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Laird, Elizabeth. A Book of Promises. Illus. by Michael Frith. 2000. 32p. Dorling Kindersley. Pre K-3. This rich watercolors in this book will warm your heart. The book is about unconditional love listing all the things a parent will do for their child. A perfect gift for new parents. You can bet kids will want to hear this story over and over.
Lichtenheld, Tom. Everything I Know About Pirates. 2000. 32p. Simon & Schuster. Gr. K-5. Yo ho ho! You're sure to get a laugh or two from this spoof straight from the high seas of imagination and fabrication. Lichtenheld solves the unknown mysteries of pirates. This book begs for reading aloud to mates everywhere.
Lin, Grace. The Ugly Vegetables. 1999. 32p. Charlesbridge. Gr. K-3. This is a wonderful story about a diverse neighborhood that grows beautiful flower gardens. At least most of the neighbors did except one family who grew Chinese vegetables which were not very pretty according to the daughter. She learns a lesson from her mother that the benefits of a garden is more than floral color because the vegetables they harvest result in bringing all the neighbors together for some ugly vegetable soup (recipe included).
Lindbergh, Reeve. The Awful Aardvarks Shop for School. Illus. by Tracey Campbell Pearson. Viking. Gr. K-2. If you missed The Awful Aardvarks Go to School, the shopping adventure in this book will give you an idea about how they were named the Awful Aardvarks. The Awful Aardvarks may be a teacher or store clerks nightmare, but they sure know how to entertain and have fun.
Lindgren, Barbro. Andrei's Search. Illus. by Eva Eriksson. 2000. 28p. R & S Books. Pre K-3. Andrei's mother disappears one day. His aunts said she left and proceeded to take him to an orphanage. Andrei is convinced she is out there somewhere and with the help of his friend Vova they search the city looking for her. The compassion and dialogue that occurs between the two is very touching. The ending scene pulls at the heartstrings.
Lord of the Cranes. Retold by Kerstin Chen and Illus. by Jian Jiang-Chen. 2000. 30p. North-South Books. Pre K-3. In the highest mountains of China lived Tian, which meant heaven. Tian was friend to the cranes. It was also his job to watch the people in the village. To make sure they were kind and generous to their neighbors. This is how Wang met Tian. One day Tian went to check on the people in the village. When he did so he found the people unwilling to help the poor until he found Wang, the owner of a small inn. Wang's generosity becomes a message to always extend kindness to your neighbors and share what little you possess.
Martin, Rafe. The Language of Birds. Illus. by Susan Gaber. 2000. 32p. Putnam. Gr. K & up. This retelling of a Russian folktale provides us with a perspective on the wisdom of one who knows the language of the birds. There may be some variations on what the expression actually means, but in this story Ivan, who understands the birds, provides the king with a reprieve from the constant squawking birds. Ivan tells the king the birds are merely wondering who has the best advice to give a child, the father or mother. The king's response provides some useful wisdom about raising children and in return for Ivan's ability to communicate with the birds he gains the king's daughter in marriage.
McKissack, Patricia C. The Honest-to-Goodness Truth. Illus. by Giselle Potter. 2000. 32p. Atheneum. Pre K-3. A delightful story about Libby and the lessons she learns about lying. Most often lying would bring trouble, but then telling the truth sometimes causes trouble too. Soon her friends didn't want to be around her. Libby learns when to be truthful, when to be tactful, and when it is best to mind your own business. "The truth is often hard to chew. But if is sweetened with love, then it is a little easier to swallow."
McNaughton, Colin. Shh! (Don't Tell Mr. Wolf!). 1999. 16p. Harcourt. Pre K-2. This is another side splitting adventure of Preston Pig. Those readers who know Preston from previous encounters with Mr. Wolf will recognize some of the characters wolf encounters in pursuit of Preston. As always, Mr. Wolf is in for the biggest surprise.
Mead, Alice. Billy and Emma. Illus. by Christy Hale. 2000. 32p. Farrar, Straus & Giroux. Gr. K-3. Two macaws, Billy and Emma, live in a zoo. Their friends are an owl and a crow. One night a thief steals Emma upsetting the zoo keeper and the regulars who come to see the pair of macaws. Billy and Nancy the crow solve the mystery and the thief is apprehended. The mystery surrounding the intelligence of birds is highlighted throughout and at the end of the story.
