PUG AND OTHER ANIMAL POEMS by Valerie Worth, pictures by Steve Jenkins (Margaret Ferguson Books, 2013) Fans of Valerie Worth’s all the small poems and fourteen more will enjoy her second posthumous collection. I have many favorites, each with Worth’s striking observations. Here’s a snippet – from “Toads”: Wells around the Cellar windows… Holding a clutter… Read more »
Dianne White
New and Notable: Concept Books
Enjoy this peek at three new concept books, recently out from Chronicle. INSIDE OUTSIDE by Lizi Boyd (Chronicle 2013) Inside his cozy home, a boy works at a desk, a dog hides, two mice play together on the floor. Through the window (a die-cut), the reader watches two snowmen. What are they doing? Turn the page…outside,… Read more »
The Way I Feel by Janan Cain
Not too long ago, ReaderKidZ received an email from Laura G. of Chicago. She had a suggestion for a book she’s enjoyed and felt others would, too. Here’s what she said: I am not sure if you have come across or read the picture book The Way I Feel by Janan Cain. Her books are beautifully illustrated and… Read more »
Steam Train, Dream Train
STEAM TRAIN, DREAM TRAIN by Sherri Rinker, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (Chronicle, 2013) From the bestselling team that created Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, Steam Train, Dream Train invites readers aboard the mighty dream train as it cling-clang-squeals into “Night Falls.” While monkeys juggle cargo, and kangaroos work – and bounce – the night away, elephants converge on tankers with… Read more »
The Deductive Detective by Brian Rock
THE DEDUCTIVE DETECTIVE by Brian Rock, illustrated by Sherry Rogers (Sylvan Dell Publishing, 2013) A cake has been stolen and luckily for all concerned, Detective Duck is on the case! He arrives at the scene knowing the thief is one of the twelve contest bakers. But which one is the culprit? And how will he solve… Read more »
Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher… Invented Basketball
HOOP GENIUS: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball by John Coy, illustrated by Joe Morse (Carolrhoda Books, 2013) In December of 1891, James Naismith was a young teacher trying to find a game that his rowdy class of energetic boys – who’d already forced two teachers to quit – would find challenging and… Read more »
How Lamar’s Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy
HOW LAMAR’S BAD PRANK WON A BUBBA-SIZED TROPHY by Crystal Allen (Balzar & Bray, 2011) Lamar Washington is the “maddest, baddest, most spectacular bowler ever.” All he wants is to spend his days playing the best (and only, due to his asthma) sport there is – bowling! What could be better than a day at Striker’s,… Read more »
