Steven Kellogg
Steven Kellogg grew up drawing animals and birds. All of his spare time was spend drawing from real life or illustrations in books. For him creating picture books lets him relive his childhood. His natural talent and desire to draw led him to the Rhode Island School of design. He even received a special fellowship to study in Italy for a year, which he credits as one of the major influences on his development as an artist.
In 1967 Steven's first book appeared and now he has more than one hundred to his credit of which more than thirty were written by him. When he illustrates books by other authors, Steven listens very hard to the voice of the other writer. His goal is to have a duet between the illustrator and author not a duel. "In a good picture book the art and text combine to present a whole, neither stands alone."
Steven loves what he is doing and firmly believes that parents and children sharing books is critically important. "The pictures are compelling and important and they offer kids an opportunity to journey into themselves and provide an avenue for escape." His pictures and the music of the authors words combine into a symphony. Humor is also evident in most of his works, especially in the delighful tall tales such as Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, Mike Fink, Johnny Appleseed, and Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett (all from Morrow, Ages 4up).
These larger than life characters depicted in bright busy illustrations will bring giggles from young readers. The stories also can be used to teach about the men and women who lived on the American frontier; people who told these outrageous tales to help them confront the dangers and hardships of daily life. Each of these books has won one or more awards and Steven is the recipient of the Catholic Library Association's Regina Medal which honors his body of work.
Among his more recent books, A-Hunting We Will Go! transforms an old English folk/children's song into a jaunty pilgrimage toward bedtime. Trying to postpone the inevitable, a brother and sister set off with horn blasting and drum beating, along with polar bears to hunt up all their animal friends. There is much to entertain in this whale of a tale according to Children's Literature reviewer Carol Collins.
Contributor: Marilyn CourtotFor further information about Steven Kellogg please visit http://www.stevenkellogg.com
Reviews
A-Hunting We Will Go
Steven Kellogg
Sing along with the author in his original version of this fun-filled bedtime story-song. Sing "Now to the bath we go! the faucets soon will flow!/ Moose gets tubbed and Goose gets scrubbed./ They'll glow from head to toe." The action, the mayhem, the bubbling characters compel you to read it and sing it again. "A hugging we will go! / We'll find our parents, hug them tight, / We'll snuggle up and say good night/ Because we love them so! Now off to bed we go!" 1998, Morrow, Ages 2 to 7, $16.00 and $15.93. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
This nursery rhyme transforms an old English folk/children's song into a jaunty pilgrimage toward bedtime. Trying to postpone the inevitable, a brother and sister set off with horn blasting and drum beating, along with polar bears to hunt up all their animal friends. Like a child's imagination, the home becomes a wood, a river, an ocean, as one by one the menagerie is gathered up. There is much to entertain in this whale of a tale--including a rocky rowboat ride over a waterfall. The fox and his socks, the weasel at the easel, the moose and the goose are just a few of the funny but instructive rhymes embedded throughout. The nighttime ritual includes showering, teeth brushing, and putting pajamas on the critters. The gorgeously colored, elaborate illustrations that cover each page offer treasures beyond the story line. Whales at the bottom of the sea, sleeping beside Mark the shark in jail, humorously embellish the bedtime story. The friendly moon and stars, mixed with the blues and golds of evening, give this tale the perfect frame. 1998, Morrow Junior Books, $16.00. Ages 2 to 6.Reviewer: Carol Collins
Believe it or not, this is a bedtime book, in which animals familiar and dear adventure their way along to the inevitable "Now off to bed we'll go." Never fear: the hunting is simply about gathering new friends and playing games, including a child's own usual progression from playtime to bath to stories to wind-down and tuck-in. Sample: "A-brushing we will go! A-brushing we will go! Will the polars brush their molars? Yes, yes, yes, yes! NO! I'm the boss and I say FLOSS!" A musical score of Kellogg's version of the original song begins and ends the book, in appropriate sun-drenched then moon-glow tones, and the illustrations within are humorous, detailed and very upbeat. 1998, Morrow Junior Books, $16.00. Ages 2 to 7.Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-688-14944-8
ISBN: 0-688-14945-6
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Baby BeeBee Bird
Diane Redfield Massie
Pictures by Steven Kellogg
This classic tale of the tiny bird who keeps the zoo animals awake all night is newly illustrated in full color and given a larger format. Kellogg imbues his animals (a giraffe, elephant, leopard, etc.) with marvelous expressions that will elicit giggles and guffaws. The yellow for the daytime and the midnight blue for the background of the evening scenes work very well. The cadence of the text works up to a real frenzy as the animals make turn-about fair play. The pace slows as the story draws to an end, making this a perfect bedtime story. A new generation of children and parents will delight in this tale where the Baby BeeBee Bird learns that "Nighttime is really best for sleeping...especially for very little birds." 2000, HarperCollins, $15.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-06-028083-2
ISBN: 0-06-028084-0
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Capitol Choices, 2000 ; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2001 ; Children's Literature; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 2000 ; Cahners; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Michigan Reader's Choice Award, 2003 ; Michigan
Volunteer State Book Award, 2004 ; Tennessee
A Beastly Story
Bill Martin Jr.