Miller, William. The Piano. Illus. by Susan Keeter. 2000. 32p. Lee & Low Books. Gr. 1 & up. Tia has an ear for music. One day she wanders into the white section of town to be closer to the beautiful piano music. She accepts a maid's job from Mrs. Hartwell, the lady who lives in the house which is the source of the music. A friendship begins. The caring relationship between these two individuals is a wonderful tribute to cross age and cross cultural friendships.
Millman, Isaac. Moses Goes to School. 2000. 32p. Farrar, Straus & Giroux. Gr. K-3. This is a marvelous story about Moses attending a special school for the hearing impaired. They enthusiastically communicate through sign language. His classmates have a rich ancestry reflective of many cultures. This book is a great example of varied learning conditions crossing cultures in a learning environment.
Mora, Pat. The Rainbow Tulip. Illus. by Elizabeth Sayles. 1999. 32p. Viking. Gr. 1-3. At home she is Estelita and at school Stella. Estelita wants the most colorful tulip costume for the school play. Her Tía/aunt Carmen is a seamstress who will make the tulip skirt if her mother asks. Throughout the story Estelita compares the way her family lives and the way she is learning in school. The subtle conflicts with Spanish as a first language and preserving cultural traditions are poignantly handled by Mora.
Morris, Ann. Families. 2000. 32p. Lothrop. Pre K-3. This book depicting families working, playing and interacting with each other is another in the Around the World Series . The beauty of this series is the universal similarities theme found throughout all of the books. Other themes in the series include: loving, bread, houses, work, play, weddings, tools, shoes, hats, and travel.
Olaleye, Isaac O. In the Rainfield Who is the Greatest? Illus. by Ann Grifalconi. 2000. 32p. Scholastic. Gr. K-3. This fabulous folktale comes from Nigeria. Long ago nature's elements fire, wind and rain had an argument about who was the greatest. Wind claimed to be the greatest because of his ability to be invisible, the fastest, and most elusive. Fire claimed to be the greatest because he was the hottest whereby no one could bear to stand next to fire. But rain, in her gentle manner said, greatness is not achieved from being the hottest or fastest, but greatest must be the gentlest. The argument builds with furious wind storms that leave people hanging on trees and then prairie fires that force people to jump into the streams and lakes. Fire was angry and out of control. Wind tried to snuff out the fire, but that made it worse. And in the end thunder, lightning, and gentle rain put the fire out proving that rain, the gentlest is the greatest.
Pacilio, V. J. Ling Cho and His Three Friends. Illus. by Scott Cook. 2000. 32p. Farrar Straus & Giroux. All ages. A wonderful tale about friendship and swallowing pride in a time of need. Ling Cho is the lucky one because the land he settled on is fertile unlike his three long time friends. Even though times are hard for his friends they are not willing to swallow their pride and ask for Ling Cho's help. When Ling Cho comes up with a plan to help them without an obvious handout they all learn a lesson about pride.
Pak, Soyung. Dear Juno. Illus. by Susan Kathleen Hartung. 1999. 32p. Viking. All ages. This is one of the best examples of "reading the world". Although Juno, could not read words he could read the content clues his grandmother in Korea had sent him in her letters. When his parents read the letters they were surprised at his intuitive accuracy. Juno writes back to grandmother in his own form of communicating. A delightful book!
Palatini, Margie. Bedhead. Illus. by Jack E. Davis. 2000. 32p. Simon & Schuster. Gr. K-3. I highly recommend this book prior to picture day. Bad hair days, also known as "Bedhead" have happened to the best of us. Sometimes hats are the answer, but not always as you will find out in this funny book from a master of humor.
Pegram, Laura. Daughter's Day Blues. Illus. by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu. 2000. 32p. Dial. Gr. K-3. Phyllis Mae can't understand how her little brother J.T. can constantly get into mischief without her nana getting upset with him. He seems to get all the attention. She never gets to do anything without J.T. interfering. Mom and nana assure Phyllis Mae they will do something special with her on Daughter's Day. A good book about how demanding preschoolers can be from the perspective of an older sibling. Also reflects patience when caring for children.
