Hooray for Dads and Grandads (FAMILY magazine reviews)

The men in these stories are creating memories with their children and grandchildren. They demonstrate that love is active and playful. The love they show is a vital force. It’s an everyday, ordinary investment. Yet, at the same time, it’s a remarkable commitment, demanding gentle strength. These stories celebrate these important men.

Raj and the Best Day Ever!  

By Sebastien Braun

         Dad and Raj, a tiger and cub, make an exciting list of ideas for their day together, and pack an adventure bag to take with them. As they walk along the busy streets, readers will notice all the characters are anthropomorphized animals. At their first stop, Raj chooses his favorite superhero book at the Library. But, when they get to the checkout desk, Dad discovers he’s forgotten his wallet! Not only does this mean they can’t do at least some of what’s on the list, but it’s begun to rain. “I feel rainy inside, too.” Raj thinks. “This is going to be the WORST DAY EVER.” But then, between the two, imaginations begin to take off; they build a leaf/stick/bark boat to float downstream in the park, they have a picnic rather than stopping at the café. Instead of the bus trip home, Raj wants to fly home on his dad’s back. “A superhero duo!” says Dad.

         Paired with the lighthearted text, the detailed mixed media illustrations are cheery, colorful and full of energy. Especially engaging are the changing zipper mouth and googly eyes on the green back pack. This vigorously delightful story humorously demonstrates that time spent together is vital.

Candlewick Press, $16.99

Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 1

Night Job 

by Karen Hesse

illustrations by G. Brian Karas

         A small boy and his dad, wearing helmets, ride a motorcycle through the city streets at dusk to an empty school. The father is the custodian, and together the two work their way around the school, cleaning. Starting with the gym, the boy shoots baskets, while the dad uses the broom. They listen to the radio as they clean the cafeteria, scrub the stage, go back and forth down the hallways. When it’s time, they eat their sandwiches companionably in the courtyard. Afterward, the boy relaxes, reading and then sleeping on the green sofa in the library, until it’s time to ride home in the chill of early morning. At home, the boy cleans out the lunch box, and then readers see the two, snuggling together, asleep on the recliner.

         Lyrical language, including the fragrance of lilac, shy night animals, and dad’s “ring of keys as big as the rising moon,” is matter-of-fact. Yet, it’s also magical and tender with the shared time together. Matched with muted colors and nighttime grays, the luminous mixed media illustrations are lit by streetlights, the motorcycle’s headlight, lights streaming from the classrooms into the hallways and courtyard. These all highlight important details, like an orange basketball, red shoes, or even the dream-lit ocean on the final pages. This storybook is a lovely tribute to the quiet, powerful everyday love between a father and son pair.

Candlewick Press, $16.99

Interest Level: Junior Kindergarten – Grade 2

Storm 

by Sam Usher

         A boy and his grandad decide to fly a kite when they wake up to a windy morning, whipping up for a storm. But first, they must find the kite. As they search, however, they discover several items that remind them of previous adventures. Meanwhile the wind is blowing and whooshing and howling. Together these set the stage for their kite flying fun. Off to the park, after locating the kite, they gently lift off into a flying fantasy. Varied colors and patterns and shapes of kites fill this imagined sky. But “then I let go!” the boy confesses. Fortunately, Grandad catches the kite’s string, and since a storm is brewing, they “head for home.”

         The ink and watercolor illustrations are brightly colored, filled with movement and storm clouds. Shadowing the contrasts between light and dark are also the contrasts between whirling danger and the safety and protection of the homey kitchen. With flashing lightning outdoors, this cozy tale reminds readers that the best adventures are those that are shared.

Candlewick Press, $16.99

Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 2

Moms Rule! (FAMILY magazine reviews)

Moms and grandmas are often sheroes – sometimes they are the rescuers, sometimes they need others to help. Whether the families are human or animal, the females are in charge in these stories. Their children and grandchildren depend on and celebrate the strong women in their lives. 