Illustrated by Steven Kellogg
Two well-known names in children's books have pooled their talents in this book that features four mice named Silly, Lily, Willy and Nilly. These furry creatures, who can also be identified by the colors of their shirts and the numbers printed on them, set out to explore a house in the dark, dark wood. When their candles cast light, the dark objects show their true colors. They find a dark green bottle and suddenly a scary beast emerges and flies off. The mice give chase, and much to everyone's relief, discover that it was not a real monster but just a prank. Sharp-eyed kids may pick up a few clues to the mystery from the opening endpapers. Kellogg has added lots of extra touches with his illustrations and even the type puts emphasis on the colors. 1999, Silver Whistle/Harcourt Brace, Ages 3 to 6, $16.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-15-201683-X
Big Bear Ball Joanne Ryder
Illustrations by Steven Kellogg
A joyous romp from jacket/cover and front end-papers to back! Simple, brief, foot-stompin' rhymes celebrate the arrival by balloon of all sorts of bears from who knows where. They slap paws, pop jaws, scratch the sky, splash in the water down the hill until daybreak, when it's time to say good-bye until the next ball, and to sail away up into the sky. Kellogg's double-page visuals retain his usual rollicking enthusiasm with his character-rich anthropomorphic animals, in lushly packed settings with integrated text. His pages are charged with energy, which slowly evaporates as we progress from the setting sun on the first end-papers and title page, and the full moon as the text begins, to the rising sun and the drifting balloons at the end. 2002, HarperCollins Publishers, $15.95. Ages 3 to 7. Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0-06-027955-9
ISBN: 0-06-027956-7
The Boy Who Was Followed Home
Margaret Mahy
Illustrated by Steven Kellogg
Here Mahy tells the tale of a "small, quite ordinary boy, called Robert" who "was the sort of boy hippopotami would follow." And follow they did, until Robert's lawn and goldfish pond are covered with forty-three hippos. An amazing, unrespectable-looking witch gives Robert a pill that renders him unattractive to hippos but which has a strange side effect-discovered only on the final page. Kellogg's paintings capture the uproarious spirit of Mahy's absurd story. 1993, Dial, Ages 4 to 8, $13.95, $5.99, and $4.95. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum
ISBN: 0-8037-0286-8
ISBN: 0-14-054614-6
ISBN: 0-8037-0903-X
Chicken Little
Steven Kellogg
Chicken Little and her feathered friends, alarmed that the sky seems to be falling, are easy prey to hungry Foxy Loxy. The wily fox poses as a police officer in hopes of tricking them into his truck. But rest assured Foxy Loxy is brought to justice, while Chicken Little lives to tell her grandchildren about her wild adventure. A contemporary variation on the story of the world's most famous alarmist. 1987 (orig. 1985), William Morrow, Ages 3 up, $16.00, $15.93 and $4.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-688-05690-3
ISBN: 0-688-05691-1
ISBN: 0-688-07045-0
The Christmas Witch
Steven Kellogg
The Little Christmas Witch, Gloria helps to defy evil, to bring peace among two warring factions, and to defeat the Wicked Witch, Madame Pestilence. The story is told on a level that most young children will understand although they will not get all of the puns. The illustrations are crammed with elves, animals, people, witches and goblins, which should give kids plenty to look at. It is a positive message and worthy of repeated readings. 1992, Dial, Ages 4 to 8, $15.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8037-1268-5
The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash
Trinka Hakes Noble
Illustrated by Steven Kellogg
It starts off as an ordinary class trip to the farm, boring and kind of dull, but then before very long chaos takes over as one zany incident leads to another. Soon the entire farm is uproariously out of control. The full-color pictures are an ideal match for this droll tale. 1980, Dial, Ages 4 to 8, $4.95 and $15.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8037-0094-6
ISBN: 0-8037-1723-7
Engelbert the Elephant
Tom Paxton
Illustrated by Steven Kellogg
To relieve her boredom, the queen host a ball and invitations are sent out to one and all. Much to Englebert, the elephant's surprise, he has been invited to the great hall. It could have been a disaster, but Engelbert is a most polite and accomplished pachyderm and even has the evening's last dance with the queen. A truly amusing story ably accompanied by the very funny artwork of Steven Kellogg. 1995 (orig. 1992), Mulberry/Morrow, Ages 4 to 8, $14.95 and $4.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-688-08935-6
ISBN: 0-688-14395-4
Frogs Jump! A Counting Book
Alan Brooks
Illustrated by Steven Kellogg
