LibraryPreviews.com
previews and views
previews and views
Bookshelves...
selected previews and views...
- New Books about MUSIC
- New BOOK REVIEWS
- Books Home Page
- Bestsellers
- Art, Architecture & Photography
- ART and Photography Books
- Audiobooks
- BIOGRAPHICAL BOOKS
- Biographies & Memoirs
- Business & Investing
- New Children's Books
- MUSIC BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
- CHILDREN's BOOK REVIEWS
- Libros para Niņos en Espaņol
- Christian Books
- Computers & Internet
- Cooking, Food & Wine
- Entertainment
- Health, Mind & Body
- History
- Home & Garden
- Horror
- Literature & Fiction
- MUSIC BOOKS
- Mystery & Thrillers
- Nonfiction
- Parenting & Families
- Professional & Technical
- Reference
- REFERENCE BOOKS SALES
- Religion & Spirituality
- Romance
- Science & Nature
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Sports & Outdoors
- Teens
- Travel
- NEW MUSIC
BOOKS
- MUSICIAN
BIOGRAPHIES
- BEST
SELLERS
- BASIC BOOKSTORE
- MUSIC COMPACT
DISCS
LibraryPreviews.com
Children's Summer reading
NEWSLETTER
Children's Summer reading
NEWSLETTER
POSTED 15 AUGUST 2001
New from Philip Pullman
"Puss in Boots: The Adventures of That Most Enterprising Feline"
Philip Pullman
...available here.
Oh, what's a poor miller's son to do? Bequeathed nothing but a cat
when his father dies, Jacques is baffled. "'The cat?' said Jacques.
'Father's left me the cat?'" Of course, this is before Jacques
realizes that this "most enterprising" cat will bring him fame,
fortune, and a princess. Philip Pullman, award-winning author of
titles from "I Was a Rat!" to the His Dark Materials trilogy,
re-spins the old Puss in Boots tale with great comic success. Ian
Beck's big, funny, crosshatch ink and watercolor illustrations tell
their own story, with wry asides from the characters in cartoon
bubbles over their heads. Kids and adults alike will revel in this
laugh-out-loud classic that sparkles in the retelling. (Ages 5 to 9)
Visit our Philip Pullman Store
...available here.
Worm, Mouse, or Angel?
"Larky Mavis"
Brock Cole
...available here.
"Down the road came Larky Mavis, mooning about, mooning about." She
trips on three peanuts... and ends up eating two out of three. In
the third she finds a tiny pink creature, small enough to fit in her
hand. "'Well!' she said, laughing. 'I won't eat you!'" And whom
exactly does the third peanut contain? We're not quite sure. The
villagers call Mavis's blanket-wrapped bundle everything from a worm
to a bat to (when it gets bigger) a turkey or a pig, but he remains
her precious little baby that she calls Heart's Delight. As fear and
curiosity build in the village, Mavis is forced to protect what is
dearest to her. Or is it the other way around? Brock Cole, creator
of the award-winning "Buttons," will thoroughly charm young readers
with this deliciously whimsical, pleasantly odd, happily ending
story of the transcendent, transformative nature of love. (Ages 4 to
8)
More new releases (Ages 4 to 8)
...available here.
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night
"Kiss Good Night"
Amy Hest
...available here.
"'We've read a book and made a nest, arranged your friends, and had
warm milk. Sam,' she said, 'what did I forget?'" A good-night kiss,
of course! Amy Hest's sweet story, gorgeously illustrated by Anita
Jeram ("Guess How Much I Love You") in warm, earthy greens, golds,
browns, and reds, provides a rhythm to the bedtime ritual that will
soon have sleep-fighting tots relinquishing their days to night. The
comforting manner of easygoing Mrs. Bear as she comes up against her
son's quiet resistance--even while the wind blows and rain comes
down outside--is an antidote to nighttime anxiety. (Ages 3 to 7)
More new releases (Baby to preschool)
...available here.
BACK TO SCHOOL ALREADY?
Visit Our Back to School K-12 Store
We have back-to-school books... and the book bags to put them in.
Go to the head of the class with our Back to School K-12 Store,
featuring everything from dictionaries to workbooks to educational
tools and scooters.
Back to School K-12 Store
...available here.
DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT...
Kenneth C. Davis's New Series for Kids
Don't know much about space? Earth? The United States? The solar
system? Help is on the way, in the form of the witty, informative,
and utterly fascinating new Don't Know Much About... series for kids
by the king of knowing himself, Kenneth C. Davis.
...available here.
FRESH INK
Unsung Heroes
"We Were There, Too!: Young People in U.S. History"
Phillip M. Hoose
...available here.
Why do all the history books only talk about the adults who made a
difference? Weren't there any kids who played an important role in
our past? Of course there were--young people have been in the middle
of the action from the very beginning, and Phillip Hoose,
heroically, has found their stories. Columbus's sea companions?
Nearly a quarter were teenagers. A 13-year-old boy was the first
undercover agent in the English colonies. Nine months before Rosa
Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus,
15-year-old Claudette Colvin did the very same thing. This
excellent, even exhilarating book--full of historical photographs
and fascinating sidebars--chronicles the stories of young people who
were a part of U.S. history between 1492 and the present. Young
readers will surely be inspired to shape American history
themselves. (Ages 10 and older)
More history and historical fiction
...available here.
Fish On!
"Lord of the Deep"
Graham Salisbury
...available here.
The sudden smash and jolt of a giant fish taking the lure; the
scream of the line as it reels out; the shouts of the crew as the
man struggles with the bending rod; the slime on the deck as the
defeated fish is hauled aboard; the exultation of the fishermen over
the mighty catch... In this thrilling story of a day on a charter
fishing boat in Hawaiian waters, Graham Salisbury not only captures
the high excitement of the sport, he also builds a perceptive story
of a crucial moment of decision in 13-year-old Mikey's love for his
decent, wise, and gentle stepfather, Bill. The overbearing charters
hook--and then lose--a giant marlin, then catch a record-breaking
bull mahi-mahi. But can they claim the record? Mikey watches in
dismay as the fishers back his stepfather into accepting a lie, but
he is ultimately led to a new understanding in this beautifully
crafted action-adventure. Heartily recommended. (Ages 10 to 14)
More new releases (Ages 9 to 12)
...available here.
How Much Is That Hamster in the Window?
"Kipper and Roly (Kipper)"
Mick Inkpen
...available here.
Pig's birthday gift wish list includes a rabbit, a guinea pig, a
mouse, a gerbil, "or something." Ever obliging, Pig's canine friend
Kipper rushes off to the pet shop where he finds just the
"something": a sweet little hamster. But in the process of preparing
for the party, Kipper falls in love with the roly-poly rodent, and
doesn't know how he's going to give him up! Warning: Roly is
absolutely adorable; young readers may soon be making a few wish
lists of their own. (Ages 4 to 7)
POSTED 6 AUGUST 2001
"Love That Dog"
Sharon Creech
...available here.
Jack doesn't want to write poetry, because boys don't, girls do. He
figures that Robert Frost has a little too much time on his hands,
and that if William Carlos Williams's "The Red Wheelbarrow"
qualifies as a poem, then anyone can write a poem. Newbery Medal
winner Sharon Creech ("Walk Two Moons") introduces us to an
endearingly no-nonsense boy who discovers the power and pleasures of
poetry. "Love That Dog," a charming, accessible novel written as a
diary in free verse, offers a fresh perspective on the nature of
writing and self-expression. Wonderful! (Ages 8 to 12)
More new releases for older readers
...available here.
