Pamela Duncan Edwards and Henry Cole
Pamela Duncan Edwards and Henry Cole are a delightful team. Together they have created many books which have received high praise and honors. But how it all got started is interesting. Colleagues for more than a decade at the Langley School in McLean, Virginia, where Pamela is the school librarian and Henry teaches science, they happened to attend a 1993 children's literature conference together. It stimulated discussion and they began to talk over their own ideas for children's books. They developed a few proposals and visited publishers.
Their first proposal Some Smug Slug was accepted by three publishers and they elected to sign with HarperCollins. As our reviewer noted "This sibilant saga stalks a silly slug as he slithers up the wrong slope...each illustration has the letter hidden cleverly within. Detailed drawings depict other creatures who share the slug's world." Some Smug Slug was selected by School Library Journal and Children's Literature as on of the best books of 1996. It was also featured on a CBS morning show.
Interestingly, the first published book was Four Famished Foxes and Fosdyk which focuses readers attention on the letter 'F'. Cole's colorful illustrations complement and continue the fascination, in fact, Cole encourages readers to find the more than fifty 'F' objects hidden in the pictures. "Frankly fantastic foxy fare!" Also an American Booksellers Pick of the Lists selection in 1995.
Next they collaborated on Livingstone Mouse , an adventure story that teaches about the five senses. The lesson is never heavy handed and like their other books, the story is filled with humor, the kind kids love. Kids learn that one word can have different meanings. One kindergarten class used the book to introduce the concept of exploration, held a tea party, reviewed the five senses, used teapot shapes on paper to write stories. In essence, the teacher and class developed a unit around the book.
Another collaboration, Barefoot grew out of the second grade unit about the Underground Railroad. After reading the book aloud to the class, the kids were asked to speculate what happened on the next day in Barefoot's life, while another class wrote poems. Henry's book, Moosetache, by Margie Palatini's is an amusing story of a Moose who just has too much hair on his face and the crazy ways he tries to resolve his problem.
Pamela is originally from Liverpool in the United Kingdom and has been in the United States for about twenty five years. Her husband's career in the newspaper business was the impetus. While in the UK, Pamela ran a nursery school, and her interest in children has been longstanding. As to her love of reading, it was encouraged from an early age by her father. Henry grew up on a farm in Purcallville, Virginia. Always interested in art and science, he went to Virginia Tech to study forestry but is a self taught artist. His education required a close look at nature and his observation of such details helped him with his drawing. He tried a number of jobs including magazine illustration and for the 14 years, Henry taught elementary grade science classes. Because they were educators, Henry and Pamela want an education focus and do include lessons in their books. Both Pamela and Henry emphasised the need to be with and around kids "they are the inspiration and we need to be in contact." This popular duo are now devoting their time to writing and speaking, and they have contracts for individual and collaborative works quite a few years into the future.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
Reviews
Bad BoysMargie Palatini
Illustrated by Henry Cole.
Those "really bad boys," Willy and Wally Wolf, on the run from Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs, decide the perfect hideout is with a flock of sheep, where "eats were included." Palatini's puns fly everywhere (one flock member is Meryl Sheep) as Willy and Wally try to fool the other ewes while restraining their appetites. Clever Betty Mutton, however, leads them to the shearing, where they are embarrassingly exposed. After their "close shave," they have a long wait until their hair grows back. Cole's jolly colored drawings keep the background simple so that the gestures and expression of the characters remain front and center. Betty Mutton is more than a match for the Bad Boys with her proper string of pearls and pill-box hat. The verbal and visual slapstick fun is really for all ages. 2003, Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers, $15.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2004; Children's Literature; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, August 1, 2003; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, October 6, 2003; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 2003; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
North Carolina Children's Book Award Winner 2005 Picture Book North Carolina
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Picture Books; Maryland
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2005; Nominee; Grades K-2; Kentucky
North Carolina Children's Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Picture Books; North Carolina
Show Me Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Grades 1-3; Missouri
Volunteer State Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Primary Division; Tennessee
ISBN: 0-06-000102-X
ISBN: 0-06-000103-8
Barefoot: Escape on the Underground Railroad
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
The escaping slave runs barefoot through the woods, and as he does, the voices and movements of the animals aid his flight. A frog croaks to reveal needed water, a mouse locates berries to help satisfy the man's hunger, and biting mosquitoes swarm his pursuers to prevent them from reaching his hiding place. Finally, under the cover of night, the barefoot slave reaches a house and a signal that it is a safe haven--a stop on the Underground Railroad. The lyrical text is perfectly illustrated by Cole's night scenes of the animals, barefoot slave, and booted pursuers. 1997, HarperCollins, Ages 5 up, $14.99. Reviewer; Marilyn Courtot
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 1997; Bank Street College of Education; United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1998; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, February 1997; Cahners; United States
Teachers' Choices, 1998; International Reading Association; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Nevada Young Readers' Award, 2001; Nominee; Picture Book; Nevada
Boston Tea Party
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
The cumulative "House That Jack Built" form presents the events leading up to the famous party in sometimes awkward but simple prose. From the tea leaves and the tea itself through the English king, the colonists and the patriots, the summary of basic facts leads to our current celebrations of freedom and independence. Cole's naturalistic, acrylic paint and colored pencil, double-page scenes describe the basic action with dramatic simplicity. What adds considerable sparkle are a crew of mice who, in speech balloons, give a running explanatory commentary, a bit like the words found in a history text. Of course, there's always the one in the bunch who can think only about cheese, adding humor to the history. The mice march along a ribbon timeline from 1763 to 1783 with a factual summary at the end. 2001, G.P. Putnam's Sons, Ages 6 to 9, $15.99. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
Best Books:
Los Angeles' 100 Best Books, 2001; IRA Children's Literature and Reading SIG and the Los Angeles Unified School District; United States
ISBN: 0-399-23357-1
Bravo, Livingstone Mouse!
