Ichikawa, Satomi. My Father’s Shop. La Jolla: Kane/Miller, 2006. (Toddlers-5, 6-8)
As Mustafa works alongside his father in his beautiful Moroccan carpet shop, he finds a bright-colored carpet that cannot be sold to tourists because it has a hole in the center. Mustafa does not care about the hole so his father allows him to keep the carpet. Using his imagination, Mustafa finds many ways to play with the carpet, including wearing it over his head and using the hole as a peek-hole. As he runs through the market of Morocco, a large rooster begins to follow the colorful distraction. A brief language lesson is given as Mustafa learns how to sound like a rooster in French, Spanish, English, and Japanese! Mustafa runs home to tell his father about his ability to speak rooster in five languages, and the crowd cheerfully follows to visit the carpet shop.
Children were very entertained by this book which combines comedy, multicultural values, various languages, and bright, realistic illustrations. Students enjoyed mimicking the various rooster calls throughout the story, and they thought Mustafa was hilarious for wearing the bright carpet on his head! English language learners especially connected with this story and found the market setting interesting.
Author and illustrator Satomi Ichikawa, who was born in Japan, moved to Paris in 1971. ASHLEY ROEMER
Issa, Kai Jackson. Howard Thurman’s Great Hope. Illus. Arthur L. Dawson. New York: Lee & Low, 2008. (9-12)
In this historical biography, Kai Jackson Issa tells the story of Howard Thurman, a young African American boy who struggled to come of age in a segregated, unequal community in Florida. As a boy Howard dreamed of going to college, acquiring experience and knowledge, and spreading the word of peace and non-violence throughout the world. However, the world, filled with racism and intolerance, was against him. Through determination, bravery, and undying willpower, along with the selfless assistance of friends, family, and even strangers, Howard rose above prejudice and discrimination. He earned a scholarship to an out-of-town high school, graduated at the top of his class in college, and went on to Rochester Theological Seminary, where he began to devote his life to the ministry. In this story of a national hero, the reader will experience the journey of Howard’s life, understanding and appreciating how unending perseverance, hard work, and hope can conquer all.
With traditionally framed portraits and painting, this picture book is an artistic gem. Graceful, delicate brushstrokes and rich colors give the characters and scenes a realistic, intimate tone. Dawson’s choice to depict these poignant scenes with lush oil paint reflects the tender, yet triumphant tone of the story. The interaction of text and illustration together creates not just a story but also an experience, an exciting surprise at each page turn.
Appealing to fourth through sixth graders, this book is a perfect read aloud, especially while studying African-American history. During the read aloud, children pointed, showed intent attention, nudged closer to the book, asked questions, and commented on the artistry of the illustrations and book design. Teachers noted that children appreciated the historical significance of the story. Both teachers and their students found Howard Thurman to be a role model for working hard to accomplish goals and follow dreams. Some fourth graders even decided to hug the book after the reading.
Kai Jackson Issa was inspired to write this book after reading Thurman’s memoir and hundreds of letters from his early life. She lives in Clarkston, Georgia, with her husband and their two children. Arthur L. Dawson lives in Cocoa, Florida. KATIE CLAUSEN
James, Simon. Baby Brains. Cambridge: Candlewick Press, 2004. (Toddlers-5; 6-8; 9-12)
Mr. and Mrs. Brains has big expectations for their baby, so they provide the best pre-birth preparation by reading aloud to the unborn baby, playing music and languages over headphones, and turning up the volume on the TV whenever the news came on. Not only does this brilliant plan work, but it also exceeds all expectations as the baby starts its first day reading and doing a little mechanical work. Then, through Baby Brains’ request and first words, he’s whisked off to school only to demand college afterwards. Baby Brains becomes a doctor and an astronaut in a few short weeks but as he takes his first space walk, Baby Brains cries out: “‘I want my mommy!’” He’s still a baby after all! Watercolor and ink illustrations capture this text in a humorous fashion. The cartoon-like characters outlined in black ink add a note of whimsy to this far fetched story.