There is so much action in this book-it challenges your eyes and mind just to look at the pictures! Add the wonderful counting examples and you have a winner. Each page introduces the ridiculous actions of a set of animals. The next page adds another set while continuing the antics of the animals previously introduced. When arriving at twelve, the readers count backwards as the frog gobbles up items from the scenes. Laugh out loud with the hilarious illustrations as you share this book with a child. It could also be read independently by a beginning or developing reader. 1996, Scholastic, Ages 2 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Susan Hoyle Fournier
ISBN: 0-590-45528-1
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 1996 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Choices, 1997 ; International Reading Association; United States
Give the Dog a Bone
Steven Kellogg
The traditional nonsense-counting rhyme is given a fresh and original twist under the creative mastery of Steven Kellogg. When the old man plays one on his drum, he attracts a loveable mutt to receive the proffered bone. Following this familiar opening, Kellogg takes a no-holds-barred approach and the old man cobbles, purrs, hightails and soars home, accompanied by an ever-increasing menagerie of dogs, cats, chickens, and even some loveable velociraptors. This rambunctious adventure from 1 to 10 takes the old man up a tree, aloft in a balloon, and to the frozen far north before coming to an ebullient climax on a sandy shore surrounded by dogs, kids, chicks, and bones. Slapstick abounds in the exuberant illustrations that are barely contained on the pages. Whether you sing it through, stamp your feet, or clap your hands to the bouncy rhythm, one is thing is certain--once you get to 10, you will want to start all over again. Zany fun, and sure to have them begging you to "read it again." 2000, SeaStar Books, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey
ISBN: 1-58717-001-9
ISBN: 1-58717-002-7
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Great Quillow
James Thurber
Illustrated by Steven Kellogg
A familiar theme presented by one of America's noted authors. Hunder, the giant, is threatening a village. The townspeople prevail due to the cleverness and courage of Quillow, the toymaker, and their willingness to cooperate in carrying out his plan. The story is long, but the repetition and cadence of the language has its appeal-even for younger kids. The illustrations are full of detail and in themselves can tell the story. Hunder is characterized as a brute who is not too bright rather than horribly frightening. Quillow and the other townspeople are amusingly depicted to add to the humor of the tale. It is a story easily read aloud in small segments. For the younger set, this will be necessary since 56 oversized pages will be formidable. 1994, Harcourt, Ages 8 up, $18.00. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
ISBN: 0-15-232544-1
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 1997 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
How Much Is a Million?
David M. Schwartz
Illustrated by Steven Kellog
Narrated by Bruce Johnson
Music by Bruce Zimmerman
When numbers get so big that they seem to go on to infinity, children often have trouble imagining just how big these big numbers really are. The movie offers examples of what a million children, a billion goldfish, or a trillion stars might look like. The inside of the video cover provides before and after viewing activities, suggesting questions and projects for home and classroom. The stated objectives of the movie are to gain an understanding of math, to explore the magnitude of large numbers, and to learn to make comparisons. The movie will surely help children to better grasp the magnitude of large numbers. However, two of the examples seem a bit too advanced for the recommended age group--the distance between the Earth and Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, and the distance between New York and New Zealand. Also, certain parts of the movie are visually confusing because they are fast moving and rapidly changing in focus. Based on the book by David M. Schwartz. 2000, Weston Woods/Scholastic, $60.00. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Ute Krappen-Clancy
ISBN: 0-7882-0751-2
ISBN: 1-555-92993-1 (cassette)
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Utah Children's, Informational, and Young Adults' Book Awards Winner 1988 Information Book Award Utah
I Was Born About 10,000 Years Ago
Steven Kellogg
Kellogg's narrators, all children, "elasticize" the truth in this charming, creatively illustrated picture book. Several children trade extremely short "stretchers" back and forth, inserting themselves into various historical, biblical, and folklore situations. The author's sly wit infuses both the text and the illustrations. Particularly amusing tall tales involve a boy eating the apple core tossed away by Adam and Eve, a girl in a rowboat leading Columbus to America and hopscotch on the Moon. Kellogg nods in the direction of political correctness by including a black girl as one of the five storytelling children, but on the whole the stories are told from a Christian, Anglo-centric viewpoint. The book is based in part on the nineteenth-century folk song by the same title; the score and lyrics of which are included as end pages. 1996, Morrow, Ages 3 to 8, $16.00. Reviewer: C. Darren Butler
