Mother's Day, 2007
The following reviews were presented in our 2007 Mother's Day feature.
Reviews
All New Crafts for Mother's Day and Father's Day
Kathy Ross
Illustrated by Sharon Lane Holm
Beautifully laid out with a yellow and green hardcover binding, All New Crafts for Mother's Day and Father's Day provides some exciting new projects for these holidays. Filled with well-thought-out projects requiring mostly items found around the house, Kathy Ross' craft book will provide easy-to-do projects for after-school, Girl or Boy Scout Troop meetings, 4-H meetings, and classroom fundraising activities. The 22 projects include Pet Tape Dispenser (very unusual with pom-poms and wiggle eyes creating a dog or cat), Jazzy Jar Cuff, Necktie Bookmark, Scrubbie Bouguet, #1 Dad Doorknob Hanger, Card with Pin for Mom, and Eraser Magnets. Many of the projects provide clever uses for discarded items including clear square blister packs, cardboard, old pajamas, earrings, plastic soda bottles, old neckties, and potpourri. Multiple illustrations on each page, with a unifying border throughout, add to the ease of using the book. Each project has a "what you need" section with illustrations of each item, and the "what you do" section is colorfully numbered and illustrated at each step. The typeface is very clear, dark, and easy to read and follow. Each project also shows additional uses for the creation when finished. 2007, Lerner Publishing Group, $25.26. Ages 6 to 11. Reviewer: Debra Lampert-Rudman (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8225-6367-9
ISBN: 0-8225-6367-3
Babar: A Gift for Mother
Illustrated by Judith Gray
Mother's Day was coming and this meant gifts. Pom made a clay bowl. Flora used the chore money she had saved to buy a little glass horse. Alexander chose a lovely silver balloon. Isabelle was despondent. She had no gift. She decided to consult her father about the problem. Babar asked her what she would like to give her mother. Isabelle described a huge bowl made of gold, silver and diamonds. She also thought a horse would be nice and she would like to deliver all of this in a hot air balloon. But she was too little to give her mother all these things. Babar asked her what she was good at. Immediately, Isabelle knew. She was good at making pictures. On Mother's Day, Celeste was thrilled with all of her gifts, including Isabelle's picture of herself in a hot air balloon delivering a beautiful jeweled bowl and a horse. Judith Gray's adaptation of the de Brunhoff illustrations captures the essence and simplicity that has charmed young readers for several generations. 2004, Harry N. Abrams, $9.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8109-4837-0
Circle Unbroken: The Story of a Basket and Its People
Margot Theis Raven
Pictures by E.B. Lewis.
A grandmother lovingly tells her granddaughter the history of weaving sweetgrass baskets. Her tale begins in Africa with her old-timey grandparents. They lived near a river that grew stalks of rice and tall grassy reeds. When the young people reached a certain age they were taken to sacred places--the boys with the men, the girls with the women. In these places they learned the secrets of weaving baskets so tight they could hold rainwater. Each basket began with a coil--a circle unbroken. When these people were taken from Africa and brought to Georgia and South Carolina, they found similar reeds and kept the tradition of weaving the baskets throughout future generations, repeating the tale and teaching the skills. The rhythmic, poetic language is beautifully illustrated with colorful full page pictures and vignette accents on the pages of text. A sensitive and enlightening description of a people and their culture. Factual information about sweetgrass baskets and a bibliography for further research will be appreciated by readers whose curiosity about this craft extends beyond this telling. 2004, Melanie Kroupa Books/Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Feb. 15, 2004; United States
Capitol Choices, 2005; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2005; Children's Literature; United States
Choices, 2005; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Editors' Choice, 2004; American Library Association Booklist; United States
Notable Books for a Global Society, 2005; IRA Children's Literature and Reading SIG; United States
Notable Children's Books in the English Language Arts, 2005; NCTE Children's Literature Assembly; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, December 22, 2003; Cahners; United States
Top 10 Black History Books for Youth, 2005; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth, 2004; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Children's Africana Book Award Honor Book 2005 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Emphasis on Reading Program, 2005-2006; Book List; Grades 2-3; Alabama
Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Grades 3-6; Texas
ISBN: 0-374-31289-3
The Day Mom Finally Snapped
Bob Temple
Illustrations by Steve Harpster
Willy, Grace, and Tom are very rambunctious kids who have the greatest mom. Sometimes their mom gets mad because of the trouble Willy, Grace, and Tom cause but she never yells. Instead she asks questions like "What am I going to do with you?" One Mother's Day, Willy, Grace, and Tom decide to do some nice things for their mom. They paint their bedrooms, wash the dog with mom's shampoo, make chocolate chip cookies and decorate the house with glitter. When mom wakes up to the mess she snaps and literally hits the roof. This is one of the books in the "Graphic Sparks" series, written for struggling and reluctant readers. The writing and graphics are arranged like a comic strip. A lot of the story is told through the pictures. The end of the book includes a glossary, fun facts about chocolate chips, discussion questions, writing prompts, and an internet link. I did not like this book because the characters don't change or grow from the events, the pages are very busy and the children are obnoxious. However, I know many students who would love this book for those exact reasons. I really like the resource pages at the back of the book. This book could be used to teach sibling relationships, idioms, and cause and effect. 2006, Stone Arch Books, Ages 8 to 12, $19.93 and $14.95. Reviewer: Mandy Wollenzien
ISBN: 1-59889-038-7
ISBN: 978-1-59889-038-9
Earth Mother
Ellen Jackson
Illustrations by Leo & Diane Dillon
