Princess Penelopea Hates PeasA Tale of Picky Eating and Avoiding Catastropeas

Susan D. Sweet, Brenda S. Miles, Valeria Docampo, illustratorMagination Press, Hardcover $14.95 (32pp), 978-1-4338-2046-5

Princess Penelopea Hates Peas is the story of a prin-cess who cannot be convinced to try her peas, no

matter what the king and queen do. The book offers parents an opportunity to encourage kids

to try new foods. There is a note to parents

and caregivers in the back that provides useful tips for getting children to eat a variety of foods.

The accompanying illustrations are whimsical and colorful, and help turn a topic that some children may hesitate to embrace into a book that is a great

deal of fun to read.

to try new foods. There is a note to parents

and caregivers in the back that provides

BY CATHERINE REED-THURESON

SPOTLIGHT REVIEWS

Artwork from Salad Pie, by Wendy BooydeGraaff, Bryan Langdo, illustrator. Used with permission from Ripple Grove Press.

94 Spring 2016

Salad PieWendy BooydeGraaff, Bryan Langdo, illustratorRipple Grove Press, Hardcover $17.99 (44pp), 978-0-9913866-4-2

Learning to share and play nicely with other chil-dren can be a challenge. In Salad Pie, Maggie finds the playground deserted when she arrives. This, she feels, is the perfect environment for making salad pie. She is not happy when Herbert shows up to help her. However, when her beautiful salad pie takes an unexpected tumble, Herbert is there to save the day, and Maggie real-izes that salad pie is even better when shared. Colorful, energetic depictions of the children at play support and illustrate the story’s important lesson. Ages 1 - 8.

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Too Many CarrotsKaty HudsonCapstone, Paperback $14.95 (32pp), 978-1-78202-415-6

In Too Many Carrots, a sweet story intended for children ages 2 to 7, rabbit learns the importance of sharing. When rabbit realizes that his home is so full of carrots there’s no longer room for him, he tries to find a friend to live with. His friends kindly offer him a place to stay, but each place proves too small for rabbit and his carrots. Illustrations accompanying the text are detailed and humorous, showing rabbit and his friends as they try to squeeze into space that is too small to accommodate them.

Good Trick Walking Stick!Sheri M. Bestor, Jonny Lambert, illustratorSleeping Bear Press, Hardcover $16.99 (32pp), 978-1-58536-943-0

Good Trick Walking Stick! provides a look at the life cycle of walking sticks. The book starts with a female walking stick lay-ing her eggs, and goes through the year as the eggs stay warm through winter, hatch in the spring, find food, and stay safe until they are ready to lay their own eggs and start the cycle again. Accompanying this tale are facts about walking sticks and how they grow and protect themselves. Beautiful paper collage illus-trations shows walking sticks in nature. The book is informative and fascinating and will appeal to children ages 4 to 9.

If You Love HoneyNature’s Connections

Martha Sullivan, Cathy Morrison, illustratorDawn Publications, Paperback $8.95 (32pp), 978-1-58469-534-9

As the importance of environmental stewardship becomes clearer, teaching children how they can help becomes an important task for all caregivers. If You Love Honey illustrates the connection between honey, honey bees, and all of the plant and animal life that sustain them. Lush illustrations support the text, showing the richness of the earth and at least a few of its inhabitants. Suggested lessons and further readings at the end offer children an opportunity to create something in their world to help the envi-ronment. Ages 4 - 9.

