Book Reviews
Fiction: In the Bookstore
The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo, award winning author of The Tale of Despereaux, The Tiger Rising, Because of Winn-Dixie, and more!Candlewick Press, Sept. 2009
There is no way that The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo won't entrance and enchant you! The plot is thick with delicious anticipation: Could the fortuneteller's strange words possibly come true?
The cast includes a fascinating bunch of well-developed characters that interweave in each other's life in the most interesting ways. Kate DiCamillo's writing elevates this story into a work of unforgettable fiction.
Parents/Teachers: In the Bookstore
Your Child's Strengths: A Guide for Parents and Teachers by Jenifer Fox M.Ed. Now in paperback!
Penguin, Reprint Edition, 2009
A MUST-READ, must-pass-on, must-talk-about book for every parent, every taxpayer, and everyone in education!
Your Child's Strengths has the potential to revolutionize the educational system in the United States, by empowering one parent at a time. 6,000 U.S.children drop out of school, not every year nor month nor week, but every day in the United States; 1.1 million students per year. Finally, here is an educator who not only tells us why, but how kids become disengaged from learning, and what we, as parents, teachers, and an educational system can do about it without blaming children and instead, focusing on strengths. click here to read more
Picture Books: In the Bookstore
Lulu’s Pajamas by Luci Papineau, illustrated by Stephane Jorish, Kids Can Press, Fall 2009
Lulu is an adorable, energetic little mouse and she knows comfort when she feels it. Her favorite pajamas are “as soft as a butterfly kiss.” So soft and comfortable, in fact, that Lulu decides one morning to never take them off.
And so, Papa takes Lulu to school in her pajamas, except he is wearing his pajamas too. Naturally, her friends laugh. During art time, Lulu spills some paint on her beloved pjs; making a caterpillar, glue drops on them; dancing makes them dusty; spaghetti makes them even more coloful. By the end of the day, she is so dismayed, she decides never to wear them again, and decides to sleep in her orange ballerina dress. Mama and Papa are wise and gently nudge her in the right direction, but in the end it is Lulu who makes the decision about when to wear which garments.
The watercolor paintings have beautiful colors and fine lines on warm cream-colored background, adding to the cozy feeling of the story. The expressions on the mice are subtle, but paired with some great body language, characters like Lulu come brightly alive. This artist also illustrated another great Kids Can Press book, Suki’s Kimono.
Lulu’s Pajamas is a charming, sweet story of a little mouse struggling to learn what she likes and what is appropriate when–a theme all young children can relate to. Well done.
All Ages: In the Bookstore
Heartbeat for Horses
by Laura Chester, photographs by Donna Demari, Willow Creek Press
"...big, wonderful creatures who give us so much of their animal warmth, who bring us their stillness as well as their power, who give us the sound of their hoof beats, forever imprinting our hearts."
A collection of poems, excerpts from fiction and autobiograhy, and stunning photographs, this magnificent tribute to a most beloved animal and the writers who love them is something special. From Will James to Jane Smiley, and from the classic Black Beauty to contemporary Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight, words on the page bring alive the senstivity, sense, and intelligence of horses and their relationships with people. This collection of writings and photographs, divided into three sections, "Heartbeats," "Hoofbeats," and "Drumbeats," is expertly compiled.
An excellent choice for school and home libraries, for gifts, and for those who may need to be inspired by reading about something they love. If you were not a horse lover before you read this book, you surely will have a new appreciation for the beauty of horses after.
Picture Books: In the Bookstore
A Small Surprise
by Louise Yates, Knopf, 2009
An adorable, personality-fillled bunny discovers the pros and cons of being small amid the large or long circus animals. The guessing games begins with the bunny saying, "I am too small to..." Children have a chance to guess before turning the page to find the answer. Despite being too small to do many things like tie shoes, the bunny finds magic in what he can do. Obviously, the story is a vehicle to help young children feel good about themselves, no matter how little in size and young in abilities.
The large cartoon-like circus animals all have very expressive eyes and show great energy. Lots of light comes through the colors and backgrounds of the pictures. There is much to look at on every page, but offers the opportunity to talk with young kids while reading aloud.