Hello Already
"Uncle Blubbafink's Seriously Ridiculous Stories"
Keith Graves
...available here.
"OK, so I'm Uncle Blubbafink. Hello already." Gruff introduction
aside, you'll soon find yourself glad you met this strange,
suspendered, striped-schnozzed creature with a funny-sounding name.
Not only does "your old Uncle Blub" have all sorts of seriously
ridiculous stories ("millions of 'em," in fact), but they're all
true. Fans of Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith's "The Stinky Cheese Man"
and similar stories will be pleased with what they find here,
including "actual historical events witnessed with my own eyes"
starring such luminaries as George Washing Machine and Abraham
Sandwich. (Ages 9 to 12)
More tall tales, folk tales, and myths
...available here.
Kevin Henkes's First Board Book!
"Sheila Rae's Peppermint Stick"
Kevin Henkes
...available here.
Naughty Sheila Rae flaunts her striped peppermint stick in front of
her big-eyed little sister. But everyone knows that pride comes
before a fall, and Sheila Rae is about to topple head over heels in
Kevin Henkes's spicy-sweet board book, due August 7. (Baby to
preschool)
More books for babies and toddlers
...available here.
RECOMMENDATIONS BY AGE
Is 8-year-old Rebecca horse-obsessed? Is 3-year-old Herman
inexplicably drawn to farm tractors? Find recommendations for all
ages in our children's bookstore.
...available here.
* Children's Books (Baby to Age 3)
...available here.
* Children's Books (Ages 4-8)
...available here.
* Children's Books (Ages 9-12)
...available here.
* Teens
...available here.
BLUE-RIBBON CHILDREN'S BOOKS
From David Wiesner's "Tuesday" to Richard Peck's "A Year Down
Yonder," this blue-ribbon collection includes the complete list of
Caldecott and Newbery medalists--and more!
Award-winning children's books
...available here.
FRESH INK
A Fine, Fine Story
"A Fine, Fine School"
Sharon Creech
...available here.
Principal Keene is keen on his fine, fine school and determined that
everyone should get as much out of it as they possibly can--even if
that means school on weekends, holidays, and summer vacation--in
Sharon Creech and illustrator Harry Bliss's thoroughly charming
picture book "A Fine, Fine School."
One Ghoul, Coming Right Up
"Dial a Ghost"
Eva Ibbotson
...available here.
Oh dear. There's been an administrative mix-up at the Dial-a-Ghost
Agency. A family of decidedly un-bloodthirsty ghosts has been sent
to the wrong mansion in Eva Ibbotson's witty, whimsical new novel,
"Dial-a-Ghost." (Ages 8 to 12)
Another Worldview
"Scholastic Atlas of the World"
Kelly Miles
...available here.
How does the length of the Indus River in Pakistan compare to the
Mississippi? With thousands of statistics, hundreds of photographs,
and more than 80 topographical maps, Scholastic's up-to-date "Atlas of
the World" offers a unique window on the geography and culture of our
many-splendored planet. (Ages 8 and older)
SUMMER-READING RECOMMENDATIONS
Summer's the perfect time for your favorite young readers to curl up
with a novel. Don't miss these excellent titles that are sure to
transport bookworms to lands far away.
* Summer Reading
...available here.
* Popular Series
...available here.
* Literature
...available here.
POSTED 18 JULY 2001
Summer is an excellent time to catch up on classics (such as the
delightful picture book "Mr. Pine's Purple House"). And, don't
forget about Summer Reading for Kids and the Summer Travel store. If
you have any feedback for us on this newsletter or our Children's
Books section, you can send it to childrens-comments@amazon.com.
Happy reading!
...available here.
WHAT WE'RE READING
A Childhood Favorite
"Mr. Pine's Purple House"
Leonard P. Kessler
More fine, purple-populated children's books
...available here.
A Wish Come True?
"The Princess Diaries, Volume II: Princess in the Spotlight"
Meg Cabot
...available here.
Even though Mia Thermopolis lives in Greenwich Village with a
single mom who is a semifamous painter, she still puts her Doc
Martens on one at a time. The most exciting things she ever dreams
about are smacking lips with sexy senior Josh Richter, "six feet of
unadulterated hotness," and passing Algebra I. Then Mia's dad comes
to town, and drops a major bomb. Turns out he's not just a European
politician as he's always lead her to believe, but actually the
prince of a small country! And Mia, his only heir, is now considered
the crown princess of Genovia. As we learn in "The Princess
Diaries," she doesn't even know how to begin to cope: "I am so NOT a
princess.... You never saw anyone who looked less like a princess
than I do. I mean, I have really bad hair... and... a really big
mouth and no breasts and feet that look like skis." Don't miss
"Princess in the Spotlight," Meg Cabot's entertaining sequel to her
wildly popular, very funny diary of a reluctant princess. (Ages 12
and older)
More books for older readers
...available here.
Witch Child
"Witch Child"
Celia Rees
...available here.
During the witch hunts of the mid-1600s, many Englishwomen died on
the gallows, innocent victims of false accusations of witchcraft.
But what of those women who actually claimed the name "witch" as
their own? In the pages of her secret journal, young Mary Nuttall
reveals what it is like to live in a dangerous climate of mistrust
and piety, where she must hide her heritage as a healer and pagan.
Don't miss British author Celia Rees's powerful, exquisitely crafted
novel, "Witch Child," already a bestseller overseas.
RECOMMENDATIONS BY AGE
Is 2-year-old Sam crazy for tractors? Is 10-year-old Anna obsessed
with paleontology? Find recommendations for all ages in our
children's bookstore.
...available here.
* Children's Books (Baby to Age 3)
...available here.
* Children's Books (Ages 4-8)
...available here.
* Children's Books (Ages 9-12)
...available here.
* Teens
...available here.
CLASSICS BY AGE
From "Blueberries for Sal" to "My Father's Dragon," welcome to the
books that never, ever go out of style. These are our all-time
favorite classics, without which our lives would be dull, dreary,
and meaningless.
Classics by age
...available here.
JULY 31 IS HARRY POTTER'S BIRTHDAY
Potter fans have carefully deduced that Harry's birthday is on July
31. Why not celebrate with Harry Potter news, sticker books,
journals, and more?
Visit Harry Potter
...available here.
FRESH INK
To Catch a Thief
"The Honeybee and the Robber"
Eric Carle
...available here.
In Eric Carle's updated classic, "The Honeybee and the Robber," a busy
little bee gathers nectar, avoids hungrybirds and fish, and plays with
a butterfly before returning to her hive to defend her turf from a
much bigger predator. Ingenious paper engineering and Carle's
signature collages make this a honey of a book that preschoolers will
beg for at bedtime.
Miss Bindergarten Is Back!
"Miss Bindergarten Takes a Field Trip With Kindergarten (Miss
Bindergarten, 4)"
Joe Slate
...available here.
What a day! Miss Bindergarten and her young charges explore their
town, from the bakery to the fire station to the library. "Miss
Bindergarten Takes a Field Trip with Kindergarten" is the fourth
boisterous title in the series by Joseph Slate and Ashley Wolff. And
"Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten" is now in paperback!
New from Tomie dePaola
"Meet the Barkers: Morgan & Moffat Go to School (Barkers)"
Tomie De Paola
...available here.
In their first week of school, Moffie is fixated on earning gold
stars, while her twin Morgie quietly begins developing friendships.
But it's not long before both terrier siblings find that delicate
balance between studies and socializing in Tomie dePaola's "Meet the
Barkers," the latest picture book from the Newbery Honor author and
illustrator.
