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Grandma Fina and Her Wonderful Umbrellas/La Abuelitas Fina y sus sombrillas maravillosas |
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A Difficult Day, (1999) Eugenie Fernandes. Kids Can Press, ISBN 0-921103-17-4. This is a good book for kids having a bad day. From the awful moment they wake up until bedtime, nothing seems to be going right until they are reassured that Mom still loves them.
A is for the Americas, (1999) Cynthia Chin-Lee and Terri de la Pena, Illustrated by Enrique O. Sanchez. Orchard Books, ISBN 0-531-30194-X. This is a wonderful alphabet book displaying cultures from the Arctic Circle to Argentina.
A is for...? A Photographers Alphabet of Animals, (1999) Henry Horenstein. Gulliver Books, ISBN 0-15-201582-5. Remember The Butterfly Alphabet by Sandved? This book is a great companion book in which Horenstein found and photographed the alphabet on animals.
All-Weather Friends, (1999) Udo Weigelt, Illus. by Nicolas d'Aujourd'hui. North-South Books, ISBN 0-7358-1047-8. This is a funny example of folkloric weather beliefs. In this story, the frog is believed to possess the ability to predict the weather. When things go array, the forest animals, including the frog learn a valuable lesson.
Baby Whale's Journey, (1999) Jonathan London, Illus. by Jon Van Zyle. Chronicle Books, ISBN 0-8118-2496-9. London has a special place in his heart for animals, particularly endangered species. This story about sperm whales portraits the birth and life of these magnificent mammals. London has also included some facts at the end of the book. Look for his other books about California condors, grizzly bears, black-footed ferrets, and the gray wolf.
Bear on the Train, (1999) Julie Lawson, Illus. by Brian Deines. Kids Can Press, ISBN 1-55074-560-3. This story grew out of Lawson's love of trains combined with a story her husband shared about a bear he saw climbing on a train. Knowing this background, can you imagine the great story that became this book.
Blue-Ribbon Henry, (1999) Mary Calhoun, Illus. by Erick Ingraham. Morrow, ISBN 0-688-14674-0. Calhoun fans will be happy to know that there is a fifth book in the Henry the cat series. In this episode, Henry saves a lost child at the fair.
Boy of the Deeps, (1999) Ian Wallace. DK Publishing, ISBN 0-7894-2569-6. This is a beautiful picture book that would work nicely with the movie October Sky. This story is about a young boy, who like his father, goes to work in the mines. His first day is a learning experience that he will never forget.
Building, (1999) Elisha Cooper. Greenwillow, ISBN 0-688-16494-3. From a deserted lot to a completed building, Cooper provides an inside walk through of every detail in the construction process through a sketch book format. Between text and sketches readers will catch the wonderment we all have felt from watching a hole in the ground transform into a splendid building.
Butterfly House, (1999) Eve Bunting, Illustrated by Greg Shed. Scholastic, ISBN 0-590-84884-4. This wonderful book about a child, her grandfather, and a butterfly is about love. If you wish however, to raise butterflies after this beautiful book there is an appendix in the back that tells you how.
Carlos and Carnival/Carlos y la feria, (1999) Jan Romero Stevens, Illus. by Jeanne Arnold. Rising Moon, ISBN 0-87358-733-2. Another book in a delightfully humorous series featuring Carlos who is always learning lessons on life. In this book Carlos is given some birthday money to spend at the carnival in town. He invites Gloria, his neighbor, to the carnival. In his attempts at being cool Carlos learns some valuable lessons about the carnival rides, hawkers and conserving his money.
Cinderella, (1999) Charles Perrault, Illus. by Loek Koopmans. North-South, ISBN 0-7358-1051-6. We are all familiar with a Cinderella story from the multitude of versions found in cultures throughout the world. What makes this remake from Perrault's version special is the illustrations. They express a soft, yet lively story through the rich color choices. The character expressions are vivid and enchanting. Check out another beautiful North-South recreation of a classic, The Nightingale, by Hans Christian Anderson and illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger.
Cook-a-Doodle-Doo! (1999) Janet Stevens & Susan Stevens Crummel, Illus. by Janet Stevens. Harcourt Brace, ISBN 0-15-201924-3. Take one look at this hilarious cooking fiasco and you can be certain Janet's whimsical humor must have been alive and well long before she started illustrating books. This time she brings her sister, Susan in the action to substantiate the evidence. These two have cooked up a creative spin on the story of The Little Red Hen with an enclosed proven recipe to boot, so they claim.
