National Dairy Month    As I was growing up, a "good, cold glass of milk" was considered an essential part of every meal. (What would constitute a "bad" glass of milk never occurred to me to question.) Parents seem to have always known that milk "would make strong bones" and so exhorted their children to "drink up." As June is National Dairy Month, we thought we would give you a selection of books about dairy products and those cud chewing bovines that provide them for our health and happiness. No matter how you consume your dairy products, whether by the glass, in a cone (America's favorite dessert), or spread on bread (butter!), keep in mind that while the modern processing of milk is more sophisticated than in the past, the milk itself is still the miracle of "grass to milk." (I hope your family does not embarrass you by mooing at cows while driving by dairy farms - mine does!)    For more information and great smoothie recipes visit:    http://www.nationaldairycouncil.org/NationalDairyCouncil/Press/Alert/Alert2001/JuneIsDairyMonth.htm    Or    http://www.nationaldairycouncil.org/nationaldairycouncil/tips Contributor: Sheilah Egan Reviews Cheese Carol Jones    Say Cheese! This book is all about it. Cheese is a food that is eaten around the world. This book, one in the "From Farm to You" series, tells all about cheese. The topics covered in the book include the history of cheese, varieties of cheese, how cheese is made, the cheese factory, cheese around the world, and how to make your own cheese. The back of the book also contains a glossary and an index. This book even teaches where to go to find various types of cheese, and how to store it at home. The photographs explain the text well. The interesting layout in the book makes the text fun to read. There is a lot of information about cheese covered in this book, and any child who ever wondered how cheese is made will enjoy reading this book. 2002, Chelsea House Publishers, $18.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Nicole Peterson (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7910-7005-0 Cow Jules Older Illustrated by Lyn Severance    This is primary science presented in a bold and merry format. You will never again pass a field of cows and not recall something gleaned from these pages. The information--surprisingly detailed--is offered in a lighthearted narration that grabs kids' attention, offering an occasional aside and plenty of corny jokes. The perky typeface, used by special permission of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, folks who have a vested interest in cows, surrounds the oversized, animated characters. 1997, Charlesbridge Publishing, $15.95. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Deborah Zink Roffino (Children's Literature). Best Books: Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English; United States Not Just for Children Anymore!, 1998; Children's Book Council; United States ISBN: 0-8810-6956-6 Cow Malachy Doyle Illustrated by Angelo Rinaldi    Children who are wondering where their milk comes from will learn to appreciate the life of a dairy cow in this wonderfully illustrated book. Full-page, bright, colorful illustrations capture the seemingly idyllic and slow lifestyle of the dairy cow. Their simple life is explained in poetic verse while the illustrations bring the reader into the pastoral setting of the cows and the people who take care of them. The day begins with the cow aching to have her udders milked by the farmer's machines and then returning to the field, chewing her cud and watching the children get on the school bus. Next, the cow rests in the midday sun, and soon the children return to swim in the river. Finally, it is time to have her udders milked again and then she returns to the field and the setting sun. This book could also be useful for students learning to write non-rhyming poetic verse. Overall, it is a very attractive book that children will enjoy looking through over and over again. 2002, Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, $17.00. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Melissa A. Caudill (Children's Literature). Best Books: Kirkus Book Review Stars, June 1, 2002; United States School Library Journal Book Review Stars, July 2002; Cahners; United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: Emphasis on Reading, 2003-2004; Nominee; Grades K-1; Alabama ISBN: 0-689-84462-X The Cow in Apple Time Robert Frost Illustrations by Dean Yeagle    Reading Robert Frost's charming, comic poem accompanied by the illustrations of Dean Yeagle is like eating hot apple pie a la mode--a very special treat. The illustrations are not only endearing, but they capture humor of the poem and enhance it so that very young readers can understand the story of a cow enticed to stray by the luscious smell of apples. For example, to illustrate the cow making "no more of a wall than an open gate," a phrase that might confuse a young child, Yeagle shows her knocking down the stone wall in her pursuit of the inspiring smell of apples. His addition of other animals watching, and in some cases helping, the antics of the cow made the poem richer. And he shows the farmer's frustration, which captures a child's imagination even further. But the cow's lovable, daffy face drooling sweet apple juice is a truly unforgettable image. Young or old, everyone can relate to this book. It is a treasure to own and savor. 