This book had wide appeal. As children listened to the story, they focused on the reading, laughed, made comments, and asked many questions. They loved how small Baby Brains was and how he was doing all of these adult activities.
Simon James resides in Devon, England. SEAN LEWIS/BRITTANY LAZUR
Jeffers, Oliver. The Incredible Book Eating Boy. New York: Philomel Books, 2006. (6-8)
“Henry loved books. But not quite like you and I love books, no. Not quite . . .” Rather than digging into a story by reading it, Henry gets into a book by eating it! Amazingly enough, each time Henry eats a book, the contents are stored in his brain. When Henry wants to learn about goldfish, he simply eats a book about goldfish and the facts are remembered. However, just as eating too much of anything can cause a person to feel out of sorts, Henry’s thoughts start getting all mixed up. The facts from the many books he has eaten are no longer neatly sorted in his mind, instead they are all in a jumble. As any reader would hope, Henry finds a solution to his lost talent. Rather than munching on the pages of a book, Henry starts to read them—and he finds it to be wonderful.
Unusual mixed media illustrations, created with paint, pencil and Letraset on pages from old books, complement this humorous plot. Students especially commented on the “bite” taken out of the back cover of the book. Students also had a fun time brainstorming what books they would like to eat. First graders enjoyed the book so much that they applauded at the end of the reading.
Oliver Jeffers was born in western Australia, but grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. ASHLEY ROEMER
Jenkins, Emily. My Favorite Thing (According to Alberta). Illus. AnnaLaura Cantone. New York: Anne Schartz Book-Atheneum, 2004. (6-8)
Alberta is very picky but is certain about her likes and dislikes. She certainly is a cat, food, and orange person, but not-so-much a dog, cartoon, or toothpaste person. She even loves soaking in the tub and riding on boats, but none of these is her favorite thing. Not even her own pet cat, Neptune, or her big brother, Marshall, qualify. She considers herself to be a stuffed-owl person, too, but like she says, “What you like and who you are, those are not the same, but they are not so very different, either.” So, what is Alberta’s favorite thing? Only she can decide the answer. Cantone’s surrealistic artwork defines an incredible collision of watercolor, ink, and various items to make collages both whimsical and captivating.
This book was very well received. The children loved the book, especially the pictures. They laughed and pointed out the illustrations that they liked best. One child reread it after it had been read to her. The readers loved the book as well. The great ending was especially appreciated. One reader commented, “Both the words and illustrations kept the child interested in the story. The author chose sentences that make the audience think of things differently. These sentences give great visuals for children.”
Emily Jenkins lives in New York while AnnaLaura Cantone calls Italy her home. SEAN LEWIS/BRITTANY LAZUR
Jenkins, Emily. That New Animal. Illus. Pierre Pratt. New York: Frances Foster Books-Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2005. (6-8)
Bringing a baby home is one of the most exciting experiences for a family, unless you are the family pet. The dogs, Marshmallow and FudgeFudge, are not pleased to welcome a "new animal" in their home. They don't like its new animal smell and the fact that no one pays attention to them anymore. Marshmallow's belly has gone unscratched, while FudgeFudge has lost his place on the couch. However, a visit from Grandpa changes their attitude as they realize that although they “hate” the new animal, it is still their new animal, and it needs protection. As time goes on, Marshmallow and FudgeFudge become fonder of the growing young infant who can now say "Da” for dog. Vibrantly colored illustrations with oddly shaped characters create a humorous tone. Not one character is particularly attractive—not even the baby.
This delightful story about two displaced pets was read to children ranging in age from five through eight years old. Although there was some initial confusion about who the new animal really was, the children warmed up to this humorous story and some even compared themselves to the unhappy pets. This is a wonderful read for younger children welcoming a new baby into their own homes to help them cope with the idea of having to share their parents with the new sibling.