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
The brave but naïve explorer, Livingstone Mouse, returns to save the dance performance of the animals in Wild Wood. As he observes the foxes, the snakes, the centipede and others mess up their rehearsals, he keeps noting that their rhythm is off, but none of them will listen. He finally leads his insect band in the music they all need to succeed, to become the acclaimed maestro. Our hero is introduced on the jacket/cover--a coy but charming fellow who waves "hello." The dark forest is just the right setting for the lively anthropomorphic activities. Particularly in his double-page acrylic paint and watercolor-pencil illustrations, Cole invests each creature with engaging personality and behavior to display their initial unrhythmic frustrations. The final scene of all dancing together to Livingstone's beat is especially satisfying. 2000, Hyperion Books for Children, $16.49 and $15.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Grades K-3; Kentucky
ISBN: 0-7868-2247-3
ISBN: 0-7868-0307-X
Camp Barkalot
Susan Saunders
Illustrated by Henry Cole
German Shepherd puppy Fritz is headed for Camp Barkalot with his friends Jake, Rosie, Tracker and Sheena. Shy Fritz, the baby of the bunch, is sure that he will hate dog camp. He has heard about the bears, snakes, poison toads and wolves that live in the great outdoors. Fritz's early experiences at the camp only confirm his worst fears. The other dogs adapt easily, finding adventures and earning treats. Young readers will warm easily to Fritz and his fun loving pals. They will root for Fritz as he reluctantly immerses himself in the world of camp. Many children will relate to Fritz's uncertainty and concern about meeting new dogs/people and trying new things. Readers will be delighted when Fritz bravely helps the others during a bleak nighttime storm and becomes a hero. This title, which is one in the author's "All-American Puppies" series, is a charming chapter book. Once children meet Fritz and his friends, they will be sure to ask for the other titles. 2001, Avon Books/HarperCollins, $3.99. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati, J.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-440887-6
Can You Make a Piggy Giggle?
Linda Ashman
Illustrated by Henry Cole.
Everyone is entitled to be a little grumpy, even a pig. The title page spread shows a pig in a variety of poses and there is no doubt that he is far from smiling. A young boy wants to know if he can make this pig smile and perhaps even giggle. He tries a silly rhyme, but it does not work on the pig although it does make the chick snicker. Together the boy and the chick play a fiddle to see if that will work some magic on the sourpuss porcine, but all it does is make a calf laugh. The story is cumulative with various creatures joining the young boy as he tries to get that pig to smile. Finally the whole cast of characters decides to give it a try, the duck, poodle, chick, turtle, deer, horse, owl grackle all "polka, flap, fiddle, waddle, yodel, stomp and riddle, tumble, tumble, twirl and wriggle,.." and even though they fail to make the pig giggle they sure have a lot of laughs. The pig finally does smile a bit on the closing page. Cole's watercolor and pencil illustration show a crowd of animals that should bring smiles to young kids, and that is really what this book is all about. It would also be a great book for preschool and kindergarten kids to chime in and act out the various animal actions. 2002, PenguinPutnam, $12.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Choices, 2003; International Reading Association; United States
ISBN: 0-525-46881-1
City Chicken
Arthur Dorros
Illustrated by Henry Cole
As a city chicken, Henry knows nothing of life in the country. So when Lucy the cat describes cows, horses, and pigs, saying "You'd have to see it to believe it," Henry, also know as Henrietta, decides to do just that. The pictures in her mind, however, are far from real. After a series of encounters and some amusing misunderstandings, she finds her way to a huge "city of chickens" farm, and is caught on the egg conveyor belt. She manages to hide among the egg cartons for the long road back to the city. Happy to be home, she is intrigued next by Lucy's description of outer space to which a chicken is about to blast off, as she pictures a two-headed chicken. Perhaps that will be her next comic misadventure, filled with more fun and play on words. Cole's cartoon-y colored drawings enhance the fantasy by keeping the action focused on single events. Henry's comic imagination pictures a very big brown chicken with a saddle as a horse, for example. The spread showing the inside of the egg farm is almost frighteningly overwhelming. But the escape and the other adventures are light-hearted in both the verbal and visual narrative. 2003, HarperCollins Publishers, $15.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson
ISBN: 0-06-028482-X
ISBN: 0-06-028483-8
Clara Caterpillar
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Clara's tale is not only filled with enough challenging alliteration to fill an audience with the giggles; it also includes a clear picture of the progression of Clara and her friends Catisha and Cornelius from caterpillars through chrysalises to butterflies. Brave Clara saves Catisha from a cawing crow. Cornelius and Catisha will cling close to Clara, who is not only capable and courageous, but also cream-colored, cute and completely contented. Cole's concept of Clara includes curvy eyelashes and, as depicted on the front endpapers, a cavernous capacity for cabbage leaves. The double pages bring us up close to these charming characters and their plant environment so that we may admire their natural patterns. Their faces are out of Dr. Seuss, but their wings come from Mother Nature. Don't miss the stunning back endpapers, a real contrast to those in front. 2001, HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 6, $15.95 and $15.89. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0-06-028995-3
ISBN: 0-06-028996-1
Dear Tooth Fairy
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick
The excitement and anticipation of losing the first tooth is brought vividly and humorously to life in this exchange of letters between young Claire and the Tooth Fairy. Claire and her friend Amanda are worried because they don't even have any wobbly ones. But after a visit to grandma, who tells them to be patient, the Tooth Fairy herself writes to assure them that they are on her list. Of course, as life goes on with parties and Halloween, a tooth finally begins to wobble, all teeth are carefully brushed in preparation, and tooth boxes are prepared for the big occasion. Claire is happy after receiving her money, but already anxious about her "next wobbly tooth." Fitzpatrick's delicate watercolors honestly convey the vibrancy of real six-year-olds. Claire is truly a charmer, while the settings of school and home, including the tooth-brushing, add to the attractive normality of the story. We can almost believe in the delightful fairy with multiple wings and many-colored dresses writing the letters. The end papers offer stamps with imaginative insights into fairy life. 2003, Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers, $15.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-623972-9
ISBN: 0-06-623973-7
Dinorella: A Prehistoric Fairy Tale
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
In this retelling of Cinderella, it is an indentured dinosaur who escapes her life of servitude through the aid of a fairy godmother to begin a new life with a prince. In this version, the fairy godmother is a pterodactyl and Dinorella rescues the prince from a meat-eating dinosaur by tossing dirtballs and diamonds. Filled with words beginning with "d" and comical illustrations, this light-hearted book takes a new slant on an old tale. 1997, Hyperion, Ages 5 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Alexandria LaFaye
Ed & Fred Flea
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Ed and Fred Flea are brothers who live on opposite ends of a dog. They are as different as night and day. Ed was content with life and his part of the dog, but Fred was greedy and he wanted to own it all. Ed noticed that the dog was itching and scratching and decided that maybe it was time to scurry. Fred saw his chance and pretended to be too ill to hurry. Ed fled and so did the tick and the fly. Fred cheered at his sole possession of the hound , but all too soon the cheer became a cry as the flea powder began to descend. The story is amusing and the illustrations by Cole are really funny. A good choice for read aloud and storytimes. 1999, Hyperion, Ages 4 to 8, $14.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Utah Children's Book Awards, 2001; Nominee; Picture Book; Utah