2005, Beekman & Hathaway, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Moira Rose Donohue (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-9758970-1-2 A Cow's Alfalfa-bet Woody Jackson    The author-illustrator captures in peaceful, pleasing paintings the idyllic view of life on a dairy farm in rural Vermont. He is the creator of the cows seen on Ben and Jerry ice cream cartons and trucks and every picture illustrating this alphabet book contains one or more of the bovine creatures. From A to Z, or from alfalfa to zucchini, each page has a connection to the author's vision of the farm. This is an interesting idea and the paintings add much to the book, but a couple of the words are problematical. Most of the one-word examples of the letters are simple, concrete nouns such as "barn" or "dog" so it might be confusing to the child of an age to be learning his letters to come upon a word like "Xanadu." "Xanadu" is an interesting description of how an adult might view a tranquil farm scene and older readers would also understand the word "Jerseys" placed beneath a drawing of cows, but most toddlers would not. Nonetheless, the charming paintings have a soothing quality making this book worthwhile for kids. 2003, Houghton Mifflin, $15.00. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature). Best Books: Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, September 8, 2003; Cahners; United States ISBN: 0-618-16599-1 Cows JoAnn Early Macken    The covers of the books in this series "Animals that Live on the Farm," a subset of the larger series of "Weekly Reader-Early Learning Library Books," is quite engaging. The featured animal is peering out at the reader through an open pocket in a pair of denim jeans. It is indicative of the design of these books, which is attractive with large type in an easy to read font, and bright clear photographs that will have kid appeal. The introductory note sums up the focus of each book in the series "to help children read about the behavior and life cycles of farm animals." The text is definitely more engaging that others of the same ilk. Important words are bolded, but they are not the ones defined in the glossary--kids will need to look elsewhere if they don't get the meaning from the text. There are additional books listed for more information but no dates are given and only one web site is listed. There is an index and a write-up about the author. Kids learn the proper names for male and female cows, what they eat, how they keep clean and where they live. The issue of a cow chewing its cud may raise questions that will require additional research. Readers also learn that cows raised for milk production are milked twice a day and other cows may be raised for meat. 2005, Weekly Reader-Early Learning Library, $19.33. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-83684-272-3 ISBN: 0-83684-279-0 Cows Have Calves Lynn M. Stone    In a simple question and answer format, readers will learn about calves from birth to adulthood. The brief but informative answers discuss what newborn calves do, what they look like and what they eat. A full-page, captioned, color photograph accompanies each set of questions. The photos show a variety of breeds up close and calves interacting with one another, as well as with the cow. A brief glossary and a few interesting facts are included at the back of the book. A section called, "Want to Know More?" lists other books, web sites (one of which has a very good Kid's Page), the address for the National Dairy Council, and a recommendation to attend county fairs or visit a dairy farm. Part of the "Animals and Their Young" series, this title is appropriate for primary grade students and reluctant readers. 2000, Compass Point Books, $13.95. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7565-0001-X Cows/Las Vacas JoAnn Early Macken    The covers of the books in the series "Animals that Live on the Farm," a subset of the larger series of "Weekly Reader-Early Learning Library Books," are quite engaging. The featured animal is peering out at the reader through an open pocket in a pair of denim jeans. It is indicative of the design of these books, which is attractive with large type in an easy to read font and bright clear photographs that have kid appeal. The introductory note sums up the focus of each book in the series "to help children read about the behavior and life cycles of farm animals." The text is definitely more engaging than others of the same ilk. Kids learn the proper names for male and female cows, what they eat, how they keep clean and where they live. The issue of a cow chewing its cud may raise questions that will require additional research. Readers also learn that cows raised for milk production are milked twice a day and other cows may be raised for meat. Important words are bolded, but they are not the ones defined in the glossary--kids will need to look elsewhere if they don't get the meaning from the text. There are additional books listed for more information but no dates are given and only one web site is listed. There is an index and a write-up about the author. The entire book, including all the front and backmatter, is written in Spanish and English. 