ISBN: 0-688-13411-4
If You Made a Million
David M. Schwartz
Illustrated by Steven Kellogg
Explore the fascinating world of money, learn what your parents' pay would look like if you received it in coins or dollars. Teaches children about spending and saving and poses the fascinating question-what would you do if you made a million? Horn Book Honor Book. 1994 (orig. 1989), Lothrop, Ages 7 to 10, $16.00, $16.93 and $4.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-688-07017-5
ISBN: 0-688-07018-3
ISBN: 0-688-13634-6
If You Made a Million - Videocassette
David M. Schwartz
Illustrated by Steven Kellogg
Narrated by Bruce Johnson
Children often have trouble with the concept of money and how an economy works. At the start of this story, a wizard shows children how many pennies there are in a nickel, a dime, a quarter, a dollar, and so on. The children see that you have to work to earn money, which helps give it value, and then what you do with the money is up to you. You can spend it immediately or put your money in the bank where it will earn interest. All of these economic concepts are artfully demonstrated and explained. Overall, this makes a nice introduction to the study of economics. An ALA Notable Book. Weston Woods includes a teacher's guide on the inside cover of the videocassette complete with extension activities. Closed-Captioned. Animated, 15 minutes. 2002, Scholastic, $60.00. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Joan Kindig
ISBN: 0-78820-979-5
Is Your Mama a Llama?
Deborah Guarino
Illustrated by Steven Kellogg
Narrated by Amy Madigan
Music by Ernest V. Troost
A classic pattern story, Is Your Mama a Llama? is a very sweet story about a young llama who wants to know if other little animals have the same mother as she does. All of the other little animals tell her the qualities their mother's have and she realizes that their mothers are not llamas at all. Finally she asks another little llama if her Mama is a llama and she says of course she is, and she should know it since they're in the same herd. The little animals all end up with their own mamas who are perfect for them. Weston Woods includes a teacher's guide on the inside cover of the videocassette, complete with extension activities. Animated, 6 minutes, Closed-Captioned. Animated by Virginia Wilkos. 2002 (orig. 1989), Scholastic/Weston Woods, $60.00. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Joan Kindig
ISBN: 0-78820-769-5
The Island of the Skog [videorecording]
Steven Kellogg
The vocal performance on this video is vibrant with a full cast of characters, including the author and illustrator, Steven Kellogg. Fans of this book will enjoy this animated presentation. It is National Rodent Day and in the midst of the celebrations, the rodents are chased down by a number of unfriendly animals. They decide it is time to sail away and find a place where they can live in peace. After a particularly harrowing journey, they spot a beautiful island in the distance that is called the Island of the Skog. The atlas reveals that the population consists of one skog. No one, however, knows what a skog is. To show the Skog that they are fierce, they fire cannons ashore before landing. When no Skog appears, they go ashore where they devise trap after trap to catch the Skog that they so fear. They finally trap the Skog, a huge, horrible monster. What they discover is that the Skog is as afraid of them as they are of him. They realize that they are treating the Skog just as they were being treated at home. The Skog and the rodents decide to live together harmoniously forever on the Island of the Skog. Weston Woods includes a teacher's guide on the inside cover of the videocassette complete with extension activities. 2000, Weston Woods/Scholastic, $60.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Joan Kindig
ISBN: 0-78820-716-4
Jack and the Beanstalk
Steven Kellogg
Kellogg uses his masterful storytelling talent to bring the irresistible tale of Jack, his poor cow, and magic beans to life with energized spirit. Hilarious illustrations and enchanting prose work together to create an exciting retelling of the traditional tale. Jack outsmarts the ogre and his wife in three trips up the beanstalk and ends up with a bag of gold, a hen that lays golden eggs, and a golden harp that sings beautiful music. Readers of all ages will enjoy the exciting ending to this clever story. 1991, William Morrow, Ages All, $16.00, $15.93 and $5.95. Reviewer: Debra Briatico
ISBN: 0-688-10250-6
ISBN: 0-688-10251-4
ISBN: 0-688-15281-3
Leo, Zack, and Emmie Together Again
Amy Ehrlich
Pictures by Steven Kellogg