In this stunningly illustrated tale, Earth Mother travels the world checking on her creations, gently giving aid, and listening to complaints. Man is grateful for the frogs he catches to feed his belly, but would prefer fewer mosquitoes. Frog is grateful for mosquitoes but asks Earth Mother to rid the world of Man, and Mosquito loves to bite juicy Man, but could do without so many frogs. Omniscient, Earth Mother listens and smiles, knowing that the world with its interdependent life cycles is truly perfect. Elegantly-designed, framed single-page illustrations placed above simple text are unified by exquisitely-detailed, tall botanicals that break through the frames of both text and picture. The surprisingly youthful and graceful figure of Earth Mother reflects the warm brown earth tones of the world she travels, and her colorful cloak is richly symbolic and constantly changing to echo the text. Her very human visage is wonderfully expressive, reflecting tenderness for her creations, but also a humorous but loving tolerance for their shortsightedness. Softly-hued watercolors of blues, greens, and lavenders are enlivened by brightly-colored geometric African prints, and Native American motifs decorate the end papers. This book has a hauntingly beautiful spiritual quality laced with wry humor--a perfect blend of text and illustration that is sure to please a wide audience. 2005, Walker and Co, $16.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Quinby Frank (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Kirkus Book Review Stars, August 1, 2005; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, July 18, 2005; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Henry Bergh Children's Book Award Finalist 2005 Fiction Environment and Ecology United States
ISBN: 0-8027-8992-7
ISBN: 0-8027-8993-5
Grandma's General Store: The Ark
Dorothy Carter
Pictures by Thomas B. Allen
In 135 pages, Carter does a remarkable job of introducing us to a warm, loving family caught in difficulties of the times. Pearl is five and Prince is seven when the story opens. They dash happily between the comfort and love of their parents, to the fun and learning provided by their wise and nurturing grandmother in her home and general store. Then suddenly troubles floods into the life of the sweet family. Their father loses his job at the saw mill because of the depression and becomes sullen and angry. Only moving north to find work and self-respect will heal him. The children are left to live with their grandmother, who fends off hurricanes and the KKK with equal measures of strength and calm. The author's genius comes in delivering homespun truths through stories, and always keeping the child's perspective while revealing the adult's terror in a subdued way. 2005, Farrar, $16.00. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature).
Prince and Pearl's parents go north to Philadelphia to look for a better life, leaving the children in Florida with Grandma. Grandma holds the fort in a little store she calls "the Ark," and the children are to help her run it. In this Depression-era story, the Ark is a gathering place for a community beleaguered not only by hard times but also by the oppression of Jim Crow laws and the ever-looming power of the Klan. Pearl, five, is the narrator of Carter's tenderly-drawn story. She is a thoughtful and plucky protagonist, with the unerring voice of a child who does not miss much. Grandma is purely delightful Whether worrying about the kids' schooling, puzzling through the difficult task of explaining voting to Pearl, or "raving and ranting like a wild woman," she is the kind of nuanced, multifaceted character you hope you will meet again, whose life continues in the mind after the last page has turned. Carter offers up small details of daily life, carefully researched and woven into the fictional narrative. They are more than just background and context, however. They are delicate touches, gifts lovingly served up. Grandma's headache powders and Sloan's liniment are the material culture, the very stuff of the period, and they are so deftly placed that they transport us there as if we ourselves were going home to the Ark. Soft, expressive charcoal drawings add warmth and luster to the story. 2005, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Books 2005: One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing, 2005; New York Public Library; United States
ISBN: 0-374-32766-1
Grandma's Hurrying Child
Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Kay Chorao
Maddy's relationship with her grandmother has been a close one ever since the day the girl was born. Now, she asks to hear that story again, so Grandma pulls Maddy into her lap and begins the tale. It was ten days before the birth was expected when Maddy's mother felt the baby coming. Three states away, Grandma got the call and immediately launched into action. She packed a quick bag, grabbed her knitting, and headed for the train. As Grandma hurried towards the hospital, Maddy was doing some hurrying of her own. In her apparent eagerness to be born, Maddy reveals herself to be a "hurrying child," and all around her--from her mother and father to the doctors and nurses at the hospital--hurry, too, to meet her. But, as shown in the illustrations, no one is actually hurrying quite so much as Grandma, who arrives just in time to wrap the baby in her newly-knitted blanket and give her freshly-born face a loving kiss. Children like to hear stories about their birth. Jane Yolen's tale is a sweet account of one child's entry into the world that will give parents and children (or grandparents and children) who share the book an opportunity to talk about the day they met, too. Kay Chorao's soft illustrations are warm with a nostalgic glow. Given all of the "hurrying" in the story, they have a reassuring feel to them. 2005, Gulliver/Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-15-201813-1
How Do I Love You?
Leslie Kimmelman
Illustrated by Lisa McCue
In the spirit of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways," a mother crocodile counts the many ways she loves her young crocodile. With rhythm and rhyme, a parent and child will count from 1 to 20 and "until forevermore," while hearing of unconditional love through all types of weather and seasons, smiles and frowns, "chocolate cheeks" and "muddy feet." Children might ask a parent, how much do you love me? This book demonstrates how love can be counted under the moon and stars and into the great beyond. There is a wonderful thread of examples in the weather, seasons, and the young crocodile's characteristics, "each silly dance you do, or spin you spin, or grin you grin when you try something new." There are, however, a few moments where the story feels rushed. Yet, the playful illustrations are a nice accompaniment to this whimsical text, which also highlights numbers in bright bold print. This story would make a fun learning tool and bonding book at bedtime. The crocodiles are not gender specific, so it can be read from a father to a child perspective, too. 2006, HarperCollins Publishers, $14.99. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Mary Rand Hess (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-001200-5
ISBN: 0-06-001201-3
How Do You Count a Dozen Ducklings?