2005, Weekly Reader-Early Learning Library, $19.33. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-83684-286-3 ISBN: 0-83684-293-6 A Dairy Farm Melissa Gish    Young readers today may be unaware of the sources of products they use everyday, such as milk, bread, peanut butter and juice. The value of teaching children about agriculture and how it provides food for the world has been proven in many fields of research. This text offers an opportunity to visit a dairy through the words and photographs of the author. The beautiful photographs show small farms and large farms, animals being milked manually and by automation, and delivery methods used for distributing the milk. Throughout the book, glossary is introduced in bold print. Classroom activities are included, as well as a brief glossary, index, and Web links. This is one of several titles in the "Field Trip" series. The other titles include An Airport and A Newspaper. Recommended for reluctant middle school readers. 2004, Smart Apple Media, $21.35. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Joyce Rice (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1583403256 Extra Cheese, Please!: Mozzarella's Journey From Cow to Pizza Cris Peterson Photographs by Alvis Upitis    Hand pizza lovers Extra Cheese, Please! Cris Peterson's and photographer Alvis Upitis' colorful, 32-page collaboration on "mozzarella's journey from cow to pizza." 1994, Boyds Mills, $14.95. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Dr. Beverly Kobrin (Children's Literature). Best Books: Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States Outstanding Books by Wisconsin Authors and Illustrators, 1995; United States ISBN: 1-5639-7177-1 A Fairy in a Dairy Lucy Nolan Illustrations by Laura Bryant    Buttermilk Hollow was a pretty, and quiet town--maybe a little too quiet. It was a town in "desperate need of magic." The young people were moving out, and a toothpick company wanted to build a factory. Farmer Blue told Pixie, his cow, that what the town needed was a fairy godmother. Then strange things began to happen--when Little Annie Colby lost her tooth, a gallon of frozen yogurt was what she found under her pillow. Jenny Tilsit found a beautiful new gown made of Swiss Cheese! People were happy with their surprise gifts of butter, and the young people decided not to move after all. Instead they opened restaurants and ice cream parlors. Only Mayor Clabber was unhappy; he had hoped to make a fortune selling land to the factory. The community decided a festival was called for, but the mayor was determined to thwart it. He trapped the fairy, who turned out to be Pixie, who even flew to prove her magic. Enchanting watercolor illustrations are beautifully laid out to allow white space for the (tiny) print. Lots of cheese jokes appear, and the sense of humor is carried wonderfully into the art. This is a winner! 2003, Marshall Cavendish, $16.95. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Candace Deisley (Children's Literature). Best Books: Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States ISBN: 0-7614-5130-7 From Milk to Ice Cream Kristin Thoennes Keller Consultant, H. Douglas Goff    A "First Facts" book in the "From Farm to Table" series, this book appeals to a wide reading audience with fresh information, clear harvest and production processes explanations, and well chosen photographs. From cow to cone, the process of making ice cream is explained beginning with a mechanical milker on a large dairy farm. Text details the making of the mix, heating to kill bacteria, the addition of flavors and other items, although a very unappetizing picture of some shiny dark gunk at a Ben & Jerry's is not identified which would have been appropriate. Oreos, perhaps? Blackberries? Or is someone cleaning out the machines? A complicated machine is shown molding ice ream and adding some sort of topping but the text only mentions the molds. The text ends with a picture of ice cream in a grocery store but only two local brands are shown; a fact that George Washington spent nearly $200 on ice cream one summer; and a recipe for making ice cream in a bag without having to use a crank freezer is included. There is also a glossary, index, and a hosted website. Supplement this with Elaine Greenstein's