Kathi Appelt
Kathi Appelt was born on July 6, 1954, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Her father, Bill Cowgill, was stationed in the Army there, a member of the 82nd Airborne. They only lived in North Carolina for a short time and then moved to El Paso, TX, and finally to Houston. Both of her younger sisters, Patti and B.J., were born there, and Houston is where they grew up.
In their house in Houston, they had a garage with unfinished sheet rock on the inside walls. On one side of the garage was her dad’s work bench where he kept all his tools. But the other side was just a big blank wall. Kathi’s mother divided it into three sections. As soon as the three daughters could hold crayons, they were allowed to express themselves on that wall in any color or form that they wished.
If you stood back and looked at the wall, it was like a record of her growing up – down at the bottom was just a lot of scribbling, but as she grew, the drawing took on new and clearer forms. You could tell the drawings that were done when she was happy from the ones she did when she was sad or angry. The garage wall was a perfect place for expression. Once she started actually writing on paper, she no longer needed the wall. But she still thinks of it as the place where her earliest writing took place. It was like her first journal, a record of her feelings and experiences.
Kathi still keeps a journal. Like the garage wall, it’s a place for catching all her thoughts, and sometimes her dreams. It’s often the first place that the idea for a new story or poem occurs. Because she doesn’t have any particular rules about writing in her journal, sometimes she’s surprised by what shows up! She also gets ideas when she walks; she enjoys taking long leisurely walks. They help her clear her thoughts, but they also give her an opportunity to take a good look at the world around her.
Most of Kathi’s books and poems come directly from her own life because that’s what she knows best and feels most strongly about. Sometimes she writes from a place of joy, as in The Thunderherd, which is about horses. She’s loved horses since she was very young, and this book was an opportunity to express that love. Of course, horses and cowboys go together and for most of her childhood years, she really wanted to grow up to be a cowgirl and ride the range. This long-held dream turned into Cowboy Dreams.
As much as she loved horses, however, she was afraid of bats! Because writing helps her overcome her fears, Kathi decided to write a book about bats – this became Bat Jamboree, followed by Bats on Parade, and Bats Around the Clock. Writing those books helped her see bats differently and even to laugh about her fears. Now she appreciates and loves bats almost as much as horses.
One of her other favorite animals is cats, and she was thrilled that her first book featuring the furry felines, The Alley Cat’s Meow, was released to great success in the fall of 2002.
Kathi’s family plays a large role in her writing life too. Her husband, Ken, is a specialist in adult literacy for Texas A&M University and a musician, and he has always encouraged her in her work. They were married on a cold, icy day in January, 1979. On the day they were married, Ken’s grandmother Emma told them that being married on a rainy day meant that they would be “showered with blessings,” and she was right! And two of the best blessings that they have are their sons, Jacob and Cooper. Jacob was born in 1982 and Cooper was born in 1984. Both of them are musicians like their dad.
Even though Kathi had thought of herself as a serious writer for years, she doubts that she would ever have written for youngsters if she had not become a mom. It was through reading to her sons that she became reacquainted and then enchanted with children’s books. They spent many happy hours reading together when the kids were little, and they still enjoy a good book together.
And watching them grow reminded her so much of her own childhood. People often ask Kathi if she writes about her sons and for the most part she doesn’t. She figures they’ll have to tell their own stories. But she does get ideas from them, and mostly those show up in her poetry. When Cooper was very small, he loved to put rocks in his mouth. If she didn’t keep her eyes on him, he’d pop them in his mouth faster than she could blink. This turned into her poem, “The Pebble,” which is in Just People.
Over the years, Kathi has written many picture-book favorites, including Miss Lady Bird’s Wildflowers, illustrated by Joy Fisher Hein; Oh My Baby, Little One, illustrated by Jane Dyer; the Bubba and Beau series, illustrated by Arthur Howard; Merry Christmas, Merry Crow, illustrated by Jon Goodell, and her latest: My Father’s House, illustrated by Raúl Colón. She has also written several award-winning books for older readers, including My Father’s Summers: A Daughter’s Memoir, Kissing Tennessee: And Other Stories from the Stardust Dance, and Poems from Homeroom: A Writer’s Place to Start. She currently lives with her family in College Station, Texas.
