781634070669) and Amy Van Zee's "Rev Up Your Writing in Procedural Texts" (9781634070676). Colorful illustrations, reader-friendly guidelines, tips for young writers and much more enhance the series. For example, one tip for writing fiction is, "Practice describing settings. Describe the colors, the smells, the sounds, and what things feel like." Highly recommended, especially for public and school library children's collections.

Artie's Party (featuring the Vita-Men!)
Justin Noble, author
Ann Bonin, illustrator
Pakiki Waltnell Publishing
www.MyBodyVillage.com
9780990858201 $7.99 www.PakikiWaltnell.com

Second volume in the My Body Village Series, "Artie's Party" continues the mission of this exciting juvenile educational series to "introduce children to the exciting world inside their bodies." Artie Heart delivers nutrients and oxygen to all the members of My Body Village, starting with twins Larry and Rosie Lung, moving on to Kerry and Kelly Kidney and Lyle Liver, then to Steven Stomach, each of whom is feeling a bit sluggish and under par. Artie promises to do what he can to help them find more pep so they can do their jobs properly, moving on to Betty Bladder and finally to Raymond Brain, who usually knows what to do, working in the Body Control Center. When Artie explained the problem of feeling sluggish and low energy that all the members of My Body Village were having, Raymond suggested that they were not getting enough of the proper nutrients from food choices. Raymond offered to make healthy, natural food choices and to invite an exciting band called The Vita-Men to perform in Body, to help everyone feel stronger and better. Sure enough, when the Vita-Men came to perform, everyone got a good dose of healthy energy that made them feel great and helped them do their jobs better the next day. Brilliant, funny cartoon illustrations bring the characters of My Body Village to exciting life for young readers. Additional activities, videos, and weekly challenges are available to readers at www.MyBodyVillage.com. This exciting, innovative series is designed to educate and entertain children from preschool age on up, giving them a good working knowledge of connections between how they feel and what they eat, the interwoven network of internal organs of the body, and how to make good choices to protect and defend their bodies through vitamins and sound nutrition.

Crabtree Publishing Company
350 Fifth Avenue, 59th Floor, New York, NY 10118
www.crabtreebooks.com

Six new additions to Crabtree's 'Inside Out' series offer readers ages 8 and older a combination of bright, appealing colorful illustration, lively facts, and 32 pages of science material suitable for reports, making for a series that is attractive and promises long shelf life in library collections. James Brow's WETLANDS (9780778706410, $20.70) explores swamps, marshes, bogs and estuaries and the animals that live in different parts of the world, Bow's GRASSLANDS (9780778706335, $20.70) discusses horses, prairie dogs and world grasslands from the Eurasian steppe to the American prairie, Bow's TUNDRA (9780778706397, $20.70) surveys tundras from Alaska and Siberia to Antarctica and contrasts the animals that live there; Robin Johnson's RAINFOREST (9780778706373, $20.70) surveys life in canopies and forest floors alike, while her OCEANS (9780778706359, $20.70) considers coral reefs, tropical and temperate oceans, icy oceans, and more, and Marina Cohen's DESERTS (9780778706274, $20.70) surveys the Mojave, Gobi, Kalahari and other great deserts of the world.


James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com


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