The exploits of second-graders Leo, Emmie and Zack are recounted in four stories. In the opening tale, the three friends are enjoying a no-school day due to a snowstorm. They have plenty of fun building a family of snow people and end up using all their own warm clothing to make the family look real. Back in school, the three kids prepare for a Christmas party and Zack wonders if there really is a Santa Claus. In the third story, the classroom is empty due to Chicken Pox and Leo, Zack, and Emmie are among the very few students left. It looks like Emmie will escape the disease, but finally even she succumbs. In the final story, Zack declares that he thinks Valentine's Day is dumb, but Emmie and Leo have great fun making cards for their classmates. Leo even gets to school early and puts them out on all the desks. Zack gets a pile of cards and Leo gets none. His friends offer comfort and it all ends on an upbeat note. Wonderful illustrations filled with plenty of humor fill the pages of this easy-to-read book. Part of the "Puffin-Easy-To-Read" series, Level 3. 1998 (orig. 1987), Puffin, Ages 6 to 9, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8037-0381-3
ISBN: 0-8037-0382-1
ISBN: 0-14-037946-0
Library LilSuzanne Williams
Illustrated by Steven Kellogg
Suzanne Williams gives us a folk hero for these TV-driven times in Library Lil. Young Lil builds her muscles by toting books back and forth from the library. Her strength and wide reading stand her in good stead when, as a grown-up, she tries to persuade the townspeople to embrace books, rather than the boob tube. But when Bust-'em-up Bill and his book-hating gang roar into town, it seems that Lil has met her match. Steven Kellogg's illustrations, awash in yellow tones, are ebullient and engaging. 1997, Dial, Ages 3 to 8, $14.99 and $14.89. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum
Lil is not a little old lady librarian. She's an exuberant, vivacious, exceptionally strong young woman who's been in love with books since birth. And she has a mission: to wean the good people of Chesterville from their TV sets ("an evil that ranked right up there with poison ivy and mosquitoes.") A fortuitous storm and electricity blackout gives Lil her chance. Soon everyone is reading, until a motorcycle gang rides into town. How Lil wins over Bust-'em-up Bill and his cohorts is amusing, and wonderfully and humorously illustrated in Steven Kellogg's inimitable style. This love story about books is enough to make anyone wish for a permanent TV blackout! 1997, Dial, $14.99 and $14.89. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr
Meet Library Lil, a woman of many talents. As a reader she learned to lift weights, play soccer, and build tree houses. She was strong in mind and body and spread her enthusiasm by becoming a librarian. The town was only interested in TV until a storm knocked out the power. Lil resurrects the old bookmobile and brings the books to the people. All went well until Bust-em-up-Bill came to town and wanted to watch Tuesday night wrestling. He is no match for our Lil. Scene after scene rollicks with Kellogg's rich imagination and joyful palette. Every library will want a few copies. 1997, Dial, $14.99 and $14.89. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
ISBN: 0-8037-1698-2
ISBN: 0-8037-1699-0
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, 1998 ; Children's Literature; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002 ; California Department of Education; California
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 1997 ; Cahners; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Buckeye Children's Book Award, 2001 ; Ohio
The Missing Mitten Mystery
Steven Kellogg
"I lost my other mitten," says our heroine, "in big trouble." With her dog, she treks through the snow, retracing the events of her day to try to find it. She passes the hill where she sledded, the snowman and the snow fort she built with friends, and speculates where it could be. She even imagines planting the remaining mitten. What fun it would be to watch a mitten tree grow, to harvest in the fall with mitten gifts for everyone! The surprise is delightful when the mitten is discovered, but her imaginative adventures along the way are the best part. Kellogg's typically lively, detailed watercolor drawings depict the lengthy search in scenes that bleed off the pages. Annie's speculations are visualized in framed pictures that begin on the title page, where she is rolling a huge snowball but imagining the finished snowman. The double page showing the magic mitten tree, with Annie and Miss Seltzer picking mittens, is filled with joy as the picture bursts over the edges of the pages. The mitten tracks on the endpapers add a touch of mystery to a story full of kids, animals and fun. 2000, Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Putnam, $15.99. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
When Annie begins her search for her lost mitten, the fifth this winter, she thinks it would be easier to grow them on a tree. Her imagination soars as she sees herself picking them in fall so that she'll have plenty of mittens to give for Christmas and Valentine's Day. Steven Kellogg makes each of these scenes a celebration. But Annie knows nothing will be right until she solves The Missing Mitten Mystery. Kellogg's snowy landscape shows the vastness of Annie's search. No bird took it for a nest, no mouse is using it for a sleeping bag or a Halloween costume. Where is it? Follow the clues. 2000, Dial, $15.99. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