Ice Cream Cones for Sale (HarperCollins, 2003), a great companion as it details the invention of the ice cream cone in 1904 that this text began with. 2005, Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7368-2635-1 The Good Humor Man Kathleen N. Daly Illustrations by Tibor Gergely    Originally published in 1964, this charming picture book tells the story of the Good Humor man as he makes his daily rounds selling ice cream. Children and parents run out to the street when they see the Good Humor man's white truck driving into the neighborhood. All the neighborhood, including the dogs, line up to see what treats the Good Humor man has for them that day, and then he drives back to the peppermint gates of Fun Valley where ice cream is made and all the little white trucks live. There is not much in terms of plot in this picture book, but the Good Humor Man does manage to help Johnny Slow-Poke reunite with his lost puppy and help lonely Dick Griggs find a friend to play with. The illustrations will charm young readers and older readers alike with their gentle depictions of a suburban neighborhood in the early 60s--fathers dressed in sweater vest and pipe or mowing their lawn with their push mower, mothers wrapped in aprons and handkerchiefs around their hair. 2005 (orig. 1964), Random House, $8.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Jennifer Chambliss (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-375-83280-7 ISBN: 0-375-93280-1 From Grass to Milk Stacy Taus-Bolstad.    Start to Finish" is a very interesting series. Each book takes an item and follows it from beginning all the way through production. They are all set in the same format, including a glossary and index. These books are written on a low reading level and are easy to read. The photographs are great and enhance the text. Readers will find each of these books very informative. (Start to Finish). Nonfiction. Grades K-2. 2003, Lerner, 24p., $18.60. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Virginia Gleaton (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 16, No. 2)). ISBN: 0-8225-4664-7 Ice cream Elisha Cooper.    Ever wonder how ice cream gets from "moo to you?" Elisha Cooper did. So he went and found out, and this book is the result. Readers will be amazed as to the extensive process milk goes through to become the delectable treat we all know and love as ice cream. I certainly underestimated the process. From the farm where the cow lives, to the farmer that expresses her milk, to the long road the milk then travels from the milk co-op to the ice creamery, it is quite a process. Not only is the milk made into ice cream, it is also, as you would assume, made into table milk, cream and condensed milk. It then gets loaded into the appropriate truck. All three types of milk go into the making of ice cream. Once the milk makes it to the ice creamery, other trucks arrive loaded with toppings, containers, and other ingredients needed to pull it all together. Once the pre-printed cartons are rolled and folded, and after the ice cream is processed through the ice cream machine, these two shall meet. But not before the computer program tells the machine to dump in the various milks, creams, sugars, vanilla or chocolate. Then the whole concoction is frozen into ice cream before it gets dumped into the hopper where all the goodies are added--chocolate chunks, marshmallows, you name it. This is where ice cream and container finally join and are shipped out to grocery stores for ice cream lovers everywhere to enjoy. Older children will enjoy learning how this process works, however, youngsters will find it hard to stay attentive as the cute, abstract illustrations are not enough to fully engage their constantly busy little minds. 2002, Greenwillow Books, $15.95. Ages 4 to 10. Reviewer: Emily Cook (Children's Literature). Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States Books to Read Aloud to Children of All Ages, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002; Children's Literature; United States Choices, 2003; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, February 18, 2002; Cahners; United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: Prairie Bud Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades K-3; South Dakota ISBN: 0-06-001423-7 ISBN: 0-06-001424-5 Ice cream Jules Older Illustrated by Lyn Severance    A lively and humorous history of everyone's favorite dessert, Ice Cream gives lots of basic information plus some hilarious asides. It gives the Asians credit for inventing "water ices," explains the mechanics of ice-cream making, and details the origins of treats like sundaes, banana splits and the ice-cream soda. Young readers will be startled to learn, too, that ice cream was at one time enjoyed only by royalty. And they'll be delightfully grossed out by "the world's greatest flavor flops," including prune, chili, lox and bagels, kumquat and ketchup. Severance's bold, cartoonish illustrations are a nice match for Older's goofy sense of humor. 