Kathi used to think that a real writer had to have lots of exciting, maybe even dangerous, adventures in order to have something meaningful to write about. Now she knows that the best writing is about the people, places, pets, and objects that surround us and that we meet every day. She’s discovered that writing about them is the absolute best way to really know them and in the process to come to know ourselves a little better. She now knows that writing is really a way of seeing, and she’d like to encourage you to get out your old journal or start a new one and see what shows up.
Find out more about Kathi Appelt and her books at www.kathiappelt.com.
For a Q&A with this author, click here.
Contributor: SoCalPublic Relations
Reviews
The Alley Cat's Meow
Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Jon Goodell
Red and Ginger cut a rug in The Alley Cat's Meow, a lively verse story by Kathi Appelt. Modeled on famed dance pair Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the two felines will waltz their way into the hearts of child and adult alike. Their meeting at a boogie-woogie juke joint, where Red debonairly signals for a glass of milk, seems straight out of an old movie. Appelt's jazzy text is as much fun to read aloud as to hear (a boon for parents). Jon Goodell's pictures convey well the joy of dancing, the grace of cats and the vital spirit of the city. 2002, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 3 up. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Teddy Children's Book Award Finalist 2003 Texas
ISBN: 0-15-201980-4
ISBN: 978-0-15-201980-8
Bats Around the Clock
Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Young readers will enjoy the theme of American Bandstand as the bats rock and roll around the clock. It is a clever way to get young readers to have fun learning to tell time. Melissa Sweet's illustrations add humor, and older readers will be able to help the younger readers with telling time. Grades 2 and up. 2000, HarperCollins, Unpaged, $15.89. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Jewell Fine (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 13, No. 3)).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Choices, 2001; International Reading Association; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2003; Nominee; Kentucky
ISBN: 0-688-16469-2
ISBN: 0-688-16470-6
ISBN: 978-0-688-16469-0
ISBN: 978-0-688-16470-6
Bats on Parade
Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Summer's a great time to learn about the orchestra. You can begin with basics at home and then travel on a musical field trip. Picture books are a good place for the young to start and this familiarity is increased by choosing a book by a known author. The same bats that delighted young fans in Kathi Appelt's theatrical Bat Jamboree are back in Bats on Parade. Appelt sets up parade excitement as an animal audience lines the streets. Then we're off and rhyming with piccolo-players, flautists, cadets playing clarinets, all the way to the 100 sousaphones! Numbers, instruments, rhyming rhythms--a book children will love. 1999, Morrow, $16.00. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6 13th Edition, 2002; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
ISBN: 0-688-15665-7
ISBN: 0-688-15666-5
ISBN: 978-0-688-15665-7
ISBN: 978-0-688-15666-4
Bayou Lullaby
Kathi Appelt
Pictures by Neil Waldman
Kathi Appelt, a native Texan who grew up fishing for crawdads in local bayous, drew upon her own childhood to create this lyric and memorable introduction to Cajun culture for young children. The art creates a quiet nightfall and Appelt offers poetic language in authentic Cajun accents. Her unobtrusive introduction of Cajun words will be easily grasped and they give a feel of the actual language while creating a feeling of peace and safety. 1995, Morrow, $16.00. Ages 3 up. Reviewer: Paula DeMichele (Children's Literature).
As the animals of the bayou prepare for the night, so do our loved ones. Cajun speech enhances the feel of the bayou in calming, quieting prose. The author has included a small Cajun glossary, complete with pronunciation guide, making for a great read-aloud. The illustrations in this picture book are stunning. 1995, Morrow, $16.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner (Children's Literature).