Emily Jenkins lives in Brooklyn, New York, while illustrator Pierre Pratt resides in Montreal, Quebec. CHRISTINE FALZON
Keller, Holly. Nosy Rosie. New York: Greenwillow Books, 2006. (Toddlers-5; 6-8)
How wonderful would it be to have a nose that could find anything? Young Rose uses her keen sense of smell to find anything that her fox family and friends seem to misplace. Life is perfect for the hero Rose until one day when her friend, Meadow, thinks she should give her sniffing friend a nickname. From that point on, Nosy Rosie was the name everyone used when they needed a lost item found. Rose despises the wretched nickname and refuses to help anyone who uses it. When Rose ventures into the forest to cheer herself up, her powerful nose suddenly perks up. She smells something very familiar and searches everywhere until she comes upon her baby brother, Harry, hiding in the bushes. Everyone is so happy when Rose returns with baby Harry in her arms. From that point on her friends use words like “awesome,” “amazing,” and “incredible” to describe her and no one calls Rose Nosy Rosie every again!
Keller used watercolors and black lines to prepare the full-color cartoon style art. Black lines outline the fox figures and simple strokes of the pen create expressive facial features.
The story has a humorous tone, yet conveys a serious theme that young children can grasp. Many children related to being called a name that they truly did not like. Younger children nudged closer to the readers and were eager to help turn pages and point out favorite pictures.
Holly Keller lives in New Haven, Connecticut. CHRISTINE FALZON
Keller, Laurie. Do Unto Otters (A Book about Manners). New York: Henry Holt, 2007. (6-8)
“‘Do unto otters as you would have otters do unto you!’” This simple piece of advice and play on words from an owl’s mouth helps Mr. Rabbit learn what it will take for him to be comfortable with his new neighbors, the Otters. Mr. Rabbit starts worrying the day the Otters paddle into the neighborhood. He thinks that the odd group will never get along. Fortunately, Owl helps Mr. Rabbit figure out the characteristics of a good neighbor. Mr. Rabbit picks through qualities of what he expects from the Otters. He wants them to be honest, polite, kind, and considerate, just to name a few. He also wants to make sure the otters will not tease him when it comes to his favorite song, his extra-large swim fins, or those horribly dreadful “bad hare days!” Simply stated, this book is based on the Golden Rule. Illustrations using acrylic paint on watercolor paper depict the many cartoon characters. Embedded in the illustrations are speech balloons giving examples for each desired trait, including the word in five languages.
Children enjoyed this book which highlights the essence of true friendship and makes learning manners “cool.” This story introduced children to new vocabulary, new languages, and a positive outlook. Children loved the humorous illustrations and were interested in the character’s facial expressions on each page. One teacher suggested that this be read at the beginning of a school year to show children how they should treat one another within the classroom.
Author and illustrator, Laurie Keller, resides in the woods along Lake Michigan with both a rabbit and otters as neighbors. CHRISTINE FALZON
Kennedy, Kim. Pirate Pete’s Talk Like a Pirate. Illus. Doug Kennedy. New York: Abrams Books, 2007. (6-8)
Pirate Pete is ready to sail the high seas in his new ship, but before he embarks on his journey, he needs to find a pirate crew. After sailing in the Sea of Mischief, Pirate Pete and his trusty parrot arrive at Rascal Island in search of some “buccaneers.” Soon four rough candidates row up in their ship. Before they can be a part of the crew, certain criteria need to be met. “Ye needs a peg leg and an ol’ eye patch, a fierce-lookin’ hook and a beard ye can scratch! Ye gots to load a cannon and know how to fire it, but most of all, ye gots to talk like a pirate!” As the candidates approach, each passes the initial tests, but when it comes to how to speak like a pirate, they are all forced to walk the plank. After all four rascals fail, the Parrot raises his feathers to rant and rave—in perfect pirate talk! With a wide eye, Pete says, “Yer all the crew I needs. Weigh anchor!”
