Megan McDonald
From her first bubbly hello on the telephone, Megan McDonald had me captivated. The creator of the exuberant Judy Moody series could well be expected to be a vivacious character herself and so she proved to be. Her biographical material reveals that Judy is indeed drawn bigger than life from Ms McDonald's own experiences as the fifth daughter in a lively family. Judy is Meghan times ten! She takes great pleasure in having Judy be the big sister and gets to voice all of the things "we wished we had said way back when." We began by discussing her latest book, Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, a spin-off of the famous Judy Moody series. Judy Moody's strong voice is so dominant in her own series that Ms. McDonald felt challenged to give Stink enough strength of his own to compete with his effervescent sister. Even though both boys and girls have been attracted to the Judy Moody books (much to the delight of parents and teachers!) she wanted to give boys a series of their very own. Stink has had a role in his sister's stories but now he is the star of the show and it is hard for Judy to accept a back seat even for a moment. Stink's adventures will prove to be equally satisfying for all of McDonald's fans.
The design of both the Judy Moody and Stink books was influenced by the illustrator, Peter Reynolds, who remembers "counting the pages in books until the next illustration." As Ms McDonald developed the first book in the JM series she made conscious decisions about the type face, white space, and picture placement to keep the books accessible to the targeted age group of emergent readers. She never feels the need to stint on vocabulary. She also feels confident in including facts that she has collected through the years. Like Megan, Judy is also collector. I think that I may follow her good example with my own highly collectible fact: a flock of wild turkeys roost on Megan McDonald's roof. When I asked her about this she reported that they just "appeared" one day and seem quite happy to make her home theirs. I love the idea that they find her house suitable for gatherings--just the sort of zany item that may appear in one of her stories someday.
Ms McDonald's interest in collecting facts has served her well as she has done extensive research for some of her picture books. The background work for Saving the Liberty Bell (2005) was extensive but she managed to keep the text light yet informative. She had to sift through a mountain of facts to distill a book both accessible and suitable for a younger audience. The main character, John Jacob Mickley, Jr. is a believable little fellow who tells the story of moving the Liberty Bell during the Revolution while revealing the details of the adventure with great humor. This mixture of humor and facts seems to be a trademark of Megan McDonald's writing.
Finding funny, simple ways to present material is a task she undertakes on a daily basis (except when she is traveling to do presentations and school visits). Her first drafts are often long and she works diligently to prune them down to present even difficult concepts to her audience. Her ideas are often drawn from her close observance of daily life and current events. She is always on the lookout for those things that will quickly grab her readers. She loves to tell students that one of the Judy Moody book ideas was born on a napkin in an ice cream shop. When the idea occurred to her for Judy's name to be misspelled (Judy Muddy), she hurriedly jotted it down on the closest thing at hand--her napkin.
Ms McDonald encourages aspiring writers to visit her web site for information and inspiration. To keep current in children's literature she reads other childrens' authors, goes to lots of conferences, and talks with many booksellers and librarians. While she was a librarian herself, she attended a conference and met her first editor, Richard Jackson, who has been an important influence her in development as a writer. She says that editors are the unsung heroes of literature because so much of what is good about any book is a direct result of the editor's work. She is quick to credit all of her editors, through the years, with helping to shape her writing.
She treats her audience with respect by telling her stories with truth and honesty. She even shows school students photographs of her childhood self "throwing a temper tantrum," giving them a glimpse into the truth of a moment in her own growing up process. Megan McDonald has a direct line into the psyche of her young readers and has the power to influence their lives in a very positive way. Learning to love reading, picking up amazing (sometimes amusing) facts, and enjoying themselves along the way is her sure fire recipe for luring new readers and keeping her fans longing for more. If you have not experienced Megan McDonald's writing, may I be the first to suggest that you remedy that oversight immediately?!!
Interview with Megan McDonald conducted over the phone by Sheilah Egan, Children's Literature
Find out more about Megan McDonald and her books at www.meganmcdonald.com.
For a Q&A feature regarding the Julie series, click here.
For a Q&A feature regarding the Julie series, click here.
Reviews
All the Stars in the Sky: The Santa Fe Trail Diary of Florrie Mack Ryder
Megan McDonald
Florrie is having a hard time leaving everything she has ever known behind. Her best friend, her grandparents, even the grave of her father, must all remain in Arrow Rock Missouri. Florrie, her younger brother Jem, her mother, and her mother's new husband, Mr. Ryder, are going to travel down the Santa Fe Trail to begin a new life in New Mexico, in the town of Santa Fe. Unlike the Oregon Trail and others that went towards the West Coast, the Santa Fe Trail was used mostly by traders rather than by settlers. Nevertheless, it is still a grueling journey, and Florrie witnesses more than her fair share of suffering and hardship. During her journey she makes friendships that come to mean a great deal to her and that sustain her. We are drawn into the story as Florrie and her family battle their way down the trial and we are charmed by Florrie's likable and determined personality. Florrie sees things with a clarity that can be quite startling at times, even with regards to herself. For example, she comments sadly early in the journey, "I feel lost. Like a stick figure drawn in the dust, erased by wagon tracks." Later she remarks "I am lonely and have fallen under the cloud of my own bad weather." Written in a style that suggests Florrie's own speech, the author has created a wonderful character and has gone to great lengths to study the times and the people she wrote about. Her inclusion of Spanish words, as Florrie begins to learn the language, is a particularly effective device. Both sad and at times humorous, Florrie's story gives us a thought-provoking picture of a time and place not often written about. 2003, Scholastic, $10.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2004, 2004; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-439-16963-1
ISBN: 978-0-439-16963-9
Ant and Honey Bee: What a Pair!