Best Books:Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States School Library Journal Book Review Stars, April 1995; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-688-12857-2
ISBN: 0-688-12856-4
ISBN: 978-0-688-12857-9
ISBN: 978-0-688-12856-2
The Best Kind of Gift
Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Paul Brett Johnson
When the new parson arrives at the All-Faiths Tabernacle, the folks in Dogwood plan to hold a pounding, an old-time Welcome Wagon where people bring "a pound a'this and a pound a'that." Jory Timmons wants to contribute a special gift to Brother Harper, too. His mother is baking a blackberry pie, ("the best kind of gift is a treat"), but Jory is too small to use the stove. His father is donating a pail of milk ("the best kind of gift is given gladly"), but Jory is too little to milk Betsy. Jory can't heft his brother's useful gift of corn or pluck eggs from beneath his grandmother's proud hens. His grandfather, whose gift of a sapling ("the best kind of gift is one you'd like to get yourself"), suggests Jory skip rocks instead of kicking them. As he and his grandfather skip stones across the pond, Jory knows what gift he will take to the pounding. Appelt's inspirational story is grounded in rural traditions and values. Though Jory sometimes feels as small as a corn cake or a barn cat, he grows when he hands Brother Harper exactly one pound of skipping rocks. Under Paul Brett Johnson's watercolor brush, the friendly folks of Dogwood come to life against cool mountain hues. Yes, indeed, Appelt has written a warm, wise story about the importance of giving from the heart. 2003, HarperCollins, $16.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Candice Ransom (Children's Literature).
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Grades K-3; Arkansas
ISBN: 0-688-15392-5
ISBN: 0-688-15393-3
ISBN: 978-0-688-15392-2
ISBN: 978-0-688-15393-9
Bubba and Beau Go Night-Night
Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Arthur Howard
Mama Pearl and Big Bubba have two little ones, a bouncy baby boy named Bubba and a hound pup named Beau. Of all the things the two did together, their favorite was going bye-bye. Big Bubba packed those two up in his pickup every time he went to town. Stops included the Feed and Seed where they stopped to sit on the front porch and shoot the breeze until it was fully shot, the post office to get stamps with the American flag that got Big Bubba all choked up stopping him in his tracks for a salute, Sam's vegetable and fruit stand for the perfect watermelon that needed a lot of thumping, the Freezee Deluxe for raspberry-swirl ice-cream cones and extra napkins, and then home. After a busy day like that it was time to go night-night. Bubba and Beau did not like to go night-night, no siree, Bob! Find out how Big Bubba saved the day in this completely charming, five chapter, expressively watercolored gem. 2003, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Barbara Kennedy (Children's Literature).
Bubba, baby son of Big Bubba and Mama Pearl, has a puppy named Beau who is his best buddy. And since they're both babies, they are very busy growing up with each other. In this second book of the about these two, Bubba and Beau have a great day exploring town with Big Bubba, in Earl, the pickup truck. But when it comes time to go to bed, neither Bubba nor Beau is buying it. Mama Pearl walks the floor with them to no avail. Finally one more trip through town in Earl does the trick. Night-night! I love this small-town, rural family who are as different as can be. But when it comes right down to it, they are not different at all. Howard's illustrations make this great fun to share with children, and the escapades of Bubba and Beau will crack them up. 2003, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (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
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2004; Children's Literature; United States
Choices, 2004; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, April 2003; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-15-204593-7
ISBN: 978-0-15-204593-7
Bubba and Beau Meet the Relatives
Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Arthur Howard
Bubba and his dog, Beau, are just two little guys trying to find some fun, but it is hard to do with Mama Pearl preparing the house for the relatives. Before the relatives arrive, there is a lot of sweeping, dusting, and general tidying up to do, so Bubba and Beau head off to the mud hole to escape the cleaning frenzy. Unfortunately, Bubba and Beau do not get to enjoy the mud hole for very long. Before they know it, Big Bubba carts them off for an unpleasant bath. When the relatives finally arrive, there is a lot of celebrating and a tour of the house. Bubba and Beau use this opportunity to make one last trip to the mud hole. This story is a delightful, humorous read. In five short chapters, the reader is transported to Bubbaville where anything can happen. It has fabulous language that makes it a perfect read aloud choice. I was sorry to see this story end. Fortunately for me, there are other books featuring Bubba and Beau. 2004, Harcourt Children's Books, $16.00. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Louise Parsons (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-15-216630-0