ISBN: 0-7868-0468-8
Four Famished Foxes and Fosdyke
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
When Mama fox leaves her five fox kits for Florida, the foxes are left to find food. Figuring that feeding on fowl forms the true fox, four fox-siblings flee to a farm. Foiled by feisty chickens, the four, frumpy foxes find Fosdyke (the fifth fox), feasting on fondue, frosted flans, and "flambeed fungi." Fosdyke pontificates that "a fox is a fox whatever the food." In case you hadn't guessed, Edward's fascinates over the letter "f," filling her phrases with philosophies of self-acceptance. Cole's colorful illustrations compliment and continue the fascination -- in fact, Cole encourages readers to find the more than fifty "f" objects hidden in the pictures. Frankly fantastic foxy fare! (phew.) An American Booksellers Pick of the Lists selection in 1995 and a Child Magazine's Best Book of 1995. 1995, HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 9, $14.95 and $5.95. Reviewer: Amy Timberlake
Fright Night Flight
Laura Krauss Melmed
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Our modern witch-y narrator sets out on her broom for her Halloween flight, to "...zoom/ upon my super jet-fueled broom" to pick up appropriate passengers from their spooky habitats. "There's always room" for a Vampire, a Werewolf, a Ghost, a Monster, a Skeleton, a Mummy--the cumulative rhymes adds them all to the broom. Their destination makes for a neat and funny conclusion. Cole's cartoon-y characters fill the double-page scenes with appropriately seasonal comic horror. He adds a touch of his own to the cliché Halloween standards. But his sense of humor really lets loose in several scenes. Don't miss the inscriptions of the tombstones in the cemetery, the contents of the Mad Doctor's specimen jars, and the museum display cases. 2002, HarperCollins Publishers, $15.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-029701-8
ISBN: 0-06-029702-6
Gigi and Lulu's Gigantic Fight
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Gigi and Lulu are the best of friends, as different as they may appear. For Gigi is a rather large but charming anthropomorphic young pig, while Lulu is a small and equally appealing mouse. They enjoy doing everything together, from dressing alike to eating the same lunches. But one day they have such a terrible argument that they promise never to speak to each other again, despite the protests of family and friends. When their teacher announces a "Twin Day" for students to choose a special person to dress like and stay with all day, both Gigi and Lulu decide not to participate. So their teacher tells them just to dress in their favorite clothes and bring their favorite lunches. They do not do the same things, surprising each other by their differences. But they also realize that they can differ on some things, agree on others, and still be "best friends." The simple story brings humor to a useful lesson on a common childhood experience. Equally simple ink and watercolor paintings clearly portray the girls' changing emotions. In vignettes and full-page scenes Cole keeps the visual narrative flowing by eliminating all but the essential details, making it easy to empathize with the pair and their problem. 2004, Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, $15.89. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-050752-7
ISBN: 0-06-050753-5
The Grumpy Morning
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Darcia Labrosse
The cow wants to be milked, the horse wants his hay--and the farmer is still asleep in bed. Once she arises and attends to their needs, the animals are less grumpy and peace reigns in the farmyard. Other than the novelty of a female farmer, the story is fairly pedestrian. 1998, Hyperion, $13.95. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7868-0331-2
ISBN: 0-7868-2279-1
Honk!
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Mimi drives her friends crazy, crashing into the pond in perfect 'en pointe' ballet pose. One night the curious swan landed on the Paris Opera House ledge and observed a performance. Now she is in love with ballet. Determined to see a performance, she attempts to enter the Opera House, only to be rebuffed by an outraged stage manager. Finally, during a performance of Swan Lake (of course!), Mimi sneaks in the stage door entrance. An endearing heroine and humorous paintings engage the reader. 1998, Hyperion, Ages 3 to 7, $14.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 1999; Children's Literature; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 1998; Cahners; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Reading List, 2000-2001; Nominee; Arkansas
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2000; Nominee; Kentucky
Utah Children's Book Awards, 2000; Nominee; Picture Book; Utah
Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award, 2001; Nominee; Washington
ISBN: 0-7868-0435-1
ISBN: 0-7868-2384-4
I Took a Walk
Henry Cole
The pictures of the meadow, its lush grasses and flower and bustling insects and wildlife are wonderful. The challenge for kids is to locate the named creatures, plants and other items within each scene--four of which spread over three pages. It isn't easy, although children are certainly much better at spotting things than adults and the answer key is found on the last page. The only caveat is that a number of the creatures may not be known to very young kids (the format is a picture book) and those who would know may not be drawn to the format. It could be a nice addition to science programs in the early elementary grades (K-3). 1998, Greenwillow, Ages 5 to 8, $15.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children, 1999; National Science Teachers Association; United States
Jack's Garden
Henry Cole
"This is the garden that Jack planted." And how it abounds! From the teeming soil, to planting seeds, falling rain, sprouting seedlings, plants growing, flowers blossoming, insects sipping nectar, and the birds chasing them, the author illustrator builds this cumulative story page by glorious page. The short lines of text run down the left side, leaving plenty of space on the double-page spread for the plants and animals. Colored pencil drawings realistically depict the gardener's overall view and also draw us a step closer; we can see the smaller life forms and underside views as page borders. An outstanding introduction to natural the science we can experience in our own backyards if we, too, decide to scatter some flower seeds. 1995, Greenwillow, Ages 4 to 8, $15.00 and $4.95. Reviewer: Carol A. Flowers
Best Books:
Annual Best Children's Science Book List, 1997; Science Books & Films; United States
The Leprechaun's Gold
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
While the story of the good-hearted man know as Old Pat may not be that new, it is nicely told and delightfully illustrated. As the tale goes, Old Pat was a harpist and a very good one. In his village there was a fellow called Young Tom who was also a good harpist, he had actually be a student of Old Pat. He charged a lot of money to play at events while Old Pat usually played for free. The king announced a harping contest and the two set out to enter the contest. It is no surprise to the readers that Young Tom is a crafty and nasty fellow and thinks that he has ruined Old Pat's chance of winning the contest. Old Pat is consistent in his behavior and befriends a leprechaun. When the contest takes place his good deed pays off and he wins the prize. On the last page, illustrator Cole challenges readers to find the sixteen four-leaf clovers that he has hidden in the pictures. A pleasant addition to a library's St. Patrick's Day or Irish collection. 2004, HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-623974-5
ISBN: 0-06-623975-3
Little Bo
Julie Andrews Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