When the Wind Blows 

by Linda Booth Sweeney

illustrated by Jana Christy

            A wild wind is too good to miss for a kite-flying grandson and his grandma. The rhythmic rhymes that show the story are brief and descriptive, just four lines on each double page spread with two-word phrases that capture the frenetic blowing and the delight of the adult/child pair. A periodic refrain, When the wind blows, frames the poetic text with a comforting repetitive pattern.

            Younger listeners will be caught up in the digital paintings with their brilliant jewel-like colors and the movement of the wind as the kite escapes. The family, including the mother and baby, race in a wild chase along the beach and into town where puddles offer jubilant jumping.

            The sensory sights, sounds and feel of a blustery day before the storm are lyrically matched with detail-rich images. As the storm arrives, “Skies darken. Thunder BOOMS. Rain falls. We zoom!” and the family hurries home to safety, snacks, bath time and bed. A wonderful spring story that demonstrates the pleasures and excitement that crackle before a storm shoos everyone indoors.

  

Putnam, $16.99

Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 2

Lucky Ducklings 

by Eva Moore

illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

            Mama Duck and her baby ducks are taking a walk one fine morning from the pond and through the town when “Pippin, Bippin, Tippin, Dippin, and last of all . . . Little Joe,” fall through the grate of a storm drain!

            Firefighters are called to the scene of the wild ruckus of quacking ducklings from below and the “Whack! Whack!” of Mama Duck’s frantic noisy attempts to protect her babies from above. Lyrical language, dramatic storytelling and the suspense of the repetitive “Oh dear! That could have been the end of the story. But it wasn’t, because . . . .” combine with large beautiful charcoal and digital media art using varied perspectives to create a warmly satisfying tale.

            Reminiscent of Robert McCloskey’s Make Way for Ducklings, this appropriately shorter story is based on an actual incident that happened in Montauk, Long Island, New York in 2000.

Orchard Books, $16.99

Interest Level: Junior Kindergarten – Grade 1

Superhero Mom 

by Timothy Knapman

illustrated by Joe Berger

            The author/illustrator team known for Superhero Dad, sets up readers for the female version with rhyming text that lilts as mom in an early morning leap out of bed keeps moving nearly constantly through the day. Beginning with breakfast (she has to mend the mixer with a screwdriver first), “flying” to catch the bus, and while racing, carrying not only her daughter but the scooter, backpack and coat, too! Playing “super” games on the playground, bandaging an injured knee, creating bath time fun with bubbles, and just in time for bed, locating the missing teddy, are all in a day’s work for this “super mom.”

            The flashing colors of the digital illustrations are fittingly bright slashes with stars, polka dots, and stripes to identify the superhero theme, albeit with greens, yellows, pinks and sky blues instead of the reds, bright blues, and yellows of Superhero Dad. This fast-paced story is an rousing picturebook to read in preparation for Mother’s Day.

Candlewick Press, $15.99

Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 2

Let's Celebrate Dads and Grandads! (FAMILY magazine reviews)

         Fathers (and mothers, too!) who read to their children are planting seeds. Reading to a child nurtures attention to sound, pictures, and detail. Reading aloud enlarges vocabulary. It’s difficult to say a word, or read and write it, if you’ve never heard it.

Reading aloud to his own child can also provide Dad with nightly one-on-one time. Time spent in such a meaningful way often becomes an opportunity for conversation and creates an emotional bond. Finally, reading to a child can give Dad a chance to meet again the child he used to be! (Jim Trelease)

            In honor of Dad, take time to read one of these outstanding stories with your child! Happy Father’s Day!

There, There by Sam McBratney 

Illustrated by Ivan Bates

            Hansie Bear, who loves to pretend, repeatedly gets into difficulties. First, when he tries to “walk like a duck,” he hurts his knee when he falls into a deep ditch. Dad comes to help. He bandages the knee, gives Hansie a hug, and says a comforting, “There, there.”

Then, the wind blows sand in Hansie’s eyes while he digs a hole. Dad cuddles him, using the comforting refrain. When Hansie is playing on the swing, he bumps his head hard on a branch. Dad sees what happened. Rubbing Hansie’s head, Dad is there again with the repeated words of comfort.