Mom, Dad, Our Books, and MeDanielle Marcotte, Josée Bisaillon, illustratorOwlkids Books, Hardcover $16.95 (32pp), 978-1-77147-201-2

The many forms and ways of reading are joyously celebrated in Mom, Dad, Our Books, and Me. One child observes all of the forms of reading in his world---from novels to cookbooks to sheet music to street signs---and all of the ways that reading can enrich life. Whimsical paper collage illustrations show life filled with reading, including a variety of real world landscapes with touches of the imaginary springing from books to add flavor and fun. Ages 3 - 7.

kindly offer him a place to stay, but each place proves too small for rabbit and his carrots. Illustrations accompanying the text are detailed and humorous, showing rabbit and his friends as they try to squeeze into space that is too small to accommodate them.

including a variety of real world landscapes with touches of the imaginary springing from books to add flavor and fun. Ages 3 - 7.

they are ready to lay their own eggs and start the cycle again. Accompanying this tale are facts about walking sticks and how they grow and protect themselves. Beautiful paper collage illustrations shows walking sticks in nature. The book is informative and fascinating and will appeal to children ages 4 to 9.

Children’s picture books

Are You the Pirate Captain?Gareth P. Jones, Garry Parsons, illustratorAndersen Press, Hardcover $17.99 (32pp)978-1-78344-219-5

Are You the Pirate Captain? is a humorous tale of one pirate crew’s search for the perfect captain. The story is full of clever rhymes and pirate speak, and even includes a sea shanty complete with a musical score. The color illustrations are engaging and very funny, depicting such things as a pirate who seems to be picking his nose, as well as the crew’s previous captain being eaten by a giant squid. The book is appropriate for children ages 4 to 9, but will certainly entertain children of all ages!

Wake Up, IslandMary Casanova, Nick Wroblewski, illustratorUniversity Of Minnesota Press, Hardcover $14.99 (40pp), 978-0-8166-8935-4

As the sun rises on the island, animals and plants wake up. With simple statements and del-icate woodcuts, Wake up, Island creates a vivid sense of an island coming to life on a beautiful morning. Each page is a unique work of art. Even the text stretches and dips along with the fauna and flora of the island. Children of all ages, but particularly those ages 4 to 9, will enjoy this simple book and the feelings of joy and wonder it imparts.

the richness of the earth and at least a few of its inhabitants. Suggested lessons and further readings at the end offer children an opportunity to create something in their world to help the environment. Ages 4 - 9.

TrainbotsMiranda Paul, Shane McG, illustratorLittle Bee Books, Hardcover $14.95 (32pp), 978-1-4998-0167-5

Trainbots are trying to make a delivery of toybots to children, but the misbehaving badbots are doing all they can to sabotage the train. With inventive rhymes and colorful, action filled illus-trations, Trainbots delivers fun to young children as surely as the title characters deliver toys to girls and boys. Most appropriate for ages 4 to 8, the book is likely to expand young vocabularies

while entertaining kids with a silly story and amusing artwork.

On One FootLinda Glaser, Nuria Balaguer, illustratorKar-Ben Publishing, Hardcover $16.99 (32pp), 978-1-4677-7842-8

On One Foot tells a story of Rabbi Hillel, an historical teacher and scholar. In this episode, a young man wants to find a very wise rabbi to teach him the Torah while standing on one foot. He searches throughout Jerusalem but cannot find anyone who can do this, until he meets Rabbi Hillel. The book is simply told and conveys the wisdom and goodness of Rabbi Hillel. The mixed media illustrations are appealing and support the story beautifully. On One Foot is written for children ages 5 to 9, but the lesson is appropriate for everyone.

SPOTLIGHT REVIEWS

Artwork from A Friend for Mole, by Nancy Armo. Used with permission from Peachtree Publishers.

96 Spring 2016

A Friend for MoleNancy ArmoPeachtree Publishers, Hardcover $16.95 (32pp)978-1-56145-865-3

When Mole gets lost outside of his burrow, he is scared. When he meets a young wolf who is just as scared as him, the two decide to help one another and quickly learn that a friend can help make things better. Everybody must learn to over-come fear, and A Friend for Mole, written for chil-dren ages 2 to 6, teaches children that it is okay to ask for help. Mole and Wolf come alive in the enchanting illustrations, making for an endearing story that will be read over and over again.