New from Philip Pullman
"Puss in Boots: The Adventures of That Most Enterprising Feline"
Philip Pullman
...available here.
Oh, what's a poor miller's son to do? Bequeathed nothing but a cat
when his father dies, Jacques is baffled. "'The cat?' said Jacques.
'Father's left me the cat?'" Of course, this is before Jacques
realizes that this "most enterprising" cat will bring him fame,
fortune, and a princess. Philip Pullman, award-winning author of
titles from "I Was a Rat!" to the His Dark Materials trilogy,
re-spins the old Puss in Boots tale with great comic success. Ian
Beck's big, funny, crosshatch ink and watercolor illustrations tell
their own story, with wry asides from the characters in cartoon
bubbles over their heads. Kids and adults alike will revel in this
laugh-out-loud classic that sparkles in the retelling. (Ages 5 to 9)
Visit our Philip Pullman Store
...available here.
Worm, Mouse, or Angel?
"Larky Mavis"
Brock Cole
...available here.
"Down the road came Larky Mavis, mooning about, mooning about." She
trips on three peanuts... and ends up eating two out of three. In
the third she finds a tiny pink creature, small enough to fit in her
hand. "'Well!' she said, laughing. 'I won't eat you!'" And whom
exactly does the third peanut contain? We're not quite sure. The
villagers call Mavis's blanket-wrapped bundle everything from a worm
to a bat to (when it gets bigger) a turkey or a pig, but he remains
her precious little baby that she calls Heart's Delight. As fear and
curiosity build in the village, Mavis is forced to protect what is
dearest to her. Or is it the other way around? Brock Cole, creator
of the award-winning "Buttons," will thoroughly charm young readers
with this deliciously whimsical, pleasantly odd, happily ending
story of the transcendent, transformative nature of love. (Ages 4 to
8)
More new releases (Ages 4 to 8)
...available here.
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night
"Kiss Good Night"
Amy Hest
...available here.
"'We've read a book and made a nest, arranged your friends, and had
warm milk. Sam,' she said, 'what did I forget?'" A good-night kiss,
of course! Amy Hest's sweet story, gorgeously illustrated by Anita
Jeram ("Guess How Much I Love You") in warm, earthy greens, golds,
browns, and reds, provides a rhythm to the bedtime ritual that will
soon have sleep-fighting tots relinquishing their days to night. The
comforting manner of easygoing Mrs. Bear as she comes up against her
son's quiet resistance--even while the wind blows and rain comes
down outside--is an antidote to nighttime anxiety. (Ages 3 to 7)
More new releases (Baby to preschool)
...available here.
BACK TO SCHOOL ALREADY?
Visit Our Back to School K-12 Store We have back-to-school books... and the book bags to put them in. Go to the head of the class with our Back to School K-12 Store, featuring everything from dictionaries to workbooks to educational tools and scooters.
Back to School K-12 Store
...available here.
DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT...
Kenneth C. Davis's New Series for Kids
Don't know much about space? Earth? The United States? The solar
system? Help is on the way, in the form of the witty, informative,
and utterly fascinating new Don't Know Much About... series for kids
by the king of knowing himself, Kenneth C. Davis.
...available here.
FRESH INK
Unsung Heroes
"We Were There, Too!: Young People in U.S. History"
Phillip M. Hoose
...available here.
Why do all the history books only talk about the adults who made a
difference? Weren't there any kids who played an important role in
our past? Of course there were--young people have been in the middle
of the action from the very beginning, and Phillip Hoose,
heroically, has found their stories. Columbus's sea companions?
Nearly a quarter were teenagers. A 13-year-old boy was the first
undercover agent in the English colonies. Nine months before Rosa
Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus,
15-year-old Claudette Colvin did the very same thing. This
excellent, even exhilarating book--full of historical photographs
and fascinating sidebars--chronicles the stories of young people who
were a part of U.S. history between 1492 and the present. Young
readers will surely be inspired to shape American history
themselves. (Ages 10 and older)
More history and historical fiction
...available here.
Fish On!
"Lord of the Deep"
Graham Salisbury
...available here.
The sudden smash and jolt of a giant fish taking the lure; the
scream of the line as it reels out; the shouts of the crew as the
man struggles with the bending rod; the slime on the deck as the
defeated fish is hauled aboard; the exultation of the fishermen over
the mighty catch... In this thrilling story of a day on a charter
fishing boat in Hawaiian waters, Graham Salisbury not only captures
the high excitement of the sport, he also builds a perceptive story
of a crucial moment of decision in 13-year-old Mikey's love for his
decent, wise, and gentle stepfather, Bill. The overbearing charters
hook--and then lose--a giant marlin, then catch a record-breaking
bull mahi-mahi. But can they claim the record? Mikey watches in
dismay as the fishers back his stepfather into accepting a lie, but
he is ultimately led to a new understanding in this beautifully
crafted action-adventure. Heartily recommended. (Ages 10 to 14)
More new releases (Ages 9 to 12)
...available here.
How Much Is That Hamster in the Window?
"Kipper and Roly (Kipper)"
Mick Inkpen
...available here.
Pig's birthday gift wish list includes a rabbit, a guinea pig, a
mouse, a gerbil, "or something." Ever obliging, Pig's canine friend
Kipper rushes off to the pet shop where he finds just the
"something": a sweet little hamster. But in the process of preparing
for the party, Kipper falls in love with the roly-poly rodent, and
doesn't know how he's going to give him up! Warning: Roly is
absolutely adorable; young readers may soon be making a few wish
lists of their own. (Ages 4 to 7)
POSTED 6 AUGUST 2001
"Love That Dog"
Sharon Creech
...available here.
Jack doesn't want to write poetry, because boys don't, girls do. He
figures that Robert Frost has a little too much time on his hands,
and that if William Carlos Williams's "The Red Wheelbarrow"
qualifies as a poem, then anyone can write a poem. Newbery Medal
winner Sharon Creech ("Walk Two Moons") introduces us to an
endearingly no-nonsense boy who discovers the power and pleasures of
poetry. "Love That Dog," a charming, accessible novel written as a
diary in free verse, offers a fresh perspective on the nature of
writing and self-expression. Wonderful! (Ages 8 to 12)
More new releases for older readers
...available here.
Hello Already
"Uncle Blubbafink's Seriously Ridiculous Stories"
Keith Graves
...available here.
"OK, so I'm Uncle Blubbafink. Hello already." Gruff introduction
aside, you'll soon find yourself glad you met this strange,
suspendered, striped-schnozzed creature with a funny-sounding name.
Not only does "your old Uncle Blub" have all sorts of seriously
ridiculous stories ("millions of 'em," in fact), but they're all
true. Fans of Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith's "The Stinky Cheese Man"
and similar stories will be pleased with what they find here,
including "actual historical events witnessed with my own eyes"
starring such luminaries as George Washing Machine and Abraham
Sandwich. (Ages 9 to 12)
More tall tales, folk tales, and myths
...available here.
Kevin Henkes's First Board Book!
"Sheila Rae's Peppermint Stick"
Kevin Henkes
...available here.
Naughty Sheila Rae flaunts her striped peppermint stick in front of
her big-eyed little sister. But everyone knows that pride comes
before a fall, and Sheila Rae is about to topple head over heels in
Kevin Henkes's spicy-sweet board book, due August 7. (Baby to
preschool)
More books for babies and toddlers
...available here.
RECOMMENDATIONS BY AGE
Is 8-year-old Rebecca horse-obsessed? Is 3-year-old Herman
inexplicably drawn to farm tractors? Find recommendations for all
ages in our children's bookstore.