Later, all the friends have gone home from playing hide-and-seek. Hansie sees his father limping home. Mom comes to help, pulling out the thorn from Dad’s foot. Hansie knows what to do!

Mixed media illustrations in muted colors show a breezy day. Animals with soft, rounded shapes and expressive faces demonstrate curiosity, imagination and caring.

The father is close at hand; hanging clothes on the laundry line, watching from nearby, sharing a hug to reassure Hansie after minor injuries. This adorable story shows a wonderful, nurturing father and son bond.

Candlewick Press, $15.99 

Interest Level: Junior Kindergarten – Grade 2

 

Druthers by Matt Phelan

            It’s a rainy morning and Penelope is bored. Dad asks her, “If you had your druthers, what would you do?” After Dad’s brief explanation, Penelope cuts loose her imagination: “I would go to the zoo.” Dad plays along by becoming a gorilla on the staircase.

            Her next “druthers” is to be a cowgirl; so they rustle up hats and, using a lasso, wrangle several stuffed animals. When she decides to be a pirate, they sail to the “island of dinosaurs!” Later, they take a rocket ship to the “biggest moon party ever!”

            Ink and watercolor artwork moves from gray to great, mixing up a lively view of a warm, adventurous and loving relationship. Text matches with images, to show daddy and daughter in happy imaginary play. Dad is not only patient: he’s also creative in the use of a wide variety of toys. This increases the merry time together. It’s not surprising that Penelope’s final druthers are that “it would rain tomorrow, too.”

Candlewick Press, $15.99 
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Kindergarten

Granddaddy’s Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box 

by Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein 

Illustrated by James E. Ransome

            Michael imitates his granddaddy, and wears a tie for what he thinks, at first, is a trip to the county fair. But Granddaddy explains that he’s going to vote, for the first time. Michael snaps a photo of Granddaddy proudly holding his ballot. But the happiness is quickly over. A deputy requires Granddaddy to read.  Granddaddy cannot. The deputy tears up the ballot. He sends Granddaddy away without voting.

            Vigorous watercolor artwork, by award-winning artist Ransome, shows a farmhouse, landscape and fishing dock washed in sunlit brilliance. Love, patience, and hard work are demonstrated through the thoughtful coupling of text with illustrations. 

            The story skips ahead then, to a grown-up Michael, sitting at a desk, remembering Granddaddy who “passed away before he got a chance to vote.” And finally, on the last double page spread, when Michael puts his own “ballot in the box,” he is carrying the photo of Granddaddy.

            A note at the back supplies context for the historical setting of this stirring tale. It is “based on one family’s experience in the struggle for voting rights” during the segregation era in the South.

Candlewick Press, $16.99 

Interest Level: Grades 1-3

 

More Terrific Titles to Share:

Superhero Dad by Timothy Knapman 

Illustrated by Joe Berger

Candlewick Press, $15.99

Interest Level: Junior Kindergarten – Grade 2

A Tale of Two Daddies by Vanita Oelschlager 

Illustrations by Kristin Blackwood and Mike Blanc

Vanita Books, $15.95 (hardcover) $8.95 (paperback)

Interest Level: Junior Kindergarten – Grade 1

Always My Dad by Sharon Dennis Wyeth 

Illustrated by Raul Colon

Alfred A. Knopf

Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 3

Father’s Rubber Shoes by Yumi Heo

Orchard Books, $14.95 

Interest Level: Grades 1-3

 

An Assortment of Wheels (FAMILY magazine reviews)

Summertime in the city is often marked by construction and repair work. A child can easily become fascinated, stopping to watch machines at work.  Following up with books that connect children to what captivates them can nourish their curiosity, excite their imaginations and help them to better understand themselves and our world.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you and your child share time together:

·      Some elements often associated with music can also be used when reading stories; for example, the pitch and tone of the reader’s voice can be used to increase curiosity about the characters or emphasize points of interest.

·      Rhythm and pace can create suspense and drama. The reader’s voice can speed up or slow down based on the action. Changing facial expressions can help create meaning and increase attention.