Megan McDonald
Illustrated by G. Brian Karas
Two friends, Ant and Honey Bee, have decided to create a pair of costumes for this year's party at Cricket's house. Their well-developed plans for creating a matched washer and dryer set are thwarted by a sudden downpour which turns their cardboard masterpieces into sodden globs. Somewhat downhearted they trudge on to the party anyway where they announce that they are wearing an "anthill" and a "beehive." Naturally their costumes are proclaimed a success and all is well. The attitude of cooperation between the friends as they plan their matching costumes make this book a worthwhile addition to the preK--primary school library and a parent's pick for read-aloud. Karas's illustrations are just as cute and charming as the text about the friends' efforts to create a pair of costumes that reflect their bond as friends. Inside the dust cover are suggestions for a "Bug Party" including recipes (ants on a log, ladybug punch), party games and other ideas for a fun time. 2005, Candlewick, $13.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-7636-1265-0
ISBN: 978-0-7636-1265-8
Baya, Baya, Lulla-By-A
Megan McDonald
Pictures by Vera Rosenberry
This poetic work tells parallel stories of a mother weaverbird weaving a nest and an Indian mother weaving a blanket. Rosenberry's watercolor illustrations are richly colored and intricately detailed, complementing the text and plot of the story. The rhythmic repeating of the Indian words lends a melodious tone to the story. The book holds a richness of language and pictures. There is a glossary of Hindu words and information about the baya bird of India, including the many uses of its empty nest. The text is an adaptation of an Indian lullaby. In this work, the humble bird shows itself as a quiet hero. First, it weaves its nest of flowers and grasses for its shelter, it gives a cry, mother to mother, that saves the life of a baby girl, and it leaves its nest for other uses including "a night-light to chase away the dark." This is a nice bedtime story. 2003, A Richard Jackson Book/Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $16.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Pat Williams (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2004; Children's Literature; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, June 15, 2003; United States
ISBN: 0-689-84932-X
ISBN: 978-0-689-84932-9
Bedbugs
Megan McDonald
Pictures by Paul Brett Johnson
It's bedtime, and one little girl is trying to prolong her day any way she can--telling her very patient father there are all kinds of horrible, scary bugs and creatures lurking in her room, bathroom and throughout the house as she completes her night-time ritual. As he gently prods her, she warns him about all the dangers she sees such as the spiders with fangs and pointy ears, the duck that runs like "Big Bird on stilts;" the mop that keeps moving and squirting out blue blood; and the prickly porcupine hiding under the pillow. Dad comes to the rescue to save his daughter from all these monsters, and mischievously plays along to her delight. The game ends; the girl is ready to go to bed and drifts peacefully off to sleep. Filled with imagination and humor, this bedtime story has a nice twist in that Dad is a central figure. The large illustrations are fanciful and amusing, but it's the portrayal of a special bond between father and daughter that really makes this book. 1999, Orchard Books, $15.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Joni Lucas (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-531-30193-1
ISBN: 0-531-33193-8
ISBN: 978-0-531-30193-7
ISBN: 978-0-531-33193-4
Beetle McGrady Eats Bugs!
Megan McDonald
Pictures by Jane Manning
During Fun with Food Week in science class, Beetle McGrady, who wants to be an adventurous pioneer, declares she will eat an ant. But then, somehow, it does not seem like such a good idea. She tries to practice, with humorous results, but she just can't. She tries many new foods during Fun with Food Week, but she still can't face eating an ant. She is disappointed in herself. On Friday, however, when Chef Suzanne brings an assortment of cooked bugs from many lands, brave Beetle finally shows her grossed-out classmates what a bold explorer she can be. "Today, ants. Tomorrow...ANTarctica!" Watercolors create a realistic child's world, and a kid filled with spunky curiosity and daring energy. The comic characters are appropriately cartoon-y; a close-up of Beetle shows her tongue out, an ant sitting on it, but her expression shows that she just isn't ready yet. Chef Suzanne's plate of toasted crickets look delicious enough to change Beetle's mind. Don't miss "Beetle's tips for eating Bugs" on the end-papers. 2005, Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins, $16.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
There should never be another food unit taught in school without the benefit of Beetle McGrady's fun food facts about edible insects. The grossness factor is high in this book so it should appeal perfectly to the exact target audience of 5 to 8 year olds. Having consumed a fried grub (I thought it was a cheese curl.), I can personally testify to the tastiness of some of the offerings in this fact filled trip into food land. The classroom setting is the perfect vehicle for all of the information that McDonald has packed into the storyline as well as being fun for the right age readers to see a teacher and fellow students in action. The responses of her classmates are probably very true to life when faced with Chef Suzanne's gourmet treats: Chinese chop-suey ants, Mexican stinkbug salsa, cricket pizza, tree-worm spaghetti, and grasshopper tacos, just to name a few. Beetle's courage is compared to several well known explorers and she lives up to the challenge by actually eating the chef's delicacies. The end papers list 10 "tips" for eating bugs, including "#5 Feeling tired? Forget to take your vitamins? Termites are full of iron." Jane Manning's watercolors are bright and just wacky enough to be the icing on the cake. 2005, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-001354-0
ISBN: 0-06-001355-9
ISBN: 978-0-06-001354-7
ISBN: 978-0-06-001355-4
Beezy at Bat
Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Nancy Poydar
Nancy Poydar's pedestrian illustrations can do little to redeem Megan McDonald's unsatisfying set of stories. The size of the book and print resemble popular, controlled vocabulary stories for very young readers, but upon reading, the words include many too difficult to qualify as helpful for beginners (for example: "hurricanes" and "alligator"). Beezy may be a recurring character; the story contains elements that seem to assume prior knowledge necessary for complete understanding of these disappointing stories. All in all, McDonald's story doesn't exhibit glaring flaws that would prohibit purchase, but with so many other quality children's books available, this one may definitely be skipped. 1998, Orchard Books, $14.99. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Donna T. Brumby (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-531-30085-4
ISBN: 0-531-33085-0
ISBN: 978-0-531-30085-5
ISBN: 978-0-531-33085-2
Beezy Magic
Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Nancy Poydar