ISBN: 978-0-15-216630-4
Bubba and Beau, Best Friends
Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Arthur Howard
Here is a charming tale of best friends right from the beginning--birth to be exact. Bubba and Beau are brand new babies with equally proud papas. Bubba's papa, Big Bubba, even revved up his trusty pickup truck, Earl, and honked the horn as loud as he could. Beau's papa, Maurice, was so delighted he ran around in circles. Each had perfect babies--a perfect boy and a perfect hound. Both were busting with pride. What a commotion! Now Bubba and Beau do everything together--chewing, playing in the mud, crawling on all fours. Their friendship is bonded even more by Bubba's soft pinky-pink blankie. It is the best and it even smells like Bubba and Beau. Then, the unthinkable happens--Mama Pearl washes the blanket. Now it smells like soap. It is a sad day in Bubbaville. Since Mama is in a cleaning mood, Bubba and Beau get washed, too. Now everyone smells like soap. Once the blankie is dry and taken off the line, snappety-snap, blankie is back, and the best friends snuggle in it again. Howard, best known for his Mr. Putter and Tabby illustrations, creates warm and gentle watercolor illustrations, adding to the innocence and charm of life in a Texas town. Kathi Appelt sure has a winner in this story, even if Bubba and Beau outgrow their blankie. 2002, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 0 to 4. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young (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
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; 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
School Library Journal: Best Books, 2002; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, July 2002; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Irma S. and James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children's Literature Winner 2002 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Mockingbird Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Texas
Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Grades K-3; Washington
ISBN: 0-15-202060-8
ISBN: 978-0-15-202060-6
Bubbles, Bubbles
Kathi Appelt
Pictures by Fumi Kosaka
A cute little girl smiles from the cover of this book and she is definitely a little dirty. She is very eager to hop into a bubble bath with her yellow ducky and green froggie. There are bubbles everywhere and she dutifully scrubs tummy, knees and elbows and like most kids, has fun with the bubbles. Then it's into a warm dry towel and flannel jimmies for this little one. While it is cute, one might wonder how all that soap gets off her skin and out of her hair and why one so young doesn't have a caregiver nearby. That aside, it won't matter that much to the intended audience who will just see it as bath time fun. It might have been just a tad more fun if the final pictures were not as textured as the opening ones to show that everything really was squeaky clean. Part of the "Harper Growing Tree" series, which includes tips for reading and sharing stories and a web site with additional information. 2001, HarperFestival, $9.95. Ages 2 to 3. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Books for Babies, 2002; Beginning with Books Center for Early Literacy; United States
ISBN: 0-694-01458-3
ISBN: 978-0-694-01458-3
Cowboy Dreams
Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Barry Root
The young cowboy heads down the hill, after being called inside for the night. He climbs into bed and pretends to ride his palomino in the moonlight to the cowboys' campfire. At the campfire we hear the cowboys croon, and see the stars overhead. The nighthawk glides on the evening breeze and wishes all a good night's sleep. The cicadas chirp that it is time to go to sleep. This is the ultimate bedtime book for the kid who really wants to be a cowboy. Painterly illustrations really carry this book. A soft night lighting and imaginative night skies fill these full page spreads. 1999, HarperCollins, $14.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Kristin Harris (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
North Carolina Children's Book Award, 2001; Nominee; Picture Book; North Carolina
ISBN: 0-06-027763-7
ISBN: 0-06-027764-5
ISBN: 978-0-06-027763-5
ISBN: 978-0-06-027764-2
Hushabye, Baby Blue
Kathi Appelt
Pictures by Dale Gottlieb
Lullabies are recommended as part of the nighttime ritual. It represents in part a parent's plea for baby to go to sleep. Mom and Dad tell Baby that he has been fed, has a dry diaper, and Dad has sung a lullaby and now "your cradle is rocking, oh sleep, baby, sleep." A board book that is part of the "Harper Growing Tree" series. 2000, HarperFestival, $5.95. Ages 3 mo. to 1. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-694-01341-2
ISBN: 978-0-694-01341-8
Incredible Me!