·      Allow for 'pauses' where the child or adult can comment about the story or illustrations. Some children may find connections to their own experiences and may want to share these. It is important to avoid seeing these moments as interruptions.

·      Respond to children's labels with complete sentences. For example, I recently saw a child point to a picture in a story and say: "train". The adult said: "Yes. The train is stopped at the station."

·      Make observations about language. For example you could say: "That rhymes" or "those words start with the same sound". Find genuine moments to comment about the usual practices of writing, for example English begins in the top left hand corner and goes from top to bottom.

Sharing books is one of the most significant of experiences in the development of children's literacy skills and vocabularies.  It’s also fun!

Truck Stop by Anne Rockwell 

illustrated by Melissa Iwai 

Viking, $16.99 (hardcover) 

Interest Level:  Pre Kindergarten – Grade 1 

(This book is available to purchase from Books & Books online: http://www.booksandbooks.com)

           

It’s before sun-up, and a young boy describes how he and his parents arrive to get breakfast ready at their truck stop. Meanwhile Uncle Marty opens up the service garage for repairs.  Every day they serve the people who drive eighteen-wheelers, tankers, moving vans, tow trucks and other vehicles along the highway. 

Each person who stops is known, not only by name, but also by his or her preferred foods: Coffee and doughnuts for Maisie, who drives the tank truck carrying milk; sausage and pancakes for Diligent Dan, driver of the moving van. But no one has seen Green Gus in his old pickup today. 

There’s plenty of action as big trucks and small roll in. Headlights flash and wheels rumble.  The everyday whiff of diesel fuel from the trucks is a familiar smell.  So are the usual hot coffee and sizzling food aromas.

When the Big Yellow Bus comes, it is time for the young narrator to go to school.  On the way, he sees the missing Green Gus along the side of the road.  He asks the bus driver to call the truck stop for help.  He knows Pete and Priscilla’s Tow Truck will come.  Uncle Marty will fix Green Gus.  “And the driver will have bacon and eggs sunny side up.”

Iwai’s colorful acrylics with India ink and cut paper illustrations create textures to match the text.  Swinging doors, pouring coffee, people waving to each other fill the bright pages with movement and activity. Even though the trucks and drivers go on their way, tomorrow will be another chance to greet each other again.  Good friends and good food frame the sense of a caring community in this reassuring story.  

Machines Go To Work in the City by William Low

Henry Holt, $16.99 (hardcover) 

Interest Level:  Pre Kindergarten – Grade 3 

(This book is available to purchase from Books & Books online: http://www.booksandbooks.com)

           

This beautifully designed picture book is a sequel to Low’s Machines Go to Work. Once again he matches each vehicle with an identifying sound.  Trucks and cranes, trains and planes, accompanied by the people who drive them, help to keep the city working. 

Low’s simple straightforward text includes a question, focusing attention on each machine.  Interestingly, the answer is always “No.”  However, it is followed by a short explanation. The associated foldout page further enlarges the view.

            Morning begins with a garbage truck. Following through the day are a train, vacuum and bucket trucks, and a crane.  A rosy sunset sky concludes the book while a baggage carrier services a plane. The plane takes off as night falls for busy machines and tired workers. An expanded panorama of the city unfolds, promising that tomorrow, “they will go to work again.”

            Pages at the end include smaller labeled images of the machines with brief descriptions to help with likely questions.

Digger, Dozer, Dumper by Hope Vestergaard 

illustrations by David Slonim

Candlewick Press, $15.99 (hardcover) 

Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 2 

(This book is on order and soon available to borrow at the Miami Dade Library; Main Branch, West Dade Regional.  Also may be purchased from Books & Books online: http://www.booksandbooks.com)

           

Young readers are introduced to a variety of working vehicles in this picture book of rhyming poems.  From early morning street sweeper and garbage truck, to backhoe, bulldozer, and cement mixer, the poems are rhythmic and easy to read out loud.  Fire truck, ambulance and tow truck are ready to rescue: “Bent your fender? Lost your way?/Tow truck’s here to save the day."

            Children, with a refreshing mix of skin color and gender, drive the 16 working machines: among these are steamroller, forklift and snowplow.