David Goes to School, (1999) David Shannon. Blue Sky, ISBN 0-590-48087-1. Your remember, No, David! by Shannon? This book features David in his first year at school. Anybody who has taught or has a child that marches to his own drummer will take this story to heart.
Different Just Like Me, (1999) Lori Mitchell. Charlesbridge, ISBN 0-88106-975-2. April goes to visit her grandmother. While traveling and visiting Grammie she learns about how everyone is "different...just like me". Readers get a natural sense of the diversity that surrounds us on a daily basis and how the differences are positive qualities.
Franklin's Class Trip, (1999) Paulette Bourgeois & Sharon Jennings, Illus. by Brenda Clark. Kid's Can Press, ISBN 1-55074-470-4. If you have not discovered the popular Franklin series, this book and another new one published this year, Franklin's Neighborhood, are great introductions. The series is geared for preschoolers through first grade. Each book deals with a real problem that children this age can relate to.
Froggy Plays Soccer, (1999) Jonathan London, Illus. by Frank Remkiewicz. Viking, ISBN 0-670-88257-7. Another book in the Froggy series. You can tell that London and Remkiewicz have spent some time at soccer games. Froggy's child like actions on the field and his game winning goal win the city championship for his team.
Girls Together (1999) Sherley Anne Williams, Illus. by Synthia Saint James. Harcourt. This is a beautiful story about friendship between five girls who live in a housing project. Williams' realistic description of the characters reminds you of friends in your own community.
Grandma Fina and Her Wonderful Umbrellas/La Abuelitas Fina y sus sombrillas maravillosas, (1999) Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Illus. by Geronimo Garcia. Cinco Puntos Press, ISBN 0-938317-46-6. Maravilliso! A charming story about Abuela Fina who walks with her umbrella every day. All of her family notices she needs a new one and individually give her one for her birthday. She takes them all to her friends at the community center and keeps her old one for herself.
Happy to be Nappy, (1999) bell hooks, Illus. by Chris Raschka. Hyperion Books, ISBN 078682377-1. bell hooks, a renowned social critic and feminist, wrote this book to celebrate girls and hair. Award winning Chris Raschka teamed with bell hooks makes for a perfect match to the lively verse.
How Are You Peeling? Foods With Moods, (1999) Saxton Freymann & Joost Elffers. Arthur A. Levine Books, ISBN 0-439-10431-9. This book is unique and very ingenious. These two have brought personalities to foods we love to eat. Don't worry this book won't ruin your appetite. It will, however, bring some humor to the table at meal time or to a classroom art project.
Hurry Granny Annie, (1999) Arlene Alda, Illus. by Eve Aldridge. Tricycle Press, ISBN 1-883672-72-4. This is one spunky grandma who wants to treat her grand kids to something special. They race off trying to catch "it". They take in the beauty all the way to where the road meets the water. It is there they catch the surprise. What do you think they caught?
Hush, Little Baby, (1999)Traditional Folk Song, Illus. by Marla Frazee. Browndeer Press, ISBN 0-15-201429-2. Here is a traditional song for young audiences brought to life through illustration. This one will create some memories of comforting times in mommy or daddy's lap.
I Want a Pet, (1999) Lauren Child. Tricycle Press, ISBN 1-883672-82-1. Which child hasn't wanted a pet at one time or another? Sometimes children are certain about which pet is best for them and other times they need time to think and imagine which pet would be best. If you know someone who falls into the mentioned category this is a good book to read.
In My Momma's Kitchen, (1999) Jerdine Nolen, Illus. by Colin Bootman. Lothrop, ISBN 0-688-12760-6. This is a heartwarming story that is sure to recapture a cherished moment in your life. The kitchen is the center of activity in this house and also the place where anything of importance happens. Each episode in the book describes another significant event. This book will inspire telling or writing kitchen stories with all ages.
Jamaica and the Substitute Teacher, (1999) Juanita Havill, Illus. by Anne Sibley O'Brien. Houghton Mifflin, ISBN 0-395-90503-6. Havill has a gift for taking real life incidents from a classroom and turning them into a lesson for young audiences. In this episode from the Jamaica series we learn about honesty and personal integrity.
Jeremiah Learns to Read, (1999) Jo Ellen Bogart, Illustrated by Laura Fernandez and Rick Jacobson. Orchard Books, ISBN 0-531-30190-7. Jeremiah knows how to do many things well. He just does not know how to read. One day he decides it is time and he heads off to school to learn along with the children. Jeremiah's hard work and desire to learn pays off at last when he can read a love poem to his wife. This is a wonderful book.