Kathi Appelt
Pictures by G. Brian Karas
In search of the ultimate self-esteem book for the toddler set? Look no farther. Appelt's little redheaded heroine could put Narcissus to shame. As she romps from her bedroom through the skyscape of the world, this kid's got no shortage of chutzpa. She is "the cream in the butter, the salt in the sea," "the dill in the pickle, the sweet in the pea." And that's just the beginning of her personal inventory. Karas's boldly colored and executed images help to pull off the cliché-ridden conceit, but one is still left with a cloying aftertaste of too many "adorable me's." Yes, it's certainly admirable to promote self-confidence in little ones, but there can be a fine line between confidence, poise, and outright egotism. Freud would have had a field day with this offering. 2003, HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature).
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Mockingbird Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Texas
Texas Reading Club, 2004; Texas
ISBN: 0-06-028622-9
ISBN: 0-06-028623-7
ISBN: 978-0-06-028622-4
ISBN: 978-0-06-028623-1
Kissing Tennessee and Other Stories from the Stardust Dance
Kathi Appelt
You are cordially invited to the Stardust Dance, Friday, May 31 at the Dogwood Junior High to honor all graduating eighth graders. As the students enter the glittering, decorated cafeteria, they are filled with all the excitement, hesitancy, and expectations that accompany these events. For a few hours, we the readers, join them and are privy to their most intimate secrets and fears. The dance is the common thread that binds not only the stories but also the tangled and complex lives of these young teens. There is Russ Mills emerging from the grief of his best friend's death, Mary Sarah Tanner daring to leave an abusive home, Becca Scott cowering in the bathroom after a brutal assault, Cub Tanner questioning his attraction to another boy, and Mason Hatfield and Carrie Jorgensen who cannot summon the courage to ask one another to dance. Shattered lives, broken promises, and wounded psyches, common themes in young adult novels, are given fresh treatment due to the thoughtful and eloquent writing of the author. While angst might seem to be the central plot motivator, it is in fact hope--hope and a belief that each youngster has in himself. Individually each story is touching and poignant, read as a whole they are a fitting tribute to the resiliency and courage of youth. 2000, Harcourt, $15.00. Ages 12 to 14. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Books for Young Adults, 2001; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2001; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers, 2000; Voice of Youth Advocates; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Winner 2000 Language Arts - Novels, Grades 7 - 12 United States
Storytelling World Awards Honor 2001 Storytelling Anthologies United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Garden State Teen Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Fiction, Grades 6 - 8; New Jersey
Volunteer State Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Young Adult, Grades 7-12; Tennessee
ISBN: 0-15-202249-X
ISBN: 978-0-15-202249-5
Merry Christmas, Merry Crow
Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Jon Goodell
A crow flies through a Christmas scene of a city in the snow. Terse verse describes his travels through yards, past the zoo, gathering bits and pieces of shiny things as he goes. He even picks up a ribbon bow and mistletoe. The city’s Christmas parade marches across a double page, folks go to church across another, as the crow continues his collecting. He finishes his flight, having decorated a “perfect Christmas tree” for all to gather around and enjoy. Opaque acrylic paints produce modeled forms, naturalistic detailed scenes crowded with typical seasonal activities. In each setting we see the crow busy at his scavenging, until he is finally joined by a group of carolers and other friendly birds enjoying the decorated tree. The simple story exudes the warmth of the holidays on each page. 2005, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-15-202651-7
ISBN: 978-0-15-202651-6
Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America
Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Joy Fisher Hein