The cheerful acrylic and charcoal paintings highlight the action in the companion poems. Additionally, expressive headlight eyes on each featured vehicle continually keep the reader’s attention. The final illustration flips the relationship of child to machine: showing the children playing with their toy-sized vehicles. As a collection of poems, this book is creative, well constructed and absorbing.

More titles to try:

Speed by Nathan Clement  

 Boyds Mills Press, $16.95 (hardcover) 

Interest Level:  Junior Kindergarten – Grade 3 

(This book is available to purchase from Books & Books online: http://www.booksandbooks.com)

Night Light by Nicholas Blechman  

 Orchard Books, $16.99 (hardcover) 

Interest Level: Pre Kindergarten – Grade1 

(This book is available to purchase from Books & Books online: http://www.booksandbooks.com)

Zoom! Zoom! Sounds of Things That Go in the City by Robert Burleigh 

illustrated by Tad Carpenter 

Simon & Schuster, $16.99 (hardcover) 

Interest Level:  Pre Kindergarten – Grade 2 

(This book is available to purchase from Books & Books online: http://www.booksandbooks.com)

Here Comes Firefighter Hippo by Jonathan London 

illustrated by Gilles Eduar 

Boyds Mills Press, $15.95 (hardcover) 

Interest Level: Pre Kindergarten – Grade 1 

(This book is available to purchase from Books & Books online: http://www.booksandbooks.com)

Designed for Dad's Day (FAMILY magazine reviews)

Since Father’s Day falls at the beginning of summer, let this wonderful holiday help you launch a season of reading. During the summer, reading prepares your child(ren), not just for the next school year, but helps her/him grow into a lifelong learner.  This is especially true when s/he develops a habit of summer reading each year.  Try any of these tips as you plan your weeks away from school.

Summer Reading programs are a regular part of the local library.  Visit your library early in the summer to register your child(ren).  Many libraries offer awards, prizes and special celebrations to honor children who meet or exceed their own goals. 

·       Make reading a part of each summer day. 

In the car:     

       1) read signs and license plates with your child;

       2) listen to audio books, music, or radio - sing along. 
 

In the neighborhood:              

       1) take a sound walk, looking for/naming things that start with the same sound (ex: dog, door, daddies, donuts, dolls)
       2) play a guessing game; notice something without looking at it, give your child a clue to see if s/he can guess (ex: I’m thinking of something with wheels, painted red, and noisy.  When s/he guesses correctly, let her/him take a turn!)

  

·      Make writing a part of each summer day.  Your child can tell you about something, you can write it, and you both can read it together. 

1)  Help your child keep a nature journal of all the wildlife you see during your walks or other adventures -- or something that shows wildlife has been there (ex: a hole in a leaf, a half eaten nut, an anthill).  Write it down/draw it or have your child(ren) write it down/draw it in the journal/notebook. You may need to solve a mystery of what animal left the remains behind.  Review, looking back at the end of the week, month, summer, remembering what fun you had together.

2)  Arrange with a parent of one of your child’s friends to send each other postcards of what your summer adventures are.

·    Read aloud with your child(ren) every day.  When children are read to by someone they love, children learn to love books!

   

Read and share from these wonderful books in honor of the dad in your child’s life.  Have fun together this summer! 


Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle  

Philomel, $17.99 (hardcover) 

Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 2  

 (This book is available to borrow at the Miami Dade Library; Main Branch, Miami Lakes, Lemon City.  Also may be purchased from Books & Books online: http://www.booksandbooks.com)

           What a great dad Mr. Seahorse is!  He floats through the ocean with Mrs. Seahorse’s eggs in his pouch. 

In his travels, he meets up with other caring fish fathers.  One is Mr. Tilapia, who keeps the eggs safe in his mouth until they hatch.  Another is Mr. Pipe, whose eggs are on his belly.

As is his habit, award-winning author-illustrator Carle uses a light touch to expose youngsters to our natural world.  Cheery painted tissue-paper collage introduces each new fish father. On one colorful double page spread an upside down Mr. Seahorse greets Mr. Kurtus.