Children found the oil paintings for this story to be beautiful, bold, and bright. They enjoyed the story and practiced talking like a pirate throughout the remainder of the school day. They also joined in by repeating the many “pirate phrases” and especially liked the role of the parrot.
Author Kim Kennedy and illustrator Doug Kennedy are a brother-sister team who live in Monroe, Louisiana. ASHLEY ROEMER
Kerley, Barbara. What To Do About Alice? How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy! Illus. Edwin Fotheringham. New York: Scholastic, 2008. (9-12)
Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter, Alice, was quite the girl. This lively biographical picture book details the wacky yet wonderful life of Alice Lee Roosevelt. As a young girl, Alice was not like others; she did not want to attend boarding school, acting prim and proper. Instead, she wanted to “eat up the world,” read voraciously, wear pants, attend horse races, and own a pet monkey. However, Alice caused much worry and strife for her father, as the press often caught on to her wildness, yet the nation loved her. She was intelligent, carefree, and charming. She helped open the Buffalo Exposition, christened the kaiser’s yacht, visited plantations in Cuba, and schools in Puerto Rico. Most of all, she spread her energy and love throughout the world. In this dynamic story, not only do readers learn the history of Alice Lee Roosevelt, but they will also experience the personality and joy of a young woman the world delighted in.
Rendered in digital media, Fotheringham’s energetic illustrations perfectly complement Kerley’s dynamic text. Choosing diverse perspectives and viewpoints, along with bold colors and cartoon-like stylization of characters, Fotheringham succeeds in making Alice’s personality and character come to life. Intricate, expressive detailing in combination with subtle humor and descriptive black contours creates images and scenes that jump off of the page at every page turn.
Children enjoyed both the entertaining and educational value of this story. Students asked questions about history and vocabulary and made comments about the eye-catching illustrations. Teachers enjoyed the unique biography, loved the colorful artwork, and appreciated that the story elicited discussion and questions about presidents and history. After the read aloud, children chose to look at the book, asked questions, wanted the story to be read again, and told others about the book.
Barbara Kerley remembers reading about Alice Lee Roosevelt in a history magazine and was so captivated by her that she had to write this story. She lives in McKinleyville, California. Edwin Fotheringham resides in Seattle, Washington. KATIE CLAUSEN
Kimmel, Eric A., reteller and adapter. The Hero Beowulf. Illus. Leonard Everett Fisher. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2005. (9-12)
One of English literature’s most famous epic poems is wonderfully turned into a picture book by Kimmel and Fisher. The tale of the courageous and brave Beowulf is unveiled through simple storytelling. The action begins on the very first pages where Beowulf attacks a five-headed sea serpent to save his fellow crew members. His noble deeds escalate from there as he is brought to the Danish city of Heorot Hall to free the people from the curse of the evil green monster, Grendel. Without swords or spears, Beowulf wonders if he and his men will ever see their homes or families again. In a dramatic battle against the cowardly monster, Beowulf finds victory: “The fight is fought; the deed is done. Let the story be told.”
Fifth and sixth grade students enjoyed the supportive, detailed paintings as they listened to the story read aloud. Students also liked the over-all theme of bravery and strength leading to good overcoming evil. An author’s note provides a brief history of this epic.
Eric A. Kimmel lives in Portland, Oregon, while illustrator Leonardo Everett Fisher resides in Westport, Connecticut. ASHLEY ROEMER
Kinerk, Robert. Timothy Cox Will Not Change His Socks. Illus. Stephen Gammell. New York: Paula Wiseman Book-Simon & Schuster, 2005. (Toddlers-5; 6-8; 9-12)
One child’s simple thoughts of “what if?” become the dilemma of a whole town in this cheerful—if stinky—tale. When Timothy Cox decides he will go a whole month without changing his socks, his plan at first annoys only his teacher and fellow classmates. Yet after a while, his feet begin to smell so bad that the whole town pressures Timothy to change his socks. As the smell gets worse, he must flee the police, helicopters, and even fire trucks bent on forcing a change of socks. His family tries to defend him, but soon his feet are so foul that they can’t stand his stench. He is forced to live outside, where even a neighboring skunk finds him atrocious. Just when all seems lost, the month ends and Timothy is able to pull off his socks, and he is welcomed back into the community.