...available here.
* Children's Books (Baby to Age 3)
...available here.
* Children's Books (Ages 4-8)
...available here.
* Children's Books (Ages 9-12)
...available here.
* Teens
...available here.
BLUE-RIBBON CHILDREN'S BOOKS
From David Wiesner's "Tuesday" to Richard Peck's "A Year Down Yonder," this blue-ribbon collection includes the complete list of Caldecott and Newbery medalists--and more!
Award-winning children's books
...available here.
FRESH INK
A Fine, Fine Story
"A Fine, Fine School"
Sharon Creech
...available here.
Principal Keene is keen on his fine, fine school and determined that
everyone should get as much out of it as they possibly can--even if
that means school on weekends, holidays, and summer vacation--in
Sharon Creech and illustrator Harry Bliss's thoroughly charming
picture book "A Fine, Fine School."
One Ghoul, Coming Right Up
"Dial a Ghost"
Eva Ibbotson
...available here.
Oh dear. There's been an administrative mix-up at the Dial-a-Ghost
Agency. A family of decidedly un-bloodthirsty ghosts has been sent
to the wrong mansion in Eva Ibbotson's witty, whimsical new novel,
"Dial-a-Ghost." (Ages 8 to 12)
Another Worldview
"Scholastic Atlas of the World"
Kelly Miles
...available here.
How does the length of the Indus River in Pakistan compare to the
Mississippi? With thousands of statistics, hundreds of photographs,
and more than 80 topographical maps, Scholastic's up-to-date "Atlas of
the World" offers a unique window on the geography and culture of our
many-splendored planet. (Ages 8 and older)
SUMMER-READING RECOMMENDATIONS
Summer's the perfect time for your favorite young readers to curl up
with a novel. Don't miss these excellent titles that are sure to
transport bookworms to lands far away.
* Summer Reading
...available here.
* Popular Series
...available here.
* Literature
...available here.
POSTED 18 JULY 2001
Summer is an excellent time to catch up on classics (such as the
delightful picture book "Mr. Pine's Purple House"). And, don't
forget about Summer Reading for Kids and the Summer Travel store. If
you have any feedback for us on this newsletter or our Children's
Books section, you can send it to childrens-comments@amazon.com.
Happy reading!
...available here.
WHAT WE'RE READING
A Childhood Favorite
"Mr. Pine's Purple House"
Leonard P. Kessler
More fine, purple-populated children's books
...available here.
A Wish Come True?
"The Princess Diaries, Volume II: Princess in the Spotlight"
Meg Cabot
...available here.
Even though Mia Thermopolis lives in Greenwich Village with a
single mom who is a semifamous painter, she still puts her Doc
Martens on one at a time. The most exciting things she ever dreams
about are smacking lips with sexy senior Josh Richter, "six feet of
unadulterated hotness," and passing Algebra I. Then Mia's dad comes
to town, and drops a major bomb. Turns out he's not just a European
politician as he's always lead her to believe, but actually the
prince of a small country! And Mia, his only heir, is now considered
the crown princess of Genovia. As we learn in "The Princess
Diaries," she doesn't even know how to begin to cope: "I am so NOT a
princess.... You never saw anyone who looked less like a princess
than I do. I mean, I have really bad hair... and... a really big
mouth and no breasts and feet that look like skis." Don't miss
"Princess in the Spotlight," Meg Cabot's entertaining sequel to her
wildly popular, very funny diary of a reluctant princess. (Ages 12
and older)
More books for older readers
...available here.
Witch Child
"Witch Child"
Celia Rees
...available here.
During the witch hunts of the mid-1600s, many Englishwomen died on
the gallows, innocent victims of false accusations of witchcraft.
But what of those women who actually claimed the name "witch" as
their own? In the pages of her secret journal, young Mary Nuttall
reveals what it is like to live in a dangerous climate of mistrust
and piety, where she must hide her heritage as a healer and pagan.
Don't miss British author Celia Rees's powerful, exquisitely crafted
novel, "Witch Child," already a bestseller overseas.
RECOMMENDATIONS BY AGE
Is 2-year-old Sam crazy for tractors? Is 10-year-old Anna obsessed
with paleontology? Find recommendations for all ages in our
children's bookstore.
...available here.
* Children's Books (Baby to Age 3)
...available here.
* Children's Books (Ages 4-8)
...available here.
* Children's Books (Ages 9-12)
...available here.
* Teens
...available here.
CLASSICS BY AGE
From "Blueberries for Sal" to "My Father's Dragon," welcome to the books that never, ever go out of style. These are our all-time favorite classics, without which our lives would be dull, dreary, and meaningless.
Classics by age
...available here.
JULY 31 IS HARRY POTTER'S BIRTHDAY
Potter fans have carefully deduced that Harry's birthday is on July 31. Why not celebrate with Harry Potter news, sticker books, journals, and more?
Visit Harry Potter
...available here.
FRESH INK
To Catch a Thief
"The Honeybee and the Robber"
Eric Carle
...available here.
In Eric Carle's updated classic, "The Honeybee and the Robber," a busy
little bee gathers nectar, avoids hungrybirds and fish, and plays with
a butterfly before returning to her hive to defend her turf from a
much bigger predator. Ingenious paper engineering and Carle's
signature collages make this a honey of a book that preschoolers will
beg for at bedtime.
Miss Bindergarten Is Back!
"Miss Bindergarten Takes a Field Trip With Kindergarten (Miss
Bindergarten, 4)"
Joe Slate
...available here.
What a day! Miss Bindergarten and her young charges explore their
town, from the bakery to the fire station to the library. "Miss
Bindergarten Takes a Field Trip with Kindergarten" is the fourth
boisterous title in the series by Joseph Slate and Ashley Wolff. And
"Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten" is now in paperback!
New from Tomie dePaola
"Meet the Barkers: Morgan & Moffat Go to School (Barkers)"
Tomie De Paola
...available here.
In their first week of school, Moffie is fixated on earning gold
stars, while her twin Morgie quietly begins developing friendships.
But it's not long before both terrier siblings find that delicate
balance between studies and socializing in Tomie dePaola's "Meet the
Barkers," the latest picture book from the Newbery Honor author and
illustrator.
POSTED JULY 6 2001
"The Snail House"
Allan Ahlberg
...available here
What if you and your siblings shrunk down to a tiny, tiny size one
day, crept out under a crack in the door, and went to live in a
snail house... on the back of a moving snail? That's precisely what
happens in Allan Ahlberg and illustrator Gillian Tyler's quiet,
lovely picture book "The Snail House." Young children will adore
poring over every detail of Tyler's exquisitely drawn
snail's-eyestalk view of the world, a universe where falling apples
cause earthquakes and babies can be lost in a forest of grass. A
future classic! (Ages 3 to 7)
More new books for ages 4 to 8
...available here
Just Right
"Dusty Locks and the Three Bears"
Susan Lowell
...available here
Dusty Locks is Goldilocks's Wild West cousin. This harum-scarum
cowgirl hasn't bathed "for a month of Sundays" and is fairly ripe by
the time she arrives in a cloud of dust at the home of three grizzly
bears. Susan Lowell's version of an old favorite does not veer too
far off course from the original. It's her language ("Well, I'll be
bumfuzzled!" "Land sakes! Smells mighty whiffy in here!" "I'm so
hungry I could eat a saddle blanket!") and Randy Cecil's amusing
acrylic gouache illustrations that give this retelling its
delightfully piquant flavoring. (Ages 4 to 8)
More fairy tales, folk tales, and myths
...available here
CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF MAURICE SENDAK
Caldecott artist and author Maurice Sendak is world-renowned for his
endearing, imaginative books for children. In titles from "Where the
Wild Things Are" to "In the Night Kitchen," he captures the
emotions, dreams, and fantasies of youngsters like no other. Find
this summer's reissues of classic Sendak picture books, well-loved
favorites for your library, an interview with the master himself,
and more in our Maurice Sendak Store.