Additionally, Mr. Seahorse glides past scary lionfish and other creatures. Alternating with fish fathers, they are hidden behind beautifully painted acetate pages. 

This lively, heartwarming story concludes with the seahorse babies swimming away, ready to be on their own.

Following Papa’s Song by Gianna Marino
Viking, $16.99 (hardcover) 

Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 2 

(This book is available to purchase from Books & Books online: http://www.booksandbooks.com)

              As they swim through the sunlit morning sea Little Blue, a humpback whale, asks Papa questions.  Little Blue is especially interested in their coming travels. “Are we going far?” How will we know the way?

            Papa’s answers comfort him.  They will follow the whales’ song, “like our family has for years upon years . . . . If you listen closely you will always hear my song.” 

            They begin their journey “through the liquid light and deep into the mysterious black.” Little Blue is curious about the dark magical world below.

            Marino’s lyrical text merges with brilliant gouache colors on mulberry paper. The mixed media approach to illustration lends texture to curving movements of underwater life.  This method also gives shape to dark-light contrasts. One example is the double page spread using silhouettes. 

            When Little Blue dives down to explore the deep silence, colors deepen.  Additionally, word size, shape and meaning are echoes of the changing water. When Little Blue realizes the cold distance from dad, he remembers to listen. 

What he hears sends Little Blue up from the deep to follow the path of Papa’s song back to the brighter surface of the evening ocean.


How to Cheer Up Dad by Fred Koehler   

Dial, $16.99 (hardcover) Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 2 

(This book is available to purchase from Books & Books online: http://www.booksandbooks.com)

            Viewers see the bad day beginning - with raisins from the oatmeal ending up on the ceiling. The playful troublemaker’s wild behavior increases with the addition of an unsuccessful bath, a no-clothes race, and a time-out.

            In an almost-cartoon-like style, the pencil and pen artwork is enhanced using digital media.  Lots of white space and limited colors strengthen the young elephant’s naughty mischief making. This highlights the gap between the child’s delight and the father’s exasperation.

            When Little Jumbo the elephant sees his dad is “having a bad day,” he wonders how “to cheer up Dad.” Starting with a hug, the pair moves to playing catch. Sharing an ice-cream cone, and fishing together follow.  Additional colors brighten the white and gray spaces with red, blue and yellow as the disturbances decrease.

 The day ends with reading a story and tucking dad in.  But it’s NOT the end of the story.  The final page’s artwork sets up the joke with new mischief: “I wonder how much cheering up he’ll need tomorrow. . .”

Treat yourself and your child to other titles below:

Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too by Anna Dewdney 

 Viking, $17.99 (hardcover) Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 1 

(This book is available to purchase from Books & Books online: http://www.booksandbooks.com)

Papa is a Poet: A Story About Robert Frost by Natalie S. Bober

illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon 

Henry Holt, $17.99 (hardcover) Interest Level: Grades 1-4

The Lion Who Stole My Arm by Nicola Davies  

Candlewick, $14.99 (hardcover) Grade 3-5 

(This book is available to purchase from Books & Books online: http://www.booksandbooks.com)

 

Pets Are Perfect (FAMILY magazine reviews)

Back to school is the perfect time for sharing stories not only about vacation and travel, but funny stories about family experiences and pets.  The books below offer a sampling of animal adventures and pet pals.  Try them!

  

Wanted! A Guinea Pig Called Henry 

by Wendy Orr 

illustrated by Patricia Castelao  

Henry Holt, $15.99, Ages 7-10

            Although the book is, as the title says, about guinea pig Henry, the story actually begins with a stumpy-tailed little brown dog named Nelly, who has the ability to calm frightened animals, even a terrified white cat and a shy kindergarten boy.  However, before we learn about Henry, we meet Sam who surprises herself and her parents by saying she would rather have a pet than a party for her birthday.

            Author Orr, who lives in Australia, has written several books in a series, called the Rainbow Street Shelter, in which the animal shelter plays an important part in the lives of the people and animals, who meet on its premises.  Henry is the third in this series.  And the story takes Sam and her family to the shelter for a visit where she meets, holds, pets and feeds several small animals, as she considers what pet she might choose to bring home with her the following week on her birthday.