Gammell’s illustrations in watercolor, colored pencils, and pastels are full of movement. The jittery lines and glowing colors perfectly accent the increasing stench from Timothy’s socks.
Children enjoyed Timothy’s humorous romps, the rhythmic flow of the text, and the green spots to show the socks were smelly.
Author Robert Kinerk lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and illustrator Stephen Gammell resides in St. Paul, Minnesota. TARVER MATHISON
Kirk, Daniel. Keisha Ann Can! New York: Putnam’s, 2008. (Toddlers-5; 6-8)
In this rhythmic, rhyming, repetitive text, readers will follow along with Keisha Ann as she passes through her school day. Whether she is saying the pledge, feeding the classroom pet, sharing, writing a story, practicing spelling words, or playing the marimba, Keisha Ann is confident and joyful. After the narrator asks rhetorical questions, such as, “Who can be just who she wants?”, the narrator repeats the phrase “Keisha Ann can!,” setting a sequence that is guaranteed to have children chanting and reciting. Bold, self-assured, and possessing a positive attitude, Keisha Ann is a great role model for all children. The end of the book implores children to do the things Keisha Ann has done, stating confidently, “You can do them, too!”
Using gouache paint Kirk creates illustrations that are crisp and colorful. Black, bold outlining surround the characters, and simplistic depiction of faces give the characters a stylized, cartoon-like representation. The layout of the illustrations is innovative and artistic. In some spreads Kirk textures the background with splashes of paint for a tactile mood, in others he frames images in squares and circles, and in others he bleeds the paint out to the corners of the page. Each spread is filled with Kirk’s dynamic color choices—bright reds and yellows, deep greens, and soft browns—certain to excite the reader’s eye.
This book captured the attention of children ages two through six during read aloud sessions. Children nudged closer to the book, applauded, pointed, chanted “Keisha Ann Can!” over and over, laughed spontaneously, helped turn the pages, and asked for the story to be read again. Teachers noted that children could identify with the things Keisha Ann did in the story, and appreciated Keisha Ann’s confidence in preschool. One teacher specifically commented on the positive messages the book put forward, such as sharing, taking turns, and helping others.
Daniel Kirk, who has been an art teacher in elementary, junior high, and high school before he began creating books, lives with his family in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. KATIE CLAUSEN
Knudsen, Michelle. Library Lion. Illus. Kevin Hawkes. Cambridge: Candlewick Press, 2006. (6-8; 9-12)
Mr. McBee becomes worried when he sees a big, furry lion stroll past the library circulation desk. After rushing to the head librarian to share the news, Mr. McBee is told to leave the lion be, as long as he is not breaking any rules. Lion finds his favorite part of the library to be story hour, and he is invited back each day as long as he acts like a nice, quiet lion. Soon the lion takes part in more than just story hour. He becomes the librarian’s assistant, helping her dust encyclopedias and lick envelopes for overdue notices. When an emergency arises, the lion has to break the library rules to get help. Readers learn, along with the characters, that sometimes rules need to be broken. With acrylic and pencil illustrations, Hawkes reflects a soft, friendly mood. He is especially adept at creating facial expressions that enhance the drama of the story.
Many students enjoyed this easy-to-follow plot, and especially empathized with the lion. They thought the lion’s mannerisms as he walked through the library were quite humorous. Teachers and adults found this book to be helpful for students to practice making predictions and asking questions. The overall theme of breaking the rules in times of an emergency was well accepted by all readers.