2002, Charlesbridge, $16.95. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Donna Freedman (Children's Literature). Best Books: Children's Choices, 2003; International Reading Association; United States ISBN: 0-88106-111-5 ISBN: 0-88106-112-3 Ice Cream: The Full Scoop Gail Gibbons    I always thought my mother invented "snow cream" (clean snow with sweetened flavored milk drizzled over it)-the author has (yet again) given us the definitive explanation of the cold, sweet treat called ice cream. Some people believe that the Chinese mixed snow, milk, and rice together as long as 3,000 years ago (not my mom!). In this worthy addition to the body of explanatory literature, readers are greeted, on the very first page, with a scene of people enjoying various forms of ice cream in a brightly colored ice cream parlor. This scene prepares them to learn about the entire history of ice cream, its developmental stages (recipe and processing changes), and the cultural influences which have shaped today's frozen delights. Gibbons takes us from cow (with her usual clear explanatory pictures) to the ice cream factory to the grocery store to people eating their favorite kinds of ice cream. Along the way insets remind us of such facts as: credit for the pasteurization process goes to Louis Pasteur, the three common container sizes (pint, quart, half gallon) for ice cream, and explanations of various words such as "vendor" which means "someone who sells something." The word comes into play as she describes the invention of the ice cream cone at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, when an ice cream vendor ran out of paper cups for holding scoops of ice cream. A near-by waffle seller offered some of his waffles to create cones to hold the scoops. Lots of information about ice cream is included and given visual presence so convincing as to create the need for a quick trip to the local market. Did you know that vanilla is still the favorite flavor followed by chocolate? Sunday is still the favorite day for purchasing ice cream-the spelling of Ice Cream Sundae was changed from the original "Sunday" when people began eating them on other days of the week. Have you consumed the American average of 15 quarts this year? If not, grab a spoon for a scoop, a bar, a cone, or a straw for an ice cream soda! 2006, Holiday House, Ages 3 to 7, $16.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan ISBN: 978-0-8234-2000-1 ISBN: 0-8234-2000-0 Ice-Cream Cones For Sale! Elaine Greenstein.    In April 1904, the World's Fair was held in St. Louis, Missouri. With over fifty ice cream vendors present and plenty of waffle makers, the two were bound to come together. The question is, who did it first? Elaine Greenstein walks through the possible beginnings of the ice cream cone, playfully combining historical fact with a bit of whimsical speculation on her part. Greenstein's lighthearted illustrations, full of milky, pastel colors, work well in downplaying the tension between the different inventors' claims. In the end, she reveals the true inventor of the ice cream cone (he even has a patent), making this book a very appetizing history lesson for children and adults alike. 2003, Arthur A Levine Books/Scholastic, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Jared Reck (Children's Literature).    When an ice cream seller at the 1904 World's Fair ran out of dishes, he turned to the waffle-maker next to him and borrowed some waffles. He rolled the waffle into a cone and scooped the ice cream inside and--voila --the world's first ice cream cone appeared in St. Louis, Missouri. Or so they say.... Thus begins a delightful history/mystery picture book that brings readers along on a ride to find out who really made the first ice cream cone. A fun read-aloud any time of year, but particularly when ice cream is on the mind. Engaging period illustrations give readers added details about the era and the wonder of something as simple and delicious as an ice cream cone. 2003, Arthur A Levine Books/Scholastic, $15.95. Ages 4 up. Reviewer: Linda Johns (Children's Literature). Best Books: Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson Choices, 2004; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States ISBN: 0-439-32728-8 ISBN: 0-439-32729-6 Ice Cream Treats: The Inside Scoop Paul Fleisher Photographs by David O. Saunders.     "I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream!" Even if you are not a fan of this ever so popular dessert, you will find this nonfiction book about it absolutely delicious! This is the story of ice cream, from its origination in the 1500s to its current place in industry. Readers will learn, step-by-step, the process of making ice cream as well as the multi-faceted aspects of its distribution. The color photographs on every page depict the step-by-step process, making the reader feel as though he or she has experienced a field trip to the ice cream factory without ever leaving home. This is an excellent book for all ages. It is a natural reference when discussing American industry, process writing or nonfiction text. This book will even leave you screaming for more. Part of the "Carolrhoda Photo Book" series. 