People With Five Fingers, The: A Native California Creation Tale. Retold by John Bierhorst. Illus. by Robert Andrew Parker. 2000. 32p. Marshall Cavendish. All ages. Before this world there was another world where only the animals lived. In this former world coyote made wishes and plans in his mind. He then shared them with the other animals. They asked many questions, but coyote said, we shall have people in this world because the earth cannot stay naked. They also agreed that part of the new world's beauty would be people speaking different languages and of different skin color. The people would have talking and laughing too. And since that time the animals no longer talk as people do. This is an incredible pourquoi story that embraces a world for all to live in harmony retold by a renowned expert on Native American stories.
Pfister, Marcus. The Happy Hedgehog. 2000. 24p. North South. Pre K-3. Pfister has a special talent for teaching important lessons to little ones through story. In this tale, Mikko the hedgehog is caught lounging about in the garden, frittering his day away according to Grandfather Tarek. Through grandfathers insistent encouragement Mikko went exploring to see how others lead their lives. Some of the actions he witnesses cause him to think about the options. From each animal Mikko learns something that he can use to expand his understanding and caring for his garden. In the end, grandfather realizes that Mikko has learned much.
Policoff, Stephen Phillip. Cesar's Amazing Journey. Illus. by David Catrow. 1999. 32p. Viking. Gr. K-5. Cesar is on his way to the Big Apple, but not by choice. The tropical tree that he was living in is being shipped to New York. A travel savvy spider by the name of B. Cider explains the situation and offers to be Cesar's personal tour guide. Their adventure is highly entertaining and full of surprises. Catrow doesn't miss the awe of New York City in his whimsical illustrations.
Raschka, Chris. Ring! Yo? 2000. 40p. Dorling Kindersley Publishing. Pre K-2. Raschka has an uncanny ability to turn a few words into a meaningful and thoughtful relationship. His seemingly simple illustrations emit such an expressive power which carefully play off the brief script. In this book, he ends with a possible total scenario for readers to ponder over.
Rodriguez, Bobbie. Sarah's Sleepover. Illus. by Mark Graham. 2000. 32p. Viking. Gr. K-3. A wonderful addition to understanding and learning about visually impaired children. Sarah waits all year for the annual sleep over with her cousins. They have such a good time together until the lights go out. When this happens Sarah's keen ability to recognize sounds and finding her way around in a world she only knows as constant darkness helps calm her cousins fears.
Rogers, Fred. Let's Talk About It: Extraordinary Friends. Photos by Jim Judkis. 2000. 32p. Putnam. Pre K-2. This book is about interacting with physically challenged children. The focus covers many aspects in school including inclusion, meal time, and play. The simple and upbeat matter of fact approach of the text works well for reading aloud and discussing with young students.
Rosen, Michael J. With a Dog Like That, A Kid Like Me... Illus. by Ted Rand. 2000. 32p. Dial. Pre K-3. When you have an imagination and pet that will let you do most anything to him/her the possibilities are endless as this book proves. Dog owners will know the realities of their pet's playfulness and readers will have no trouble seeing the possibilities.
Roth, Carol. Ten Dirty Pigs/Ten Clean Pigs: An Upside-Down, Turn-Around Bath Time Counting Book. Illus. by Pamela Paparone. 1999. 24p. North-South Books. Pre K-2. Young children will love the silly pigs basking in the mud or splashing in the tub depending on where you start in this turn-around book. Paparone's jolly illustrations keep the action lively from one to ten pigs.
Rowe, John A. Monkey Trouble. 2000. 24p. North South Books. Pre K-2. "Oh, if only little monkey had listened." A very clever story about a mischievous little monkey who gets in trouble. His spirited personality seems to always get him out of his dilemmas. But, oh, what is the ending? Read the book and you will find out what trick is up little monkey's sleeve.
Ryder, Joanne. Each Living Thing. Illus. by Ashley Wolff. 2000. 32p. Harcourt Brace. Pre K-2. This book is a celebration of all the living things in this world. The message is to take notice, observe, enjoy, and protect them from unnecessary harm. The rhyming text and black gesso and gouache illustrations generate an inquiring ambiance.
Rylant, Cynthia. Mr. Putter & Tabby Paint the Porch. Illus. by Arthur Howard. 2000. 44p. Harcourt. Gr. K-2. Cynthia Rylant has created such a great series for beginning chapter book readers. They are funny, charming and entertaining. In this episode Tabby, the cat gets involved in painting the porch, but not by choice of course. Look for other Mr. Putter and Tabby books.