King Midas and the Golden Touch, (1999) As told by Charlotte Craft, Illus. by K. Y. Craft. Morrow, ISBN 0-688-13165-4. Charlotte Craft does an exceptional job of preserving the moral behind the legendary King Midas. Even though the story was to have originated from the 8th century K.Y. Craft has embellished the story with truly eloquent illustrations in a medieval setting. Between narrative and illustrations this book makes a great read aloud for all ages.
Little Bunny's Sleepless Night, (1999) Carol Roth, Illus. by Valeri Gorbachev. North-South, ISBN 0-7358-1069-9. A cute story about an only child theme. Little Bunny gets lonely at times, especially at night when he can't fall asleep. He decides to find solace among his friends. Each of his friends however, has a unique characteristic that Little Bunny is not used to when sleeping. Snoring, prickly hair, sharp odors, too many lights on, all help Bunny learn the comfort and solace of his own bedroom is best of all.
Mr. Bear's New Baby, (1999) Debi Gliori. Orchard Books, ISBN 0-531-30152-4. Any parent will be able to relate to this book despite the characters being animals. Baby bear won't fall asleep and keeps everyone awake. Nothing seems to work until little bear, an older sibling, suggests snuggling in bed with mom and dad.
My Mom is My Show-And-Tell, (1999) Dolores Johnson. Marshall Cavendish, ISBN 0-7614-5041-6. David is not so sure he wants to bring his mother for show-and-tell. Other classmates who brought their mothers often got mixed reactions from the kids in class. On the day David's mother is to arrive she walks with him, no, dances to school drawing much attention from other kids. David is embarrassed, but things change when the kids find out his mom is a teacher.
My Mother Talks to Trees, (1999) Doris Gove, Illus. by Marilyn H. Mallory. Peachtree Publishers, ISBN 156145166-5. This is a great book for learning tree identification. At first Laura is not sure about her mother's passion for trees, but she learns that there are many good things that can be learned from her mother's knowledge of trees.
Nadia's Hands, (1999) Karen English, Illustrated by Jonathan Weiner. Boyds Mills Press, ISBN 1-56397-677-6. Nadia is excited to be in her aunt's wedding. She is not excited about having the mehndi painted on her hands. Her aunt is having a traditional Pakistani wedding in America and Nadia knows the colors and decorations will not fade before she goes back to school. Eventually with the help of her family she comes to understand the inheritance of love and beauty that comes with her painted hands.
Navajo Wedding Day: A Diné Marriage Ceremony, (1999) Eleanor Schick. Cavendish, ISBN 0-7614-5031-9. Schick has created other wonderful books about the Navajo people and this one fits the set beautifully. The symbolism in the Navajo traditional wedding are lessons meant for pondering. As readers learn about other cultures their empathy and understanding of others grows.
Never Let Your Cat Make Lunch for You, (1999) Lee Harris, Illus. by Debbie Tilley. Tricycle Press, ISBN 1-883672-80-5. If the title of this book doesn't trigger your curiosity, how about a cat character with a personality full of seemingly innocent antics.
No Matter What, (1999) Debi Gliori. Harcourt Brace, ISBN 0-15-202061-6. Small, is feeling grim and grumpy. He needs reassurance that he will be loved by Large, no matter what; even if he turns into something terrible. Large tells him in many ways that love is always there in this gentle tale.
Old Dry Frye, (1999) Paul Brett Johnson. Scholastic, ISBN 0-390-37658-6. This take off on an old Appalachian folktale about a greedy preacher who chokes on a chicken bone is a hilarious read aloud.
On Mardi Gras Day, (1999) Fatima Shaik, Illus. by Floyd Cooper. Dial Books, ISBN 0-8037-1442-4. This is a good book about Mardi Gras in New Orleans to read to elementary students. Shaik included a section that provides some of the history surrounding " Fat Tuesday".
Rainy's Powwow, (1999) Linda Theresa Raczek, Illus. by Gary Bennet. Rising Moon, ISBN 0-87358-686-7. Raczek captures the feelings of a girl who learns powwow dancing through observation and the wisdom of her Grandmother White Hair. Some of the lessons are embarrassing,but the other girls and elders help Lorraine join the powwow family. This book is a beautiful way of understanding powwows and the many types of dancers.