2001, Carolrhoda Books, $23.93. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Andrea Sears Andrews (Children's Literature). Best Books: Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States Children's Choices, 2002; International Reading Association; United States ISBN: 1-5750-5268-7 In the Night Kitchen Maurice Sendak Lettering by Diana Blair    In book after book, Sendak refuses to shy away from the child's total experience. Mickey, the protagonist, frolics after hours in a surreal kitchen. He exuberantly expresses the delight of his unrepressed body and the sensuousness of floating in milk thus: "I'm in the milk and the milk's in me." 1995, HarperCollins, $15.95, $15.89, $5.95 and $3.50. Ages 4 up. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-06-026668-6 ISBN: 0-06-026669-4 The Milkman Carol Foskett Cordsen Illustrated by Douglas B. Jones    A milkman gets up at 3:30 AM (check the clock), eats breakfast, and sets out with his trusty cat to deliver the milk. When he is finished, he has noticed all sorts of early morning animals as well as a supposedly lost dog, which he returns, and the subtle clues to changes in the neighborhood. In addition, he has delivered plenty of milk and milk products before he returns to his family at 7:30 AM. The illustrations resemble those of classic illustrators of the thirties, forties, and fifties, with furred black lines, rounded shapes, and pleasant people in cozy neighborhoods, but Jones has done and outstanding job with the colors of the changing night to dawn and the sunrise positively warms the viewer's eye. In addition, it is a hymn to doing the job you love to do, the joys of early mornings, and the companionship of a trusty cat. Kids will love spotting the errant dog, seeing what the cat is doing, and noting what a milkman actually did eons ago when grandma (or great-grandma!) was a kid. 2005, Dutton, $15.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). Best Books: Booklist Book Review Stars , May 1, 2005; United States School Library Journal Book Review Stars, July 2005; Cahners; United States ISBN: 0-525-47208-8 Minnie & Moo and the Seven Wonders of the World Denys Cazet    Oh My! Minnie and Moo for older readers--what a treat! The two cows are up to their usual funny antics in this more sophisticated, more complicated plot. Minnie is upset with Moo for thinking again, which, she says, "leads to sleepless nights, heartache, and torpid bowels." Thinking does seem to get Moo into trouble, and when she overhears the farmer say 'sell the farm,' she believes it is her destiny to help prevent this disaster. She hatches a plot to display seven wonders of the farm, and ask for donations from the viewers. Such things as a Presidential Bunion, the Rock That Never Moves, and Big Hoof are sure to draw a crowd, and save the day. Very silly adventures follow, and a little money is collected, but it is not Minnie and Moo's farmer who is in dire financial straights; it is their neighbor, who finds the money "growing" in his garden. Wonderful pencil drawings capture the zaniness of this book. 2003, Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster, $16.95. Ages 7 to 11. Reviewer: Candace Deisley (Children's Literature). Best Books: The Children's Literature Choice List, 2004; Children's Literature; United States Kirkus Book Review Stars, October 15, 2003; United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: Flicker Tale Children's Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Intermediate Books; North Dakota ISBN: 0-689-85330-0 Minnie and Moo: the Attack of the Easter Bunnies Denys Cazet    OK, I admit it, I am a sucker for these books. The stories and illustrations make me laugh out loud every time I read one and this one was no exception. I really think they are written for both kids and adults, because I can't imagine an adult reading this aloud and not having a chuckle. Moo is really upset because she has just learned that the Farmer says that he is too old to be the Easter Bunny. The cows are worried about how disappointed the grandchildren will be. These two bovine belles head out to the chicken coop and try to get Elvis the rooster to help. He is unwilling and suggests they try the pigs. One of the small ones volunteers (Hamlet), but he needs permission from his mom. In the meantime Minnie and Moo head off to ask the sheep, but they cannot make up their minds because the dog is the boss. Next it is off to see the turkeys Zeke and Zack and then the readers along with the turkeys learn why eggs are a symbol of Easter, but they still end up confused about bunnies laying eggs. Well, that is the last straw, and Minnie and Moo decide that they have to be the Easter Bunnies. It turns out that all their farmyard buddies really didn't let them down and what results is just chaos and hilarious as they all parade around as Easter Bunnies. The bewildered farmer gets all the credit and the kids really love the show. Minnie and Moo are a sight to behold as they exit from the scene by hopping over the white picket fence in their bunny suits. Do read this book and it is even funnier the second and third time through as you notice more humorous gags in the illustrations. Part of the "An I Can Read Book" series. 