Picture Books: In the Bookstore
Room for One More
by Matthew Price, illustrated by Ian P. Benfold Haywood
Matthew Price Limited, 2008
One lucky day we all went shopping...but what happens next is anything but an ordinary shopping trip. Along the way they first rescue a frog and put him in a jar. On subsequent pages, the jar becomes a flap to open with the frog underneath. And so it goes with the kitten, the canary, a mouse, and a puppy that Mommy wants to rescue. Daddy draws the line at bringing home an elephant, but the last scene is of an idyllic countryside teeming with more animals, and the child remembers that "Mommy says there's always room for one more."
The illustrations are cheery and charming; it's a beautiful summer day for a family adventure. The story is clear, building on each animal rescued and the lift-the-flap added one by one. Preschoolers and kindergartners, especially, will love "reading" what's under the flaps and guessing just what will happen next. Bottom line: it's just plain fun to read with a child.
Preschool/Toddler: In the Bookstore
Have You Ever Seen a Duck in a Raincoat?
by Etta Kaner, illustrated by Jeff Szuc (The Have You Ever Seen Series)
Kids Can Press, 2009
The animals in human garb are silly and fun, just like they are supposed to be. So, if cheetahs don't wear soccer cleats, what does help them run? The goofy acrylic paintings of a duck, whale, eagle and more are followed by clear and simple information about how wild creatures keep dry, stay warm, protect their eyes, and other interesting tidbits. An imaginative invitation that will spark interest in the natural world.
All Ages: In the Bookstore
My People
by Langston Hughes, photographs by Charles R. Smith
Athenuem/Simon & Schuster, 2009
As Charles Smith tell us, it's a challenge to put pictures to an eloquent poem of only thirty-three words by one of America's best loved poets. Though the background is largely black, Smith does an outstanding job of illuminating glorious faces next to large text of this simple but affecting poem. As you can probably tell from the cover alone, what Langston Hughes wrote, back in the 1920's, is as true today as it was then: The night is beautiful, so the faces of my people. A timeless and excellent choice for young and old alike.
Poetry: In the Bookstore
A Whiff of Pine, a Hint of Skunk: A Forest of Poems
by Deborah Ruddell, illustrated by Joan Rankin
McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, 2009
Sometimes funny ( A Wild Turkey Comments on His Portrait), sometimes dramatic (The Forest's Royal Family), the rhymes and illustrations are always engaging and excellent to read aloud. Subtle yet beautiful watercolors show the beauty of the forest, the bright and subtle colors of nature, AND the character of each forest topic, whether it be the "Biography of a Beaver" or "Eau de Forest." Whether you "Ponder yonder salamander," (Ode to a Salamander), or find yourself in the middle of "Chipmunks, Inc." who work all daty in pinstriped suits without a word of thanks, faithfully investing in the Acorn Savings Bank," you and your child will find delight in each poem.
Preschool/Toddler: In the Bookstore
Have You Ever Tickled a Tiger?
by Betsy Snyder, Random House, 2009
OK, so I love a book for the wee ones that asks questions and invites participation like this sturdy touch-and-feel does. The usual "touched" and "kissed" verbs are included along with the more inviting "fluffled" and "tickled." Each question is accompanied by an illustration with a soft belly, prickly body, or willowy feathers to feel. Two-line rhymes follow each question.
The pictures are pleasing and bright, the text is just the right amount, and the interactive questions and textures are fun. All in all, a fun addition for our youngest readers.
Toddler/Preschool: In the Bookstore
Oops-a-Daisy
by David Algrim, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
Golden Books, 2009
Little kids have calamaties of all sorts seemingly all the time. In this gentle, affirming, lift-the-flap board book, it's really OK to drop your ice cream, make a mess painting, or even have a potty accident. Caring adults and kids both make mistakes and assure each other that, oops-a-daisy, there is no sense crying over spilled milk. Soft people and colors add to the warm and comforting nature of the story.
Visit The Field Guide to Parenting Children's Bookstore to learn more about any of these titles.