Author Michelle Knudsen, living in Brooklyn, New York, has worked in various libraries in New York state. Illustrator Kevin Hawkes makes his home in southern Maine with his wife and children. ASHLEY ROEMER
Koller, Jackie French. Peter Spit a Seed at Sue. Illus. John Manders. New York: Viking, 2008. (6-8)
In this sticky, silly adventure, four friends venture out on a hot summer day and find themselves chomping and slurping and gulping and burping on watermelon! Koller’s poetic, rhyming text, rich with onomatopoeia and alliteration, is perfect for reading aloud and is sure to have children chanting along. When Peter spits a seed at Sue, he starts a long escapade of spitting seeds until finally the population of the entire town is spitting seeds at each other. When the mayor arrives and sees mailmen, barbers, even teachers and preachers spitting seeds, she is furious. However, when a baker rolls some whipped-cream pies by her, she finds her wacky side and starts a pie fight. In a chaotic, whimsical ending, the reader can’t help but giggle along and celebrate the importance of just having fun.
Mander’s descriptive, stylized illustrations burst with energy as he uses sharp angles and innovative perspectives to give each page life. The characters are exaggerated and embellished as Mander uses short, broken lines for facial expressions and bright, vivid colors to enhance every scene. Children are bound to laugh at the character of the mayor, her huge bosom, sharp nose, and tight, curly gray hair taking over an entire page.
With its audacious appeal and colorful illustrations, this book is an ideal read aloud for first through third graders. Children stretched closer to the book, pointed to details in the illustrations, laughed spontaneously, chanted and repeating rhyming phrases, asked questions about the book, made comments about the book jacket, and told others about the book after the read aloud. Teachers enjoyed the rhythm and rhyme of the book, and noted that the playful pace was engaging for children. One teacher specifically loved the colorful illustrations and noted that after the story children shared their own experiences about spitting watermelon seeds!
Jackie French Koller lives in Westfield, Massachusetts where she owns the Little Black Dog Gallery and Bookshop. John Manders, who the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association named an “Outstanding Illustrator/Author” in 2006, lives in Pittsburgh. KATIE CLAUSEN
Kulka, Joe. Wolf’s Coming. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda, 2007. 2008 Wanda Gág Book Award (Toddlers-5; 6-8)
Rhyming text and cartoon style illustrations tell the story of animals hurrying through the woods repeatedly calling out: “Wolf’s Coming!” A dapper, but sinister-looking wolf with yellow piercing eyes follows the animals through the woods. Illustrations become darker and darker as the suspense mounts. Finally, the animals run into a brightly lit home in a tree trunk as wolf creeps closer. When wolf opens the front door, they all yell “Surprise!”—it’s wolf’s birthday.
Children ages two through nine “howled” through this story. While some readers thought it might be too scary, young children had their “eyes glued to the book” and wanted it read again and again. Listeners enjoyed the rhyming words, loved the pictures, and liked the surprising twist at the end. The large illustrations and text make this a good choice for group reading.
Joe Kulka resides in Quakertown, Pennsylvania with his wife and children. CAROL HANSON SIBLEY
Kutner, Merrily. Down on the Farm. Illus. Will Hillenbrand. New York: Holiday House, 2004. (Toddlers-5)
From sunup to sundown, Down on the Farm follows a goat kid around the farmyard where he eats and plays. The kid runs into all sorts of animals on the farm and each makes the appropriate animal sound. Included with each encounter is the eight-word refrain associated with the title: “Down on the farm, DOWN ON THE FARM.” Hillenbrand illustrates a colorful and rambunctious farm full of life with his oil and ink pictures.
Young children enjoyed chiming in with the repetitive phrase and making the animal sounds. They also honed their observations skills by looking for the goat and mouse on each double page spread.
Merrily Kutner lives in California. Illustrator Will Hillenbrand lives in Ohio. SEAN LEWIS
