Facing the Wind
by Gwynne Spencer
Spring winds beckon the kite flyer in kids and adults alike. Join in the fun of the ancient art of kite manuevering! Did you know that kites were first invented as tools of war in China? Huge man-carrying kites were flown over enemy encampments to allow birds-eye spying! Learning to fly a kite can be a springtime adventure that lasts a lifetime.

Here are some rules for safe and fun-filled flying.

  • Never fly kites near trees, power lines or airports.
  • Never fly kites over roads or other people
  • Never fly kites in storms or with wet lines
  • Never let a child fly a kite that needs more than 30-lb flying line (for details, read "Curious George Flies a Kite")
  • Don't underestimate the power of the wind; always wear gloves when flying a kite.
  • Fastening yourself to your kite can lead to serious injury or worse¾don't do it.
  • Never let your kite or line touch bystanders
  • Never use metallic flying line
  • Never fly over highways¾the downdraft from passing vehicles is prodigious and can kidnap your kite.

    • Now that we've got ground rules, it's time to choose a kite and get it into the air. Look in your yellow pages under kites. Many toy stores also carry a wide selection of kites. If you have a kite store nearby, you'll find a wide selection of diamond kites, delta kites, Airfoils, Box kites, dragon kites. and stunt kites. (If not, call Into the Wind, 1-800-541-0314 for a free color catalog with hundreds of kites and accessories.)

    The most basic types of kites use single lines and are recommended for beginners. Stunt kites and "fighting kites" are flown on two strings, and move at speeds up to 60 MPH; their speed and power make them not only more fun¾but dangerous. Not for beginners!

    Wind that is too strong or too light is difficult to fly in. Never fly a kite in more wind than you can control it in. Flying space should be open. The easiest way for a kid to launch a kite is to have a partner hold up the kite downwind (with the wind at the flyer's back); when the kite is released, the flyer pulls the line hand-over-hand while the kite gains altitude.

    If the kite sinks tail first, there's not enough wind. If it comes down head first or spins there's too much wind. If your kite has an adjustable bridle string , move the connection higher in high winds, lower in low winds, about a half inch at a time. Adding tails to your kite helps it keep stable in strong winds.

    Once your kite is airborne, remember to fly safely. If you tangle with another kite, walk toward the other person and the tangle will travel down your lines and be manageable from the ground. If your kite comes crashing down and hurts someone, you WILL be held responsible, so fly safely and considerately. Ask observers to stand behind you. Many people don't understand they can be hurt by kite string! If your kite accidentally gets caught in power lines, never try to remove it yourself. Remember to fly safe, fly in the open, fly away from trees and buildings, and you'll do just fine.

    Avid kite fliers may want to join the American Kitefliers Association: 352 Hungerford Dr, Rockville, MD 20858. Members get a 10% discount at kite stores, a subscription to bi-monthly Kiting newsletter, $100,000 personal liability insurance, and an invitation to the AKA convention. Membership is $25/year. Call 1-800-AKA-2550 (fax too), write to aka@aka.kite.org or go to www.aka.kite.org


    Here are some more publications to stimulate interest in kites.

    American Kite Magazine
    PO Box 699
    Cedar Ridge, CA 95924     		            Into the Wind Catalog
    1408 Pearl St
    Boulder, CO 80302
    1-800-541-0314



    Ben Franklin's Big Shock
    Judith Jango-Cohen
    Illustrations by Kevin Lepp
       Franklin had been studying electricity for some time by 1792. He could create electricity and store it in a glass-and-metal Leyden jar. He had done experiments to discover which materials were good conductors of electricity (metal and water) and which ones would slow or block the current (glass, silk, feathers). He was convinced that lightening was electricity and he was trying to figure out a way to prove his theory. He decided to make a kite of silk and cedar wood. During the next storm, he and his twenty-one-year-old son took the kite and a key and ran to a nearby barn. They got the kite into the air and then felt the metal key. At first they were disappointed. Then they felt the weak electrical shock. Franklin was elated. He immediately constructed a lightening rod for his own home and after proving its worth there, he made rods for many other buildings in Philadelphia. Colorful pictures depict Franklin as an active older man with gray hair and spectacles. A glossary, a list of suggestions for further reading, and some recommended web sites will enable young researchers to find further information. A nice addition for primary school units on electricity and how it works. This is part of the “On My Own Science” series. 2006, Millbrook Press, $23.93. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
    ISBN: 978-1-5750-5873-3
    ISBN: 1-5750-5873-1