Sand Castle, (1999) Yee, Brenda Shannon Yee, Illus. by Thea Kliros. Greenwillow, ISBN 0-688-16194. Jen is building a castle on the beach when other children she has never met join her to help with the moat, towers, windows and other details. They work in harmony and decide to do it all over again the next day. A great example of how children naturally socialize.
Sector 7, (1999) David Wiesner. Clarion Books, ISBN 0-395-74656-6. Wiesner is a genius when it comes to making thought provoking wordless books. Sector 7 serves as a remind us older folks about not overlooking the imagination of children. For children, his illustrated message, is to continue questioning "stratus quo" and push your limits of imagination.
Shibumi and the Kitemaker, (1999) Mercer Mayer. Cavendish, ISBN 0-7614-5054-8. This story is very different from Mayer's other work, but has a quality and enthralling nature of its own. Shibumi and the Kitemaker is a work of fiction that Mayer wrote as a way to captivate his fascination for Japanese culture. The story is about an emperor's daughter who has a fascination for kites and also a heart for social justice. When she flies in the wings of a kite, vowing never to come down until the city is as beautiful as the palace, the emperor and his wife are faced with a huge challenge.
Spots: Counting Creatures From Sky to Sea, (1999) Carolyn Lesser, Illus. by Laura Regan. Harcourt Brace, ISBN 0-15-200666-4. This counting book has beautiful illustrations, a multitude of adjectives describing the animals, and playful text for young audiences.
Tarzan, (1999) Retold by Robert San Souchi, Illus. by Michael McCurdy. Hyperion, ISBN 078682334-8. This year Hyperion came out with two versions of Tarzan. This one that follows Edgar Rice Burroughs and another, Disney's Tarzan, that features the making of the movie along with their version of the story. This is a wonderful opportunity to do some contrast and comparisons with these two books. You might research the original story too.
Tea With Milk, (1999) Allen Say. Houghton Mifflin, ISBN 0-395-90495-1. This is a biographical tribute to Allen Say's mother. She was strong, determined and went against some of the Japanese job stereotypes. This eloquent picturebook story is about how she met her husband, Allen's father.
The Ant Bully, (1999) John Nickle. Scholastic, ISBN 0-590-39591-2. Sid bullies Lucas. Lucas bullies the ants. One day the ants get tired of it and both Sid and Lucas learn a lasting lesson.
The Big Box, (1999) Toni Morrison with Slade Morrison, Illus. by Giselle Potter. Hyperion, ISBN 0-7868-2364-X. This is a thought provoking picture book that has a message for teachers, parents and other adults. What happens to kids when they do not fit into the norm? How does our society treat creative expression and individualism?
The Dream Collector, (1999) Troon Harrison, Illus. by Alan and Lea Daniel. Kids Can Press. A fanciful story full of surprises about a boy who wakes up knowing that this was going to be a great day. And a great day it is when Zachary meets an old man, who claims to be the dream collector, working on his broken down truck.
The Emperor's Old Clothes, (1999) Kathryn Lasky, Illus. by David Catrow. Harcourt Brace, ISBN 0-15-200384-3. What ever happened to the emperor's old clothes? In this hilarious continuation of the familiar folktale you will find an answer. Lasky and Catrow do the story in style and with a moral lesson too. Sometimes life and things at home are better off than we think.
The Gift, (1999) Kristine L. Franklin, Illus. by Barbara Lavallee. Chronicle Books, ISBN 0-8118-0447-X. Little Jimmy Joe learns about fishing from one of the elders, Fish Woman. When Jimmy Joe catches a big fish for his family he also learns that there are other creatures who want to be fed too. A very touching story reflecting the beauty of learning across generations.
The Magic Tree (1999) T. Obinkaram Echewa, Illus. by E. B. Lewis. Morrow, ISBN 0-688-16231-2. This endearing folktale is set in Nigeria. Mbi is an orphan child and everyone in the village expects him to do their work, but when it's time to share their food or wealth they act as if they do not know Mbi. One day Mbi was blessed with a magical udara tree that provided him with as much fruit as he wished. The villagers wanted some of Mbi's fruit, but saw no need to pay him for his kindness. When the villagers finally realized that Mbi was not only magical but also with a kind heart they too learned a lesson about sharing.
The Perfume of Memory, (1999) Michelle Nikly, Illus. by Jean Claverie. Arthur A. Levine Books, ISBN 0-439-08206-4. This story is an original inspiration by Nikly from her travels in Northern Africa. A young girl named Yasmin learns the art of perfume making despite a Royal decree. It was declared that only boys shall be allowed after a young maiden long ago had accidentally tripped on her way to school and spilled the essence of skunk on the Royal Advisor. This delightful tale has a folkloric quality that is enchanting.