In Seon Chae
Illustrated by Seung Ha Rew
Mama Duck lays twelve eggs, but on their first day out, she finds that a dozen eggs are too hard to count. She puts them in two lines and counts them two at a time. At the pond, she decides to count them three at a time. This continues until she has put them in two lines with six in each line. Then along comes the hungry old wolf who can't see very well, and he thinks that there are only two ducklings. He decides that two is enough for lunch, but when he tries to catch them, all twelve fight back. He runs away, and Mama thinks that her dozen ducklings "may be a lot, but they're never too many!" The cute ending, which suggests that there may be even more ducklings in Mama's future, provides the finishing touch to a delightful story which incorporates lots of opportunities for young readers to count. The large illustrations make it easy for readers to count the ducklings. 2006 (orig. 1999), Albert Whitman, $16.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Vicki Foote (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8075-1718-5
ISBN: 0-8075-1718-6
How do you know?
Deborah W. Trotter
Illustrated by Julie Downing
Polly, a little girl, wakes up one morning and looks out the window to find that "everything outside had disappeared." Her mother explains to her that it's just fog, "damp air that you can see," and that everything's still there--they just can't see it. "How do you know everything's still there?" Polly asks. "I just do," Mama replies. They go for a walk, checking to see that various parts of their farm are still there. At each stop Mama reassures Polly that she just knows that the house, the pond, or the swing is still there. That night Mama tucks Polly into bed, and tells her she loves her. "I know," says Polly. "How do you know?" Mama asks. "I just do," explains Polly. This book works in several different ways: it can be a simple story of a girl and her mother taking a walk around their farm on a foggy day; it can be an introduction to the idea of the abstract; it could be used for a storytime about loving people no matter what; it might appeal to single mothers who would like a cozy story about a girl and her mother (nobody else is mentioned). The illustrations are fine, doing a good job of showing the fog in the background. 2006, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin, $16.00. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Sara Lorimer (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-618-46343-7
ISBN: 978-0-618-46343-5
Hush, Little Baby
Brian Pinkney
This spirited interpretation of the familiar lullaby features an animated African-American family. When Mama leaves for the day, Papa and Big Brother are left with the task of calming the crying Little Sister. They seemingly float through the pages as Papa offers her a mockingbird, a diamond ring, a looking glass, a spinning top, a dog named Pearl, a horse and cart, and a fire truck. Big Brother contributes to the action of the tale by playing his fiddle throughout to keep the beat going. None of the gifts and antics appease Little Sister, however. Her happiness returns only when Mama comes home and sings her this lullaby, once again, accompanied by Big Brother on his fiddle. The music and full lyrics appear at the end of the story. Colorful energetic illustrations fill the pages. The text of the song weaves through the animated drawings in graceful arcs of large print. A good choice for sharing with preschoolers. 2006, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, Ages 3 mo. to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer
ISBN: 0-06-055993-4
I Love My Mami!
Judy Katschke
Illustrated by Dave Aikins
Any preschool-age child who is a fan of the TV series on Nick Jr., Dora the Explorer, will certainly enjoy this book. Those not familiar with the program or Dora may still enjoy this book as an excellent reading primer for new readers, as well as a good introduction to Dora. Part of the "Ready-to-Read Dora the Explorer" series, the story is composed of simple sentences and uses word repetition as a helpful tool for young readers who are taking the beginning steps toward being independent readers. In this story, Dora takes the reader on a day spent with her mami, or mother in Spanish. During their day together, Dora and her mami feed the babies, make breakfast, and go to the park. Dora also goes with her mami to work. The bright and colorful illustrations fill the entire page and will help keep readers engaged in the text. 2006, Simon Spotlight/Simon & Schuster, $3.99. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Jennifer Chambliss Bertman (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4169-0650-9
ISBN: 978-1-4169-0650-6
I Love You Good Night
Jon Buller and Susan Schade
Illustrations by Bernadette Pons
As the day progresses, a mother mouse uses different similes to explain how much she loves her little one. "I love you like mice love cheese. / I love you like vines love trees." Many of the little scenes show them doing something together in nature, which allows for a bit of discussion between reader and child. "I love you like wind loves blowing. / I love you like plants love growing." The illustrator has paid attention to the details, as we see the dripping raincoat and muddy boots hanging in the little mouse's bedroom after the page "I love you like boots love splashing in puddles." One sentence on a page keeps the text simple and tied to the illustrations. Each page rhymes with the next, giving the text a nice flow, perfect for the young audience for whom this board book will be a reassuring bedtime read. 2006, Simon & Schuster, $7.99. Ages 3 mo. to 2. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-86212-1
I Will Kiss You (Lots & Lots & Lots!)