A Friend for Mole

and conveys the wisdom and goodness of Rabbi Hillel. The mixed media illustrations are appealing and support the story beautifully. On One Footappropriate for everyone.

the train. With inventive rhymes and colorful, action filled illustrations, title characters deliver toys to girls and boys. Most appropriate for ages 4 to 8, the book is likely to expand young vocabularies

while entertaining kids with a silly story and amusing artwork.

forewordreviews.com 97

Children’s picture books

Ben Says GoodbyeSarah Ellis, Kim La Fave, illustratorPajama Press, Hardcover $16.95 (32pp), 978-1-927485-79-8

When a best friend moves away, it can be very painful. In Ben Says Goodbye, that loss is addressed with sensitivity and honesty. When Peter moves away, Ben hides under the table and imagines a world in which the two boys can still play together. His family offers gen-tle support and understanding. The accompanying illustrations are simple, but they do an excellent job of portraying Ben’s feelings as he watches Peter leave and then re-imagines their friendship. The book offers a wonderful tool for helping young children cope with this type of loss. Ages 3 - 8.

SanctuaryWendy Marloe, Joanna ChenMarloe Press, Hardcover $19.95 (48pp), 978-0-9823495-3-3Sanctuary invites young and old alike to reflect on what makes places special for each individual. With just a few simple words on each page, and soft illustrations depicting many types of places, the book invites introspection and reflection about what a personal sanctuary might look like. Though some of the spaces depicted are full of activity, there is an overall sense of peace and quiet. In offering the reader an opportunity to think and dream, the book itself becomes a type of sanctuary.

Respect and Take Care of ThingsCheri J. Meiners, Meredith Johnson, illustratorFree Spirit Publishing, Softcover $12.45 (40pp)978-1-63198-036-7

Respect and Take Care of Things is part of a series that teaches basic skills, and this book offers children a simple lesson about the importance of taking care of the things. The text is written in both English and Spanish and discusses the care of personal items, other people’s possessions, communal items, and even the environment. The accompanying illustrations demonstrate the ways in which young children can help to take care of a

variety of things. The suggested games and activities included at the end of the book offer caregivers helpful tips for reinforcing the book’s lesson. Ages 4 - 8.

he watches Peter leave and then re-imagines their friendship. The book offers a wonderful tool for helping young children cope with this type of loss. Ages 3 - 8.

itself becomes a type of sanctuary.

the importance of taking care of the things. The text is written in both English and Spanish and discusses the care of personal items, other people’s possessions, communal items, and even the environment. The accompanying illustrations demonstrate the ways in which young children can help to take care of a

variety of things. The suggested games and activities included at the end of the book offer caregivers

FriendsAiko IkegamiAlbert Whitman & Company, Hardcover $16.99 (32pp), 978-0-8075-2550-0

Friends is the story of a little girl who comes to a new school from very far away and is unsure about how to make friends. Gradually she becomes accepted, and when another new student from even farther away joins the class, the little girl knows just how to welcome her new classmate. The book uses minimal text, relying more on soft and appealing illustrations to share the story. The book is appropriate for children ages 3 to 8.

The Jar of HappinessAilsa BurrowsChild’s Play International, Hardcover $16.99 (32pp)978-1-84643-729-8

The Jar of Happiness is a sweet story about a little girl who concocts a potion for happiness and carries it around to share with the people in her life. When she loses the jar, those same people show her that happiness does not come from a jar. Soft illustrations accompany the text, adding humor and highlighting the characters’ emotions. The lesson about how to “make” happiness is highly appropriate for emotional or temperamental young children. The book is sure to be a family favorite.

The Jar of Happiness

A Scottish YearTwelve Month in the Life of Scotland’s Kids

Tania McCartney, Tina SnerlingEK Books, Hardcover $17.99 (32pp), 978-1-921966-87-3

The cultural heritage of Scotland is cel-ebrated in A Scottish Year, a book for children ages 4 to 8 that looks at the life of children in Scotland. The book shares

information on celebrations, foods, school, free time activities, and the landscape, with simple color illustrations that show children engaging in a variety of activities. This book is part of a series that examines life for children in other countries, and it does a fantastic job of illus-

trating the differences and the similarities between cultures.