This beginning reader features Breezy and her friend Merlin and her dog Funnybone. The three stories are designed for those children who are reading on their own. Breezy Magic features words with more than one syllable, repetition and good sentence length for the intended audience. Children who are reading independently will enjoy this book, as will librarians and reading teachers. It is also a good purchase for a home library. 1998, Orchard Books, $13.95. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Ru Story-Huffman (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-531-30064-1
ISBN: 0-531-33064-8
ISBN: 978-0-531-30064-0
ISBN: 978-0-531-33064-7
The Bone Keeper
Megan McDonald
Paintings by G. Brian Karas
"Bone Woman sifts through the sand and the sand beneath the sand," collecting and piecing together bones. The mood of this lyrical book is one of mystery and magic as an old woman searches the surroundings of her desert home. It builds to one of wide-eyed wonder as she dances and chants over the bones, bringing them howling back to life. While the starkness of the earth-toned paintings may not appeal to everyone, they blend perfectly with the text. Through them, the reader can almost taste and feel the dry desert and the mystical aura of the tale. Some illustrations resemble cave paintings, others the bone-carved art of scrimshaw. One page depicts little more than blowing sand; another shows the cracked, parched earth. The old woman appears mummy-like, then wispy, or sometimes as shadow. This splendidly worded, powerful tale may frighten some children, but it will have those old enough to appreciate a good ghost story anxiously turning pages. Anyone who enjoys an artistic and spine-tingling journey into the supernatural will love this book. 1999, DK Publishing, $16.95. Ages 6 up. Reviewer: Betty Hicks (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7894-2559-9
ISBN: 978-0-7894-2559-1
Daisy Jane, Best-ever Flower Girl
Ann Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Claudine Gevry
In this "Step into Reading" level-three easy reader, Daisy loves playing Brides with her babysitter, Allie. They alternate between the roles of bride and flower girl, and Daisy's obliging cat, Mr. Moon, serves as the groom. Daisy is thrilled when Allie announces that she is getting married for real and invites Daisy to be her real-life flower girl. Shopping for the perfect dress--"not too poofy, not too goofy, not too itchy, not too pinchy"--and practicing her flower tossing is great fun, but the wedding itself seems doomed for disappointment when a sudden thunderstorm drives the dampened festivities inside and causes a power outage. Now there can be "No music! No fireworks! No dancing under the stars!" Luckily, the best-ever flower girl saves the day by passing out candles, playing the piano for dancing, and popping bubble wrap for imitation fireworks. Daisy Jane's excitement about seeing her fantasy Brides game transformed into reality is contagious, and her enthusiasm for all the wedding plans rings true. But her grand saving of the day seems over-the-top. It is one thing to hand out candles, but quite another for such a young child to sit confidently at the piano and perform a wide repertoire of dance tunes. The bubble wrap for fireworks is just silly. Still, attitude is everything, and one can well believe that bubbly Daisy Jane could contribute to turning an apparent disaster into a memorable adventure. 2007, Random House, $3.99. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-375-83110-2
ISBN: 0-375-83110-X
ISBN: 978-0-375-93110-9
ISBN: 0-375-93110-4
The Great Pumpkin Switch
Megan McDonald
Pictures by Ted Lewin
Extraordinary watercolor illustrations add to this grandfather's tale of innocent mischief as a young boy. When Grandpa was asked by his mother to clear away some branches of a fallen tree, his friend Otto came to "help." The two boys get a saw from the shed (without permission) and accidentally cut the vine of Grandpa's sister's special pumpkin. It rolls away and smashes down the steps. The boys are forced to find a replacement. They buy one from the potato man and successfully convince Rosie that it is hers. A lesson is learned. 1996 (orig. 1992), Orchard Books, $15.95, $16.99 and $5.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Wendy Ricci (Children's Literature).
Set in the 1920's, Grandpa recalls the time that he and his friend Otto accidentally sawed through his sister Rosie's pumpkin vine and smashed the pumpkin that would have been Rosie's claim to fame. How the boys replace the pumpkin with the help of the Potato Man and their own ingenuity makes a fine read-aloud. Ted Lewin's illustrations are a faithful recreation of the period and the people. This story will please the whole family. 1996 (orig. 1992), Orchard, $15.95, $16.99 and $5.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6, Tenth Edition, 1993; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Sept. 15, 1992; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1992; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Carolyn W. Field Award Winner 1993 United States
ISBN: 0-531-05450-0
ISBN: 0-531-08600-3
ISBN: 0-531-07065-4
ISBN: 978-0-531-05450-5
ISBN: 978-0-531-08600-1
ISBN: 978-0-531-07065-9
Insects Are My Life
Megan McDonald
Pictures by Paul Brett Johnson
Amanda Frankenstein loves bugs of all shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. She examines them, collects them, protects them, and imitates their behaviors. She even gets into trouble at home and school because of her deep interest in them. No one seems to understand her passion for bugs. That all changes when she meets Maggie, a new friend at school, who has a similar passion for reptiles. 1995, Orchard Books, $15.95, $16.99 and $5.95. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
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 Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, March 1995; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-531-06874-9
ISBN: 0-531-08724-7
ISBN: 978-0-531-06874-8
ISBN: 978-0-531-08724-4
Judy Moody
Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Peter Reynolds
Third grader Judy is as grouchy as they come. But she does it so delightfully, you are in there cheering and laughing no matter how bad she gets. This is a girl who knows what she wants--and doesn't want: She doesn't want summer to be over, she wants an exciting life; she doesn't want to sit next to paste-eating Frank Pearl; she wants her little brother Stink to leave her alone; she wants to be a doctor when she grows up. She is having trouble realizing all of those desires, and that puts her in a very bad mood. But Judy is creative, devious, and sharp as scalpel, and always manages to bounce back somehow, though she won't always admit it. And Judy would never admit that the adults around her are pretty tolerant, and even creative, as they nudge her in the right direction. Peter Reynolds' illustrations, in a style reminiscent of Quentin Blake's, offer the perfect accompaniment to this entertaining story. This is the first of several "Judy Moody" books and sure to be a hit with young readers, be they grouchy or not. 2002 (orig. 2000), Scholastic, $3.99. Ages 7 to 9. Reviewer: Dawn Elizabeth Hunt (Children's Literature).