Stuart E. Hample
"I will kiss you everywhere . . . on your fingers, on your hair, on a chair on a stair . . . on the floor, in the air. And I'll kiss your teddy bear." No matter the time of day, no matter the reason, a kiss, especially one from a mother to her little child, is always the perfect solution. And no one knows that better than Mother Bunny as she recites her litany of kisses to her little bunny child. A very simple story of a mother's unconditional affection for her child, little bunny's tale is told in rhyming text and accompanied by cute, at times silly, illustrations done in soft muted shades of pink, orange, and gray. The result is a quiet, peaceful book. This is a great bedtime story. Mothers will appreciate its calming effect on their children, while babies and toddlers will enjoy snuggling with mother as she reads to them and maybe plants a kiss or two along the way. Unless mother has been reading it to them since they were very little and they still enjoy the snuggle factor, older children may be bored. 2006, Candlewick Press, $15.99. Ages 3 mo. to 3. Reviewer: Pat Trattles (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7636-2787-9
In Style with Grandma Antoinette
Judith Caseley
Spending the day with Grandma usually entails trips to the movies, lemonade stands, and amusement parks. Today Rosie is going to spend time at "Haircraft," where Grandma works as a hair stylist. Rosie is not happy anticipating her day at "work," but things turn out to be great fun as she collects tips for doing errands, gets her own nails polished, and saves the day by finding a lost wig and a missing little boy. The bold, stylized illustrations are well matched with the text, although, I would have chosen different cover art. The strong colors and eclectic style add to the "fun" approach of a day spent in a salon. This story presents an accurate look at careers in the beauty industry and shows the loving relationship between Rosie and her Grandma. All of the ladies at the salon enjoy having Rosie spend the day with them. This is a good-natured display of a community situation in which everyone pitches in to get work done while having a good time and caring for each other. 2005, Tanglewood Press, $15.95. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-9749303-4-2
It's Not Worth Making a Tzimmes Over
Betsy Rosenthal
Illustrated by Ruth Rivers
This is a delightful little book that does not take itself too seriously as it introduces Yiddish words to a new generation. Unfortunately, the words are not defined until the glossary at the end, and I am not sure that the context supplies enough hints as to their meanings. Grandma and Sara begin to make challah one summer morning, but Sara pours her orange juice into the bowl by mistake. "It's not worth making a tzimmes over," says Grandma, and shows Sara how to continue mixing the dough. Sara is a little over enthusiastic when she adds the flour, so Grandma's gray hair turns white (!), as does Sara's jeans, and by the time the dough is kneaded, they are both ready for a break. After badminton, they begin watching an old horror movie on TV. The Blob is one of Grandma's favorite movies, and she forgets all about the dough. But Sara has added too much yeast, and the dough overflows the bowl and begins to take over the kitchen--no, not only the kitchen, but the entire house, pushing its way into the yard and beyond--but, "It's not worth making a tzimmes over," says Grandma. They borrow a neighbor's computer and print out invitations and baking instructions so that the neighborhood can share the dough. Soon the smell of orange-flavored challah fills the air. A policeman gets involved when he sees and smells the neighborhood, so Grandma gives him bread and jam and the recipe as well. Finally Sara's mother gets home, and all ends happily. A list of Yiddish words with their meanings--and of course the recipe--adds to the fun. My only problem is with the drawings, and it is a very minor one--but everyone looks so very young. I am not sure that many grandmothers under age sixty would use Yiddish at all! But it is a fun story, recommended for anyone. 2006, Albert Whitman & Co, $15.95. Ages 6 up. Reviewer: Judy Silverman (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8075-3677-3
ISBN: 0-8075-3677-6
Kiss, Kiss
Margaret Wild
Illustrated by Bridget Strevens-Marzo
Baby Hippo is in such a hurry to go play that he forgets to do something very important. He goes through the "squelchy, squelchy mud," over "bumpy, bumpy rocks," "up the mossy, mossy bank," "through the long, long grass," and "under the leafy, leafy trees." At each of these places he hears the same sound and finally realizes that he has forgotten to do something. Baby Hippo retraces his steps back to his mother, who is in the "deep, deep water," to kiss her. This simple story rises above the ordinary with these child-oriented descriptive phrases. The illustrator's baby hippo is a friendly, round little fellow. At each location we see the appropriate mother and baby animals: elephants, rhinos, lions, zebras, and chimpanzees created in colors and clean lines that draw the eye to the page. Young children will enjoy the animal identification, as well as the feelings of security as Baby Hippo happily leaves his mother and then returns for that very important kiss. This is a good selection for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or a jungle-themed story time. This new edition has been resized for small hands, but all of the charm has been retained. 2007 (orig. 2003), Simon & Schuster, $6.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4169-3440-5
ISBN: 978-1-4169-3440-0
Little Mamá Forgets
Robin Cruise
Pictures by Stacey Dressen-McQueen
In a story rich with the Spanish of her grandmother, Lucy tells us what her Little Mamá forgets, and what she remembers. Her grandmother's memory is no longer reliable, Lucy realizes. She may leave the toast to burn, or forget how to tie her shoes, or the way home. But she remembers so many things that for Lucy are more important, from giving hugs to how to dance and skip, along with tales of her life back in Mexico. And although she forgets that there are only five in the family for dinner, she has luckily remembered how to make enough of her tortillas to feed the relatives who arrive to join them. The warmth of the love Lucy shares with her grandmother joins with her compassion in a story that will be particularly relevant to children whose grandparents begin not to remember well. The end-papers are photo albums filled with dozens of "mounted" snapshots and greeting cards. They set the stage for this visual diary of the loving activities inside. The double pages are filled with colorful patterned objects which reflect the Mexican-American culture, with details of dress, markets, home, etc. Paints recreate the solidity of the family ties, the cohesiveness of the community, and above all the love. There is a glossary of the Spanish included, with pronunciation. 2006, Melanie Kroupa Books/Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Ages 4 to 8, $16.00. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 978-0-374-34613-3