San Souci, Robert. Six Foolish Fisherman. Illus. by Doug Kennedy. 2000. 32p. Hyperion. Gr. K-3. Set in Bayou country this is a noodle story that is full of funny twists and turns as the 6 bumble headed fisherman try to figure out why their day of fishing is not going right. When Henriette comes along she sets them straight or does she?
Schick, Eleanor. Mama. 2000. 32p. Cavendish. Gr. K-3. A very nice and gentle bibliotherapeutic book dealing with death. A little girl recalls the special times and things she learned from her mother as she comes to accept her mother's death. The memories help the grieving process.
Schroeder, Binette. Laura. 2000. 24p. North South. Gr. K-3. A delightful tale involving a character we know from another setting. Elf sized Laura wakes early from a nights sleep to discover a mysterious bright light shining through the window. She wanders into the woods (garden) in search of the source and discovers a "real Humpty Dumpty". After overcoming much nervousness on Humpty's part they befriend each other and spend the day playing. At night they part, but Laura returns to comfort Humpty who fears predators. A surprise twist in the end brings a happy ending. Binette Schroeder's illustrations are stunning! Her characters against a solid background are very effective for the settings in this story.
Scott, Elaine. Friends. Photos by Margaret Miller. 2000. 40p. Atheneum. Pre K-3. Friendship is universal and crucial for all people, especially children. This book for young children is filled with the joys and choices children must make as they make friends.
Seeber, Dorothea P. A Boy Just for Me/ A Pup Just for Me. Illus. by Ed Young. 2000. 40p. Philomel. Pre K-3. This upside down book is delightful! Seeber's text and Young's cutouts on black background are very effective. She captures the child's perspective and desire to have a pet. Not just any pet, a puppy. If you have been to a pet store and showed any attention to the puppies you know she captured the pup's perspective too.
Singer, Marilyn. On the Same Day in March: A Tour of the World's Weather. Illus. by Frané Lessac. 2000. 40p. Harper Collins. Pre K-5. We talk about traveling across time lines, but what about latitudinal lines? This unique book takes readers on a weather tour from one polar cap to another.
Sis, Peter. Madlenka. 2000. 44p. Farrar, Straus & Giroux. Gr. K-2. Madlenka has a loose tooth. Like most kids her age she is obsessed with the fact that the tooth is loose. She wants to tell the world and goes around her multicultural neighborhood letting all of her friends know. They all greet her in their native language. When her mother finally finds Madlenka she says she has been around the world and lost her tooth. A charming story!
Slate, Joseph. Story Time for Little Porcupine. Illus. by Jacqueline Rogers. 2000. 32p. Cavendish. Pre K-2. This heartwarming bedtime routine shows the effect of creating stories with childlike characters they can relate too. In this story, Slate brilliantly tells how the sun, moon, and nighttime sky came to be through what we can believe would be a porcupine's perspective.
Spinelli, Eileen. Night Shift Daddy. Illus. by Melissa Iwai. 2000. 32p. Hyperion. Pre K-1. A charming story about a little girl and her daddy who works the night shift. He cares for her before he leaves for work and she cares for him before he sleeps.
Swope, Sam. Gotta Go! Gotta Go! Illus. by Sue Riddle. 2000. 32p. Farrar Straus & Giroux. Pre K-2. All I know is "I gotta go, gotta go to Mexico," repeats the caterpillar. A cute story about the life-cycle of the monarch butterfly.
Taback, Sims. Joseph Had a Little Coat. 1999. 34p. Viking. Pre K-3. Caldecott Winner for 2000. A delightful story! Joseph started with a coat that became worn out in places and then he made a jacket from the coat which got old and warn. Then he made a vest from the jacket and so forth. How far can you recycle an old coat? You will enjoy finding out how resourceful Joseph (a.k.a. Sims Taback) can be.
Vainio, Pirkko. The Best of Friends. 2000. 24p. North South Books. Pre K-2. A charming story about two unlikely friends, Hare, who is little and Bear, who is big. Their friendship is unconditional. They have much to offer each other.
Van Dusen, Chris. Down to the Sea With Mr. Magee. 2000. 32p. Chronicle. Pre K-2. This is a playful story in rhyme. Mr. Magee and his little dog Dee live an easy going lifestyle and love to go out on their boat whenever they please. All it takes is a little lunch and penchant for adventure and away they go.