Young readers will enjoy meeting Judy Moody--and her many moods--in this funny, easy-to-read chapter book. Judy has a little brother named "Stink," a bug-eating pet plant named "Jaws" and a roomful of "stuff" collections. She has a best friend, Rocky. AND a 'pest' friend--paste-eating, dull-as-dirt Frank Pearl. Judy's adventures begin on the first day of third grade when her new teacher, Mr. Todd, asks each student to create a ME collage. This puts Judy into a happy, cut-and-paste mood! But, it's also the day that Frank Pearl invites Judy to be the one-and-only girl at his upcoming just-for-nerds birthday party. Ouch--Judy gets a stubborn, grouchy mood attack! Readers will laugh along with Judy's moods, good and bad, as she discovers that sometimes the "Worst Thing Ever" corner of your ME collage can bump right against your "Funniest Thing Ever" spot...and that sometimes a 'pest' friend can put you in the best of moods. Adding immensely to the fun of this book are Peter Reynolds' funny, squiggly, pen-and-ink drawings, which have been sprinkled liberally throughout the text. 2000, Candlewick Press, $15.99. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6 13th Edition, 2002; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Books for Children, 2001; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, April 2000; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award Winner 2003 Oregon
Garden State Children's Book Award Winner 2003 Younger Fiction United States
Voice of Youth Award Second Place 2004-2005 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Arizona Young Readers' Award, 2002; Nominee; Intermediate Books; Arizona
Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award, 2003; Nominee; Oregon
Cochecho Readers' Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Dover, New Hampshire
Cochecho Readers' Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; Dover, New Hampshire
Colorado Children's Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Colorado
Garden State Children's Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Children's Fiction; New Jersey
Iowa Children's Choice Award, 2002-2003; Nominee; Iowa
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Kentucky
Maryland Children's Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Intermediate; Maryland
Massachusetts Children's Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Massachusetts
North Carolina Children's Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Junior Books; North Carolina
Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award, 2002-2003; Nominee; Pennsylvania
Rhode Island Children's Book Award, 2002; Nominee; Rhode Island
Utah Children's Book Awards, 2003; Nominee; Children's Fiction; Utah
Voice of Youth Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; 3rd and 4th Grade; Illinois
ISBN: 0-439-28880-0
ISBN: 978-0-439-28880-4
Judy Moody: Around the World in 8 1/2 Days
Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Enter Amy, new girl in school, and suddenly Judy no longer feels unique as her friends, Rocky and Frank, comment on the similarities between the two girls. Although she is a bit resentful and hesitant at first, Judy Moody begins her friendship with Amy Namey because of their common interest in ABC (after been chewed) gum and their rhyming names. Amy invites Judy to join the My-Name-Is-a-Poem Club where members with rhyming names write to each other. As Judy and Amy's friendship grows, the "old" friendships become neglected. On Saturday, Judy opts not to join her friends at the Furs & Fangs pet store racing event in the morning. Instead she goes to Amy's house where the girls write postcards to members of the My-Name-Is-a-Poem Club and make chewing gum. Time passes by quickly and unfortunately, Judy forgets her scheduled afternoon meeting with Rocky, Frank, and Jessica to work on their class project about Italy, a part of the geography course, "Around the World in 8 Days." A rift between Judy and her friends about the Italy project develops, seriously affecting their presentation. The teacher, Mr. Todd, gives the group the opportunity to work out their conflict, and the presentation is extended a "u" day. Judy deals with making new friends and keeping the old friends in this fun and light story, which is a part of the "Judy Moody" series. 2006, Candlewick Press, $15.99. Ages 7 to 9. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7636-2832-8
ISBN: 978-0-7636-2832-1
Judy Moody Declares Independence
Megan McDonald
Illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds
Judy Moody walks Boston's historic Freedom Trail with her family, learning about the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere's ride and the Liberty Tree. She meets a British girl named Tori along the way. She learns from Tori some hip Brit-speak--such as "nuddy pants," "fab" and "brilliant!"--and finds that Tori has many things she does not, including a big allowance. So, when Judy gets home, she sets out to prove to her parents that she is responsible and independent, and deserves a larger allowance. Several attempts fail, including a very messy "Boston Tub Party" in her bathroom, so Judy gets an idea to do something special and independent at school. She dresses up and acts out the story of Sybil Ludington, a "Girl Paul Revere" who also made a midnight ride on horseback. It goes well, but on the way home from school Judy realizes her little brother has not gotten off the school bus with her, so--still bedecked in colonial gear--she goes on a speedy and scary ride after the bus on her bike (very surprisingly, sans helmet--tsk-tsk). For her display of bravery, she gets a raise in her weekly allowance. A fun and educational Judy Moody book that could be an excellent complement to a colonial social studies unit. Kids will like the star-spangled cover design, the illustrations (done in watercolor, ink and tea, by the way) and the info about Judy's "double rare" website. Huzzah! 2005, Candlewick Press, $15.99. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Jane Harrington (Children's Literature).