ISBN: 0-374-34513-5
Lola at the Library
Anna McQuinn
Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
It is Lola's favorite day: Tuesday! Before her mother is even out of bed, this toddler has packed her backpack with her library books and card, eager for their walk to the library through their multiethnic neighborhood. Once there, she returns her books, reads, sometimes sings or enjoys a story time, and borrows more books to take home. On the way home she and her mother share a special snack (at an unnamed coffee shop) and of course end the day with a bedtime reading of one of her new library books. The bright acrylics and lyrical text make this perfect for sharing with youngsters. This is one that children will want read again and again, as they relive their own visits to the library. Perhaps it should also be shared with legislators to remind them of the need for vibrant libraries in our communities! 2006, Charlesbridge, $15.95. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Peg Glisson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-58089-113-4
ISBN: 978-1-58089-142-4
ISBN: 1-58089-113-6
ISBN: 1-58089-142-X
Love You When You Whine
Emily Jenkins
Pictures by Sergio Ruzzier
This delightful story features two characters, with a resemblance to Sendak's monster. The author presents familiar situations that both kids and adults will recognize. The mother and the child interact throughout the pages, from the grocery store to the bank and the playground. Mother carries the books and the groceries while baby screams to be carried too. Mother folds the laundry and cleans the floor, while baby unfolds the laundry and scatters cereal on the floor. Baby spits up, draws on the walls, hits other children and refuses to share. Still mother expresses her love for baby in every situation, while presenting an avenue for changing the behavior. What a great way to talk to your young child about behavior while reinforcing your eternal and unchanging love. This is a great gift book that begs to be read aloud. The simple drawings, presented in a circular frame on each page, will capture the imagination of young readers. This is a recommended title for all preschool collections, as well as home school situations. 2006, Frances Foster Books/Farrar Straus and Giroux, $15.00. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Joyce Rice (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-374-34652-6
ISBN: 978-0-374-34652-2
Mama: A True Story in Which a Baby Hippo Loses His Mama During the Tsunami, But Finds a New Home and a New Mama
Jeanette Winter
From the horror of the tsunami of December, 2004, Winter has fashioned an almost wordless story of loss, pain, and a happy ending. Two words, "mama" and "baby" are all that are needed, adding sentiment to this visual tale of the disaster and the rebirth of hope. Winter's acrylic paintings are bordered in a variety of colors--darker blues and purples during the storms, then gradually changing to increasingly lighter tones of green as the story progresses. A baby hippo, after happily foraging together with his mother on land and sea, is swept up in the gigantic wave, lost in the seas, then rescued from the beach. Still searching for his lost mother, he is finally adopted by a loving turtle, thus finding his new "mama." The artist uses patterned symbols for water, clouds, plants, even the crushing swirls of the tsunami. The resulting pictures tend to be decorative, reducing the emotional tension of the event. In a note, the author tells us about a real baby hippo, found washed up near Malindi, Kenya, who was adopted by a giant tortoise. 2006, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Book Sense Children's Picks, Fall 2006; American Booksellers Association; North Dakota
Choices, 2007; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Horn Book Fanfare, 2006; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Boston Globe--Horn Book Awards Honor Book 2006 Picture Book United States
ISBN: 978-0-15-205495-3
ISBN: 0-15-205495-2
Mama's Day
Linda Ashman and Jan Ormerod
In rhyming verse, this well-written and beautifully-illustrated book traces the various activities experienced by mothers and their children throughout the day. One mother lifts her children from the crib. Another snaps rompers and loops laces. Still others nurse their children, teach them to clap, visit the ocean, and share a snack in the garden. In the end, readers are reminded that mothers everywhere do what mothers do and that the all little ones in their mother's care are loved every minute of every day-just like the recipient of this book. The realistic, soft-hued illustrations, rendered in pencil and wash, parallel the gentle tone of the text. Each page features a larger image that matches the text surrounded by pictures of a singular set of babies engaged in various tasks that differ as readers move through the story. The mothers and children represent a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, ages, and sizes, reflecting the diversity of mamas and kids everywhere. A wonderful anytime book for young readers and their female parents. A companion text that features dads would be a worthwhile addition. 2006, Simon & Schuster, Ages 3 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Wendy Glenn
ISBN: 978-0-689-83475-2
ISBN: 0-689-83475-6
Mama, I'll give You the World
Roni Schotter
Illustrated by Susan Saelig Gallagher
After school every day Luisa goes to Walter's World of Beauty, where her widowed mother works on the patrons' hair and Luisa on her homework. There her mother has a photo of herself happily dancing, but she is not often happy now. The next day is her mother's birthday, however, and Luisa has secret plans with the other workers and patrons of the shop to make her mother smile again. Her mother puts all her tips away for Luisa's college to "give her the world" some day, but Luisa has another idea. She persuades her mother to put on her prettiest dress and insists she must go back to the shop for something she has forgotten. And there is everyone together for a surprise birthday party. Luisa and her mother begin the dancing, for the happy ending in her world now. Gallagher creates a very believable cast of characters, but Luisa is particularly bursting with personality. Framed double- and full-page scenes plus a couple of vignettes are needed to tell the tale. Along with contextual details, oil paints give the engaging humans a solidity which contributes to their naturalistic actions and individual personalities. 2006, Schwartz & Wade Books/ Random House Children's Books, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 2006; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-375-83612-8