If you have a soft spot in your heart for kittens, little Bonnie Boadicea will prove to be irresistible. The runt of the litter had an interesting pair of parents, Sarabande a purebred and Bounder the alley cat. It was Bounder who gave the shy little kitten her big name. In true fairy tale fashion, Little Bo is thrust out into the cold cruel world. She is rescued by a handsome sailor named Billy Bates, whose life she inadvertently saves during a squall. In the end, Billy must decide between Little Bo or his job on the fishing boat, he makes a decision that will undoubtedly open new avenues in his life. The illustrations are outstanding. They range in size from tiny insets to full pages and several that spread across two pages. They reveal an appealing Little Bo, a strong and romanticized Billy, and wonderful scenes of the cold winter and rough seas. The closing illustration with Little Bo perched on Billy's shoulder, as they head off into the dawn is great. It bodes the start of a new day and a rich life for the pair. 1999, Hyperion, Ages 7 up, $16.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
California Book Awards Winner 1999 Juvenile (10 & under) United States
Little Bo in France: The Further Adventures of Bonnie Boadicea
Julie Andrews Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
If kids liked the first book, Little Bo, then they may enjoy the continuing adventures of Billy and his little cat. They set off for France where Billy hopes to find another job on a boat--he is a seafaring lad. Along the way they have a series of real adventures and readers get to experience a tour of France. The pictures show it more clearly than the text ever could, and readers must be willing to accept that the cats and other animals in this book carry on conversations just as their human counterparts do. Soon Billy is down to his last bit of cash and still no job in sight. He decides to splurge on a meal in a restaurant and sees a very well off couple dining there. He and Bo manage to rescue the man's wife from a potential kidnapping and of course, the man is fabulously wealthy and the owner of a beautiful yacht where Billy is offered a job as first mate. Love interests abound not only for our cute little kitten Bo, but also Billy appears to be smitten by the maid who works for the very rich yacht owners. There are plenty of subplots and characters, harrowing escapes, and the book reads more like a movie script that is all set up for yet another sequel. Cole's artwork is a delight; if you cannot get to France yourself, at least enjoy looking at some of these pictures of world famous parts of Paris and the French country and seaside by Henry Cole, but even his efforts can't raise this story much above sea level. 2002, Hyperion, $18.99. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7868-0658-3
ISBN: 0-7868-2540-5
Little Brown Hen's Shower
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Darcia LaBrosse
In this amusing story, Edwards demonstrates to young readers that a word can have many meanings. Little Brown Hen has been invited to a party and she is very protective about her egg. She has it snuggled in a nest set in a baby carriage and just before heading out for the party she hears Cat rushing by saying "There's going to be a shower! We'd all better hurry!" This hen doesn't want to get wet so she sets out with umbrella raised even though it is a clear sunny day. Her barnyard friends give her the razz and wonder if she is practicing for a tight rope act or perhaps starting a new fashion trend. They predict all sorts of dire results from carrying this umbrella without a rainstorm in sight. . Once at the barn, Little Brown Hen is surprised to learn that it is a baby shower and while there she is showered with gifts and teased about her mistake. There is yet another surprise when the egg hatches. Once home this little check is given a shower with a watering can before heading off to bed. Just in case the lesson is not clear the book ends with Little Brown Hen telling her chick the "sometimes words sound the same, but they mean different things!" Useful for parents and teachers trying to help kids learn about homonyms. 2002, Hyperion, $15.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7868-0467-X
Little Dogs Say "Rough!"
Rick Walton
Illustrations by Henry Cole
Henry Cole is at it again. His zany pictures add plenty of humor to a rhyming text filled with lots of word play and alliteration by Walton. Animals are introduced by the sounds they make and these sounds are turned into words in the subsequent verse. Among my favorites are the snakes that say "Kissss! Kissss!" and head off to dreamland with their little pillows and blankets after a kiss from mom and pop, and the little doves who say "Coooool! Coooool!" and are shown cooling off in a plastic swimming pool. This is a book that toddlers will probably want read quite a few times, so parents and caregivers should start practicing their animal sounds. Also, there are plenty of objects to talk and chuckle about in each of the pictures. 2000, Putnam, Ages 2 to 5, $12.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
Livingstone Mouse
Pamela Duncan
Illustrated by Henry Cole
A small mouse is searching for a home. He asks his mother where the greatest place in the world is located. She says she's heard that China is very nice. Livingstone then sets off to search for China. He travels and explores many places receiving advice from other creatures. He finally finds a teapot which a bat tells him is China. He builds his nest and lives happily ever after. The clever illustrations are from the mouse's perspective. For example, a tennis shoe is described as a "tall white shape rising majestically into the air." All of the senses are called into play during Livingstone's adventure as he searches for the perfect home. 1996, HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 7,$14.95. Reviewer: Rae Valabek
Best Books:
American Booksellers Pick of the Lists, Fall, 1996; American Booksellers Association; United States
Best Children's Books of the Year, 1996; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Primary Book Talk: The Year's 21 Best Books for Children, 1996; Instructor (Primary Edition); United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 1997 Picture Books United States
California Young Reader Medal Winner 1999 Primary California
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Reading List, 1998-1999; Nominee; Arkansas
California Young Reader Medal, 1999; Nominee; Primary; California
Miss Polly Has a Dolly
Retold by Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Elicia Castaldi
I had a lot of fun jumping rope when I was a kid, but this is not a rhyme familiar to me. Not that it matters, many kids have probably heard it and heard it from parents and grandparents. What intrigued Pamela Duncan Edwards was that the story seemed to have no end. That it stuck with her all these years goes to show the power of oral tradition and its impact on kids and all of us throughout our lives. (Yes, I can still recite many of the nursery rhymes I learned at a very young age.) Edwards decided to remedy the situation by writing her own verse to follow up with what happened to the Dolly after the doctor prescribed the pill. Happily for all concerned, Dolly got well and she and Miss Polly seem to have lived happily ever after. The end papers contain the words, music, and finger play suggestions for the rhyme. The art has the look of collage, and Miss Polly and her Dolly are not in proportion--their heads are overly large in comparison to their bodies. That could be a bit off-putting, but the simple pictures will probably appeal to younger kids. Interestingly, since this is a jump rope rhyme, no one is shown jumping rope. 2003, Penguin Putnam, $15.99. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-399-23857-3
Moosetache
Margie Palatini
Illustrated by Henry Cole
It's "punny" and its funny--a moose with a moosetache problem. Try as he might Moose just can't control his fabulous moosetache. He tries, braiding, twirling, clipping and curling, but nothing can tame those unruly hairs. Moose is close to despair, but one day he trips on his moosetache and bumped in Ms Moose. She had a bouffant hairdo that rivaled his moosetache. It was love and an overwhelming desire, to know how Ms. Moose controlled her hair. The secret is revealed and they lived happily ever after. The illustrations are hilarious, filled with visual puns, and a perfect match for this amusing story. Kids will love it, so be prepared to read it a few dozen times. 1997, Hyperion, $15.95 and $15.89. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Choices, 1998; International Reading Association; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2000; Nominee; Kentucky