Judy Moody certainly feels her oats in this book. She and her family go on vacation to Boston and experience the excitement of learning about our history. While there she meets another girl her age from London, and is invited by the family to go and stay with them at their hotel for a few days. Her parents don't give her permission to go, so Judy gets into one of her "narks" which we know as a very bad mood. Obviously, much of our history is about freedom and liberty so when Judy thinks about it, she decides to declare her own freedom. She writes a declaration where she gives herself permission to take part in sleepovers, frees herself from homework, brushing her hair, her brother Stinky, her chores, and gives herself a raise in her allowance. Oh, if it were only that easy. Her choices do create difficulties both at home and at school. This is a delightful story and one that will be greatly enjoyed by girls. Judy is at that point of wanting to be treated as a grown-up and not a child. She is energetic, humorous, and very clever. What other young girl would think of having a "Boston Tea Party" in her own bathtub to prove a point? The author has done a brilliant job in writing about history in a thoroughly entertaining way. If only textbooks could be this interesting! I highly recommend this book. 2007, Candlewick Press, $5.99. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Childrens' Choices, 2006; International Reading Association; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
The Golden Archer Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; Intermediate; Wisconsin
Wisconsin Battle of the Books, 2006; Booklist; Middle Level Grades 6-8; Wisconsin
ISBN: 0-7636-2800-X
ISBN: 978-0-7636-2800-0
Judy Moody Gets Famous!
Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Peter Reynolds
Just like most kids, Judy Moody has a secret dream of being famous for something. Her nemesis, Jessica Finch, won a local spelling bee and got her name in the newspaper. Her brother creates a "Moody Hall of Fame" on the refrigerator and features his own special famous moments. Judy seems to be the only one who hasn't done something really special. After a few very creative attempts to get some attention for herself, Judy realizes that she is still no closer to becoming famous. A trip to the emergency room with her friend leads Judy to discover a playroom with a problem--all of the dolls are broken and disheveled. One of the patients complains about the lack of good dolls to play with during her long hours in the hospital. Judy secretly takes the dolls home and refurbishes them so that they look like little patients, then returns them to the hospital. To her surprise, an article appears in the newspaper about the "Phantom Doll Doctor" who brought joy to the hospital playroom. Although Judy's secret identity is never revealed, she learns that fame is rewarding even if no one else knows about it. 2001, Candlewick Press, $15.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Carol E. Lynch (Children's Literature).
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Iowa Children's Choice Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Iowa
ISBN: 0-7636-0849-1
ISBN: 978-0-7636-0849-1
Judy Moody Predicts the Future
Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Peter Reynolds
Judy Moody, in her latest adventure, pours out seven bowls of cereal before finding the Mystery Prize in the box. And what a prize! It is a mood ring and Judy is thrilled until she finds that the ring's soft center remains black no matter how hard she presses on it and she knows that black means a bad mood. Finally Judy is so mad, she tosses the ring into the garbage, but her annoying little brother Stink retrieves it and for him it turns green. Now Judy is determined to get her ring back and she decides to convince Stink that she has magic powers. As Judy makes some predictions that turn out to be right she has people wondering. Is she psychic? Kids always enjoy the idea of having magic powers and they are sure to find this story a lot of fun. The illustrator provides a "Who's Who" gallery in the front of the book and his pictures are done in watercolor, tea and ink. 2003, Candlewick Press, $15.99. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature).
What I like most of all about Judy Moody is how typical a child she is. While I find Junie B. Jones completely annoying, Judy Moody is an average kid with average problems. She is also enormously popular with the transitional novel reader. Okay, enough about that--Judy Moody finds a mood ring in a box of cereal and is desperate for it to say she is "on top of the world." Unfortunately, the mood ring keeps turning black, which is not good at all. Judy becomes convinced that she can predict the future and sets about trying to use that skill in every way imaginable. The character of Judy is well drawn and the humor in the story is delightful. This is a wonderful read for the transitional novel set. 2003, Candlewick Press, $15.99. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Colorado Children's Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Colorado
The Golder Archer Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Intermediate; Wisconsin
ISBN: 0-7636-1792-X
ISBN: 978-0-7636-1792-9
Judy Moody, M.D.: The Doctor Is In!
Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
In this entry in the popular chapter-book series, Judy Moody is learning at school about "Our Amazing Body: From Head to Toe." Before her class is done with its health unit, Judy has gotten a fake cast on her arm on the class trip to the hospital emergency room, shared (over his strenuous objections) her younger brother's "bellybutton" for show and tell (well, "that thing that falls off your bellybutton when you're born"), tried to cure his tonsillitis by feeding him dried-up prunes, performed a near-fatal operation on a catsup-smeared zucchini, fallen for her friend's faked attempt to clone a guinea pig, and forgiven him once he sticks by her through her own bout with tonsillitis. Although Judy's verbal mannerisms can occasionally become irritating (e.g., her repeated exclamation of "RARE!"), she's an irrepressible and indomitable personage whose activities always make for fun reading. Readers will wish they could be in Judy's class with Mr. Todd, excited to learn all she's learning in the adventure of third-grade science. 2004, Candlewick, $15.99. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
The Golden Archer Award, 2006; Nominee; Intermediate; Wisconsin
ISBN: 0-7636-2024-6
ISBN: 978-0-7636-2024-0
The Night Iguana Left Home
Megan McDonald
Pictures by Ponder Goembel
Here's a delightful story for young reptile aficionados, and with the growth of exotic pets, there are many! They will truly enjoy the story of Iguana and "her friend and almost sister Alison Frogley." No iguana has it better than Iguana, for she has her own closet, as well as anchovy pizza once a week. Despite the best of care, however, her eyes are watering, her skin is peeling and her tail is growing thin. Warmer climes beckon, and so Iguana, now Iguanna, spikes her hair, packs her bag, and boards a bus for Key West. Forced to wash dishes when her funds dry up (alongside a dog!); she must soon escape before she becomes the main course. Resourceful reptile that she is, she soon turns a hobby into a job, that of licking stamps at the post office, until she can afford to mail herself home to Alison. The title is a sly allusion to another ill fated get-away, that of the characters in Tennessee Williams' play, "Night of the Iguana." Goembel's watercolor and ink illustrations depict this fantasy realistically while adding small comic touches. Watch the boy on the bus react to Iguanna while all the adults miss her presence. Can't wait for another iguana adventure from these fine collaborators! 1999, DK Ink Book, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Martha Shaw (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Choices, 2000; International Reading Association; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Reading List, 2001-2002; Nominee; Grades K-3; Arkansas
Volunteer State Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Primary, Grades K-3; Tennessee
ISBN: 0-7894-2581-5
ISBN: 978-0-7894-2581-2
Penguin and Little Blue
Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Katherine Tillotson
Penguin and his sidekick Little Blue are big stars at Water World in California. They perform diving tricks for large audiences. It appears to be the perfect job for two showbiz penguins, but they both miss their home in Antarctica. One day they are given the opportunity to travel and perform their show for people all over the United States. They travel from city to city performing and signing autographs. At each city they try to make their hotel feel like home. At a hotel in Kansas they fill up their room with ice and slide around on it. In another city, they paint the walls to look like Antarctica, but it just isn't home. While in Miami, they find a boat going to Antarctica and decide that it is time for them to give up showbiz. They board the boat and within a few days are home in Antarctica. The illustrations are colorful and delightfully expressive. They draw the reader into this fun story as they depict the penguin's adventures. In addition, the author adds interesting facts throughout the book about penguins and Antarctica. 2003, Simon and Schuster Children's, $15.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Debbie Bohn (Children's Literature).
