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 Book Corner by Sharon Levin It's that time of year again pumpkins, ghosts, skeletons and, if you live in California, the occasional 95 degree heat wave (it can make it a little hard to get into that fall spirit when you're busy putting on sun screen). However, before we get into the books that will get us into the mood (regardless of the weather), there are two new books that need to be talked about. King and King by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland (Tricycle Press, 2002). This starts off as the typical prince finding a bride story, Queen is tired of ruling, orders prince to get married. She harasses him enough until he agrees and they invite princesses from all over the world to come parade before the prince. He's bored, the queen is disappointed and it looks hopeless until the last princess comes in accompanied by her brother, Prince Lee (get it? Princely? Someone had to point that out to me, I'm a little slow) and the two princes' eyes meet and they fall in love. They get married and rule as King and King. Well, all I can say is, it's about time! A fun story with a message that doesn't hit you over the head with a baseball bat (unlike Heather Has Two Mommies which broke new ground, but is NOT a well written book). The art is unique with sprinklings of Dutch words in paper cut outs and all kinds of princesses. I was a little uncomfortable that the princess from Bombay seemed to be teased about the length of her arms, but that could be me being oversensitive, since no one else seems to be bothered by it. All in all, a wonderful addition to bookshelves anywhere. Visiting Day by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by James Ransome (Scholastic 2002) The first time I read this book I said, "Hmm." The second time I said, "Aah." This is about a little girl and her grandma getting ready to visit her daddy. Grandma is "smiling her secret just-for-Daddy-and-me smile and me lying in bed, smiling my just-for-Grandma-and-Daddy smile." Daddy is in prison, we don't know why in this book and it doesn't matter. This book is about family love that extends beyond time and prison walls. This book is the story of too many children in this country and it's touching, heart-wrenching and beautiful. Many of you may believe that it doesn't apply to anyone you know, but one never knows. It is a part of the story of both the author and illustrator and in fact was a closely held family secret, for the illustrator, until this book. The illustrations are rich, beautiful and occasionally painful as the father and daughter must part until the next month. This is a treasure. So, on to the Autumn/Halloween books. Here you go. Pumpkin Circle by George Levenson, photos by Shmuel Thaler (Tricycle Press, 1999) Yes, I have written about this before, but I can't risk anyone missing this, so GO GET IT!! (There is an EXTREMELY expensive video available which is worth seeing, but can be checked out from the library).  Halloween Is... by Gail Gibbons (Holiday House, 2002). The master, um, mistress of nonfiction picture books does it again! Ms. Gibbons explains many of our Halloween traditions and gives a brief history of the origin of the holiday. I even learned where the term Jack-o-lantern came from (I won't tell you, get the book).Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler (Dial Books for Young Readers, 2001). Yes, sorry, also a repeat. But it is nice to have a book at Halloween about a nice, sharing witch who always has 'room on her broom.' Great rhythm, fun read aloud. Note to my Bay Area readers: There are many wonderful authors visiting the area this fall. To find out more about them you can subscribe (for free) to my e-mail list or contact your local, independent bookstores. San Mateo - M is for Mystery. Los Altos - Linden Tree Bookstore. Menlo Park - Keplers. San Jose - Hickelbee's. Until next month...... Sharon Levin can be reached at sharonlevin@mindspring.com. Reviews
King & King
Linda de Haan & Stern Nijland
Most picture books deal with the acceptance of differences and diversity in an oblique manner, but this story takes a more direct approach to the subject of homosexuality. A young crown prince is being urged by his mother to marry before the end of summer. She has tired of ruling the country and wishes him to pick out a princess and settle down so she can take life easy. The eligible princesses come to visit, but none are just right. Then Princess Madeleine and her brother, Prince Lee, arrive and the prince falls in love with Prince Lee. They have a festive wedding and, as in most such stories, live happily ever after while the queen relaxes. This story recognizes no differences between homosexual and heterosexual relationships. Many youngsters will accept this in a matter-of-fact way, but others will have questions so parents should be prepared with age-appropriate answers. The colorful, amusing illustrations and the humor of the story will appeal to kids. 2002 (orig. 2000), Tricycle Press/Ten Speed Press, $14.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewers: Carolyn Mott Ford
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Added 9/27/02
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Room on the broom 