    The Best Winds
    Laura E. Williams
    Illustrated by Eujin Kim Neilan
       Jinho and his friends laugh at his Korean grandfather’s “ancient ways” and bathrobe-like hanbok. Jinho doesn’t have the patience to listen to the stories his grandfather tells as he is showing him how to make a kite for “the best winds” that are coming soon. As they build it, paint it, and make the tail, Jinho begins to appreciate its beauty. Although his grandfather has told him that the winds are still coming, Jinho can’t wait to show the kite off to his friends and fly it. But he hasn’t learned how, and disaster is the result. Jinho feels terrible. When he decides to do his best to make another kite, however, his grandfather says it is “far finer,” because it is made with love. Together they share the joy of its flight. Neilan’s acrylic paintings describe the actions, but do so with subtle dynamic arcs and textured surfaces that suggest the mystic relationship that develops between Jinho and his grandfather and the emerging kite. We sense the growing emotional bonding from the time Jinho reluctantly helps make the first kite to the happiness surging in the uplifted faces along with the new one. 2006, Boyds Mills Press, Ages 5 to 8, $16.95. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
    ISBN: 1-59078-274-7

    Blue Makes a Kite!
    Sonali Fry
    Illustrated by Victoria Miller
       This title has a wheel that is turned to help Blue and her friends with their story of making and flying a kite. Each spread explains what is happening and then asks a question. The answer is found by turning the wheel. The section of the wheel with the correct illustration is color coded to match the background, so smart kids can use that as a clue to help them make the correct selection. First some sticks are used to make a frame, and then paper which--Magenta decorates--is used to make the kite cover. Next the string is attached and a tail made. Blue and her friends all accompany Joe to launch and fly their beautiful kite high in the blue sky. 2005, Simon Spotlight/Simon & Schuster, $5.99. Ages 2 to 4. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
    ISBN: 0-689-87168-6

    Curious George and the Kite
    Adapted by Monica Perez
    Based on the teleplay by Joe Fallon
       George is happy to be outside--it is a clear windy day and his neighbor Bill is flying a kite. That looks like something that could really be fun. When Bill has to go because his mother is calling for his help, he turns the kite over to George. This particular kite is too big for George to manage and it takes off with him. Luckily for him, the man in the yellow hat arrives in his hang glider and rescues his pal. The closing pages provide instructions for building paper airplanes (not a kite) and instructions for flying a kite. Since kites are not hard to make, it seems a bit strange that instructions are not given for making one. A Level 1 book that contains simple sentences and concepts. 2006, Houghton Mifflin, $3.99. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
    ISBN: 978-0-618-72396-6
    ISBN: 0-618-72396-X
    ISBN: 0-618-7239-6
    ISBN: 0-618-7239-6

    Davey and Goliath: The Kite
    Adapted by Sue Wright
       Davey includes the new boy, Teddy, when he and his friends gather to play baseball. Afterward, Davey invites his friend, Jimmy, and Teddy to his house to fly a kite, where Teddy also meets Davey's dog, Goliath. When Goliath accidentally gets into the sticky paper and ruins the kite, Davey forgives him, much to Teddy's chagrin. They boys make a second kite. Teddy wants Goliath to stay out of the way so he will not ruin the new kite. When Teddy gets his turn with the kite, he acts selfishly and ends up getting the kite stuck in telephone lines. Chastised by Jimmy for his selfishness, Teddy responds by getting angry and running away. Jimmy and Davey make yet another kite and, as the two friends launch it, Teddy reappears. He apologizes for ruining the kite and asks for forgiveness. Although Jimmy hesitates, Davey says that God would forgive Teddy because God loves us, no matter what. The boys forgive Teddy and give him another turn at flying the new kite just to prove it. Teddy, though, seeing Goliath in the sticky paper again, decides to first help the dog before taking his turn with the kite. This concept book about learning how to ask for forgiveness and how to forgive is based on the Davey and Goliath television series, associated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the illustrations are taken from the original series. 2005, Scholastic, $3.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Valerie O. Patterson (Children's Literature).
    ISBN: 0-439-69831-6