ISBN: 978-0-375-83612-1
Mama Outside, Mama Inside
Dianna Hutts Aston
Illustrated by Susan Gaber
This lovely story parallels the actions of two mothers--one a human, the other a bluebird--as they prepare to give birth. Mama Outside searches for just the right spot to build her nest; Mama Inside finds just the right room for the nursery. Mama Outside softens her nest with moss; Mama Inside cozies her cradle with a blanket "the color of sunshine." Long days pass--waiting days--until Mama Outside hears her babies' first chirps and Mama Inside hears her baby's first cries. Then it is time for both mamas to feed their newborns "all through the day and all through the night" as Daddy helps. The two mothers acknowledge each other when Mama Outside listens to Mama Inside's singing, and Mama Inside listens to Mama Outside's cooing. This sweet book's lilting text and inviting images make it the perfect goodnight read for youngsters. As they drift toward slumber, they will be reminded of just how much their mothers anticipated their births. 2006, Henry Holt and Company, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Choices, 2007; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
ISBN: 0-8050-7716-2
ISBN: 978-0-8050-7716-2
Mama's Wild Child, Papa's Wild Child
Dianna Hutts Aston
Illustrations by Nora Hilb
This is an inviting Flip-me-over Book that simply and lyrically explains how animal parents care for their young. Each page presents a wild animal that in first person verse speaks of the care they offer their little ones. "If I were your crocodile mama and you were my hatchling I would listen for your first peep-peep-peep..." Included with each double-spread is additional information about the animal's behavior. A crocodile mother gently rolls the egg back and forth on her tongue to help it hatch. Among the Papas that care for their babies are the penguin, ostrich, wolf, swan, and seahorse. Both segments end with a human parent tucking a child in for the night. The soft hues of the artwork rendered in ink and pencil on watercolor paper reflect the habitat and environment of the animals. The design and layout make this an attractive early science book and quiet bedtime story for parents to share with their youngest. 2006, Charlesbridge, Ages 3 to 6, $14.95. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey
ISBN: 978-1-57091-590-1
ISBN: 1-57091-590-3
Mommy in My Pocket
Carol Hung Senderak
Pictures by Hiroe Nakata
Thoughts of first day of school jitters and separation from mommy bring about an imaginative fancy. The little girl wishes that her mommy would shrink to a tiny size so that the girl can carry and keep her mommy close in her shirt pocket. The girl reveals her shooting star wish plans. Together at school with mommy safely stowed in the pocket, the daughter tells how they would spend the day at school in class, at lunch, and during recess. Yet, in the end, the little girl somehow realizes that she will be fine. Her mother's hug, kiss, and love will hold her through the whole school day. The sudden, separation solution may be abstract for some children since the story doesn't build how the separation issue is satisfying resolved. Nevertheless, the child's wish is endearing as she takes on the nurturing role of caring for her pocket-sized mother. The watercolor illustrations and the personification of mother and daughter rabbits adds a gentle touch to the story told in rhyme. 2006, Hyperion Books for Children, Ages 3 to 7, $12.99. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung
ISBN: 0-7868-5596-7
Mommy's Best Kisses
Margaret Anastas
Illustrated by Susan Winter.
My favorite toddler gives this book her highest rating with rolling chortles of delight throughout the reading of the book and many choruses of "again" when it is finished. Each two-page spread shows a mother animal with her baby and a sentence about their kiss. For example, Mother Kangaroo tells her baby: "I kiss your five fingers that squeeze mine so tight." It lends itself to the reader kissing the listener as each animal mother does, but even without that interaction, the book delighted my almost-three-year-old listener. She also wanted plenty of time to look at the softly realistic and appealing animal illustrations. The back of the book shows a mother mouse with baby surrounded by the message: "Children need lots of kisses. And mommies kiss them just right." Even so, Grandmas and Daddies can share this book, its loving message and its kisses quite effectively with a special child. 2006 (orig. 2003), HarperCollins Publishers, $15.99 and $6.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Janet Crane Barley (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
2X2 Reading List, 2004; PreK-Grade 2; Texas
ISBN: 0-06-443839-2
ISBN: 0-06-623601-0
ISBN: 0-06-623606-1
The Most Perfect Spot
Diane Goode
Serve The Most Perfect Spot with the hot dogs and coleslaw at your next picnic for a rib-tickling summer read. Young Jack knows just the right place for the special outdoor lunch he has planned for his mom. But when they set off for Prospect Park, a series of mishaps (a dunk in the lake, muddy trail, lost hat and rain) drive them home again to "the best picnic spot"--on the floor of their own living room. Author/illustrator Diane Goode has created an engaging blend of story and art in this quest tale for the preschool set. The onomatopoetic text, rich with dog "arf," duck "quack," carousel "whoosh" and mud "splat," will certainly appeal to little ones as will the gently humorous ending. 2006, HarperCollins, $16.99. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
Jack and his mama set off for Prospect Park one morning, where he is sure he knows "the most perfect spot for a picnic." What seems like the first perfect spot is by the lake. "But...suddenly, who knows why..." a flock of ducks surprise Mama into the lake. At the next spot, again "But...suddenly..." horseback riders splash them with mud. The safe-looking carousel suddenly goes so fast that Mama loses her hat. Seated in the meadow as clouds gather, they are caught in a rain shower. They run and decide that home must be the best spot for their picnic. Meanwhile, sharp-eyed readers will notice a spotted dog has rescued Mama's hat. When he brings it to them, they call him "the most perfect Spot" as well. The spunky canine appears in a vignette on the title page and the two following pages; thus we are led into the story even before we meet Jack and Mama. The dog appears as a frequent motif with no mention in the text at all. After he joins the picnic at home, it is fun to go back and locate the dog in the other pictures. Goode uses a nervous black line and transparent watercolors to put us in the time and place of the characters. The text is rich in descriptive words and sounds; the pictures are rich in detail and action. 2006, HarperCollins Publishers, $16.99 and $17.89. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
When sweet little Jack invites his mother on an outing to Prospect Park, he assures her that he knows the most perfect spot for a picnic. But--"Who knows why?"--a flock of ducks causes a boating mishap, galloping horses splatter mud, a mechanical miscue spoils their carousel ride, and a pack of barking dogs disrupts their picnic. Finally, as pouring rain provides the ultimate picnic-dampener, Jack concludes ruefully, "This park does NOT have the most perfect spot for a picnic," and Jack and Mama flee home to have their picnic there. The affection between Jack and Mama is palpable, the escalating misadventures offer plenty of interest to the story, and children are sure to enjoy chiming in for the repeated refrain, "Who knows why?" A careful look at Goode's lively, merry illustrations answers the question: a lovable little stray dog with a brown spot over one eye proves to be both the reason why no other picnic spot can be perfect, and why home in the end turns out to be the most perfect spot of all. Delightful fun from start to finish. 2006, HarperCollins, $16.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Books for Holiday Gift-Giving, 2006; Association for Library Service to Childrern; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, May 8, 2006; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, May 2006; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-06-072697-0
ISBN: 0-06-072698-9
ISBN: 978-0-06-072697-3
ISBN: 978-0-06-072698-0
Mother's Day Ribbons
Michelle Knudsen
Illustrated by John Wallace
Genuine ribbons of various textures, styles, and colors to touch and feel grace this Mother's Day celebration book. The tactile board book features two young sisters dressed in plaid dresses and hair ribbons, whispering, tiptoeing, and wrapping up carefully prepared surprises for their sleeping Mommy on her special day. Snippets of velvet, checked satin, and brightly-colored ribbons adorn the book cover, hair ties, flower vase, gift package, and the "World's Best Mommy" medallion sash. The tender story will appeal to the youngest child and the notion of creating, wrapping, and sharing the gifts adds a special touch that contributes to the book's value. Soft pastel pictures and the brief read-aloud story fill the pages and will appeal to wee ones. It is an enjoyable story for giving and sharing. 2005, Little Simon, $6.99. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Barbara Troisi (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-86381-0
A Mother's Wish
Kathy-jo Wargin
Illustrated by Irena Roman
This sentimental story juxtaposes the relationship of mothers and daughters as one that is both eternal, and yet allows a daughter's "wings to fly." While in the garden one summer day, young Ella's mother tells her the legend of the butterfly; "If you whisper your greatest wish to a butterfly and send it on its way, the butterfly will carry your words to the sky." When the butterfly reaches the stars, the wish will come true. Later, Ella makes a wish to a butterfly then writes it on a piece of paper to keep in her favorite box. Years later, a grown-up Ella reveals the note of affection to her mother and her mother reveals her own note which reaffirms her love, yet encourages Ella "to fly." Bold, yet tender illustrations enhance this story of a special mother-child relationship. 2006, HarperCollins Publishers, $15.99 and $16.89. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-06-057170-2
ISBN: 978-0-06-057171-9
ISBN: 0-06-057170-5
ISBN: 0-06-057171-3
My Mother's Voice
Joanne Ryder
Illustrated by Peter Catalanotto
The watercolor drawings in this title depict the bond between a young girl and her mother, as the poetic words describe a daughter's knowledge of her mother's love for her. Short and sweet, like a poem, the words are few, but there is no confusion as to the feelings portrayed in this book. From daylight to dark, a girl describes her mother's voice, whether it is singing while she gardens, shouting encouragement at the ballgame, or quietly showing her daughter a shy little rabbit near their home. As she gets her off to school, the mother gives encouragement to her daughter, awaiting a new day. When darkness comes, the mother's there to tuck her little girl into bed with a few comforting words. The artist portrays a woman and child who look alike with their short, red hair. A black-and-white cat appears at home, giving the poem a sense of reality and coziness. 2006, HarperCollins Children's Books, $15.99. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Debbie West (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-029509-0
ISBN: 0-06-029510-4
Pirate Mom
Deborah Underwood
Illustrated by Stephen Gilpin
Pete loves to pretend that he is a pirate, and is disappointed when his mother does not want to join in and play. She does have tickets for the two of them to see a magic show, and offers herself as a candidate for hypnotism. Peter tells the magician that he wants his mom to think of herself as a pirate. A bit far-fetched, yes, but it gets even more outlandish. The magician dashes away to the hospital because his wife is having a baby, leaving mom as a pirate! Pete's mom takes her role very seriously, which creates all kinds of embarrassing situations. Resourceful Pete saves the day and mom becomes her old self. The magician's thank you is that denouement. A contemporary cartoon style fills the pages of this level 3 book in the "Step into Reading" series. This early reader has an opening page entitled "Dear Parent," which gives information about the books in this series and tips on helping children learn to read. 2006, Random House, $3.99 and $11.99. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-93323-9
ISBN: 0-375-83323-4
ISBN: 978-0-375-93323-3
ISBN: 978-0-375-83323-6
Sleep Tight, Little Bear
Giovanni Caviezel
Illustrated by Roberta Pagnoni