ISBN: 0786803061
ISBN: 0786822465
Muldoon
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Muldoon, an energetic young dog, has his work cut out for him in the West family. As the text tells us, in brief, factual sentences, his job throughout the day consists of such tasks as waking the family, taking the kids for a walk, watching the cat's diet, helping to wash both the children and the dishes, and keeping his ear cocked on guard at night. The lively illustrations, however, give us another story with the family's point of view, a human description of the messes he creates. The perky pup looks out innocently through a hole in the jacket front; on the back he sleeps in his doggy bed. The entire cover reveals that behind the jacket he is sitting on the floor surrounded by the trash from an overturned kitchen garbage can as the shocked cat looks on. The action-filled, colored drawings approach the simplicity of cartoons while effectively delivering their good-natured message of fun and truth. 2002, Hyperion Books for Children, $14.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Joan G. Sugarman Children's Book Award Honorable Mention 2003 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Building Block Picture Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Pre School; Missouri
Virginia Young Readers Program, 2005-2006; Nominee; Primary School Level; Virginia
ISBN: 0-7868-0360-6
ISBN: 0-7868-2305-4
Naughty Little Monkeys
Jim Aylesworth
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Dressed in a ball gown and tuxedo, Mom and Dad are headed out for the evening. The twenty-six little monkeys are all bedded down for the night. Or are they? Twenty-six should be the first clue, since that is the number of letters in the alphabet. Aylesworth has his naughty crew up to a bunch of tricks and they manage to make a pretty good mess of the house. It starts with one named Andy who flies a folded airplane and then moves to Brooke jumping on her bed. By the time readers get to Ike, food has been spilled and ice cream is dripping on the dining room table. Pete tops it off with a stack of pancakes with syrup dripping all over the kitchen. When Mom and Dad arrive home, these naughty little monkeys are all in bed, but the house is a wreck. The very next day, they all troop off to the zoo. Young listeners and readers will get a bit of a surprise at the way this romp through the alphabet ends. Henry Cole really adds humor to this rhyming text featuring an unconventional family. Furthermore, he extends the alphabet lesson by printing each monkey's name on his or her shirt and the dominate word beginning with the appropriate letter is highlighted in the appropriate stanza. The alphabet is recapped in the final picture. 2003, Dutton, $15.99. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-525-46940-0
The Neat Line: Scribbling Through Mother Goose
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Diana Cain Bluthenthal
This imaginative new approach to some Mother Goose rhymes begins with a baby scribble. After much practice, amusingly detailed, it grows up to be a Neat Line, with a smiling face, happy to be ready now to go into a real book. Venturing into a volume of Mother Goose Rhymes, it encounters a boy crying under a haystack. In case we need reminding, "Little Boy Blue" is repeated on the page. The clever line draws itself into the horn he needs, to the boy's delight. From there the resourceful line goes on to fix the problems of Jack and Jill, Mary Quite Contrary's garden, and Little Miss Muffet. Relieved to find the next page in the book within a book blank, the weary line draws itself into the Man in the Moon and switches off the light. Thick black outlines create the characters and necessary contexts without a lot of detail; colors fill in when necessary, leaving lots of white page. These very simple comic representations should appeal to young readers.2005, Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers, Ages 4 to 8, $15.99 and $16.89. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
Best Books:
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, May 2005; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-06-623970-2
ISBN: 0-06-623971-0
On the Way to the Beach
Henry Cole
Author/illustrator Henry Cole invites little ones to look and listen in On the Way to the Beach. A multitude of surprises waits as the first-person narrator strolls through woods, into a salt marsh, across a sandy trail and finally to the edge of the sea. The simple text on each double-page spread asks youngsters to open the flap and discover the animals, birds and insects dwelling in their natural environments. Though providing an important first lesson in various ecosystems, the lovely acrylic paintings make this book a visual treat as well. Sure to remind us that the journey can be as intriguing as the destination. 2003, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
Like his other book, Jack's Garden, Henry Cole brings kids closer to nature by talking a walk to the beach. Each of the four scenes opens into a triple page spread. It shows the habitat that the young girl is walking through and lists all of the animals and some plants. The idea is for kids to match up the words with the pictures. It can become an interactive exercise with parent and child. The first scene is in the woods, the next a salt marsh, then a sand dune and finally the beach itself. In each case, the young girl wonders who is watching her. The last spread encourages kids to "Find a place to sit and watch and listen. What do you see?" For those who may be nature challenged, there is a one-page key to the scenes with the animals and plants named and their location noted in the miniature version of the scene. A nice armchair stroll and perhaps a book that will stimulate a real walk in the outdoors. 2003, HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Our narrator takes us on a walk on a summer morning. At each stop along the way, a foldout page opens to reveal all the creatures that can be seen there, while watching and wondering "who is watching me?" First in the wood, then in the salt marsh, amid the sand dunes, and finally on the beach, we are shown what is out there if we look and listen quietly and carefully. A key to what is where in each spread is on the final page. The test is set in large type; the spread that follows contains just an inventory in smaller type, useful for older children. Cole's naturalistic paintings create recognizable subjects but not crisp, scientific studies. Rather, he arranges them in settings with considerable esthetic appeal, integrating all aspects of each landscape, and introducing the diversity of nature with a sense of wonder in an attractive manner. 2003, Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins Publishers, $15.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: 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
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, 2004; National Science Teachers Association; United States
ISBN: 0-688-17515-5
Puppysaurus
Susan Saunders
Illustrated by Henry Cole
This puppy is in a pickle. The day started as it usually did for Jake, a mostly black Lab puppy, and his four neighborhood puppy friends. After their humans leave for work that morning, the puppies go to the lake to explore and swim. They notice that the lake is really getting low because it has been a hot, dry summer. What only Jake notices is that the receding water has left behind a big, no huge, bone, the bone of a lifetime. What Jake doesn't know is that it is a dinosaur bone! Because Jake wants to keep the bone to himself, he doesn't tell his friends about it and this starts a bad series of events for all of them. Fortunately, the puppy brigade sticks together and adversity brings their individual strengths to the surface. Jake's story is great for its targeted age group. The expressive, black-and-white illustrations throughout the text give the reader a better feeling for the pups and their troubles. Many redeeming qualities are personified in this eclectic group of pups, and animal lovers will take them to heart. Part of the "All-American Puppies" series. 2001, Avon Books, $3.99. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Barbara Kennedy (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-441001-3
Roar!