This picture book biography is a lovely tribute to an under-appreciated First Lady. Lady Bird Johnson's love of wildflowers began with a lonely childhood in East Texas. The flowers were her only “companions.” After she married LBJ and went to Washington, she remembered “how beautiful flowers and trees had helped her thrive.” She determined to provide the joy and beauty of flowers to the entire country and set to work to beautify the then neglected highways of America through the Highway Beautification Act. Hein's richly colored folkloric-style illustrations are meticulously detailed, and reflect the delicacy and fragility of Lady Bird's beloved wildflowers, and promote the ecological theme. Interesting anecdotes and revealing quotations are sprinkled throughout the text bringing Lady Bird's personality to life. There is humor in the tiny gently caricatured faces of LBJ and Lady Bird at their wedding. Information about the National Wildlife Research Center founded by Lady Bird and an extensive bibliography are included. A wildflower “search” for young readers is an effective and fun way to acquaint children with the individual flowers. This excellent and informative book clearly portrays Lady Bird's efforts to raise the spirit of an entire nation. 2005, HarperCollins Publishers, $16.99 and $17.89. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Quinby Frank (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Children's Crown Award Nominee 2006-2007 Grades 3 - 5 or 6 United States
Growing Good Kids Book Award Winner 2006 United States
Teddy Children's Book Award Winner 2005 Short Works Texas
ISBN: 0-06-001107-6
ISBN: 0-06-001108-4
ISBN: 978-0-06-001107-9
ISBN: 978-0-06-001108-6
My Father's House
Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Raul Colon
This versatile, talented author has given a new dimension to the quote “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” Appelt has the speaker thanking the Father for the various habitats of the Earth—those areas that make up the “mansions” of our very planet. Without preaching, she gives the reader a lyrical word picture of such diverse settings as the Tundra, Rainforest, Ocean, Shore, Marsh, and Prairie. The illustrations are gorgeous visual punctuation for the clear, flowing verses: “And where the trees stand oh so close,/Where deer and rabbits rest,/I’ll wander through these Woodland halls/Where songbirds build their nests.” Effortlessly inviting the reader to experience the essence of each geographical area, the author introduces quite a few facts that define the habitat—woodlands have deer, rabbits and songbirds. The award-winning illustrator has contributed double spreads that not only echo the text but also expand the total experience of this beautiful book. The author’s dedication of the book to Al Gore reflects her own care for this “beautiful blue planet” that we all share; while, Colon’s art provides the perfect setting for her expressions of delight and gratitude for the earth. Whether depicting the far north with its magical Northern Lights or showing us a young person with arms open wide to embrace the entire ocean, his masterful talent is displayed as the perfect compliment to the gentle, loving text. Early readers will appreciate being able to read much of this for themselves, and older readers will understand that the language is sophisticated but not obtuse. Reading this title aloud to a group or all on one’s own will prompt thoughtful discussion. This is definitely a first choice for libraries and family collections. 2007, Viking/Penguin, $16.99, Ages 3 up. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-670-03669-1
ISBN: 0-670-03669-2
My Father's Summers: a Daughter's Memoir
Kathi Appelt
Every child who has lost a parent through death, divorce, or emotional distance will relate to Appelt's heartfelt memoir. The story begins when her father leaves their home in Houston for a temporary job in Saudi Arabia. Appelt tracks family events without her father, such as her eleventh birthday, and the disappointment when he doesn't come home as planned. When her father finally returns, it is not to their family, but to another woman. Suddenly Appelt is navigating stepbrothers, a mother who drinks, and puberty. Limned in vignettes that appear to sit more solidly on the page than traditional free verse, Appelt's prose throbs with constant longing for her absent father. In the vignette "Sizes," the narrator compares her recent growth spurt to the description of clothing in a missing person: "Nothing I could wear when he left fit any more . . . What if it was me who turned up missing? Could he find me with these different clothes, these bigger feet, all this new skin and bone and hair?" Black and white photos lend a family album effect. The vignettes flip back and forth in time, which can be challenging for younger readers. But older junior high readers will slip into Appelt's story like dipping into a warm Texas lake on a summer night. 2004, Holt, $15.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Candice Ransom (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Paterson Prize for Books for Young People Winner 2005 Grades 7-12 United States