ISBN: 0-8037-2566-3
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Delaware Diamonds, 2001-2002 ; Delaware
The Mysterious Tadpole
Steven Kellogg
It is rare that an author can improve a classic. But Steven Kellogg has achieved that rarity with this 25th anniversary update of his timeless tale. There are some new plot twists but perhaps most striking are the sharp, compelling illustrations, featuring colors sure to catch and hold the attention of the most fidgety young reader. In the story, Louis' uncle brings him a seemingly innocuous gift from Scotland3/4a tadpole. But soon, Louis and everyone else discover that his new pet, Alphonse, is no ordinary tadpole. The orange and green amphibian soon grows and grows, seemingly with no end in sight. Alphonse outgrows Louis' house and a high school swim team's swimming pool. Alphonse's size puzzles everyone, until a connection is made between Louis' pet and Scotland's famous Loch Ness and its renowned underwater inhabitant. Eventually, Alphonse finds a home with plenty of room, which may prove auspicious after Uncle McAllister returns from Scotland with a second pet for his nephew. This story is simply delightful and will continue to charm young readers for years to come. With such an impressive 25th anniversary edition, we can only imagine what wonders the 50th anniversary will hold for fans of this title. 2002, Dial Books for Young Readers, Ages 3 to 6, $16.99. Reviewer: Bruce Adelson
ISBN: 0-8037-2788-7
Best Books:
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002 ; California Department of Education; California
A Penguin Pup for Pinkerton
Steven Kellogg
Pinkerton is a very large Great Dane pup. One day, Emily, a member of Pinkerton's family, comes home from school and tells the whole family about what she learned in school that day. It seems that her class is studying Penguins. Everything about Penguins, and as she relates her newly found knowledge, Pinkerton is all ears. He especially likes the part about Penguins laying eggs and imagines himself a Penguin parent. He adopts the family football as his egg and Emily presents him to her class in his adoptive parent mode. A classmate recognizes the football as one that was stolen from a game yesterday. When the football is taken from him, Pinkerton is inconsolable. On the way home from school, Pinkerton spies another football game in progress and proceeds to steal their ball, leaving everyone in an uproar. He runs off with the football and is later found at the ice skating rink (Antarctica). He refuses to give up the ball until Granny saves the day by substituting a stuffed animal inside a cloth bag. Pinkerton is pacified. The illustrations add to the silliness. 2001, Dial Books, $15.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger
ISBN: 0-8037-2536-1
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, August 2001 ; Cahners; United States
Prehistoric Pinkerton
Steven Kellogg
Young Pinkerton, the Great Dane, is teething. His adult owner looks in the puppy manual and sees that what Pinkerton is doing is only what any puppy in this situation would do. She quickly orders a shipment of rawhide bones, but the bones do not arrive before Pinkerton destroys everything in sight - pencils, the broom, the neighbor's tree, and the piano leg. The great adventures begin when his young mistress suits him up as a dinosaur and takes him on a class field trip to the museum. As the curator begins to explain the life cycle of the dinosaurs, Pinkerton takes one look at the dinosaur skeleton and races to grab a bone. The skeleton falls apart; the museum is in an uproar. The curator chases Pinkerton until Pinkerton "bowls" him over with his friendly kisses. The story ends with Pinkerton's young mistress telling the curator that Pinkerton is much friendlier than any dinosaur would be. Kellogg uses his signature caricatures and cartoon-like illustrations to engage the young reader in a further escapade of the loveable oaf, Pinkerton. Although lacking the depth of Kellogg's classics, fans of Kellogg and Pinkerton will find this adventure amusing. 2002 (orig. 1987), Puffin, Ages 4-8, $ 6.99. Reviewer: J.B. Petty
ISBN: 0-14-230008-X
Rattlebang Picnic
Margaret Mahy
Illustrations by Steven Kellogg
Shift gears and hop in for the ride of your life with the 10 McTavishes on their Rattlebang Picnic. Heading up to Mount Fogg in their old car, all goes well til Granny brings out her infamous pizza, tough as an old boot, for lunch. Oh well, apples and muffins will do. The real hair-raising adventure begins when the mountain puts on its own show. Time to leave...the action and mayhem never stop. 1994, Dial, Ages 5 to 8, $14.99, $14.89 and $5.99. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
ISBN: 0-8037-1318-5
ISBN: 0-8037-1319-3
ISBN: 0-14-055579-X
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 1997 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Choices, 1995 ; International Reading Association; United States
Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 1994 ; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Notable Books for Children, 1994 ; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 1994 ; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal: Best Books, 1994 ; Cahners; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Utah Children's Book Awards, 1997 ; Utah
A Rose for Pinkerton
Steven Kellogg
In this "further adventures of Pinkerton, the Great Dane", Pinkerton's young mistress thinks he is lonely and needs a friend. Her mother isn't quite sure that the family needs another pet, but the young girl is not to be diverted from her quest to find the perfect companion for Pinkerton. She visits the International Pet Show and finds Rose, the kitten. Things do not go well at home, however, because Rose decides to invade all of Pinkerton's personal space. When the family takes Pinkerton and Rose back to the International Pet Show, Pinkerton becomes the hero when he saves the day for the cats. Rose changes her attitude toward Pinkerton and allows herself to become a true friend for him. Using his traditional style of "busy" illustrations, Kellogg presents the story mainly in the illustrations. The sparse text fills in the gaps left by the illustrations. Kellogg and Pinkerton fans will enjoy this lighthearted story of new-found friendship. 2002 (orig.1981), Puffin, Ages 4 to 8, $ 6.99. Reviewer: J.B. Petty
ISBN: 0-14-230009-8
Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett
Retold and illustrated by Steven Kellogg
This delightful book teaches us that Davy's wife was a legend herself, an equal match for Davy, his friends, and even bears. Shortly after her birth, Sally Ann was talking and outrunning her nine brothers. One particularly cold winter, while seeking refuge in a cave from the fierce cold, Sally Ann snuggled up to a hibernating bear who unfortunately woke up. Rather than become his snack, she flashes him her blinding smile which caught him off-guard; she rolled him through the cave and his hide was skinned from his body by the stalagmites and stalactites. Great read-aloud or foundation for story telling--adults and children will delight in Kellogg's words and illustrations. 1995, Morrow, Ages All, $15.00 and $14.93. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner
ISBN: 0-688-14042-4
ISBN: 0-688-14043-2
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Choices, 1996 ; International Reading Association; United States
Snuffles and Snouts
Laura Robb
Pictures by Steven Kellogg
Yes, an anthology of poems devoted to the beloved porcine. The twenty five selections include "If pigs Could Fly" by James Reeves, "Prize Winner: State Fair" by Myra Cohn Livingston and an excerpt from Lewis Carroll's "The Pig-Tale." Each spread contains one or more humorous illustrations by Kellogg. The pictures are the real attraction in this collection. 1995, Dial, Ages 5 to 9, $14.99, $14.89 and $5.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8037-1597-8
ISBN: 0-8037-1598-6
ISBN: 0-14-056502-7
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 1997 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Tallyho, Pinkerton!
Steven Kellogg
Here is another humorous tale starring the silly and loving Great Dane, Pinkerton. When his owner comes home with a homework assignment to identify different birds and mammals, they set off with her mother and Rose, their cat. In their search for animals, they stumble upon a bumbling group from the Hunter's Academy searching for a red fox. When Rose is mistaken for a red fox, humorous antics follow. Kellogg will have the youngest reader chuckling and older readers laughing at the irony. His playful drawings add dimension to the humor and complement the story line by giving the reader even more information. Discovering their mistake, they move on to chase another animal. When the hunters mistake a skunk for a fox, the drawing shows their agony better than any words. As the sun sets and we have only encountered four animals, Kellogg surprises us with a picnic of animals. 2002 (orig. 1982), Puffin Books/Penguin Putnam Books, $8.75, $6.99 and $3.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Christina Burbage
ISBN: 0-8037-8743-X
ISBN: 0-14-230010-1
ISBN: 0-8037-8731-6
The Three Little Pigs
Steven Kellogg
After her 3 children graduate from Hog Hollow Academy, Serafino Sow leaves them her waffle business as she retires to the Isle of Pasta in this hilarious version of The Three Little Pigs. Percy, Pete, and Prudence prosper until the wolf, Tempesto, tries to topple their business and their homes. It's Mama to the rescue in this action packed story. Notice the details in each scene: A painting by Pigasso hangs over the Pig's mantle along with a statue of the famous Olympig Waffle Thrower. Mr. Kellogg's warm persona permeates the story with his rollicking humor and his sense of fair play. No one gets eaten and even the wolf changes. His T-shirt sports the slogan "Thugs Need Hugs, Too." 1997, Morrow, Ages 4 to 9, $16.00 and $15.93. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