            As Sam thinks about, dreams of, decides on, prepares for, chooses and plays with her pet, she and her kindergarten age brother, Liam, are also getting ready for school to begin.  Although Sam has always struggled with speaking and her arms and legs seem to refuse to do what she wants, her brain works just fine and she loves school.  But Liam is shy and doesn’t want to read with so many kids around, despite the fact that he’ll talk to, and read a book to Nelly every time their family goes to the shelter.

            Watching Liam and Nelly, gives Sam an idea – and her planning for and talking with the several adults to bring her idea to reality, draws the book to its satisfying close.  Illustrator Castelao’s black and white drawings arch the Rainbow Street Shelter icon over each chapter heading, giving the story shape and continuity.  The interspersed full-page and partial page images move the story, heightening its impact, and adding to its emotional authenticity.

Princess Posey and the Next Door Dog

by Stephanie Green

illustrated by Stephanie Roth Sisson

Putnam, $12.99, Ages 5-8

            Posey uses her pink tutu, her necklace with the pink beads, her magic veil with the stars, her belt with purple flowers, and her princess wand to give her Princess Posey bravery – to “go anywhere and do anything.  All by herself.”  She decides to meet the dog with a huge WOOF! who has moved in next door, because she is supposed to write about “your pet” or “the pet you hope to own” for an assignment in first grade. 

            Secretly, Posey is afraid of dogs, ever since one knocked her over to lick her ice cream when she was little.  By making the decision to take this important action, she confronts her fears, while Gramp’s wise words echo in her memory.

            Author Green has written this third in the Princess Posey series with her own ear tuned to early readers and uses the princess theme with a charming twist of courage that can make even the most ardent anti-princess cult member give this book a second look.  Short sentences and readable word choices are expressive without being choppy and, accompanied at pivotal intervals by Sisson’s black and white illustrations; together create appealing representative detail for new readers.

            Despite being afraid, Posey notices the dog is whimpering like a baby -- its paw is caught under the fence where it’s been digging.  After Posey frees his paw, the new neighbor, Mrs. Romero, thanks her for being “Hero’s hero,” introduces them and with the dog on the leash, comes to meet Posey’s mom and her brother Danny.  Not only does Posey show Hero to Tyler and Nick, the neighbor boys who have teased her about not being a “big kid,” but she has a story to read at school the next day.

Hiss-s-s-s! 

by Eric Kimmel  

Holiday, $16.95, Ages 8-12

            Omar wants a snake.  He has passionately done his research online, not only about the kind of snake he wants, but how to care for and feed it, and where and how to keep it at home.  He’s even negotiated to purchase necessary equipment from a kid whose snake died, and has located a trustworthy place to purchase the corn snake of his dreams. 

            From a multi-racial and –ethnic family, Omar hears snake stories from his father’s village experiences growing up, and abstractedly feels the important contribution snakes made historically, by killing rodents who ate the community’s store of grain.  But he doesn’t fully understand the depth of his mother’s fear and loathing of snakes – in spite of her grudging acceptance of the snake in the home as long as she doesn’t have to see it or the frozen mice that are its diet – until it disappears.              With a curious younger sister, and a helpful school friend adding to the mix of complications, award winner Kimmel steps outside his familiar folktale mode of storytelling, and using his characteristic vivid writing style, captures for readers of this realistic middle grade novel, Omar’s sense of confusion when the snake makes a surprising reappearance in the most unfortunate of circumstances.

A Salute to Super Heroes & Heroines (FAMILY magazine reviews)

If the newest Spiderman movie sparked your imagination, try any or all of these champion picture books for their characteristic intrepid courage, classical ideals, and notable adventures.  While perhaps not all of celebrity status, these daring, determined and spirited individuals demonstrate sturdy personalities and plucky tenacity.  Any or all are worthy role models for young people in need or hope of a suitable hero or heroine.  Touché!