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrations by Henry Cole
In a familiar story, the little lion cub leaves the pride to have some fun on his own, but all he can do is roar. That roar frightens all the other animals he meets on the African savanna including one little red monkey, three orange warthogs, and so on until he meets nine other lion cubs. Then the ten decide to head out for more exploring and have a roaring good time. The story reinforces counting from one to ten and also introduces ten colors. The pencil and acrylic paint illustrations are full of humor and really do complement the story. It is fascinating how Henry Cole skill gives the unassuming blue lizards and submerged green crocodiles expressions. 2000, HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 7, $15.95 and $15.89. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Buckaroo Book Award, 2002-2003; Nominee; K-3; Wyoming
Rosie's Roses
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
In this celebration of the 18th letter of the alphabet, we join Rosie and her brother Robert as they set off to deliver a birthday present of four roses tied with a rainbow ribbon to their Aunt Ruth. They pause to play along the way and one by one, Rosie's roses begin to disappear. The orange rose is tracked down to Mr. Rat, who really needs it to make his room smell fresh, the purple goes to Mr. Rabbit to give to his wife, the red to Mrs. Robin to cheer up her sick husband and the cream colored rose adorns Squirrel's bridal headdress. Rosie and Robert arrive at Aunt Ruth's with only the rainbow ribbon to give her. Aunt Ruth reassures Rosie that she is the only prize rose Aunt Ruth needs. Edwards' sweet story is a showcase for family love, generosity and caring. Primary teachers will appreciate the wide variety of r words, "rodent is a rouge" "rabbit's a rapscallion" and "robin's a rascal" while the alliteration has great appeal for a read-aloud. The illustrations are bright and simple with just the right amount of detail; in rabbit's home we see a sign that reads, "Warren Sweet Warren." Cole also challenges readers to find the letter R hidden in each illustration. A lovely book, lovely story, lovely read-aloud. 2003, HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Sharon Oliver (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-028997-X
ISBN: 0-06-028998-8
Rude Mule
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Barbara Nascimbeni
The situation is a bit ludicrous. What would you do if a mule came visiting one day, Well this young boy invites the mule in for lunch and then a lesson in proper manners and behavior ensues with plenty of humor. It is the young boy who is taking on the parental role and he uses tricks that will be familiar to most kids, no lunch, no playtime, and no chance to be the train engineer unless you behave politely. This very rude mule is continually braying, stamping his hooves, making very rude sounds and sticking out his tongue. The boy never seems to lose his cool, and he just waits for his guest to come to his senses, behave properly and proceed on. The pictures by Nascimbeni are bold and colorful and filled with plenty of humor. The text will make a good read aloud, and kids might even join in and act out the very rude behavior of this mule. 2002, Holt, $15.95. Ages 2 to 4. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8050-7007-9
Santa's Stuck
Rhonda Gowler Greene
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Have you ever wondered about all those glasses of milk and cookies left out for Santa. Surely if he ate them all he would have a BIG problem. Well, Rhonda Greene tells the tale of a Santa who just couldn't resist all those delicious goodies and as a result, he couldn't get back up the chimney. Santa was indeed stuck. The dog tries pushing, the reindeer try pulling. They just don't seem to be able to do the job. Then the cat and her kittens come to help and finally a tiny little mouse. Unlike similar tales, like the Enormous Turnip, this mouse has a brilliant idea. His solution is ingenious and should bring a few laughs. Henry Cole brings plenty of humor with his illustrations, from Santa's big fat rear to the expressions on the faces of the dog, reindeer, cats, and our clever little mouse. Fun for all and a delightful holiday treat. 2004, Dutton, $16.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-525-47292-4
The Sissy Duckling
Harvey Fierstein
Illustrated by Henry Cole.