Penguin and his small friend Little Blue leave their post in the San Francisco Water World tank for a 33-city tour. Hotels offer many distractions, but they miss the ice, the cold, and above all the many other penguins. Luckily for them, they spot the S.S. Admiral Byrd. "We've signed our last autograph! We're going home." They are happy when they reach Antarctica where it is not only cold enough, but they can be "warmed by hundreds and thousands of fine-feathered friends." The fantasy has its naturalistic counterpart in the oil on paper paintings depicting the birds and their surroundings, as if they could carry on this way in hotels and sail back home by ship. 2003, A Richard Jackson Book/Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-84415-8
ISBN: 978-0-689-84415-7
The Potato Man
Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Ted Lewin
Artist Ted Lewin is one of the treasures of the children's book world. His paintings for this book recreate not only the post W.W.I era, but they also breathe life and personality into the characters. In this family story, grandpa recalls the effect of this one-eyed vegetable peddler on his young life. "He never missed seeing a thing" and that's when grandpa's string of bad luck began. A charming story with Caldecott quality pictures. 1994 (orig. 1991), Orchard, $15.95, $16.99 and $5.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1991; United States
ISBN: 0-531-05914-6
ISBN: 0-531-08514-7
ISBN: 0-531-07053-0
ISBN: 978-0-531-05914-2
ISBN: 978-0-531-08514-1
ISBN: 978-0-531-07053-6
Reptiles Are My Life
Megan McDonald
Pictures by Paul Brett Johnson
The familiar story of best friends' bond being upset by a newcomer is the basis for a book full of information about insects and reptiles. Amanda is the insect lover; Maggie is mad about reptiles. They share their enthusiasms until the arrival of Emily, another reptile lover. Amanda feels left out, until she stands up for the "Snake Sisters" and they start have fun all together. Johnson creates sympathetic characters in settings just detailed enough to add to the verisimilitude of the story. The color drawings display the changing emotions of friendships, while detailed illustrations of insects and reptiles accompany additional factual notes. 2001, Orchard Books/Scholastic, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-439-29306-5
ISBN: 978-0-439-29306-8
Saving the Liberty Bell
Megan McDonald
Illustrations by Marsha Gray Carrington
This account of the hiding of the Liberty Bell during the American Revolution is based on careful research (documented in the historical note at the end of the book). In dealing with the lore that surrounds this aspect of the bell's history, Megan McDonald has performed the miracle of keeping the facts fun and has created little details that make the participants in this segment of American history come to life. John Jacob Mickley's family has been given credit for providing the wagon that was used to remove the Liberty Bell from the city of Philadelphia to the safety of Allentown's Zion Reformed Church. The patriots were sorely afraid that the British would melt the bell and make more cannons so they devised the plan to hide the bell. John Jacob, Jr. was known to ride along with his father on wagon trips and was even allowed to take the reins from time to time. So McDonald uses his voice to tell of the journey and the troubles that beset the bell's rescue party. The idea that the bell was packed in straw, dirt, manure, and hay has persisted for so long that it does seem like a plausible explanation for the disguising of the bell while in transit. A lady's hoop skirt also figures in the lore, but one could suspect that it might not have been quite as humorous looking as Carrington's illustrations portray. The illustrations are wonderful reflections of the tight, sparse but informative text. The overall approach to the story is lighthearted and even handed, but children will learn a lot of information about the thinking of the times and the actual lives of the people who were so critically involved in the making of our nation. The Liberty Bell (originally known as The Great Bell) became a voice for the people and a symbol of our independence. Teachers and students alike will enjoy this approach to learning about an interesting facet of American history. Students will find the text accessible and the pictures enlightening (and sometimes simply funny). 2005, Richard Jackson Books/Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster, $16.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Treasure State Award, 2007; Nominee; Montana
ISBN: 0-689-85167-7
ISBN: 978-0-689-85167-4
Shadows in the Glasshouse
Megan McDonald
Meredith Shipman is a twelve-year-old orphan who is kidnapped from the London wharfs, brought to the New World, and sold to Thomas Norton, the owner of a glasshouse in the Jamestown Settlement. Her price--"eighty pounds of tobacco for five years service." During her journey, she meets and befriends Angelo Lupo, a gifted, young, Italian glassblower, who is on the verge of discovering the formula for a sought-after, clear glass called cristallo. Their friendship grows as they work together. Despite the long hours and grueling labor, making glass from potash and sand fascinates Merry. "From liquid to fire, then suddenly into glass, green as a new leaf, see-through as a grasshopper's wing." But there is treachery afoot, and it leads to robbery, sabotage, a false arrest, a self-less confession, and a possible murder. It is an action packed, fast paced story that vividly portrays colonial glassmaking as well as the travails of life in seventeenth century America. This is the tenth book in American Girl's "History Mysteries" series. 2000, Pleasant Company, $16.00 and $9.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Ellen R. Braaf (Children's Literature).