2004, HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature). Best Books: Top Ten Easy Readers, 2004; American Library Association-Booklist; United States Awards, Honors, Prizes: Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award Noteworthy 2005 Beginning to Read Fiction United States ISBN: 0-06-000506-8 ISBN: 0-06-000507-6 Out and About at the Dairy Farm Andy Murphy Illustrated by Anne McMullen    Kids love field trips but they are not always possible or practical. This book offers a colorfully illustrated alternative, beginning with a list of "things to find out" that helps to focus readers before the fictional field trip begins. This tour of the Red Oak Dairy Farm begins with an introduction to the Holstein cows themselves. From here the reader is shown the important places found on the farm including the meadow where the cows graze, the field where some of their food is grown, the calf barn where new calves are cared for and the milking barn where the machine-assisted milking takes place. In the milking barn, each part of the milking process is explained simply. Written for the pre-K to first grade audience, this is a very simple introduction to what a student might expect to experience on an actual field trip. The only negative aspect to this otherwise well-written book is the addition of information in italic type on every two-page spread. The information, while relevant, could have just as easily been incorporated into the main body of text and therefore been less distracting to young readers. Adding to the overall usefulness of this book is a related activity (making "udderly" easy ice cream), a Learn More list, including books and Web sites, Fun Facts, an index and a Words to Know list. This is part of the "Out and About" series. 2003, Picture Window Books, $16.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Trina Heidt (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-4048-0038-7 Rodeo Ron and his Milkshake Cows Rowan Clifford    Rodeo Ron and his multicolored cows amble into the Old West town of Cavity, where everyone has bad teeth and burps constantly. The reason for the townsfolks' maladies becomes apparent when Ron enters the town soda bar, where identical brothers Frothy and Fruity serve up the sweetest drinks in town. When Ron badmouths the brothers' beverages, they challenge him to a shake-off--whoever can make the best drink in a variety of flavors wins. Frothy and Fruity are sure that their syrupy drinks will win. But Ron has a few tricks up his sleeve (or under his saddle)--it turns out that when his cows buck and kick, shiver and shake, they turn out the best milkshakes ever. Red churns out strawberry, Yellow makes banana, Blue makes blueberry. As for Green, she makes the best surprise of all, one that may put Frothy and Fruit out of commission forever and solve Cavity's problems once and for all. The repetitiveness of the plot and the somewhat didactic text may turn off some adults, but kids will probably fall for all the burp jokes, as well as for the lively pictures, which bring to mind Lois Lenski's vintage illustrations. 2005, Knopf, $15.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Norah Piehl (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-375-83195-9 ISBN: 0-375-93195-3 Sailor Moo: Cow at Sea Lisa Wheeler Pictures by Ponder Goembel    Readers will notice right away that Little Moo is not like the other cows in her herd. She wears a cowbell on a wide pink ribbon and a sailor hat. Little Moo leaves the farm to go to sea. She joins a crew led by a one-eyed cat, and meets manatees who save her when she is tossed over board in a gale. The manatees float Moo to another ship whose captain is Red Angus. Angus and Moo recognize that fate has smiled on them and they live happily ever after--on land. Readers may be amused by the rhymed verse and the felines and bovines dressed as sailors, but the fantasy of animals at sea does not quite hit the mark. Double-page acrylic paintings imbue the characters with distinct personalities. Captain Silver Claw looks scruffy, an old salt. Moo's long eyelashes and sleek hide with just a touch of pink in her cheeks give her a girlish appearance. Red Angus is the perfect bull, even with earrings in his ears and a gold ring in his nose. Readers who enjoy Little Moo's adventures will have fun looking at the illustrations. 2002, Atheneum, $16.