    Franklin's Bear
    Chris d'Lacey
    Illustrated by Thomas Taylor
       Back in 1792, Benjamin Franklin was studying the electricity made by lightening and thinking about how it could be diverted to save homes and other buildings. Fortunately, his faithful teddy bear had been making a kite with cedar wood and silk. Using this kite and the key to the pantry (much to the bear’s dismay as his jam was locked inside), Franklin and the bear discovered that, indeed, the lightning was attracted to the metal key. Thus, he invented the lightening rod, explaining the steps to his bear as he worked. The big test comes during the next storm. A lightening rod must be attached to the church steeple. Franklin sends his trusty bear up with the kite. The rod is attached and the church is saved. Pages at the end depict examples of things that use electricity, some rules about using electricity, an experiment with “static electricity,” some directions for making a musical instrument with glasses and water, and pictures of some of Franklin’s other inventions. The colorful illustrations depict a young Ben Franklin with brown hair and an athletic build. The teddy bear is cute and cuddly. The story may be interesting for young children, but its distortion of historical facts limits its use for instruction. 2006, Go Bananas/Crabtree, $19.96 and $4.95. Ages 4 to 6. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
    ISBN: 978-0-7787-2674-6
    ISBN: 0-7787-2674-6
    ISBN: 978-0-7787-2696-8
    ISBN: 0-7787-2696-7

    Gregory and Alexander
    William Barringer
    Illustrations by Kim LaFave
       A young mouse named Gregory lives in Perambulator Park with his best friend, Al the caterpillar. They become friends after Gregory saves Al from being captured by the evil Collector Woman and her dangerous glass jar. The two like to watch the children play in the park; they admire especially the kites that the children often fly. Gregory relishes the idea of being able to fly a kite himself, but his diminutive size keeps his dream from becoming reality. Gregory becomes even more saddened when Al wraps himself up in a blanket and sleeps for what seems like a very long time. He tries playing with the other animals but misses his dear friend. Imagine his surprise when, one day, a beautiful butterfly greets him by name and reveals himself to be the transformed Al, awake from his nap. In his new form, Al is able to soar like a kite. With the help of a spider's silky line attached to Al's middle, Gregory spends his day living his wish. When the weather turns colder, it is time for Alexander to leave, to fly south where the sun shines. Although the friends hate to part, Alexander promises Gregory that he will meet another caterpillar the following summer and share further adventures with his new friend. The illustrations, painted in acrylics on watercolor paper, capture the light, vibrant world of the two animals and the genuine pleasure derived from a day of flying kites in the park with a good friend. The book provides a thoughtful look at the change that accompanies all life. 2003, Orca Book Publishers, $16.95. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Wendy Glenn, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
    State and Provincial Reading Lists:

  • Chocolate Lily Young Readers' Choice Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Picture Book; British Columbia, Canada
    ISBN: 1-5514-3252-8

    Henry and the Kite Dragon
    Bruce Edward Hall
    Illustrated by William Low
       Back in New York City's Chinatown in the 1920's young Henry's favorite occupation is flying kites. He and his friends help Grandfather Chin, who makes the most spectacular kites and flies them wonderfully. Unfortunately, a group of Italian kids led by Tony Guglione keeps throwing rocks at the kites. One day Henry and his friends decide to confront Tony and his gang in the park. They then discover that the Italian kids are throwing stones because the kites are frightening their homing pigeons. When they finally understand each other, they decide to fly kites in the morning and pigeons in the afternoon, and there is peace in the neighborhood. Low's textured naturalistic paintings set the urban stage with apartment buildings and the rooftops which are the launch sites for the series of gorgeous kites. These creations dominate the story; the people play supporting roles. We are impressed by Grandfather Chin's ability while being emotionally moved by the drama of the cultural conflict. The lesson of their cooperation is one that would be helpful today. There is a note on the real person who was the model for Grandfather Chin. 2004, Philomel Books/Putnam Young Readers Group, $15.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
    Best Books:

  • Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
  • Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States
  • Kirkus Book Review Stars, May 15, 2004; United States
  • Notable Books for a Global Society, 2005; IRA Children's Literature and Reading SIG; United States
  • School Library Journal Book Review Stars, August 2004; Cahners; United States
    Awards, Honors, Prizes:
  • The Irma Simonton Black and James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children's Literature Honor Book 2004 United States
  • Jane Addams Children's Book Award Honor Book 2005 Books for Younger Children United States
    State and Provincial Reading Lists:
  • North Carolina Children's Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Junior Book; North Carolina
    ISBN: 0-399-23727-5

    Jack's Kite
    Yvonne Jagtenberg
       Although the day is fine at the campsite, Jack is missing his father. His mother tells him to practice flying his kite until his dad arrives that night. Jack gets advice and help from others, who do get the kite up in the air, but then it gets away as Jack is wishing his father could have seen it. To his delighted surprise, the kite is returned by his arriving father. As they fly the kite together, it turns out to be a beautiful day for Jack at last. The very brief, simple, caption-like story still completely evokes Jack's emotions when joined with the visual narrative. The detailed, double-page scenes use a roughly applied chalky medium to indicate grass and camp buildings. Painted, seemingly cut-paper figures, almost child-like in their simplicity, are placed effectively to emphasize the emotions of each character. Very strong design qualities produce an almost surreal sequence in which the kite string tends to dominate the scenes. The end-papers set up a beginning and an end to the story. 2003, A Neal Porter Book/Roaring Brook Press, $15.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).

       It is a beautiful day at the campground, and Jack really wants to fly his kite. While wishing that his father was there to help him with the kite, Jack wanders off to practice on his own. Along the way, he gets plenty of advice and help from others in the campground. As each person takes a turn running and lifting, pulling and chasing, Jack learns how to make his kite fly. But when the kite accidentally flies off, it seems that all Jack's fun has flown away with it. A surprise visitor rescues the kite and brings the perfect ending to a beautiful day at the campground. Illustrated with playful pencil and crayon drawings, this book provides children with pictures that will feel familiar, while demonstrating that even the simplest picture can tell a story. The story's theme of working together is appropriate for young readers and its structure lends itself to a class activity to create additional characters for Jack and his kite to interact with. 2004 (orig. 2003), Roaring Book Press/Millbrook Press, $15.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Leah Hanson (Children's Literature).
    ISBN: 0-7613-2385-6

    Keeping Track of Time: Go Fly a Kite!
    John Burstein
       The Math Monsters--Addison, Split, Multiplex and Mina--are outside flying a kite. But there is only one kite and four Monsters. They decide to share but soon run into problems when Multiplex gets to fly the kite longer than Addison. Follow along as the Monsters figure out a fair way to ensure that each Monster gets to fly the kite for the same amount of time. Entertaining and amusing, this book is an excellent way to introduce young children to the difficult concept of time. The book uses photographs from the Math Monsters public television series as well as simple, easy-to-read text. Multiple questions throughout the book actively engage the reader and related activities listed at the book's end give children and adults an opportunity to reinforce the book's concepts by putting them into practice. The Math Monsters public television series was developed in cooperation with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). The "Math Monsters" series of books is designed to meet and support NCTM Standards for Pre-K-2 mathematics content and process instruction. 2004, Weekly Reader Early Learning Library, $23.93. Ages 5 up. Reviewer: Kris Sauer (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8368-3810-6
    ISBN: 0-8368-3825-4

    The Kite Festival
    Leyla Torres
       The extended Florez family is off for an adventure one Sunday morning. It is up to Fernando to decide where to drive to this week. Randomly choosing a spot on the map, Mama, Papa, Grandma, Grandpa, Fernando and Flora are off to San Vicente. They pack a picnic lunch; Grandma brings her knitting project, Fernando brings his paper and crayons, and Flora brings her pull-toy bear. As they wind their way down the mountain, San Vicente comes into view. Also in view are floating objects--it's a kite festival! Fernando did not remember to pack a kite. Ingenuity and creativity inspire Grandpa Felix to help build a kite for Fernando. Gentle watercolors convey the old world charm of a rural valley with lush mountains in the background, and there always seems to be a breeze--just right for flying kites. This is a nice precursor to the study of March winds or kite flying lessons. Following the text are instructions for making a hexagonal kite of your own. Though the instructions seem to be written for engineering students or an advanced Boy Scout, it is a great idea and worth attempting. 2004, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young (Children's Literature).
    Best Books:

  • Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States
    ISBN: 0-374-38054-6

    The Kite Fighters
    Linda Sue Park
    Decorations by Eung Won Park
       For many of us the thrill of flying a kite is magical and inspirational. It was so for two young brothers living in Seoul, Korea in 1473. As the oldest boy, Kee-sup has the responsibility of keeping the family name and honor. He also seems to get special treatment and presents, so younger brother Young-sup feels envious from time to time. Although Kee-sup receives a kite for his New Year celebration, it is his brother who instinctively knows the techniques of flying. Kee-sup has little ability, but has magic fingers and later creates his own beautiful tiger kite. The young king sees it and wants one of his own, so a special dragon kite, flecked with gold leaf is fashioned for the ruler. On the following New Year the boy king realizes that he can not compete in the kite competition as no one will really try to beat him, so he asks Young-sup to fly the dragon kite. Family tensions rise as Father feels the first born son should have the privilege, but the brothers realize they need to combine their talents. Young-sup becomes the competitor and needs to use all his skills and his brother's technical know-how. The goal is to try to cut the other kites free while remaining in a special circle. The story is engaging and offers insight into Korean culture and historical information about the kite fighting competitions. 2000, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin, $15.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Laura Hummel (Children's Literature).
    Best Books:

  • The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001; Bank Street College of Education; 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, June 2000; Cahners; United States
  • Teachers' Choices, 2001; International Reading Association; United States
    State and Provincial Reading Lists:
  • Arizona Young Readers' Award, 2005; Nominee; Intermediate Books; Arizona
  • California Young Reader Medal, 2004; Nominee; Intermediate; California
  • Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Vermont
  • Nutmeg Children's Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Connecticut
  • South Carolina Book Awards, 2003; Nominee; Children's Book; South Carolina
  • Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Texas
  • Volunteer State Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Intermediate, Grades 4-6; Tennessee
  • Young Hoosier Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Intermediate Book (Grades 4-6); Indiana
    ISBN: 0-395-94041-9

    Kite Flying
    Grace Lin
       A young girl describes very simply, in just a few words, how her family builds a dragon kite together. They paint and decorate it, then take it out to talk to the wind. The front end-papers depict the materials used, while the back papers present ten very attractive animal-shaped kites. Beginning with the title page, the double pages show the family in action in a flat, decorative style that emphasizes the patterns on the clothes, wall paper, and kite, designed to show the unity of the family as they work together. There are added notes on kite-flying in history and today. 2002, A Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House, $14.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
    Best Books:

  • The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
  • Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
  • School Library Journal Book Review Stars, July 2002; Cahners; United States
    ISBN: 0-375-81520-1
    ISBN: 0-375-91520-6

    The Kite Rider
    Geraldine McCaughrean
    Linda Sue Park
       Winner of the Carnegie Medal for A Pack of Lies, McCaughrean is a writer of insight and depth. Here, she makes a foray into thirteenth-century China through the eyes of twelve-year-old Haoyou. After watching his beloved father die while being forced to "test the wind" for a voyage on a makeshift kite, Haoyou's future becomes entwined with kites. Trying to defend his widowed mother from the advances of the villainous Di Chou, he ends up apprenticed to the noble Miao Jié and his Jade Circus as a kite rider. Called "the Phoenix," Haoyou soars through the sky upriver from the sea to Dadu City (Beijing) and beyond (until the family patriarch Uncle Bo appears to crimp his style. Laden with adventure (even meetings with Kublai Khan (the novel believably recreates the long gone world of Cathay. Along the way Haoyou must grow from childhood to wisdom as he grapples with Confucian tenets of obedience. His fortunes and insight rise and swoop like the kites he rides through the heavens. And McCaughrean guides it all, allowing the occasional line to sing with shear beauty. It is a lovely book. 2002, HarperCollins, $15.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature).
    Best Books:

  • Best Books for Young Adults, 2003; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
  • The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
  • Booklist Book Review Stars, May 15, 2002; United States
  • Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
  • The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002; Children's Literature; United States
  • Fanfare Honor List, 2002; Horn Book; United States
  • Kirkus Book Review Stars, May 15, 2002; United States
  • Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2003; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; 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, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
  • Notable Books for a Global Society, 2003; International Reading Association; United States
  • Notable Children's Books, 2003; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
  • School Library Journal Book Review Stars, June 2002; Cahners; United States
  • School Library Journal: Best Books, 2002; Cahners; United States
    Awards, Honors, Prizes:
  • Smarties Book Prize Bronze Award Winner 2001 Ages 9-11 United Kingdom
    State and Provincial Reading Lists:
  • Beehive Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Young Adult; Utah
  • Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Illinois
    ISBN: 0-06-623874-9
    ISBN: 0-06-623875-7

    Read by Cynthia Bishop and a Full Cast
       From the July 2002 KLIATT review of the book: "I would double star this if KLIATT allowed such a thing! It's quite amazingly imaginative, exotic, and challenging--and it is in the genre of historical fiction, not fantasy. The kite rider is a 12-years-old boy, living in China in the 13th century, at the time of the Kublai Khan...The boy rides a kite in a harness, flying high in the sky, making money from the awestruck audience who believe he can commune with their dead ancestors up in the clouds...." This is a marvelous listening adventure for the entire family. What makes this story an even more spectacular literary event is the recording, which is performed by a cast of 14 actors. The talented troupe makes this comparable to listening to a Broadway play. After the recording the author gives a wonderful account of why and how she wrote this story, providing an interesting footnote to the recording. Category: Fiction Audiobooks. KLIATT Codes: JS*--Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2004 (orig. 2002), Full Cast Audio, 6 cds. 6.75 hrs.; Vinyl; plot, author notes., $37.00. Ages 12 to 18. Reviewer: Sherri Ginsberg (KLIATT Review, September 2004 (Vol. 38, No. 5)).
    Best Books:

  • Selected Audiobooks for Young Adults, 2005; American Library Association YALSA; United States
    ISBN: 1-93207-637-9
    ISBN: 1-93207-638-7

    Kiteboarding
    Eric Preszler
       This book is one of the titles in the "X-Sports" series, which includes extreme and intense sports such as paintball, snowboarding, and kickboxing. Early readers will find this book easy to understand and fun to read. It is a great introduction to the relatively new sport of kiteboarding, covering its history and pioneers. Kiteboarding gear and technique are easy to visualize through the use of illustrations and actual photographs of kiteboarders. Safety is addressed, which is very important due to the nature of extreme sports. This book portrays kiteboarding in such a positive way that I was left wanting to know more about this extreme sport, and I was not let down. There is a glossary with easy-to-understand definitions and a "Read More" section that lists two "Extreme Sports" books for further related reading. There is also an "Internet Sites" section that lists "FactHound.com" as a way of finding Internet sites that are related to kiteboarding. This is a wonderful book for young sports enthusiasts. 2005, Edge Books/Capstone Press, $22.60. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Lisa B. C. O'Connell (Children's Literature).
    ISBN: 0-7368-3783-3

    Laura's Secret
    Klaus Baumgart
    English text by Judy Waite
       A magical story that shows the love of a sister for her brother and that believing can make things happen. Laura and her brother, Tommy, make a kite out of paper. They go to the park with great anticipation only to have their hopes dashed when the kite keeps drifting back to earth. Some bullies make fun of Tommy and the kite rips during his desperate effort to fly it. Laura feels bad for Tommy and starts to conceive a secret plan. After beseeching her special star for help, Laura is awakened by a silvery glow that fills her room. With the encouraging brightness from her star, Laura repairs the kite. The star sprinkles magical stardust on the mended kite and returns to the sky. The next day, Laura tells Tommy they are going to try again because now the kite has special magic. As the bullies look on, the kite soars so high that the siblings decide to let it go so it can dance among the stars. Laura whispers to the kite to thank her magic star. The colorful and luminous illustrations are enhanced by shining foil to represent the star and the sprinkles of stardust. Look for other books about Laura and her star. A perfect book to use in March when talking about the wind and kites. 2003, Tiger Tales/ME Media, $16.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Arlene Connolly (Children's Literature).
    ISBN: 1-5892-5031-1