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Texas Reading Club, 2003; Texas
ISBN: 1-5848-5093-0
ISBN: 1-5848-5092-2
ISBN: 978-1-5848-5093-9
ISBN: 978-1-5848-5092-2
Shining Star
Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Andrea Wallace
Star and Blister are neighbors and great friends. She helps him repair a flat tire on his bike with duct tape. The tape comes in quite handy for repairing a few other things, including the sign that was falling off Coco the dog's doghouse. In the next chapter, Star tries her hand at painting. Everything she does is reminiscent of some famous artist and her sister keeps calling Star a copycat. Once again, duct tape comes to the rescue. In the third story, Blister and Star devise a plan to spend the night outside to watch for shooting stars. They finally give up and go to bed, but just before falling asleep they get a real treat. Part of the "Step into Reading" series--a Level 3 book for kids in grades 1 to 3 who are reading on their own. 2003, Random House, $3.99. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-307-26340-1
ISBN: 0-307-46340-0
ISBN: 978-0-307-26340-7
ISBN: 978-0-307-46340-1
The Sisters Club
Megan McDonald
Who ever heard of a top-secret club with only three members--all of whom are sisters? Welcome to The Sisters Club and listen in as Alex, Stevie, and Joey Reel take turns telling their stories. Alex, the oldest at 12 and 3/4, and a budding actress, is happiest when she is on stage. She tells her story in the form of a play script, complete with stage directions for the actors to follow. 10 year old Stevie, the middle sister, calls herself the invisible member of the club. The middle is not the beginning or the end; the middle of "monkey in the middle" is the monkey; the middle of Neapolitan ice cream is vanilla. Stevie hates being plain old vanilla until she realizes that the creamy middle of a sandwich cookie is like the glue. It's what holds it all together. Stevie realizes she must be the glue that keeps her family from falling apart. And finally, there is the youngest sister, eight-year-old Joey. The club's secretary, she tells her story through the pages of her secretarial notebook. From the folks who brought you the American Girl dolls and their stories, this fun, lighthearted tale, told in four acts plus intermission, is sure to be a hit with upper elementary age girls everywhere. 2003, Pleasant Company Publications, $12.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Pat Trattles (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Choices, 2004; International Reading Association; United States
ISBN: 1-58485-782-X
ISBN: 978-1-58485-782-2
Stink: the Incredible Shrinking Kid
Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Stink is the shortest person in his family, the shortest kid in his class, and he has an annoying, bossy older sister who teases him mercilessly. But Stink is also smart and imaginative and a typical second grader. Stink's adventures revolve around worrying about being short and caring for his class project, with disastrous results thanks to his older sister. With President's Day assignments looming, Stink aka James, turns his attention to another famous James, James Madison, Stink's favorite president. McDonald is the author of the popular "Judy" books, and children will enjoy reading about her younger brother in his very own book. Divided into several chapters, the language is easy to understand and will appeal to beginning readers ready for longer books. Filled with black and white illustrations and comic strips featuring Stink and his classroom's pet newt as heroes, Stink's story is fun and engaging and leaves the reader hoping for another Stink book soon. 2005, Candlewick Press, $12.99. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Danielle Williams (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Parent's Choice Award Recommended 2005 Story Books United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Buckeye Children's Book Award, 2007; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Ohio
Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; Grades 3-6; United States
Rhode Island Children's Book Award, 2007; Nominee; Rhode Island
ISBN: 0-7636-2025-4
ISBN: 978-0-7636-2025-7
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
Megan McDonald
Narrated by Nancy Cartwright
Shifting the focus from the namesake of the series, Judy Moody, to the star's younger brother, Stink, is a complicated thing. How do you move Judy into the background when she has always been center stage but still keep her in the story? After all, she and Stink live in the same household. How do you keep her from taking over Stink's story? McDonald accomplishes this nicely in the audio version of the new Stink series. Stink is concerned that he is actually shrinking and this is not good news at all; he is short already! It takes learning about James Madison (who was short himself) for Stink to realize that stature is not everything. Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson, does the honors here and her array of voices is absolutely amazing. This will delight the six- to ten-year old crowd. 2005, Listening Library, $15.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
SSS 0-307-20669-6
ISBN: 978-0-307-20669-5
Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker
Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
What child would not love a 10-pound box of candy delivered to their front door? Stink Moody receives one such box containing 21,280 jawbreakers in response to a complaint letter he writes about a "super-galactic jawbreaker" that utterly failed to break his jaw! He gently suggests that the name of the jawbreaker should be changed to the "Super Not-Galactic Mouth Crayon." Having such a mouth watering success gives Stink the incentive to write more and more and more letters--and to ignore anything that arrives in the mail that is not in a box from a company he recognizes as one of his targets. This causes a huge rift between Stink and his best pal, but some excellent life lessons are learned in the end. Each chapter ends with a comic illustrating a common idiom; there is also a list of the 37 idioms used in the book at its conclusion. This is the second installment in the "Stink" series (Judy Moody's little brother) that also includes Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid. This book could be used (loosely) as part of an elementary school English curriculum as it pertains to idioms. Recommended as pleasure reading, nonetheless. 2006, Candlewick Press, $12.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Cindy L. Carolan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7636-21587
ISBN: 978-0-7636-2158-2
Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
Megan McDonald
Illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds
Readers will welcome the return of Judy Moody's younger brother, Stink, in his own popular series. This book is a positive orgy of stinkdom, and a treat for smelly-obsessed second and third graders. When Mrs. D's second grade class plans a visit to the "Gross-Me-Out" exhibit at the science museum, it is Stink's fantasy field trip and he can't wait! With his buddies Webster and Sophie of the Elves in attendance, Stink emerges as class hero as a result of his amazing ability to detect odors. When one of the judges of the Stinky Sneaker contest gets sick, Stink is chosen to take his place and, luckily, picks friend Sophie's sneakers as the winners of the Golden Clothespin Award. Amusing cartoon illustrations, large type with plenty of white space, and much repetition of the words "stink" and "smelly" in all their possible configurations gear this book to newly emerging readers, especially to fans of Horrible Harry and Marvin Redpost. A wealth of sometimes bizarre information about smells is included. Who knew that there's a special person who smells things before they go on space ships to eliminate anything too stinky? Teddy bears are out. Parents beware: Stink may inspire an epidemic of spin-off smelly sneaker contests. This book will not stay on the store shelves long. 2007, Candlewick Press, $12.99. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Quinby Frank (Children's Literature).