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Carol J. Wolfenbarger, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). Awards, Honors, Prizes: The Golden Kite Award Honor Book 2002 Illustration United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: Arizona Young Readers' Award, 2004; Nominee; Picture Books; Arizona Beehive Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Children's Poetry Books; Utah Texas Reading Club, 2004; Texas Volunteer State Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades K-3; Tennessee ISBN: 0-689-84219-8 We All Scream for Ice Cream!: the Scoop on America's Favorite Dessert Lee Wardlaw Illustrated by Sandra Forrest    Every year Americans produce and consume over 1.5 billion gallons of ice cream. That monstrous amount of ice cream would allow every man, woman, and child in the United States to eat twenty three quarts or 185 single dip cones per year. Ice cream is simply the most popular dessert available in America. Yet, ice cream has a long history stretching back to ancient China. It is the history and evolution of ice cream into the hands down favorite American treat that is the primary focus of this book. The author traces the development of ice cream from a combination of fruit and horse milk favored by Kublai Khan in the thirteenth century to the super premium flavors of our own age. Additionally, the evolution of ice cream specialties such as sundaes, banana splits, and Eskimo pies is presented. Readers are also introduced to the marketing techniques which reache back to the street vendors of the nineteenth and early twentieth century known as "hokeypokey men" and forward to the ploys of corporations such as Baskin-Robbins, Dairy Queen, and Breyers. Although there are many interesting facts and bits of trivia in this book, it may lack an audience. Many people love ice cream, but I suspect that very few will have sufficient interest in the product to read through all the detail of its history. 2000, HarperTrophy, $4.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-395-70145-7 Wemberly's Ice-Cream Star Kevin Henkes    A new book by Kevin Henkes is always a treat and Wemberly's Ice Cream Star does not disappoint. In this board book spin-off featuring popular Henkes characters like Sheila Rae and Owen, it is Wemberly's turn to step into the limelight. One hot day Wemberly is given an ice cream star. Ever the worrier, she is afraid it will drip on her dress. Then she realizes her stuffed rabbit Petal doesn't have any. She waits patiently for the ice cream to melt into two bowls. They both eat ice cream soup: "And neither of them spilled a drop." In a postscript, Wemberly generously offers to "help" Petal finish hers. Non-pareil striped end-papers and sherbet pastels contribute to the confectionery theme. The story is short and sweet, but never saccharine. The text is printed on rainbow backgrounds while the illustrations are grounded on white. Henkes' has the rare ability to tap into the simple, pure essence of childhood. His saucer-eared mice deal with problems toddlers can relate to. His solutions are believable. Children ages one to three will eat up this book like dessert. Grown-ups will want a big spoonful, too. 2003, Greenwillow/HarperFestival, $6.95. Ages 1 to 3. Reviewer: Candice Ransom (Children's Literature).    Wemberly, the heroine of Wemberly Worried, continues to worry in this brief board book. Given the ice-cream star on a stick, she worries that it will drip on her new dress. She is also concerned that there is none for her stuffed bunny Petal. So she takes two bowls, two spoons, and two napkins, and waits patiently through several double pages, until they both can enjoy ice cream soup without spilling a drop. Henkes creates a sketchy little anthropomorphic girl/mouse who can involve our emotions with just a gesture. With a minimum of detail and background, he tells the visual story completely. Who can resist smiling at the appealing Wemberly, as she assures Petal that she will "help finish yours?" 2003, Greenwillow/ HarperFestival/ HarperCollins Publishers, $6.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature). Best Books: Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States The Children's Literature Choice List, 2004; Children's Literature; United States Choices, 2004; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: Texas Reading Club, 2004; Texas ISBN: 0-06-050405-6 Who Owns the Cow? Andrew Clements Illustrated by Joan Landis    Of course the farmer who bought her owns the cow, but others who come in contact with the cow "own" her too--the milkman, an artist, a little girl listening to the cowbells, a little boy who will forever remember the cow perched on a misty hillside. And that little boy grew up to be a writer, who has shared the cow with us as well. The charming paintings perfectly complement this evocative tale. 1995, Clarion, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-395-70145-7 To stay up to date on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Added 5/16/06