The Story of Snowflake and InkdropPierdomencio Baccalario, Alessandro Gatti, Simona

Mulazzani, illustratorHardcover $22.95 (56pp), 978-1-59270-181-0

Snowflake is anxious for the day it can fall to earth and share in the wonders it can see. Inkdrop longs to be a part

of the artist’s drawings. When a sudden wind brings them together, they will

both discover a new world. The Story of Snowflake and Inkdrop

is elegantly told and beautifully designed. Stunning illustra-tions and creative laser cuts allow the reader to share the perspective of both charac-ters. It is appropriate for all ages, and will be a joy to those who appreciate books as works of art.

The Golden Winged FairyLala Fae, Laura Siadak,

illustratormadebyfae, Hardcover $19.95 (32pp),

978-0-9908527-3-5

The Golden Winged Fairy tells the story of Lorelei, a Silver Moon Fairy who has one wing that glows golden. She tries

to disguise her difference, but when it is finally revealed, the other fairies help her to understand how special she is. Lovely illustrations highlighted with gold and silver leaf depict the woodland home of the fairies in lush detail. The book is a joy to look at, and offers children ages 4 and up an opportunity to examine their own differences and learn what makes them special.

, a book for children ages 4 to 8 that looks at the life of children in Scotland. The book shares

information on celebrations, foods, school, free time activities, and the landscape, with simple color illustrations that show

depict the woodland home of the fairies in lush detail. The book is a joy to look at, and offers children ages 4 and up an opportunity to examine their own differences and learn

A Scottish YearTwelve Month in the Life of Scotland’s Kids

Tania McCartney, Tina SnerlingEK Books, Hardcover $17.99 (32pp), 978-1-921966-87-3

The cultural heritage of Scotland is celebrated in children ages 4 to 8 that looks at the life of children in Scotland. The book shares

information on celebrations, foods, school, free time activities, and the landscape, with simple color illustrations that show

trating the differences and the similarities between cultures.

The Story of Snowflake and InkdropPierdomencio Baccalario, Alessandro Gatti, Simona

Mulazzani, illustratorHardcover $22.95 (56pp), 978-1-59270-181-0

Snowflake is anxious for the day it can fall to earth and share in the wonders it can see. Inkdrop longs to be a part

of the artist’s drawings. When a sudden wind brings them together, they will

both discover a new world. Story of Snowflake and Inkdrop

is elegantly told and beautifully designed. Stunning illustrations and creative laser cuts allow the reader to share the perspective of both characters. It is appropriate for all ages, and will be a joy to those who appreciate books as works of art.

The Golden Winged FairyLala Fae, Laura Siadak,

illustratormadebyfae, Hardcover $19.95 (32pp),

978-0-9908527-3-5

The Golden Winged FairyMoon Fairy who has one wing that glows golden. She tries

to disguise her difference, but when it is finally revealed, the other fairies help her to understand how special she is. Lovely illustrations highlighted with gold and silver leaf depict the woodland home of the fairies in lush detail. The book is a joy to look at, and offers children ages 4 and up an opportunity to examine their own differences and learn what makes them special.

Artwork from The Understanding Monster, Book Three by Theo Ellsworth. Used with permission from Secret Acres.

Children’s picture books

SPOTLIGHT REVIEWS

98 Spring 2016

those who appreciate books

The Golden Winged Fairy

forewordreviews.com 99

Bakers MagicDiane ZahlerCapstone Young Readers, Hardcover $12.95 (336pp), 978-1-62370-642-5

Bakers Magic is a delightful tale sure to entertain young fantasy enthusiasts. The story centers on Bee, an orphan with an unusual talent for baking; her friend, Will, the blacksmith’s apprentice; and Anika, the princess of the kingdom of Aradyn. The princess is in dire need of assistance, for she must escape the cruel mage who is her guardian. The three friends set off on an adventure to not only save the princess, but also the

kingdom and the land itself. Mixing themes of magic, love, friendship, and environmentalism, the story truly has a little something for everyone. It is light hearted, entertaining, and thoroughly enjoyable. Ages 9 - 12.