The Persian Cinderella, (1999) Shirley Climo, Illus. by Robert Florczak. Harper Collins, ISBN 0-06-026763-1. You should recognize the author of this Persian version of Cinderella. Climo has made a name for herself by researching and retelling folklore from around the world. Cinderella stories, found in many cultures throughout the world, is one of Climo's specialities. This version is equally as enchanting as her others.
The Pig Who Ran a Red Light, (1999) Paul Brett Johnson. Orchard Books, ISBN 0-531-30136-2. What happens when the farmyard animals think they can do anything? Johnson has the answer in this silly tale that will have you chuckling in no time.
The Robots, (1999) Matt Novak. DK Publishing, ISBN 0-7894-2566-1. How would you react to some robots moving into your neighborhood? Novak has a funny but poignant book about initial perceptions toward people that look different. His message could be applied toward discussions about immigrants, new kids in the school, racism, diversity and/or acceptance.
The Wacky Wedding: A Book of Alphabet Antics, (1999) Pamela Duncan Edwards, Illus. by Henry Cole. Hyperion, ISBN 078682248-1. If you are looking for examples of alliteration and humor to boot, this is one book you would not want to overlook. It is evident from the moment you pick up this book that Edwards and Cole have a grand time creating their books. The humor and verse have wide appeal for playful souls.
Tommy's New Sister, (1999) Gerda Marie Scheidl, Illus. by Christa Unzner. North-South Books, ISBN 0-7358-1056-7. This book is a useful one that features a sibling's acceptance of a new baby in the house. In this case the older sibling appears to be school-aged, which lends itself to unique thoughts and wishes about his baby sister.
Under the Lemon Moon, (1999) Edith Hope Fine, Illus. by René King Moreno. Lee & Low Books, ISBN 1-880000-69-5. A very enduring story about need and forgiveness. In this story, Rosalinda and her family depend on selling the lemons from their tree. One night she observes a man taking all the lemons from her tree. She is troubled by this act and seeks advice from many people about why this may have occurred. Under the magic of the full moon the tree replenishes the stolen lemons with bigger lemons. Rosalinda's actions with the new lemons proves to be a wonderful lesson about forgiveness.
Warthogs in the Kitchen: A Sloppy Counting Book, (1998) Pamela Duncan Edwards, Illustrated by Henry Cole. Hyperion Books, ISBN 0-7868-0399-1. Eight warthogs and a teddy bear can cook up some pretty raucous fun in the kitchen, but you wouldn't want to eat the end product.
What Do Illustrators Do? (1999) Eileen Christelow. Clarion, ISBN 0-395-90230-4. A very clever and insightful look at illustrators from an illustrator. This book is the perfect companion to What Do Authors Do? also by Christelow. She has a wonderful format in which two illustrators are given the same story to illustrate, but do the drawings from their personal interpretation. As an added feature Christelow includes cartoon-like comments from the illustrators pets.
What Mommies Do Best/ What Daddies Do Best, (1999) Laura Numeroff, Illus. by Lynn Munsinger. Simon and Schuster, ISBN 0-689-80577-2. This is a clever book that is read in both directions. What mommies do, daddies do also,but only in different ways and vice versa. A great book for families, discussing gender roles, and parenting.
When This World Was New, (1999) D. H. Figueredo, Illus. by Enrique O. Sanchez. Lee & Low, ISBN 1-880000-86-5. This is a contemporary story of a family moving from a tropical climate to New York . They arrive in winter with much trepidation. Danilito and his parents are met at the airport by their Uncle Berto. Figueredo captures this difficult transition as they begin to set up a home in New York.
Wherever Bears Be, (1999) Sue Alderson, Illus. by Arden Johnson. Tricycle Press, ISBN 1-883672-77-5. Two girls go on a blueberry picking adventure. They are sure they are going to see bears. But they can handle any such danger because they are brave. Each time they investigate a "bear noise" another animal emerges or scampers away. Little did they know, something may have been watching them all along.
Yum! A Preston Pig Story (1999) Colin McNaughton. Harcourt Brace, ISBN 0-15-202064-0. If you have been following the adventures of Preston Pig, now five in the series, here is another humorous riot. You don't have to read the series to enjoy McNaughton's great sense of humor, but you are likely to look for the others once you have read one. The books in the series include: Suddenly!; Boo!; Oops!; and Preston's Goal!