Zero the Hero by Joan Holub 

illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld 

Henry Holt, $16.99, Ages 6-11

            Zero thinks of himself as a superhero, but his friends the other numbers?  Not so much.  Zero is out for the count – he simply isn’t included in counting numbers.  He seems to have value only with other numbers (as in 10, 20, etc).

            He’s especially worthless when it comes to addition, subtraction            or even division.  But he shines when it comes to multiplication -- until he realizes “A real superhero wouldn’t multiply his friends into nothingness.”  And as he considers whether he is in fact a villain instead of a hero, he loses confidence and rolls away.

            Lichtenheld’s clever cartoon characters are differentiated using ink, colored pencils and watercolors to identify and distinguish each personality.  And Holub’s straightforward storytelling text is augmented both by her agile use of language, and witty comments spoken by individual numbers in dialog balloons.

            After Zero leaves, the other numbers note his absence as they play games; adding themselves together, rounding up or down, even comparing themselves to letters.  They don’t realize they are being surrounded by Roman soldiers/numerals until they are forced into a gladiator ring, doubling as a clock.

            When Zero hears his friends calling for help (note the whimsical use of numbers to spell out the word), he hurries to the rescue, outwitting the Roman numerals by demonstrating his skill with multiplication.  This ingenious picture book is a math gem with an inventive resolution.  

           

Ladybug Girl at the Beach 

by David Soman and Jacky Davis  

Dial, $16.99, Ages 4-6

            Husband and wife team Davis and Soman are spot on with this book from their well-known series about a girl who loves her ladybug costume and wears it often!  Lulu (alias Ladybug Girl, the brave) loves the beach -- however, as her older brother points out -- she’s never been before. 

            Initially impatient “to go swimming in the waves,” when Lulu races to the water’s edge and is confronted with huge loud breakers and seemingly endless ocean, she reacts with a young child’s usual response -- choosing to build sand castles, fly a kite, and plead for ice cream.  Later, watching others play in the water at the sea’s edge, Lulu and her dog, Bingo, decide to get their feet wet, and are nearly knocked over, although no one around seems to notice a problem. 

            Pen and ink watercolor illustrations, with subtle, yet artful use of both brights and pastels, convey a crowded sunlit beach on a breezy summer day, even to the rosy sky at day’s end.  Of special note is the double page spread in the early part of the story: the enormity of the pounding sea dwarfs the girl and her basset hound companion, successfully setting the stage, and resulting in Lulu’s need for her Ladybug Girl courage, to rescue her errant purple pail when the tide comes in much later, as she and Bingo are exploring, digging for pirate treasure.

            Knee-deep in the ocean, having conquered her fears (a watchful Mama standing in the background), Ladybug Girl’s splashing play in the water with faithful Bingo completes the day, lending authenticity to the closing comments with her brother, and making for a satisfying final scene.

The Amazing Adventures of Bumblebee Boy 

by Jacky Davis 

illustrated by David Soman  

Dial, $16.99, Ages 3-5

            Sam (Ladybug Girl’s sidekick and friend) makes remarkable use of his sizeable imagination during his adventures as Bumblebee Boy – first with Greenbeard the Pirate, later with Fire Dragon, and again with “Giganto, the Giant Saber-Toothed Lion.”   However, Owen, his younger brother, who wants to play “soup hero, too!” repeatedly interrupts.  Sam knows he’s not supposed to be mean, but Owen “doesn’t get it; Bumblebee Boy wants to fly alone!” 

            Once again, Davis and Soman (Ladybug Girl’s co-creators) combine their considerable talents with the use of repetitive language (Bum Ba Bum BUM!) and signature ink and watercolor illustrations.  Owen’s use of his own imagination to foil the “bank robbers” Bumblebee Boy is chasing, and then Sam’s recognition that he is unable to defeat imagined aliens without help, shapes the dilemma. 

            The polarity between Bumblebee Boy in energetic full color, contrasting double page spreads, and the white space-filled pages of literal reality as Owen brings Sam back to the living room of daily life dramatizes the distinction, fuels Sam’s hope to play separately, and ultimately makes the harmonious finale even more convincing.