The Understanding MonsterBook Three

Theo EllsworthSecret Acres, Hardcover $21.95 (64pp), 978-0-9888149-8-1

The Understanding Monster is a sur-real, provocative comic book that explores the relationship between real-ity and creativity. The text is intention-ally disjointed, often confusing, and utterly compelling as it explores the awareness of the protagonist Izadore. The illustrations are incredibly detailed, atmospheric, and at times quite dis-

turbing. The combination perfectly captures a dreamscape of the author’s imagination, where anything is possible. This a book that is not just enter-taining but thought provoking, and is most appropriate for advanced teen readers and adults.

I, HumanityJeffrey BennettBig Kid Science, Hardcover $15 (32pp)978-1-937548-52-0

Written as a first-person narrative in which “I” is all of humanity, I, Humanity explores human understand-ings of the universe. Jeffrey Bennett brilliantly condenses scientific discov-

eries throughout the ages into a brief history and presents the information in a manner that is clear, informative, and visually appealing. Written for children ages 7 and up, the book includes a helpful glossary, as well as suggested activities for further learning in specific age groups. It is a must read for those interested in the science of the universe.

On the Road with MalloryLaurie FriedmanJennifer Kalis, illustratorDarby CreekHardcover $15.95 (160pp)978-1-4677-5029-5

On the Road with Mallory is the latest book in a series of twenty-five. In this installment, Mallory is on a vacation to the Grand Canyon and is journaling about her adventures. Much to her annoyance, her cousin Kate has joined her family on this trip. Mallory and Kate must learn to get along if they are going

to enjoy their vacation. Amusing illustrations accompany the text, drawn as though Kate is drawing in her journal. The lesson about learning to under-stand someone else’s perspective comes through clearly and will find its mark with children ages 7 to 11.

What Was It Like, Mr. Emperor?Life In China’s Forbidden City

Chiu Kwong-chiuNancy S. Steinhardt, editorBen Wang, translatorChina Institute in AmericaHardcover $12.95 (108pp)978-0-9893776-6-9

What Was It like, Mr. Emperor? is a fascinating book that details the

life of royalty in dynastic China. Focusing primarily on the Ming and Qing dynasties, the book offers a glimpse into the Forbidden City and discusses the responsibilities and expectations that emperors and their families dealt with. Simple color illustrations highlight key points and help to create a portrait of an often difficult and even dangerous life, quite different from the life one might expect royalty to lead. The book is written for children ages 8 to 12, but is appropriate for anyone with an interest in Chinese culture and history.

and Anika, the princess of the kingdom of Aradyn. The princess is in dire need of assistance, for she must escape the cruel mage who is her guardian. The three friends set off on an adventure to

to the Grand Canyon and is journaling about her adventures. Much to her annoyance, her cousin Kate has joined her family on this trip. Mallory and Kate must learn to get along if they are going

of Aradyn. The princess is in dire need of assistance, for she must escape the cruel mage who is her guardian. The three friends set off on an adventure to not only save the princess, but also the

in which “I” is all of humanity, Humanityings of the universe. Jeffrey Bennett brilliantly condenses scientific discov

eries throughout the ages into a brief history and presents the information in

explores the relationship between real-ity and creativity. The text is intention-ally disjointed, often confusing, and utterly compelling as it explores the awareness of the protagonist Izadore.

978-0-9893776-6-9

What Was It like, Mr. Emperor?a fascinating book that details the

life of royalty in dynastic China. Focusing primarily on the Ming and Qing

ally disjointed, often confusing, and utterly compelling as it explores the awareness of the protagonist Izadore. The illustrations are incredibly detailed, atmospheric, and at times quite dis

MIDDLE GRADE READERS