Wallace, Ian. Duncan's Way. 2000. 32p. Dorling Kindersley. Gr. 1 & up. Duncan's father was a cod fisherman for as long as he could remember. The cod fishing industry changed leaving his father unemployed. The family was considering moving from Newfoundland, a place they loved. Duncan provides his parents with a solution. His father is a great baker and they start a bakery business on a boat. The watercolor pictures and story paint a very realistic picture of unemployment and then working through the difficult time.
Wallace, Karen. Scarlette Beane. Illus. by Jon Berkeley. 1999. 28p. Dial. Pre K-1. From the moment Scarlette was born she knew that she was going to do something special. Her parents were devoted gardeners and gardening seemed to be in her blood or was it her green fingers? One night it the magic happened and soon after the Beane family were on their way to a new home. A home that Scarlette had grown.
Weitzman, Jacqueline Preiss. You Can't Take a Balloon Into the National Gallery. Illus. by Robin Preiss Glasser. 2000. 32p. Dial. Gr. K-3. Like their previous book, You Can't Take a Balloon Into the Metropolitan Museum, two young children and their grandmother are on a Saturday outing to experience some culture. The girl's balloon must be left outside while the trio are perusing the art inside. Through an accidental chain of events the balloon gets free. A bit of whimsical turns for a balloon take a host of followers on a chase around Washington, DC while the rightful owner tours the National Gallery. The author and illustrator collaborative parallel of events on the outside and the art inside have some well thought out similarities.
Wells, Rosemary. Timothy Goes to School. 2000. 32p. Viking. Gr. K-1. This reissue with new illustrations is as charming today as it was in its first debut in 1981. Timothy's friends have personalities that are still prevalent.
Weninger, Brigitte. The Elf's Hat. Illus. by John A. Rowe. 2000. 32p. North South Books. Pre K-3. Lovely illustrations! This story is similar to the classic folktale about the lost mitten which is inhabited by all the animals. In this lively version an elf loses his hat while strolling through the woods which is then taken over by the animals of the forest. About the time the hat is pushed to the outer limits by the inhabitants the little elf returns to find his hat on the ground. A refreshing and charming rendition.
Wood, Douglas. What Dads Can't Do. Illus. by Doug Cushman. 2000. 32p. Simon & Schuster. Pre K-2. This is a special book for dads everywhere. All the things they can't do according to this little child will warm your heart.
Wormell, Christopher. Blue Rabbit and Friends. 1999. 32p. Phyllis Fogelman Books. Pre K-1. Blue rabbit is an adventurer. His destiny is a home that suits him just right. Along the way he meets some friends who are also a bit unsettled about their present living situation so they tag along. In time each friend finds the perfect home, but what about Blue Rabbit? He's ready for more adventure.
Wormell, Mary. Why Not? 2000. 32p. Farrar Straus & Giroux. Pre K-1. This is the perfect book for the curious children who are always asking why. Wormell captures an innocent and inquisitive kitten who wanders all the places her mother said not to go. Little kitten gets some answers to her questioning nature.
Wyeth, Sharon Dennis. Something Beautiful. Illus. by Chris K. Soentpiet. 1998. 32p. Doubleday. Gr. K-5. A young girl searches her neighborhood for the meaning of beautiful. She sees trash, dark alleys, homeless, and graffiti. When she asks the people in her neighborhood what beautiful is they each have their own unique idea of beautiful. Her self discovery becomes a beautiful act of kindness. A good preface to this book would be a discussion of beautiful.
Yaccarino, Dan. Deep in the Jungle. 2000. 32p. Atheneum. Gr. K-3. This is a story about an over abundance of pride and then redeeming yourself. Lion expects all the animals to dote over him. Then he thinks he is better suited for such fame and joins the circus he quickly learns that life at home may not have been so bad. When he escapes and returns to his homeland he finds his animal friends all in cages ready to follow his lead to fame. Lion becomes a humble hero when he finds a way to get his friends freedom back.
Yee, Wong Herbert. Hamburger Heaven. 2000. 32p. Houghton Mifflin. Gr. K-3. Pinky Pig has his eyes on a new clarinet, but she must first save up enough money. She works at Hamburger Heaven, but business is down and the owners are talking about closing shop. When Pinky's only source of income is being threatened she turns to her creative resources and revitalizes the business by generating a new menu that caters to the locals. Have fun reading the book to find out if there is a hamburger on the menu that might appeal to your tastes.