...available here
THE ENVELOPE PLEASE...
2001 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards
The Boston Globe and Horn Book have announced the winners of the
2001 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards for excellence in
children's literature. These prestigious awards, now in their
35th year, are presented to the authors and illustrators of
outstanding titles in three categories: Fiction and Poetry,
Nonfiction, and Picture Book. Don't miss this excellent, eclectic
list of children's books, from "Carver: A Life in Poems," a
biography in verse of George Washington Carver, to Marc Simont's
delightful "The Stray Dog."
Read more
...available here
DIVE INTO A BOOK THIS SUMMER
Long, lazy days with nothing more taxing than turning the page of
the day's book... that's what summer is all about. From classics
like The Phantom Tollbooth to the Newbery Medalist Holes, discover
some of the best page-turners around for readers of all ages.
...available here
FRESH INK
A Journey from A to Z
"My First Lift the Flap ABC (My First)"
...available here
Preschoolers will revel in the colorful pages of this oversize
interactive board book with 45 flaps. A crisp photograph of an
elephant is marked with the word "elephant." Lift his (or her) ear
and it says "ear!" A flower is labeled as such, but lift the flap
and underneath lurks a picture of fruit, labeled "fruit." You get
the picture. More DK goodness for your favorite budding bookworms.
(Preschool to age 5)
More books for babies
...available here
The Cat's Meow
"Mrs. McTats and Her Houseful of Cats"
Alyssa Satin Capucilli
...available here
"In a small, cozy cottage lived Mrs. McTats. She lived all alone,
except for one cat." This is only true for a page or two. In time,
more and more cats scratch on her door, and somehow, every time, she
seems to find room for them. "'Come in, my sweet dears,' said Mrs.
McTats. 'I'm sure I've got room for just two more cats. I'll call
you Basil, and Curly you'll be. I only had one cat, but now I have
three!'" She names them in alphabetical order, from her original,
Abner, to the final arrival, number 26--named Zoom. Joan Rankin's
endearing illustrations of all the new four-legged family
members--along with Mrs. McTats's easy hospitality--will charm the
socks off your youngsters so much they won't realize it's an
alphabet and counting book combined! (Ages 3 to 7)
More counting books for junior number crunchers
...available here
Robin Hood's Daughter
"Rowan Hood: Outlaw Girl of Sherwood Forest"
Nancy Springer
...available here
Hurray for Rowan Hood, the girls' answer to swashbuckling Robin
Hood! Rowan, a.k.a. Rosemary, disguises herself as a boy in order to
journey forth to find her fabled father, Robin Hood of Sherwood
Forest. Along the way, this outlaw-in-training is joined by a motley
crew of characters: a wolf-dog that catches arrows midflight, a
giant of a boy with a spellbinding musical talent, and a runaway
princess. Rowan finds Robin Hood and his merry men, but she soon
discovers her troubles have only just begun. Packed with magic,
valiant warriors, nasty villains, and edge-of-your-seat adventure,
this story is also a poignant search for identity and family. Rowan
is a fierce female protagonist with a good head on her shoulders.
Girls and boys of all ages would be proud to name her as their
heroine. (Ages 11 and older)
More books for older readers
...available here
RECOMMENDATIONS BY AGE
Is 7-year-old Kermit obsessed with dinosaurs? Is 3-year-old Casey
mesmerized by emergency rescue vehicles? Find recommendations for
all ages in our children's bookstore.
* Children's Books (Baby-3)
...available here
* Children's Books (Ages 4-8)
...available here
* Children's Books (Ages 9-12)
...available here
* Teens
...available here
POSTED 26 JUNE 2001
Millions of Dogs (Or Just 100)
"Very Kind Rich Lady and Her 100 Dogs"
Chinlun Lee
...available here
"Once there was a very kind rich lady who adopted one hundred stray
dogs. They all lived together in a tall house on a hill." So begins
Chinlun Lee's first picture book--a thoroughly charming story based
on a woman in Taipei who actually did take in an impossible number
of stray dogs. This very kind rich lady loves her charges very much,
and we are introduced to them one by one in delightful spreads of
delicate colored pencil and watercolor. First we meet Papa, then Mr.
Samuel, then Mary, then Fifi and her four pups Eeny, Meeny, Miney,
and Mo. ("That's eight.") The hundredth one--Bingo--is always late.
Children will adore poring over the pages and closely examining each
lovingly illustrated pooch--each aptly named, each with his or her
own distinct personality. (Sooty looks fresh out of the chimney,
Lola is a poodle, Scamp is rough around the edges, etc.) Sweet
simplicity and pure personality combine to make this one of the
tail-waggingly best bedtime books we've ever seen. (Ages 2 to 6)
More books for dog aficionados
...available here
"Cats, Cats, Cats"
Leslea Newman
...available here
A tiny old woman named Mrs. Brown lives in a big house on the edge
of town with no one but cats, cats, cats to keep her company. All
day long, as Mrs. Brown goes about her business, the cats snooze
away. But as soon as she puts down their 60 bowls of cat food and
marches herself up to bed, the cats go wild. Cats throwing confetti,
eating spaghetti, chasing their tails, cutting a rug, doing the fox
trot and the jitterbug, these feisty felines "whoop it up until the
dawn." The ever-tolerant Mrs. Brown wakes every morning to a
complete mess, but she simply sweeps her beloved cats into a heap so
they can get their beauty sleep. Although some consider Mrs. Brown
to be a little batty, she scoffs at the thought. "Oh fiddle dee dee!
/ I love my cats and they love me." Leslea Newman's amusing cat
romp is perfectly paired with Erika Oller's playful watercolors of
dozens upon dozens of napping and frolicking felines. (Ages 4 to 8)
More cat books
...available here
What Pet Can I Get?
"Pets!"
Melrose Cooper
...available here
"What pet can I get? What pet can I get? What pet can I get? What
pet can I get?" demands the young boy in this quirky, wildly
artistic picture book. And indeed, it is hard to choose, given this
fantastic menagerie of "Kissing pets / Hissing pets / Even
tail-missing pets" and "Round pets / Crowned pets / Coiling-around
pets." Author Melrose Cooper, who has said that guinea pigs look
like "little meat loaves with eyes," concocts delightful, childlike
rhymes that collide exquisitely with artist Yumi Heo's fabulously
madcap, folk-art-style illustrations. Heo creates funny, boldly
colorful, flat, dynamic paintings that are akin to the work of Roz
Chast, Lane Smith, and Maira Kalman. Comparisons aside, however,
"Pets!" stands on its own four feet as a uniquely endearing, offbeat
tribute to animals of all shapes and sizes, and to the children (and
adults) who want them all. (All ages)
The complete works of Yumi Heo
...available here
Beach Book Bingo
We're making a splash this summer with these fine children's books
that will transport young readers to the beach. From Stephen
Huneck's "Sally Goes to the Beach" to Petra Mathers's "Lottie's New
Beach Towel"(new in paperback!), your summer urchins will all but
feel the salt air on their faces.
Read more
...available here
Batter Up!