This plea for understanding those who are different goes far beyond parallels to Ugly Duckling stories. To his father's disappointment, Elmer would rather help around the house or put on plays than build forts or play baseball. He is a happy duck until the other "kids" tease and exclude him. It is only when the other ducks fly South that Elmer has the chance to prove himself a hero by doing what he can do best. He saves his father's life and makes him proud. Cole's ducks take on some human characteristics while still keeping their duck identity. His acrylic paint and colored pencil drawings focus on gestures and expressions, but also create settings which add to the emotional impact, from a sunny beach where Elmer happily makes sand castles to the dark woods that echo his loneliness. There is a touch of humor in the art along with the moral of the text. The relevance of the author's personal experiences as a homosexual can add meaning to the "duckling's" tale, which was an HBO animated special. 2002, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $16.00. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, March 25, 2002; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Lambda Literary Awards Finalist 2002 Children/Young Adult United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades K-3; Pennsylvania
ISBN: 0-689-83566-3
Slop Goes the Soup: A Noisy Warthog Word Book
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Young children will have their word awareness heightened when they read this delightful, entertaining, fast-paced book about the adventures of a warthog. Onomatopoeia, the term given to words that sound like the noise they describe, is aptly used in this simple story. One thing leads to another once the warthog sneezes (A-A-A-choo!) as he is going about the easy task of carrying soup. Events that follow cause things to slither and wobble, crash and clatter and more. A birdcage flies, a picture tips, a table topples and the warthog's teddy bear ends up sailing into the pudding, all because of the sneeze. The illustrator's unique use of facial expressions on the teddy bear will keep kids looking at the pictures as the text moves along. In the end, the warthog and his friend demonstrate more onomatopoeia words in cleaning up their mess. As the problem settles, their friends arrive for a meal of soup. However, when the visiting hippo sneezes at the book's end, imaginative possibilities abound. An additional page explaining onomatopoeia asks children to create their own stories with these words. Add this to a preschool or home setting to get children rolling with this fun use of language. 2001, Hyperion, $14.99. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7868-0469-6
ISBN: 0-7868-2411-5
Some Smug Slug
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
This sibilant saga stalks a silly slug as he slithers up the wrong slope. In addition to alliterative use of the letter "S", each illustration has the letter hidden cleverly within. Detailed drawings depict other creatures who share the slug's world and try to warn him of his folly. Especially useful for youngsters learning to pronounce "S" or learning to recognize its sound. 1996, HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 8, $14.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 1997; Children's Literature; United States
Lasting Connections, 1996; American Library Association; United States
Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 1997; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, June 1996; Cahners; United States
And Tango Makes Three
Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Here is a book that will be controversial even though it is based on fact. Two male penguins, Roy and Silo, become a couple at the Central Park Zoo. They spend time together, build a nest and try to incubate a rock when they see other penguin couples incubating eggs. They were unhappy until one day the zookeeper found a fertilized egg and put it in their nest. Roy and Silo knew just what to do and then one fine day a little chick emerged from the egg. They fed her, snuggled up with her at night and did everything any penguin couple would do. Their little girl was named Tango by the zookeeper "because it takes two to make a Tango." For kids who live in homes with same sex partners, this book will be welcome, for those who are willing to accept homosexuality this book will be welcome, for those who believe that such behavior is abnormal , they will probably want the book banned from schools and libraries. Too bad, it is a true story; and it is well told and well illustrated. How Henry Cole manages to give the penguins personality and expression is a testament to his skill as an artist. Kids will enjoy the book, and I doubt that they will be concerned that Tango has two daddies. 2005, Simon & Schuster, Ages 4 to 8, $14.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
Best Books:
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, May 16, 2005; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-689-87845-1
Uptown Poodle, Downtown Pups
Susan Saunders
Illustrated by Henry Cole
What happens when four friendly but average dogs meet with a well-to-do pampered poodle? At first it seems that they will never get along. An unexpected event, however, makes everyone realize the importance of having friends. This is a simple yet touching story that young readers will enjoy. It is intended for those beginning to read chapter books. The black and white illustrations are amusing and add to the likeableness of the characters. This book is part of the "All-American Puppies" series. 2001, Avon Books, $3.99. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Denise Daley (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-440886-8
Victor Vito And Freddie Vasco, Two Polar Bears on a Mission to Save Klondike Café!
Laurie Berkner
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Those crazy polar bears, Victor and Freddie, own the Klondike café but their customers are sick of eating fish (the only thing these two know how to fix). They start on a trek that takes them from Alaska to the far southwest where they try burritos, beans and rice, then into the deep south for corn bread and collards at Chez Crawfish. The really big hit is spaghetti in none other than New York City's Little Italy. They head back with all their newfound delicacies and readers are also given a chance to see customers and staff of the Klondike Café reading postcards that have been sent by the polar bear duo. There is great excitement when they return and spruce up the café and introduce all these ethnic foods to their clientele. Henry Cole manages to give all of the creatures in this story some personality. The seal waitresses even manage to look sexy while sunbathing, and I loved the name on one of the uniforms (Cesealia). There are so many extra bits of humor in the drawings that they merit a second look. The jukebox at Chez Crawfish has the manufacture's name as "Bon Temps" and the waiters are an alligator and a muskrat. Young and old will enjoy this book and of course, the CD with Laurie Berkner performing "Victor Vito," "Laurie (talking)" and "Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz)" are just icing on the proverbial cake. 2004, Orchard Books/Scholastic, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-42914-5
The Wacky Wedding: A Book of Alphabet Antics
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
The team that brought kids Five Famished Foxes and Fosdyke, and Some Smug Slug are at it again. This time it is an alliterative alphabet book that tells the story of an ant wedding. Nothing seems to go smoothly. The cake is dropped, a foolish fruit fly let some fruit fall and the groom is knocked to the ground, the bride trips in a puddle, but never fear it all ends well as this madcap wedding party wrecks havoc with the alphabet. Cole's drawing are truly amusing with plenty of humorous extra touches such as the red fire ants dressed as firemen and a soldier ant with helmet. He has also hidden letters of the alphabet in each scene. 1999, Hyperion, Ages 4 to 7, $14.99 and $14.74. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
Emphasis on Reading, 2000-2001; Nominee; Grades K & 1; Alabama
Young Hoosier Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Grades K-3; Indiana
ISBN: 0-7868-0308-8
ISBN: 0-7868-2248-1
Wake-Up Kisses
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Here is something for kids to think about. While they be getting their kisses goodnight, other animals may be getting wake-up kisses. Who are some of these nocturnal creatures? Edwards and Cole introduce us to the noisy Katydid and the sometimes-noisy owl. A field mouse wakes her babies so they can eat and the opossum heads out with her brood firmly clinging to her back. Bats love the night as they head out to feast on insects and are joined by flying squirrels, tree frogs and skunks. One nighttime creature that has gotten really bold is the raccoon, which even in suburban neighborhoods raids garbage cans at night hunting for tasty food. The colored pencil sketches on colored papers set the nighttime scenes and a crescent moon can be found spreading its light on many of the pages. 2002, HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-06-623976-1
Warthogs Paint: A Messy Color Book
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
What do warthogs do when rain prevents them from going outside to play? In this rhyming picture book, the furry creatures try their hand at painting, with results that are educational and fun. The warthogs paint the walls of their house in various colors, and the words in the text match the respective hues. When primary colors are mixed to form new colors, young readers will remember the combinations. The goofy warthogs are too cute to resist. Included at the end is a learning page, loaded with fun facts about colors. 2001, Hyperion, Ages 3 to 5, $14.99. Reviewer: Christopher Moning
Best Books:
Los Angeles' 100 Best Books, 2001; IRA Children's Literature and Reading SIG and the Los Angeles Unified School District; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
2X2 Reading List, 2002; Texas
ISBN: 0-7868-0470-X
The Worrywarts
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrations by Henry Cole
What a challenge, writing a real amusing story filled with words that start with the letter "w." As she has with other books such as Some Smug Slug and Five Famished Foxes and Fosdyke, Edwards has written another alliterative story to entertain kids. Wombat is a worrier and she plays out plenty of what if scenarios in her fertile mind. It is this vehicle that lends itself to even more outlandish scenes, all of which are accompanied by Coles wildy amusing illustrations. Weasel with the flowered bathing cap is particularly winsome. On the whole, this tale is not a clever as the previously mentioned books. It seems to try too hard and the story just isn't as clever or funny as the previous ones. 1999, HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 6, $14.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; Picture Books; Maryland
Utah Children's Book Awards, 2002; Nominee; Picture; Utah
Volunteer State Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Primary; Tennessee
Young Hoosier Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Picture Book (Grades K-3); Indiana
Why Do Kittens Purr?