Stink Moody--Judy's little brother--expresses his "smellosophy of life" in this zany little read for the younger elementary crowd. Inspired after going on a class field trip--no, a "smell" trip--to the local science museum's "Gross-Me-Out" exhibit (where he toured a giant nose, and tested how "nosy" he was at the "What's That Smell?" booth), Stink conducts his own research on the smelliest flower on earth. He then sets up a "Franken-stink lab" in his kitchen, and creates hideously wonderful perfumes with names like "Eau de Corpse Flower," "Aroma de Sewer," "Venus de Stinko," "Essence of Toad," and "P.U. Perfume." His next project is entering a stinky sneaker contest with his friend, Sophie of the Elves. Along the way, he meets a man who works as a "Master Sniffer" for NASA, and goal-oriented Stink is motivated to put his superior smelling skills to good use in life, as well. At the end of each chapter, there is a page of "Stink's Stinky Facts," from which readers can learn that snakes smell with their tongues, octopuses smell with their eyes, the human foot can ooze up to two cups of sweat in a day (ew!), and much more totally fun stuff. Illustrations are wonderful and plentiful--up to Peter H. Reynold's usual standards. As Stink says, "This is more fun than earwax!" 2007, Candlewick, $12.99. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Jane Harrington (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Choices, 2002; International Reading Association; United States
Notable Books for Children, 2002; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, July 2001; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 2002 Beginning Readers and Younger Fiction United States
Bay Area Book Reviewers Association Awards Nominee 2002 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Iowa Children's Choice Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Iowa
Land of Enchantment Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Children's; New Mexico
Monarch Award: Illinois' K-3 Children's Choice Award, 2007; Master List; Illinois
Sasquatch Reading Award, 2004; Nominee; Washington
Virginia Young Readers Program, 2003-2004; Nominee; Elementary (Grades 3-5); Virginia
Young Hoosier Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Intermediate; Indiana
ISBN: 0-7636-2834-4
ISBN: 978-0-7636-2834-5
Tundra Mouse: A Storyknife Tale
Megan McDonald
Illustrated by S.D. Schindler
Tundra Mouse accidentally ends up in grandmother's gunnysack. Back at grandmother's house on the Arctic prairie, Tundra Mouse escapes from the gunnysack and, after a bit of exploring, meets House Mouse in the silverware drawer. They become fast friends and collect many delicacies and Christmas tree decorations from the house for their nest. Suddenly, frightened by a chainsaw, they leave grandmother's house. Back on the prairie, they start their own family using the Christmas tinsel. Each painted illustration is accompanied by the traditional storyknife drawing. 1997, Orchard Books, $15.95 and $16.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Kristin Harris (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Reading List, 1999-2000; Nominee; Arkansas
ISBN: 0-531-30047-1
ISBN: 0-531-33047-8
ISBN: 978-0-531-30047-3
ISBN: 978-0-531-33047-0
When the Library Lights Go Out
Megan McDonald
Illustrations by Katherine Tillotson
When the library lights go out, the stuffed animals in the lost-and-found box come alive. While it is not an original idea to find toys awakening when everyone else is asleep, a library is an unusual setting. A floppy-eared rabbit and a friendly lion set out hand in hand to find their lost friend, the hermit crab. Fearing a giant around every corner, they suspect the potted plant is the giant's beanstalk and the blue rug is his bathtub. When the friendly pair rips a map that was supposed to tell them how to go home, they do not despair but turn the paper scraps into a hat and a boat. At last they find their friend and feast together on a leftover lunch. There is a lot for young minds to absorb here about imagination, looking out for friends, and not getting too scared of the unknown. The illustrations are a delight--young readers might think the soft folds of the stuffed animals could roll right off the page into their arms. It is a perfect bedtime story but also just right for a preschool storytime to make the library seem a very cozy place indeed. 2005, Atheneum, $16.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Book of the Season Winter 2006, 2006; Nominee; Children's; New York
ISBN: 0-689-86170-2
ISBN: 978-0-689-86170-3
Whoo-oo Is It?
Megan McDonald
Pictures by S.D. Schindler
The white faces of the owls in these pastel drawings stand out against the gloom of night and the interior of the barn. Mother owl hears a sound, but can't determine what it is. She flies out and looks at the snake slithering on a tree branch and a raccoon scratching as he climbs a tree trunk, but they are not the source of the sound. It is all very mysterious, but what a surprise at the end when the true source of the sound is discovered. This is a book that will be easily shared with children and one that should be fun to read aloud with all of the night sounds. 1997 (orig. 1992), Orchard, $16.99 and $5.95. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6, Tenth Edition, 1993; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1992; United States
Outstanding Books by Wisconsin Authors and Illustrators, 1993; United States
ISBN: 0-531-05974-X
ISBN: 0-531-08574-0
ISBN: 978-0-531-05974-6
ISBN: 978-0-531-08574-5
Updated 11/27/07
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