    The Most Beautiful Kite in the World
    Andrea Spalding
    Illustrations by Leslie Watts
       Jenny's dreams are filled with a kite that carries her to far-away places full of balloons and butterflies and pirate ships. It is the most beautiful kite in the world, and there is one just like it for sale at the general store down the road. Perhaps her father will buy it for her birthday. When Jenny sees her wrapped gift on the breakfast table, she is sure her father knew just which kite to buy. As she rips off the wrapping Jenny is disappointed to see a homemade one rather than the kite of her dreams. It couldn't possibly fly like the one at the store. And it doesn't. "It's nose heavy, needs a tail." Jenny's father sends her off to find anything to make bows for the tail. She borrows yarn from Mrs. Omelchuck, a bright red magazine cover from Mr. Braun and a purple wrapper from an all-day sucker from her friend, Charlie. Written by Andrea Spalding as a touching tribute to her own father, this story is brought to life by the delightful artwork of Leslie Watts. The emotions young Jenny feels ranging from disappointment to enchantment are sensitively revealed on her face. This thoughtful story offers a subtle lesson that dreams don't always become reality in the expected packages. 2003, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, $14.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Francine Thomas (Children's Literature).
    State and Provincial Reading Lists:

  • Chocolate Lily Young Readers' Choice Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Picture Book; British Columbia, Canada
    ISBN: 1-55041-716-9
    ISBN: 1-55041-805-X

    Mouse's First Summer
    Lauren Thompson
    Illustrated by Buket Erdogan
       In this picture book, Mouse and Minka stow away in a basket and are taken to on a summer picnic. Never having been to a picnic, everything is new and exciting. Mouse and Minka discover ants, watermelons, kites, and lemonade. These two curious mice celebrate the sights and sounds of summer. The young readers will have a great time making connections to Mouse's first summer. The colorful pictures will also draw young readers in and also help to develop visual reading skills. This book is educational, too. With each new summer discover, the mice learn a new color. In the text, all color words are written in that color. This helps to create meaning. Early education teachers will find this book an asset in the classroom. It can be used to discuss describing words and how to ask questions. In addition, this book is written with a question-and-answer format; it would be a great model for group story writing in the classroom. 2004, Simon & Schuster, $12.95. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Louise Parsons (Children's Literature).
    ISBN: 0-689-85835-3

    Riley Flies a Kite
    Susan Blackaby
    Illustrated by Matthew Skeens
       Riley makes a red paper kite and tries to fly it. After several failed attempts, Riley determines that he needs a place without trees and a breeze; he determines the perfect place to fly the kite is the school's football field. The illustrations by Matthew Skeens have the look and feel of a computer-generated cartoon and they add some humor to a rather slow-moving story. Riley's dad enters the story but he does not seem to be very involved. Riley has to solve a problem but it is unclear how he solves his problem. The story does not take advantage of repeating earlier elements in the story--the description of the kite or the places that were not right for the kite to fly. This story is part of a series called "Read-It! Readers," which is designed for children that are just beginning to read. The book is from the red level, which "presents familiar topics using common words and repeating sentence patterns." If teachers or parents want a good series of titles for beginning readers, the "I Can Read" series has better written and better illustrated titles. 2005, Picture Window Books, $18.60. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Elizabeth Fronk (Children's Literature).
    ISBN: 1-4048-1586-4
    ISBN: 978-1-4048-1586-5

    Someone Bigger
    Jonathan Emmett
    Illustrated by Adrian Reynolds
       This is a delightful tale of lyrical text and fanciful pictures as Sam and his dad have adventures with the kite they have made. They chose a windy day to try it out. Sam wants to try it out first but his dad tells him he is too little. While Sam is wishing he were bigger, his dad launches the kite into the sky. It pulls Sam's dad higher and higher until he is above the town and people everywhere try to pull him down. The postman, bank robber and policeman all try to help, but they are pulled up too. Firemen, a rhino and other animals from the zoo are pulled up as Sam runs after his dad, wanting to hold the kite. Sam saves the day by grabbing hold of the kite and he is able to keep his feet on the ground as everyone comes back down to earth. A fun story for readers proving that bigger doesn't always mean better. 2003, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Company, $16.00. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Michele Wilbur (Children's Literature).
    Best Books:

  • Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
  • Children's Choices, 2005; International Reading Association; United States
    ISBN: 0-618-44397-5

    The Story of Kites
    Ying Chang Compestine
    Illustrated by YongSheng Xuan.
       Three boys in long-ago China, heroes of the previous The Story of Chopsticks and The Story of Noodles, are tired of chasing the birds away from the rice fields. They try to figure out a way to scare them off by flying up into the sky, but their attempts to put wings on themselves or go up on strings, fail. They finally design what they call "kites," in shapes and colors to not only keep away the birds, but also to delight the villagers. There is humor in this possible imagined plan, dreamed up by very believable characters. Xuan's use of the traditional Chinese style of cut paper adds strong visual appeal to the double-page scenes with their considerable amount of text. The thick black outlines filled with intense solid colors provide static images as if frozen in time. The costume and the decorative interpretation of natural objects suggest their Chinese origins. The pages filled with the many kites are particularly stunning. Added to notes on kites in China through history until today are instructions for making a diamond kite, on flying a kite, and on kite safety. 2003, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
    ISBN: 0-8234-1715-8

    Tiger Moth and the Dragon Kite Contest
    Aaron Reynolds
    Illustrated Eric Lervold
       None could say that fourth grade is boring after reading this book. Fourth-grade ninjas are going to be studying The Chinese New Year. As an activity, the principal is going to a kite-flying contest to see which team can keep their kite in the air the longest. The teams must make their own dragon kites, but what was meant to be another fun school project becomes a kite fighter’s battle. In the introduction, Tiger Moth states, “The story you are about to hear was my most dangerous encounter with the forces of evil and greed. Next to school lunchtime, that is.” As you can guess, the author inserts good humor into the story. Who cannot identify with school lunchtime? The illustrations are super and add much to the text. This book is great for home schooling and for classrooms of younger students, as the author includes sections in the back of the book offering writing prompts, discussion questions, and a very interesting glossary. I honestly did not know that the word “mfft afff bptqqq” means a noise you make when your mouth is full of grapes. Also included are two pages of history about the first Chinese kites and the growth of their popularity, as well as step-by-step directions about how to use the Fact Hound web site. This web site is particularly good because it is set up to allow the user to select the grade level of information they want. Children will love this book and will want to share it with their friends. 2007, Stone Arch Books, $19.93. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs (Children's Literature).
    ISBN: 978-1-59889-056-3
    ISBN: 1-59889-056-5

    The Warlord's Kites
    Virginia Walton Pilegard
    Illustrated by Nicolas Debon
       The fifth in a series of picture books about Chuan, a clever boy who serves an ancient Chinese warlord, this installment begins with an army besieging the fortified palace where they live. Carrying on the series' continuing math theme, Young Chuan and his friend Jing Jing make kites that are six handprints high and six wide and use them to send the invaders packing. Chuan is baffled but compliant as Jing Jing directs their crafty enterprise without explaining how she hopes to prevail against the soldiers. Though the story is somewhat less convincing than the early ones in the series, the illustrations are varied in composition, muted in color, and quite effective. Teachers may be able to use the math connection to teach geometry. But children will take greater pleasure in the effects of probability, betting that with a little knowledge of history and math, two children can defeat an army. Category: Books for the Young--Fiction. 2004, Pelican, $15.95. K-Gr. 3. Reviewer: Virginia Walton Pilegard; illustrated by Nicolas Debon Carolyn Phelan (Booklist, Nov. 15, 2004 (Vol. 101, No. 6)).
    ISBN: 1-5898-0180-6

    Gwynne Spencer can be reached at PO Box 121 Mancos CO 81328 (970) 533-7484 (970) 533-9183 fax PenGwynneS@aol.com http://www.gwynnespencer.com

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    Updated 4/24/2007