Marion Dane Bauer
Illustrated by Henry Cole.
Henry Cole has acquired a bit of reputation for drawing cats. His best known may be those that appear in the Julie Andrews books about Little Bo and her master Billie. In this picture book by Marion Dane Bauer, the question posed by the title might be best answered--just because. However, readers will discover that kittens purr because they are happy and as the story progress to more fanciful animals such a lions that roar and spiders that spin, small tidbits about the way animals react are impart in the rhyming response to each question. "What song do robins sing in spring? "This day is fine. / This nest, this tree, this world / are mine!"" Cole has added humor to his drawing as he usually does and it is great to see the wide-eyed boy looking at all of these animals and also seeing them so well rendered in acrylic paints and colored pencil. The closing scenes show this menagerie and the young boy all safely tucked in for the night, and then awakening to a brightly shining sun in the morning which adds yet another dimension to the story. The bright orange endpapers let readers know that this will be happy, cheerful book. 2003, Simon & Schuster, $15.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0689841795
The Wright Brothers
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
This addition to the multitude of books celebrating the centennial of the Wright Brothers' flight presents their story in the "House that Jack Built" cumulative pattern. Beginning with "the sky, high and wide," and "the toy that whirled through the sky, high and wide," Edwards then introduces us to the brothers, and takes us succinctly through their activities from the printing press, bicycle shop, observation of birds' wings, construction of kites and gliders to the testing on the North Carolina beach and the final triumph of the flight. The last two-page spread depicts some of the planes that came after, from a Boeing B-17 and the Spirit of St. Louis to the Concorde, while the end papers show a timeline of flight from 1867 to 1976. In addition to the cumulative text, a running commentary by four observing mice adds both fun and information; indeed, their conversation delivers most of the specifics of the story as they try to replicate the actions of the brothers. Double-page scenes incorporate the twin stories convincingly as the illustrations keep a focus on the major subject of each episode with naturalistic paintings of every step of the way. A few of the illustrations are adapted from photographs taken by the brothers. 2003, Hyperion Books for Children, $15.99 and $16.49. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Written much in the style of "This is the house that Jack built," this is a unique introductory book to the story of the Wright brothers and their extraordinary adventures. Throughout the book the reader will find a group of little mice who comment on the goings-on shown in each double-page spread. The author uses the mice to give readers a lot more information than is provided in the text. They tell us about how the brothers worked as newspaper men, how they opened a bicycle shop and how they figured out what was needed to make a plane that would fly. Apparently the brothers observed some buzzards flying above their bicycle shop, and seeing those big wings at work gave them the clues they needed to start building their own kites, gliders, and finally, their famous first airplanes. The mice are also a source of amusement with their funny quips and antics. In addition, these clever little rodents are featured in a timeline of flight that can be found in the front and back cover of the book. With a clever twist on the conventional picture book design, this is a wonderful tribute to the Wright brothers on the one hundred-year anniversary of their historic flight at Kitty Hawk. Readers may like to look at some of the other books that this author and illustrator have created together, which include Honk! The Story of a Prima Swanerina and Ed and Fred Flea. 2003, Hyperion, $15.99. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award Nominee 2004 United States
ISBN: 0-7868-1951-0
ISBN: 0-7868-2682-7
Who Bop?
Jonathan London
Illustrated by Henry Cole
This bunch of cool cats is getting ready to jam at a sock hop. The coolest of them all is Jazz-Bo, shades, suspenders and socks are the signatures of this sax playing cat. His band includes a couple of dogs on drum and keyboard, but there is not doubt about who is the real musical star. Hares hop, frogs hop, snakes slither and the lion is dancing with the lamb. Everyone is getting along and seems to be having a great time beeping and bopping at this sock hop. The simple text is full of wonderful sounds that will challenge those reading it aloud. But kids will get a kick out of the verse and the humorous colored pencil and acrylic pictures on colored papers by Cole. They add another dimension to the verse and bring this cool cat to new heights. 2000, HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 6, $14.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
Zipping, Zapping, Zooming Bats
Ann Earle
Illustrated by Henry Cole
In Zipping, Zapping, Zooming Bats, we learn that bats, the only flying mammals, are fascinating, gentle creatures. Their nightly meal of 3000 insects (equivalent to a 60 pound child consuming 125 peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches) helps rid the planet of insects that eat us as well as the crops we depend on. Bats not only dine heartily, but they are one of the only animals that use their tails to eat. We learn how incredible bats' ears are--they can hear the sound of a cricket walking--and how they use echolocation to navigate through darkness. We also learn how humans destroy bat's homes by cutting down forests and closing off attics. The Bat Facts section is filled with fascinating tidbits, like Thailand's Hog-Nosed Bat, the size of a bumblebee, is the world's smallest mammal, while Flying Foxes are enormous bats with wingspans six feet across. Also included in the book are instructions for building a backyard bat house. A 1995 American Bookseller's Pick of the Lists and a Best Children's Science Book. 1995, HarperCollins, Ages 5 to 9, $14.95 and $4.95. Reviewer: Dia L. Michels
Best Books:
Annual Best Children's Science Book List, 1995; Science Books & Films; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 1996; Children's Literature; United States
Updated 07/07/05
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