Kellogg takes this classic favorite and turns it on its side, humorously retelling it in words and art as only he can. The front story sets a delicious premise: Serafina Sow, an entrepreneurial waffle-maker, leaves her breakfast business to her three darling pigs, Percy, Peter and Prudence. But while Mama enjoys her well-deserved retirement in the Gulf of Pasta, who should arrive but Tempesto, a non-waffle-eating wolf who wants bacon, ham and sausage! Explosions follow and soon, houses of straw and log bite the dust. An errant Help message finds its way to Mama who arrives at Prudence's house of bricks just in the nick of time. Using her original waffle iron, Mama and her children save the day. Both readers and the pigs are served a Happy Ending, with an unexpected order of Wolffles on the side. In characteristic fashion, Kellogg's soft-lined, energetic, pastel illustrations, rendered in colored inks, watercolors and acrylics, capture the characters in their porcine glory. Readers will continually revisit the story to find all sorts of treasures in the words and pictures: A Peopley Bank that sits on the fireplace mantelpiece, an opera program for "Ham-let and LaTosta," graduation pictures from Hog Hollow Academy and Tempesto's tee-shirt that reads "SaVe the thugs." Pair this story with Eugene Trivizas' The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig or Jon Scieszka's The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by A. Wolf. 2002 (orig. 1997), HarperTrophy/HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 8, $6.99. Reviewer: Esther Hershenhorn
In this humorous updated version of the classic tale, the mother, Serafina Sow, plays a larger role in the lives of her three little piglets: Percy, Pete and Prudence. She is an entrepreneur who is inspired to start a waffle business. The "wafflery" becomes quite successful, and Serafina then retires to the "Gulf of Pasta" leaving the business to her three piggies. Along comes the wolf, Tempesto, who decides he wants ham, bacon, and sausage with his waffles. There begins the confrontation that culminates with Serafina Sow coming out of retirement to help her little piggies defeat Tempesto. In the end, Tempesto decides to give up a life of crime and he turns in his "Say Yes to Thugs" T-shirt for a tank top that says "Thugs Need Hugs Too", and becomes a mellow beach bum on the "Gulf of Pasta." Younger children will enjoy the action (particularly the food fight between the piglets and Tempesto). Older children will be able to appreciate the humorous twists to the story. As always, Steven Kellogg's illustrations are irresistible for all ages. 1997, William Morrow, $16.00 and $15.93. Ages 4 to 10. Reviewer: Cheryl Peterson
ISBN: 0-688-08731-0
ISBN: 0-688-08732-9
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Capitol Choices, 1997 ; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Reading List, 1999-2000 ; Arkansas
The Three Sillies
Steven Kellogg
The author credits a classic English fairy tale and folklore with inspiring his retelling of this story about a silly farmer, his silly wife and their silly daughter. A wealthy gentleman comes a-courting and the daughter thinks he is quite handsome. The daughter is sent to the cellar to draw cider for the guest and as she turns on the tap, she begins to imagine that a disaster may occur if she marries. As she is a-thinking, she forgets about the cider. Her parents come down to the cellar and, when she tells them her fears, they join her in a-crying. Soon the cellar is a-wash in cider and tears. The gentleman comes down to check on the family and he laughs at their far-fetched notions. He declares that they are silly, but he will set out to find three sillies even sillier and, when he does, he will return and marry the daughter. The illustrations are captioned in cartoon style and will probably provoke laughter from youngsters as they read of the silly shenanigans of the various characters encountered in the quest for the silliest of the silly. 1999, Candlewick Press, Ages 4 to 8, $16.99. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford
ISBN: 0-7636-0811-4
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 2000 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Yankee Doodle
Illustrated by Steven Kellogg
Most children begin their political awareness through singing "Yankee Doodle." A refurbished and redesigned version of Yankee Doodle, by the well-loved illustrator Steven Kellogg, celebrates the 20th anniversary of his book. He emphasizes the revolutionary war setting and gives a great many verses unknown to most children. A small patriotic Yankee son rides with his father to view the troops, George Washington, and a battle with the Redcoats. Kellogg's illustrations are made for discussion, as he not only captures the revolutionary spirit, but his pictures explain many of mysterious words, and show the emotions of a young boy whose courage is challenged by the reality of battle. 1996, Simon and Schuster, Ages 4 to 8, $16.00 and $5.99. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
ISBN: 0-689-80158-0
ISBN: 0-689-80726-0
Updated 10/21/03
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