Teddy Children's Book Award Finalist 2004 Long Works Texas
ISBN: 0-8050-7362-0
ISBN: 978-0-8050-7362-1
Oh My Baby, Little One
Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Jane Dyer
Baby Bird feels sad when Mama Bird kisses him good-bye at school and Mama Bird is sad also as she goes off to work. She tells him, "Oh my baby, little one,/the hardest thing I do/is hold you tight, then let you go,/and walk away from you." She leaves him with love that will surround him all day long as it sits upon his shoulder, nestles in his pocket or slips into his lunch box. Mama Bird makes sure he knows that the love will also stay with her by nestling in her collar, hiding in her desk drawer or curling around her coffee cup. The watercolor illustrations show Baby Bird involved in school activities and Mama Bird going through her busy routine as, all the while, they keep that love close to their hearts. The happy moment when Mama picks up Baby at the end of the day is joyfully captured in both text and illustration. This is a lovely, reassuring story for toddlers. 2000, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 2001 Babies and Toddlers United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Building Block Picture Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Missouri
ISBN: 0-15-200041-0
ISBN: 978-0-15-200041-7
Piggies in a Polka
Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
The porkers in this picture book are set to have a good time. It is time for the annual hootenanny and they have all gathered to stomp up a storm. The rhyming verse describes a variety of dances from what sounds like square dancing, to polkas and a plethora in between. There is plenty of swirling and swinging as these pigs pirouette about the dance floor. The pictures tend to be a little dark in deeper shades of pinks, reds and lavender and do not offer a lot of variety. The musicians, however, add a bit of color and flair as they exhibit their musical prowess. "There's a piggy playing clarinet, / there's one on concertina. / And who's that with the castanets? / The beautiful Porcina!" She is really the only character singled out in this gathering. And she is the one who brings the festive evening to a close with a slow song to serenade them, and then "She puckers up and blows a kiss / and sends them on their way." The lilting, rhyming text will be fun for kids in the early elementary grades; and it just might be a good choice for one of those recess days when you cannot go outside to burn off some excess energy--kids can pretend they are enjoying a hootenanny of their own. 2003, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-15-216483-9
ISBN: 978-0-15-216483-6
Poems from Homeroom: a Writer's Place to Start
Kathi Appelt
Attention poets, teachers, writers, and teen and adult readers--this book has something for everyone. Appelt provides poems about real-life feelings, information on different poetic structures, and a multitude of ideas to get readers writing and thinking. Each poem has a separate section examining the feelings that inspired it. For example, accompanying a poem about getting a driver's license are suggestions to imagine other feelings of power--what would it feel like "if you could be boss, principal, parent, president?" There are litanies, sonnets, haikus, and villanelles. Elegies in the form of acrostics take a look at the lives of Kurt Kobain, Marilyn Monroe, Janis Joplin, and others. Additional subjects include tattoos, cyberlove, getting into a fight, and a funny twist on being short. Each is filled with memorable details--a spaghetti strap sliding off a shoulder, the smell of popcorn. Imaginative ideas complement each poem to help readers brainstorm their own creations, and would work equally well for fiction as poetry. This book, chockfull of inspiration, is erudite, elegant, and funny, all wrapped into one small, easy-to-read volume. An excellent resource for teachers and students, it is an entertaining and thought-provoking read for anyone. 2002, Henry Holt, $16.95. Ages 13 up. Reviewer: Betty Hicks (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
Senior High School Library Catalog, Sixteenth Edition, 2003 Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
Top 10 Youth Poetry, 2003; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Tayshas High School Reading List, 2003-2004; Texas
ISBN: 0-8050-6978-X
ISBN: 978-0-8050-6978-5
Rain Dance
Kathi Appelt
Pictures by Emilie Chollat