It's baseball season, the perfect time for youngsters to step up to
the plate and take a swing at this diverse and entertaining list of
books about America's favorite pastime.
Read more
...available here
DIVE INTO A BOOK THIS SUMMER
Long, lazy days with nothing more taxing than turning the page of
the day's book... that's what summer is all about. From classics
like The Phantom Tollbooth to the Newbery Medalist Holes, discover
some of the best page-turners around for readers of all ages.
...available here
New from the Creator of "Frindle"
"The School Story"
Andrew Clements
...available here
Don't mess with Zee Zee Reisman from the Sherry Clutch Literary
Agency, especially when she's promoting the hot new novelist
Cassandra Day. New York's publishing scene is familiar with tough
players like Zee Zee and impressed by the book she's pushing... but
stunned when they find out Zee Zee and Cassandra are both
12-year-old girls. A highly original plot with plenty of intriguing
side stories makes this graceful novel a thoroughly satisfying read
from Andrew Clements, the bestselling author of "The Janitor's Boy,"
"Frindle," and "The Landry News." (Ages 8 to 12)
New from Madeleine L'Engle
"The Other Dog"
Madeleine L'Engle
...available here
From the beloved author of the Newbery Medalist "A Wrinkle in Time"
and artist Christine Davenier comes a charming story for younger
readers, especially those with a new sibling. Touche
L'Engle-Franklin, the very talented, sophisticated, and articulate
poodle of the house, is shocked and dismayed when her master and
mistress bring home another dog, especially such an odd-looking one.
This interloper has no fur to speak of, no tail, and--horror of
horrors--it does its business inside the house, in something called
a diaper. Gradually, Touche begins to warm to "Jo-dog," and
ultimately determines that "in every home there should be at least
two dogs!" Funny and touching, this oversize picture book is just
the ticket for disgruntled siblings. (Ages 3 to 7)
A New Girl in Town
"Alice Alone"
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
...available here
Ninth grade is busier than any grade yet for Alice, the star of
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's engaging series for early teens about the
trials and tribulations of growing up. Between assignments for the
school paper and a tough algebra class, Alice has less and less time
for her boyfriend Patrick. So... will Patrick's eyes drift to the
perky and petite new girl in town who seems to be everything that
Alice is not? The thirteenth book in this popular series will not
disappoint. (Ages 12 to 15)
The complete Alice series
...available here
BESTSELLING CHILDREN'S BOOKS
1. "The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings Boxed Set" by J.R.R. Tolkien
...available here
2. "Froggy Eats Out" by Jonathan London and Frank Remkiewicz
...available here
3. "A Gift from Zeus" by Jeanne and William Steig
...available here
RECOMMENDATIONS BY AGE
Is Baby Mimi crazy about animals? Is 12-year-old Cole interested in
rain forest preservation? Find recommendations for all ages in our
children's bookstore.
* Children's Books (Baby-3)
...available here
* Children's Books (Ages 4-8)
...available here
* Children's Books (Ages 9-12)
...available here
* Teens
...available here
Positively Mythological
"A Gift from Zeus"
Jeanne Steig
...available here
Frolicking across Olympus, ablaze with jealousy, passion, and wit,
the ancient gods of Greece and Rome have always been fodder for
storytellers: "Goddesses with lethal gazes, Flying horses--goodness
gracious!" And at last, the incomparable creative team of Jeanne and
William Steig has stepped up to the task, retelling and illustrating
16 favorite myths with brilliance, grace, and hilarity. Jeanne
Steig's interpretations are nothing less than genius, as are her
husband's godly renderings of Prometheus and Pandora's box. (This
book is best for adults, but surely titillating for kids 10 and
older as well.)
Read our exclusive article about William Steig
...available here
Oh, Mandy
"Mandy (Reading Rainbow)"
Julie Andrews
...available here
This was one of my favorite books when I was a kid, and it wasn't
just because The Sound of Music star (goddess) Julie Andrews was my
idol and the choir teacher made us all try to imitate her when
singing. (She must have been very disappointed.) "Mandy" is about a
10-year-old girl who crawls over her orphanage wall one day, and
discovers an abandoned cottage to call her very own. Details such as
a room with walls entirely decorated with seashells and a garden in
need of attention have stuck with me for decades. The perfect story
for any child who dreams of creating his or her own little world, in
whatever form. (Ages 8 to 12)
More recommendations for older readers
...available here
Not-So-Happy Campers
"Fiddleback"
...available here
Ahh, there's nothing like an idyllic camping trip with friends and
family... until the old-growth tree poachers start lurking, a
torrential storm washes out the road, and a pregnant woman announces
her baby's coming. Australian author's Elizabeth Honey's
"Fiddleback" is nonstop, action-packed fun.
More summer-reading selections
...available here
TEACHING IS A WORK OF HEART
Classroom-tested, teacher-approved (and often teacher-written), the
titles in our Scholastic Teaching Resources Store truly reflect its
mission: to instill the lifelong love of reading and learning in all
children. Don't let this opportunity slip by--investigate these
stellar educational resources and transform your classroom or
homeschool into a window on the world.
...available here
newBOOKnews, an associate of Amazon, announces "A STORE IS BORN"
New Arrival
newBOOKnews, Amazon.com and Babiesrus.com are proud to announce the birth of our
new Baby store.
...available here
In it, you'll find everything from strollers and car seats to
highchairs and bedding, not to mention the ultimate online baby
registry.
...available here
FRESH INK
The latest releases for insatiable bookworms
Color My World
"Colors"
Robert Crowther
...available here
Yellow, red, green, pink, blue, orange, white, and black are explored
in pop-up master Robert Crowther's engaging "Colors." Each spread
appears as one solid color, until kids lift the flaps and slide the
tabs to discover the brightly colored objects and critters that lurk
in that color scheme. A splendid, artistic introduction to colors!
A World of Words
"Sam's Big Book of Words"
Yves Got
...available here
Sam the bunny's days are as full as any toddler's, with trips to the
beach, a farm, the store, and an aquarium. At each stop and on every
page of this slick, appealing, picture-filled "Sam's Big Book of
Words," Sam learns the names of everything from ants to yogurt. It's
off-the-charts cute and a wonderful tool for budding readers.
A Stomachache in Her Head and a Headache in Her Throat
"The Sick Day"
Patricia MacLachlan
...available here
Every kid figures it out sooner or later--sick days can be kind of
fun, especially if a loving caregiver is there to fetch ginger ale,
special blankets, and stuffed animals. "The Sick Day," by Patricia
MacLachlan, with new watercolors by Jane Dyer, is as reassuring and
true today as it was when first published 20 years ago.