Little Bear has had a busy day and now it is time for bed. He tries to go to sleep but the shadows in his room are scary so he calls for his mother. There is nothing to fear, just a pile of clothes and toys, but most of us remember that we too were afraid of the dark and things that go bump in the night. Mother hums a lullaby and assures Little Bear that all is well and he drifts off to sleep. The accompanying CD which runs for nearly half an hour contains the story and music. This may not put your little one to sleep, so you might want to test it out at nap time. 2006, Little Simon/Simon and Schuster, $6.99. Ages 1 to 4. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4169-1383-1
ISBN: 978-1-4169-1383-2
This Is the Way a Baby Rides
Susan Meyers
Pictures by Hiroe Nakata
A picnic in the park is the setting for a simple story about the activities of a human baby and many baby animals. When baby cries for lunch so does a baby bird in a nest in a tree. Mother gives baby a piggyback ride while mother possum carries all her babies on her back. After lunch, mom, dad and baby settle in for a nap and so do the baby ducks and their mother. The similarity of both human and animal actions are very apparent in both words and the watercolors that are full of fun and playfulness. The end papers cleverly repeat the pattern of the picnic blanket. This is a good story for a parent and young child to share. 2005, Harry N. Abrams, $15.95. Ages 2 to 4. Reviewer: Sylvia Firth (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
National Association of Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Gold 2005 Infants and Toddlers United States
ISBN: 0-8109-5763-9
Two in the Wilderness: Adventures of a Mother and Daughter in the Adirondack Mountains
Sandra Weber
Photographs by Carl E. Heilman II
Author and nature enthusiast Sandra Weber had always wanted to share her love of the Adirondack Mountains with her daughter Marcy. When Marcy turned eleven, Weber thought the time was right for an extended mother-daughter backpacking trip to some of the best spots in New York's Adirondack Park. The planned trip was to be almost two weeks long and their record of it; along with photographs of the trip, is the foundation of this book. Weber gives a history of the park and descriptions of the flora and fauna and keeps a record of her time with Marcy exploring the forests, lakes and trails of the park. Day by day, eleven days total, readers follow Weber and Marcy and learn about the geography and human culture of the area. We also read excerpts from Marcy's journal to get her--often different--perspective. Packed full of information about nature in general and the Adirondacks specifically, Weber's text is also an interesting and lovely account of a mother and daughter having fun and learning together. This book is inspiring and informative and the photographs are great, but it is more of a personal account than an academic one, despite its wealth of non-personal details. 2005, Calkins Creek Books, $19.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Sarah Rachel Egelman (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-59078-182-1
What Grandmas Can't Do
Douglas Wood
Illustrated by Doug Cushman
Grandmas can do a great many things, but sometimes they need help. This grandma certainly needs help making cookies and serving tea. If she is telling a story, surely she needs a listener and she cannot reach up to get things so she needs a little grandchild to lift up to the cabinet. Grandma sometimes has trouble remembering things, she likes to laugh when playing games, and she cannot let her grandchild go to bed without reading a story. The playfulness is in the illustrations showing just how much grandma's little helper actually "helps." This is a pleasant book to share with Grandma, but what if Grandma lives far away? Why, there is a greeting card for her tucked into the back of the book and the young reader can be encouraged to draw a picture or write a note in the card and mail it off for Grandma to enjoy. 2005, Simon & Schuster, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-84647-9
When Owen's Mom Breathed Fire
Pija Lindenbaum
Translated by Elisabeth Kallick Dyssegaard
One day, imaginative little Owen's harried mother turns into a hairless, pink dragon. She has forgotten their morning routine, and Owen is able to run amok, convincing his dragon mom that things are always this way. Since Owen has the day off from daycare because his dragon mom could not take him there, he takes her to the zoo, playground, park, and eventually the hospital. Eventually, dragon mom carries Owen home and puts him to bed. When he awakes in the morning, everything is back to normal, and mom has decided to take the day off and is not in a hurry. If this summary seems a bit confusing and the premise rather thin, it is because the storyline lacks direction, as well as resolution. Kids may be amused, however, by the odd things that could happen if your mother became a dragon and relate to seeing the adults around them rushing too much. 2006, R&S Books, $16.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Ginjer L. Clarke (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 91-29-66548-5
ISBN: 978-91-29-66548-2
Will You Carry Me?
Heleen van Rossum
Illustrations by Peter van Harmelen
This charming Dutch import is a masterpiece of the art of redirection. Thomas the toddler is tired. He has played hard and wants mom to carry him home. But mom's tired too, so she tweaks her weary toddler's imagination by suggesting different forms of locomotion to get home. Thomas is enthusiastic and every time he begins to flag, mom comes up with another idea and before he knows it, he is home! Exuberant mom proves she can think like a child as they "fly" and "swim" toward home. Lush pastel pink, green, and purple watercolors lend an air of fantasy to the scene as do the wonderful caste of characters following and imitating mom's actions. A duck, a squirrel, a rabbit, and a frog are joined by a monkey a blue patchwork kangaroo, and a pink gazelle as everyone joins in the fun. The humorous visual clues in the illustrations hint at the activity to come next as more and more outrageous animals join the parade. No teddy bear for this child of the imaginative mom--his stuffed animal looks more like a ring-tailed lemur. The repetition and simple text will appeal to three and four year-olds, and it will be fun for them to guess from the illustrations what activity comes next. An inspired prescription for tired toddlers for banishing whines. 2005, Kane/Miller Publishers, $15.95. Ages 2 to 4. Reviewer: Quinby Frank (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-929132-74-3
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Updated 4/23/07
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