It is raining but the creatures in this book don't seem to mind. One frog hops, two spiders skitter while three chickens flitter. The rain dance continues up to ten with that number of horses prancing, or it really looks more like dancing, along the fence. The book is designed to teach counting and animal recognition, but the animals are more stylized than realistic and the dogs look rather fearsome--not a bit friendly. Part of the "Harper Growing Tree" series, which includes tips for reading and sharing stories and a web site with additional information. 2001, HarperFestival, $9.95. Ages 1 to 3. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-694-01291-2
ISBN: 978-0-694-01291-6
A Red Wagon Year
Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Laura McGee Kvasnosky
Through out the calendar year, six young neighborhood children and their two dogs transform one little red wagon into all sorts of different modes of transportation. As the seasons change, the months are highlighted in the decorative boarder. Appelt's simple, poetic text flows over the brightly colored illustrations. Kvasnosky's illustrations have strong ink lines with bold guache paint. 1996, Harcourt Brace, $11.00. Ages 2 to 4. Reviewer: Sally J. K. Davies (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-15-277991-4
ISBN: 978-0-15-277991-7
Someone's Come to Our House
Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
A family is gathering in Someone's Come to Our House. This is Kathi Appelt's exuberant song for a baby's first homecoming. Nancy Carpenter's oil-based illustrations capture the balloons and hugs, grins and goodies attendant on this happy occasion. Anticipation builds as each person is welcomed, from white-haired Grandpa to preschool-aged Sister, until readers finally glimpse the sleeping guest of honor in one of the closing illustrations. A lovely shower gift for expectant parents or for a soon-to-be big brother or sister. 1999, Eerdmans, $16.00. Ages 1 to 5. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
Here's a joyous read-aloud with a sweet gospel beat. Family and friends gather at a young child's home to welcome someone new with smiles and songs. Young readers are invited to join in the celebration, soon discovering that the newcomer is a newborn baby. Appelt creates a wealth of warm, happy scenes using rhythm and rhyme. Carpenter's luscious oil paintings amply illustrate these lovingly crafted words, adding touches of humor and bustling activity throughout. A perfect gift for little ones expecting a new 'someone' at their house. 1999, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, $16.00. Ages 2 to 8. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0802851444
ISBN: 9780802851444
Toddler Two-Step
Kathi Appelt
Pictures by Ward Schumaker
The Toddler Two-Step, a catchy poem of counting and moving, will lead your young child to reading and dancing. Created in consultation with early childhood experts, you and your child act out movements shown in the book, like hopping, jumping, tapping and seven more motions that correspond to your child's natural development. Each motion leads naturally to the next, and soon, you and your child will be dancing. Written in rhyme with bright, cheery illustrations, it's fun and easy to memorize the text and recite it. You can use this book to encourage your child to act out a movement or simply count the children on each page. Part of an award-winning program for children up to 3 years old, this book steps you into reading and walking together. 2000, Harper Collins, $9.95. Ages 18 mo. to 3. Reviewer: Dia L. Michels (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-694-01244-0
ISBN: 978-0-694-01244-2
Where, Where Is Swamp Bear?
Kathi Appelt
Pictures by Megan Halsey
A child and a grandparent explore the world around them--does this sound like countless other children's books? Well, Swamp Bear is unique. Pierre asks his Granpere many questions about the rare and elusive Louisiana black bear, and as his grandfather patiently answers, he opens the child's eyes to the wonders of nature. The irresistible cadence of the rhyming text will have you reading with a Cajun accent, even if you've never been to Louisiana. Halsey's handsome cut-paper work lends a folk-art simplicity to the illustrations. But look closer: her work is astonishingly complex, from the rich earth tones of a snipe's feathers to the delicate shadings of forest greenery. 2002, HarperCollins, $15.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Donna Freedman (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, January 2002; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-688-17102-8
ISBN: 0-688-17103-6
ISBN: 978-0-688-17102-5
ISBN: 978-0-688-17103-2
Added 06/24/07
To stay up to date on new books by this author, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.
If you’re interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.