BESTSELLERS
1. "The Wizard's Dilemma" by Diane Duane
...available here
2. "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman
...available here
3. "Because of Winn-Dixie" by Kate DiCamillo
...available here
"The Snail House"
Allan Ahlberg
...available here
What if you and your siblings shrunk down to a tiny, tiny size one day, crept out under a crack in the door, and went to live in a snail house... on the back of a moving snail? That's precisely what happens in Allan Ahlberg and illustrator Gillian Tyler's quiet, lovely picture book "The Snail House." Young children will adore poring over every detail of Tyler's exquisitely drawn snail's-eyestalk view of the world, a universe where falling apples cause earthquakes and babies can be lost in a forest of grass. A future classic! (Ages 3 to 7)
More new books for ages 4 to 8
...available here
Just Right
"Dusty Locks and the Three Bears"
Susan Lowell
...available here
Dusty Locks is Goldilocks's Wild West cousin. This harum-scarum
cowgirl hasn't bathed "for a month of Sundays" and is fairly ripe by
the time she arrives in a cloud of dust at the home of three grizzly
bears. Susan Lowell's version of an old favorite does not veer too
far off course from the original. It's her language ("Well, I'll be
bumfuzzled!" "Land sakes! Smells mighty whiffy in here!" "I'm so
hungry I could eat a saddle blanket!") and Randy Cecil's amusing
acrylic gouache illustrations that give this retelling its
delightfully piquant flavoring. (Ages 4 to 8)
More fairy tales, folk tales, and myths
...available here
CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF MAURICE SENDAK
Caldecott artist and author Maurice Sendak is world-renowned for his
endearing, imaginative books for children. In titles from "Where the
Wild Things Are" to "In the Night Kitchen," he captures the
emotions, dreams, and fantasies of youngsters like no other. Find
this summer's reissues of classic Sendak picture books, well-loved
favorites for your library, an interview with the master himself,
and more in our Maurice Sendak Store.
...available here
THE ENVELOPE PLEASE...
2001 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards
The Boston Globe and Horn Book have announced the winners of the 2001 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards for excellence in children's literature. These prestigious awards, now in their 35th year, are presented to the authors and illustrators of outstanding titles in three categories: Fiction and Poetry, Nonfiction, and Picture Book. Don't miss this excellent, eclectic list of children's books, from "Carver: A Life in Poems," a biography in verse of George Washington Carver, to Marc Simont's delightful "The Stray Dog."
Read more
...available here
DIVE INTO A BOOK THIS SUMMER
Long, lazy days with nothing more taxing than turning the page of
the day's book... that's what summer is all about. From classics
like The Phantom Tollbooth to the Newbery Medalist Holes, discover
some of the best page-turners around for readers of all ages.
...available here
FRESH INK
A Journey from A to Z
"My First Lift the Flap ABC (My First)"
...available here
Preschoolers will revel in the colorful pages of this oversize
interactive board book with 45 flaps. A crisp photograph of an
elephant is marked with the word "elephant." Lift his (or her) ear
and it says "ear!" A flower is labeled as such, but lift the flap
and underneath lurks a picture of fruit, labeled "fruit." You get
the picture. More DK goodness for your favorite budding bookworms.
(Preschool to age 5)
More books for babies
...available here
The Cat's Meow
"Mrs. McTats and Her Houseful of Cats"
Alyssa Satin Capucilli
...available here
"In a small, cozy cottage lived Mrs. McTats. She lived all alone,
except for one cat." This is only true for a page or two. In time,
more and more cats scratch on her door, and somehow, every time, she
seems to find room for them. "'Come in, my sweet dears,' said Mrs.
McTats. 'I'm sure I've got room for just two more cats. I'll call
you Basil, and Curly you'll be. I only had one cat, but now I have
three!'" She names them in alphabetical order, from her original,
Abner, to the final arrival, number 26--named Zoom. Joan Rankin's
endearing illustrations of all the new four-legged family
members--along with Mrs. McTats's easy hospitality--will charm the
socks off your youngsters so much they won't realize it's an
alphabet and counting book combined! (Ages 3 to 7)
More counting books for junior number crunchers
...available here
Robin Hood's Daughter
"Rowan Hood: Outlaw Girl of Sherwood Forest"
Nancy Springer
...available here
Hurray for Rowan Hood, the girls' answer to swashbuckling Robin
Hood! Rowan, a.k.a. Rosemary, disguises herself as a boy in order to
journey forth to find her fabled father, Robin Hood of Sherwood
Forest. Along the way, this outlaw-in-training is joined by a motley
crew of characters: a wolf-dog that catches arrows midflight, a
giant of a boy with a spellbinding musical talent, and a runaway
princess. Rowan finds Robin Hood and his merry men, but she soon
discovers her troubles have only just begun. Packed with magic,
valiant warriors, nasty villains, and edge-of-your-seat adventure,
this story is also a poignant search for identity and family. Rowan
is a fierce female protagonist with a good head on her shoulders.
Girls and boys of all ages would be proud to name her as their
heroine. (Ages 11 and older)
More books for older readers
...available here
RECOMMENDATIONS BY AGE
Is 7-year-old Kermit obsessed with dinosaurs? Is 3-year-old Casey
mesmerized by emergency rescue vehicles? Find recommendations for
all ages in our children's bookstore.
* Children's Books (Baby-3)
...available here
* Children's Books (Ages 4-8)
...available here
* Children's Books (Ages 9-12)
...available here
* Teens
...available here
POSTED 26 JUNE 2001
Millions of Dogs (Or Just 100)
"Very Kind Rich Lady and Her 100 Dogs"
Chinlun Lee
...available here
"Once there was a very kind rich lady who adopted one hundred stray
dogs. They all lived together in a tall house on a hill." So begins
Chinlun Lee's first picture book--a thoroughly charming story based
on a woman in Taipei who actually did take in an impossible number
of stray dogs. This very kind rich lady loves her charges very much,
and we are introduced to them one by one in delightful spreads of
delicate colored pencil and watercolor. First we meet Papa, then Mr.
Samuel, then Mary, then Fifi and her four pups Eeny, Meeny, Miney,
and Mo. ("That's eight.") The hundredth one--Bingo--is always late.
Children will adore poring over the pages and closely examining each
lovingly illustrated pooch--each aptly named, each with his or her
own distinct personality. (Sooty looks fresh out of the chimney,
Lola is a poodle, Scamp is rough around the edges, etc.) Sweet
simplicity and pure personality combine to make this one of the
tail-waggingly best bedtime books we've ever seen. (Ages 2 to 6)
More books for dog aficionados
...available here
"Cats, Cats, Cats"
Leslea Newman
...available here
A tiny old woman named Mrs. Brown lives in a big house on the edge
of town with no one but cats, cats, cats to keep her company. All
day long, as Mrs. Brown goes about her business, the cats snooze
away. But as soon as she puts down their 60 bowls of cat food and
marches herself up to bed, the cats go wild. Cats throwing confetti,
eating spaghetti, chasing their tails, cutting a rug, doing the fox
trot and the jitterbug, these feisty felines "whoop it up until the
dawn." The ever-tolerant Mrs. Brown wakes every morning to a
complete mess, but she simply sweeps her beloved cats into a heap so
they can get their beauty sleep. Although some consider Mrs. Brown
to be a little batty, she scoffs at the thought. "Oh fiddle dee dee!
/ I love my cats and they love me." Leslea Newman's amusing cat
romp is perfectly paired with Erika Oller's playful watercolors of
dozens upon dozens of napping and frolicking felines. (Ages 4 to 8)
More cat books
...available here
What Pet Can I Get?
"Pets!"
Melrose Cooper
...available here
"What pet can I get? What pet can I get? What pet can I get? What
pet can I get?" demands the young boy in this quirky, wildly
artistic picture book. And indeed, it is hard to choose, given this
fantastic menagerie of "Kissing pets / Hissing pets / Even
tail-missing pets" and "Round pets / Crowned pets / Coiling-around
pets." Author Melrose Cooper, who has said that guinea pigs look
like "little meat loaves with eyes," concocts delightful, childlike
rhymes that collide exquisitely with artist Yumi Heo's fabulously
madcap, folk-art-style illustrations. Heo creates funny, boldly
colorful, flat, dynamic paintings that are akin to the work of Roz
Chast, Lane Smith, and Maira Kalman. Comparisons aside, however,
"Pets!" stands on its own four feet as a uniquely endearing, offbeat
tribute to animals of all shapes and sizes, and to the children (and
adults) who want them all. (All ages)
The complete works of Yumi Heo
...available here
Beach Book Bingo
We're making a splash this summer with these fine children's books
that will transport young readers to the beach. From Stephen
Huneck's "Sally Goes to the Beach" to Petra Mathers's "Lottie's New
Beach Towel"(new in paperback!), your summer urchins will all but
feel the salt air on their faces.
Read more
...available here
Batter Up!
It's baseball season, the perfect time for youngsters to step up to
the plate and take a swing at this diverse and entertaining list of
books about America's favorite pastime.
Read more
...available here
DIVE INTO A BOOK THIS SUMMER
Long, lazy days with nothing more taxing than turning the page of
the day's book... that's what summer is all about. From classics
like The Phantom Tollbooth to the Newbery Medalist Holes, discover
some of the best page-turners around for readers of all ages.
...available here
New from the Creator of "Frindle"
"The School Story"
Andrew Clements
...available here
Don't mess with Zee Zee Reisman from the Sherry Clutch Literary
Agency, especially when she's promoting the hot new novelist
Cassandra Day. New York's publishing scene is familiar with tough
players like Zee Zee and impressed by the book she's pushing... but
stunned when they find out Zee Zee and Cassandra are both
12-year-old girls. A highly original plot with plenty of intriguing
side stories makes this graceful novel a thoroughly satisfying read
from Andrew Clements, the bestselling author of "The Janitor's Boy,"
"Frindle," and "The Landry News." (Ages 8 to 12)
New from Madeleine L'Engle
"The Other Dog"
Madeleine L'Engle
...available here
From the beloved author of the Newbery Medalist "A Wrinkle in Time"
and artist Christine Davenier comes a charming story for younger
readers, especially those with a new sibling. Touche
L'Engle-Franklin, the very talented, sophisticated, and articulate
poodle of the house, is shocked and dismayed when her master and
mistress bring home another dog, especially such an odd-looking one.
This interloper has no fur to speak of, no tail, and--horror of
horrors--it does its business inside the house, in something called
a diaper. Gradually, Touche begins to warm to "Jo-dog," and
ultimately determines that "in every home there should be at least
two dogs!" Funny and touching, this oversize picture book is just
the ticket for disgruntled siblings. (Ages 3 to 7)
A New Girl in Town
"Alice Alone"
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
...available here
Ninth grade is busier than any grade yet for Alice, the star of
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's engaging series for early teens about the
trials and tribulations of growing up. Between assignments for the
school paper and a tough algebra class, Alice has less and less time
for her boyfriend Patrick. So... will Patrick's eyes drift to the
perky and petite new girl in town who seems to be everything that
Alice is not? The thirteenth book in this popular series will not
disappoint. (Ages 12 to 15)
The complete Alice series
...available here
BESTSELLING CHILDREN'S BOOKS
1. "The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings Boxed Set" by J.R.R. Tolkien
...available here
2. "Froggy Eats Out" by Jonathan London and Frank Remkiewicz
...available here
3. "A Gift from Zeus" by Jeanne and William Steig
...available here
RECOMMENDATIONS BY AGE
Is Baby Mimi crazy about animals? Is 12-year-old Cole interested in rain forest preservation? Find recommendations for all ages in our children's bookstore.
* Children's Books (Baby-3)
...available here
* Children's Books (Ages 4-8)
...available here
* Children's Books (Ages 9-12)
...available here
* Teens
...available here
Positively Mythological
"A Gift from Zeus"
Jeanne Steig
...available here
Frolicking across Olympus, ablaze with jealousy, passion, and wit,
the ancient gods of Greece and Rome have always been fodder for
storytellers: "Goddesses with lethal gazes, Flying horses--goodness
gracious!" And at last, the incomparable creative team of Jeanne and
William Steig has stepped up to the task, retelling and illustrating
16 favorite myths with brilliance, grace, and hilarity. Jeanne
Steig's interpretations are nothing less than genius, as are her
husband's godly renderings of Prometheus and Pandora's box. (This
book is best for adults, but surely titillating for kids 10 and
older as well.)
Read our exclusive article about William Steig
...available here
Oh, Mandy
"Mandy (Reading Rainbow)"
Julie Andrews
...available here
This was one of my favorite books when I was a kid, and it wasn't
just because The Sound of Music star (goddess) Julie Andrews was my
idol and the choir teacher made us all try to imitate her when
singing. (She must have been very disappointed.) "Mandy" is about a
10-year-old girl who crawls over her orphanage wall one day, and
discovers an abandoned cottage to call her very own. Details such as
a room with walls entirely decorated with seashells and a garden in
need of attention have stuck with me for decades. The perfect story
for any child who dreams of creating his or her own little world, in
whatever form. (Ages 8 to 12)
More recommendations for older readers
...available here
Not-So-Happy Campers
"Fiddleback"
...available here
Ahh, there's nothing like an idyllic camping trip with friends and
family... until the old-growth tree poachers start lurking, a
torrential storm washes out the road, and a pregnant woman announces
her baby's coming. Australian author's Elizabeth Honey's
"Fiddleback" is nonstop, action-packed fun.
More summer-reading selections
...available here
TEACHING IS A WORK OF HEART
Classroom-tested, teacher-approved (and often teacher-written), the
titles in our Scholastic Teaching Resources Store truly reflect its
mission: to instill the lifelong love of reading and learning in all
children. Don't let this opportunity slip by--investigate these
stellar educational resources and transform your classroom or
homeschool into a window on the world.
...available here
newBOOKnews, an associate of Amazon, announces "A STORE IS BORN"
New Arrival
newBOOKnews, Amazon.com and Babiesrus.com are proud to announce the birth of our
new Baby store.
...available here
In it, you'll find everything from strollers and car seats to
highchairs and bedding, not to mention the ultimate online baby
registry.
...available here
FRESH INK
The latest releases for insatiable bookworms
Color My World
"Colors"
Robert Crowther
...available here
Yellow, red, green, pink, blue, orange, white, and black are explored
in pop-up master Robert Crowther's engaging "Colors." Each spread
appears as one solid color, until kids lift the flaps and slide the
tabs to discover the brightly colored objects and critters that lurk
in that color scheme. A splendid, artistic introduction to colors!
A World of Words
"Sam's Big Book of Words"
Yves Got
...available here
Sam the bunny's days are as full as any toddler's, with trips to the
beach, a farm, the store, and an aquarium. At each stop and on every
page of this slick, appealing, picture-filled "Sam's Big Book of
Words," Sam learns the names of everything from ants to yogurt. It's
off-the-charts cute and a wonderful tool for budding readers.
A Stomachache in Her Head and a Headache in Her Throat
"The Sick Day"
Patricia MacLachlan
...available here
Every kid figures it out sooner or later--sick days can be kind of
fun, especially if a loving caregiver is there to fetch ginger ale,
special blankets, and stuffed animals. "The Sick Day," by Patricia
MacLachlan, with new watercolors by Jane Dyer, is as reassuring and
true today as it was when first published 20 years ago.
BESTSELLERS
1. "The Wizard's Dilemma" by Diane Duane
...available here
2. "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman
...available here
3. "Because of Winn-Dixie" by Kate DiCamillo
...available here
associates of amazon.com,bn,tower,cdnow
CDs BOOKs DVDs Home Page
Editor, Karin Snelson, reviews excerpted are copyright © 2001 amazon.com & associate ncdn and CDnow, TowerRecords, Barnes & Nobel associates
LibraryPreviews.com