Children's Literature Feature

Children’s Literature salutes HarperCollins as they celebrate the origins of the I Can Read series, books that have encouraged and inspired several generations of emerging readers. These books continue to shape and influence the reading of children around the world. The following press release from HarperCollins gives information about the debut of Little Bear. Visit these excellent web sites for more details:

HarperCollins Children’s Books Celebrates

THE 50th ANNIVERSARY of LITTLE BEAR!

2007 marks THE GOLDEN Anniversary of THE TIMELESS CLASSIC THAT LAUNCHED THE I CAN READ!™ SERIES

Few things are more fulfilling than helping children work through the letters, words, and sentences of a book as they begin to read. For the past 50 years, children have discovered the joy of independent reading with HarperCollins’ I Can Read!™ series. Featuring more award-winning titles, authors, and illustrators than any other beginning reader series, these stories have set the standard for early readers. From humor to history, poetry to sports, nature to adventure, I Can Read!™ helps kids learn to love reading.

I Can Read!™ began with the 1957 publication of the now-classic Little Bear, written by Else Holmelund Minarik and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. This book was tailor-made for children learning to read, with over 2 million copies sold, the magic of Little Bear continues to enchant children 50 years after its memorable debut. In the 50 years since that breakthrough book, the series has continued to reward and entertain generations of new readers. The series has grown to over 250 titles in print and has earned a loyal readership (87 million copies have been sold). I Can Read!™ books have been named Newbery and Caldecott Honor Books, ALA Notable Children’s Books, New York Times Outstanding Children’s Books, Parenting Best Children’s Books, and Reading Rainbow Selections. The authors of these books, including Arnold Lobel, Betsy Byars, Katherine Paterson, and Peggy Parish, have been recognized as masters of children's literature.

Choosing the right book to match a young reader’s skills and topics of interest can be a difficult task. The I Can Read!™ series answers the call with color-coded leveling, a back-cover design that directs readers to other books at the same level, and a lively website (www.icanread.com) with information and activities for families and educators. Choosing an I Can Read!™ book is easier than ever.

With traditional themes and unforgettable characters, I Can Read!™ offers readers a number of timeless treasures. Generations of early readers have shared the adventures of Frog and Toad, Amelia Bedelia, Frances, Danny and the Dinosaur, and many other beloved I Can Read!™ characters. New generations of early readers continue to fall in love with these favorites and discover new characters destined to become classics.

Else Holmelund Minarik is the author of the five original Little Bear books and No Fighting, No Biting!, all of them illustrated by Maurice Sendak. She lives in Sunset Beach, NC.

Maurice Sendak has received the Caldecott Medal, the Hans Christian Andersen Medal, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, the National Medal of Arts, and the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.

“Little Bear is a tender and eloquent book, and represents a genuine collaboration between author and artist.” — The New Yorker

“It is difficult to be practical about something so charming—one wants only to be charmed. Yet this is a book which must be considered on two counts: its joyousness and its usefulness. It passes on both counts. One look at the illustrations and children will grab for it. A second look at the short, easy sentences, the repetition of words and the beautiful type spacing, and children will know they can read it themselves.” — The New York Times Book Review

The following titles represent a smattering of the I Can Read!™ books. As you browse through the list keep in mind that the entire series can be accessed at www.childrenslit.com. Give a little person you know a real treat and share one or more of these milestone books!

Amelia Bedelia and the Surprise Shower
Peggy Parish
Pictures by Barbara Siebel Thomas (Based on the original drawings by Fritz Siebel)
Amelia Bedelia is a housekeeper who takes any order she is given literally. Mrs. Rogers has had dressed chickens (in frilly dresses) and drawn drapes (on paper), but now she is going to give a surprise shower. Or is she? Only Amelia Bedelia knows for sure. A laugh per sentence, or sometimes two, for a new generation. 1990 (orig. 1966), HarperCollins/HarperAudio, $14.95, $14.89 and $7.95 (w/audio). Ages 6 up. Reviewer: Judy Silverman (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-024643-X
ISBN: 0-06-024642-1

Are You My Mother?
P.D. Eastman
In P.D. Eastman's classic Are You My Mother?, a baby bird sets out to find his unknown mom, asking the title's question of all he meets--kitten, dog, boat, even a bulldozer. The illustrations capture both the humor and poignancy of the quest, which speaks reassuringly to many children's worries about parental loss. As kids, my siblings and I wanted to hear this story again and again. 1998 (orig. 1960), Random House, $4.99, $7.99 and $11.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
Best Books:

Biscuit
Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Pictures by Pat Schories
Part of a beginning reading series called "My First I Can Read Book." this little gem proves that, in the hands of a craftsman, a limited vocabulary book can tell a real story that is of real interest to its readers. Biscuit is a puppy who has jist as much trouble getting ready for sleep as his young human companion does. The full color pictures by the award-winning illustrator beguile, while the repetitive text entices young readers to read. 1996, HarperCollins, $12.95, $12.89 and $3.95. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Judy Katsh (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-026197-8
ISBN: 0-06-026198-6

Buffalo Bill and the Pony Express
Eleanor Coerr
Pictures by Don Bolognese
Fast paced adventure told in a style that will keep kids turning the pages. Bill Cody served as a Pony Express rider at the tender age of fifteen, but he was brave and clever, outwitting Indians, wolves and outlaws. They are bright and bold and enhance the story. Unfortunately, there is an apparent error in the episode titled "The Chase" which has Cody traveling seventy-five additional miles when a sick rider can't take up the mail, but ending up in the same place he started. 1996 (orig. 1995), HarperCollins, $14.95, $14.89 and $3.75. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:

Clara and the Bookwagon
Nancy Smiler Levinson
Illustrations by Carolyn Croll
Clara yearns for books to enrich her rough life on a Maryland farm, but Papa says, "Books are for rich people." When two horses drawing the nation's first traveling book wagon clip-clop up the country road, it seems Clara's dreams may come true. Based on a true account and filled with historic detail circa 1905. 1991 (orig. 1988), HarperCollins, $14.89 and $3.75. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
Best Books:

Days With Frog and Toad
Arnold Lobel
It is the twenty-fifth anniversary of this wonderful book and readers who have not met the often clueless Toad and his level-headed friend Frog are in for a treat. The rest of us can just greet these green and brown illustrated volumes as the old friends they have become. In this easy reader of five short chapters, Toad dreads tomorrow when he has so much work to do--so Frog reasonably suggests they do it today. And while all of the animals tell Toad that his kite will not fly, Frog persuades him to just try one more time. The two friends enjoy a scary story beside the fire, Frog adjusts a too-big hat for Toad, and they rejoice in their friendship in spite of a wet picnic. Lobel was a grand master at big thoughts housed in little stories and both adults and children grasp this with ease and delight. Every child deserves to know this series; it is a part of our literary heritage now--and still a worthwhile book for new readers to try. 2004 (orig. 1979), HarperCollins, $3.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-023963-8
ISBN: 0-06-023964-6

Elvis the Rooster Almost Goes to Heaven
Denys Cazet
Elvis can't crow because there is a bug in his throat, but the sun comes up anyhow. Convinced that he is no longer vital, he retires to his bed to die in the chicken coop. But the other fowl concoct a plan involving a flashlight to give Elvis back his pluck, or cluck, or truck.... The ditzy bunch of hens aren't sure what that word is. New readers will know (if someone explains pluck on the first reading) and can enjoy being in on the joke. Plus, they will love the silliness, the wealth of -ck words, the hip duck in sunglasses, and the friends helping poor Elvis back to the rooftop. Humor, outrageous situations, puns, pratfalls--all in 48 easy-reader pages. 2003, HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).

Elvis was ready in his usual place. The sky was just beginning to brighten when he took a deep breath so that he could crow and help the sun rise. Much to his consternation, a bug flies into his gaping mouth and he can't let loose with his cock-a-doodle-do. To make matters even worse the sun rose without his help and the shock was so great that Elvis, the proud rooster fainted. His barnyard buddies are concerned, but thanks to a plan hatched by Little Willie and Rocky plus the aid of the chickens, they all manage to give Elvis back his pluck. Despite some foul ups, they succeed in convincing the crestfallen Elvis that the sun really can't rise without his help. The story is full of sight gags (Willy in cool dark shades and suit), puns, and just plain good humor (Daniela performing the Heimlich maneuver on Elvis.) that combine to make this story a real treat for young readers. 2003, HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:

The Golly Sisters Go West
Betsy Byars
Pictures by Sue Truesdell
Young readers can get a taste of Byars' humorous storytelling in her "I Can Read" series. This story offers us two goofy performers of Wild West times in the Golly Sisters. In addition to funning, though, the sisters deal with issues of sibling rivalry, disappointment at unappreciative audiences, and the challenge of the unknown. 1986, HarperCollins, $14.89, $3.50 and $6.95 (book and tape). Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
Best Books:

Harry and the Lady Next Door
Gene Zion
Pictures by Margaret Bloy Graham
Clever, high-spirited Harry lives next door to a lady who is always singing. This puppy loves music, but can't bear the lady's high, loud voice. Much to his family's dismay, Harry embarks on a series of misadventures to make the lady stop singing. Children will identify with Harry's "dogged" determination to get what he wants. It will also help them to hear the music in sounds they may not associate with music, such as mooing cows, belching frogs, and foghorns. The illustrations are a bit dated, but do not detract from this humorous tale. This book is one in the publisher's "I Can Read a Picture Book" series. 1999 (orig. 1960), HarperCollins, $12.95. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati, J.D. (Children's Literature).
State and Provincial Reading Lists:

The Josefina Story Quilt
Eleanor Coerr
Pictures by Bruce Degen
Josefina is Faith's pet hen, but she is too old to lay eggs and too tough to eat, so Pa thinks she isn't worth taking along in the covered wagon as the family sets out for California. Faith pleads for her friend and Pa relents, reluctantly. As they travel, Faith sews patches for a quilt that will tell the story of the trip. Josefina causes trouble, which is recorded in the quilt, but she also ends up earning her keep. 1989 (orig. 1986), Harper, $14.95, $14.89, $3.75. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
Best Books:

Little Bear
Else Holmelund Minarik
Pictures by Maurice Sendak
There are four stories in this beginning reader, which don't really get tied together until the last one. In the first Little Bear wants to go out and play in the snow, but he is cold so Mother Bear makes him some clothes. After wearing a hat, coat and trousers, Little Bear still isn't warm, so his mother suggests that he just play in his fur coat, which seems to work out just fine. In the next tale, Little Bear is afraid that his mother has forgotten his birthday so he sets about making some birthday soup. As his friends arrive to wish him a happy birthday, he invites them to join him for soup. At just the right moment, Mother Bear arrives with a birthday cake. Little Bear decides that he is going to go to the moon, but since he can't fly he just pretends he is one the moon, which it turns out for him, is very similar to Earth. In the final story, Little Bear can't seem to fall asleep and he starts wishing for a series of outlandish things when his mother asks what he wants. Finally he asks for a story about himself and she obliges by reprising the adventures in the first three chapters. Typical kid behavior is evident and kids younger than those who can read will probably enjoy the stories the most. The pictures by Sendak are probably the major reason for this reissue. A Beginning Reading, Level 1 in the "I Can Read Book" series. 2003 (orig. 1957), HarperCollins, $3.99. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:

Rafi and Rosi: Carnival!
Lulu Delacre
Rafi and Rosi, that delightful tree frog duo, are back in three short, easy to read stories centered around Carnival, Puerto Rico’s annual pre-Lenten festival. Rafi, the older sibling, loves his little sister, but cannot help playing tricks on her. In the first story, he tells her she is sure to be chosen queen of the parade, knowing full well that she is too young. In the second he makes a periscope through which he watches the Carnival parade from inside the house, while telling Rosi he has x-ray eyes. And in the third he scares her with his terrible vejigante mask. Yet, in each case, Rafi either feels so bad that he makes amends, (he makes a float out of a little red wagon and pulls Rosi around the neighborhood in her own parade), or Rosi teaches him a lesson, (when she discovers that Rafi is behind the terrible vejigante mask, she purposely stays hidden until he shows remorse.) Fun, colorful cartoonlike illustrations provide the perfect accompaniment to the text. Scattered throughout are Spanish words and phrases, which are defined on the page immediately preceding the first story. And included in an addendum at the back is a “Did you know . . .” section which provides further information about Carnival, and instructions on how to make a wagon float, periscope, and vejigante mask. The integration of reading with social science and art instruction is the added touch which makes this book stand out from the typical early reader. 2006, HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Pat Trattles (Children's Literature).
Best Books:

Wagon Wheels
Barbara Brenner
Pictures by Don Bolognese
The three Muldie boys and their father have reached Kansas after a long, hard trip from Kentucky, during which their mother died. This close-knit, African American family spends their first tough winter in a dugout in the small settlement of Nicodemos, a town founded by freed slaves. They almost starve that first winter, but are helped by some Osage Indians. The three boys are left alone in the spring as their father seeks even better land, and come July, they face the challenge of traveling 150 miles on their own to meet him. The four short chapters present an exciting and realistic story, and an author's note documents its truth. The accompanying audiocassette, performed by Darrell Cary with just the right amount of drama, should help young readers follow the simple text. 1995 (orig. 1978), HarperCollins, $6.95 and $14.00. Ages 6 up. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books: