Bear Dance, by Jan Wahl

Illustrated by Monique Felix

Rating: Recommended

Creative Editions, 2008, $17.95

ISBN: 8791568461991

Age/Grade Level: 4-8

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With Van Gogh-esque illustrations, Felix and Wahl draw the reader into the natural beauty of the wilderness where Bear is dancing, living in freedom and peace. To the adult reader the ominous approach of the tiny caged wagon drawn by two horses signals impending doom. Small men with orange hats capture Bear, shove him in a wagon, and feed him only when he performs their demanded requests. If your goal is to subtly imbue children with respect for nature's freedom, the egregious wrong of dominating and taking against someone's will, then this is the book for you. Circling back to the way things should be, Bear teaches the reader that despite terrible things that happen to you, joy of spirit cannot be destroyed.

Reviewer: Marie Twombly, OCPL/Aliso Viejo

Floating on Mama's Song: Flotando en la Cancion de Mama, by Laura Lacamara

Illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Rating: Recommended

HarperCollins, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 9780060843687

Age/Grade level: ages 4 to 7

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Simply delightful! Mama loves to sing, and her gift holds a special magic. But sometimes special magic is not understood by everyone. Out of fear and ignorance, negative neighbors pressure Grandma into making Mama promise never to sing again. Told from the young daughter's perspective, we learn how to navigate our way out of misery and oppression. Singing during childhood is a powerful method of expressing emotions that young children may not be capable of articulating. Moreover, Lacamara's text teaches a lesson of self-esteem by juxtoposing the neighbor's negative disapproval against the positive aspects of Mama's singing. Morales' dreamy illustrations soften what could be a pedantic lecture, although Lacamara's lyrical style would not have permitted that either. All in all, an enjoyable bilingual tale that will encourage the Spanish and English learner to read on!

Reviewer: Marie Twombly, OCPL/Aliso Viejo

Magnus Maximus, A Marvelous Measurer, by Kathleen T. Pelley

Rating: Very Good

Farrar Straus Giroux, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 9780374347253

Age/Grade Level: Ages 4-8

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This unique picture book tells the tale of Magnus Maximus, an old man who likes to measure things. But he doesn't just measure normal things, he likes to measure all kinds of crazy things like the wobbliness of a jellyfish or the itchiness of an itch. The book is nicely illustrated and it's enough unlike a typical picture book that it might be an interesting choice for an older storytime crowd. The story concludes with Magnus realizing that his obsession with measuring things has made him unappreciative of many things around him, such as his friends at a dinner party or the beauty of the ocean. This lesson seemed a little abrupt, especially since his measurements seemed really cool and fun up until practically the end of the book. However, the story is well written and the alliterative sentences and vocabulary make it enjoyable to read aloud.

Reviewer: Sarah Stimson, OCPL/Irvine University Park

Spartacus the Spider, by Etienne Delessert

Rating: Recommended


Creative Editions, 2010, $17.95


ISBN: 9781568462134



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Delessert is without a doubt one of the most talented illustrators, as is evidenced by numerous awards and renowned recognition. So it goes without saying that the contrast between glossy white, charcoal grays, honey browns decorated with soft rose-toned hues, accented occasionally with some fire-engine red makes Spartacus the Spider visually uplifting. Equally uplifting is the story of a young spider imbued with expectations of grandeur by his parents, who discovers through an intricate process of reflection and consideration the rewarding confidence healthy self-esteem supplies. Moreover, Delessert's platform provides considerable topics for discussion depending upon one's viewpoints. His work supplies an arena in which values can be discussed and considered; an excellent method of developing a child's mind.





Reviewer: Marie Twombly, OCPL/Aliso Viejo

Saving the Baghdad Zoo: A True Story of Hope and Heroes, by Kelly Milner Halls

Rating: Additional

Greenwillow, 2010, $17.99

ISBN: 9780061772023

Age/Grade Level: Ages 8 and up

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Saving the Baghdad Zoo is a nonfiction account of the almost complete destruction and subsequent rebuilding of the Baghdad Zoo during the war in Iraq. It's written largely from the perspective of Major William Sumner, a U.S. soldier serving in Iraq during the war. He was sent to investigate the conditions of the zoo after it had been virtually abandoned during the conflict. The book is immensely interesting, discussing a topic that we rarely hear about in the news. There is a lot of information about the animals and wonderful photographs throughout, which help convey the immensity of the challenges they faced. This book also shows how saving the Zoo became a uniting force for Iraqis and Americans both working toward the same goal. So while the story is a winner, the writing itself is a little scattered. There is not a whole lot of cohesion between chapters. Some of the more contentious aspects of the story, including the death of one of the tigers by an American soldier, are only touched on briefly. And there are a lot of sidebars and lengthy captions that make the layout crowded and unappealing. Overall, it's an interesting book and would attract readers. But because it's not a topic in high demand, it would probably work best in large library collections.

Reviewer: Sarah Stimson, OCPL/Irvine University Park

Pajama Pirates, by Andrew Kramer

Illustrated by Leslie Lammle

Rating: Recommended

HarperCollins, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0-06-1251948

Age Range: Ages 4-6

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This simple rhyming book captures the fun of imaginative play. It's bedtime and three children and a dog turn into pirates on the hunt for treasure in a bed-boat. They barely escape with their lives when they meet up with unfriendly pirates and are hopelessly outnumbered. They outwit them by turning their torn sail into a ghost and scaring them off. This brave trio and dog can't escape Mama Nature's final call, so they land their ship and walk the plank to their beds and dream about buried treasure. The double spread watercolor illustrations are perfect with their dreamy quality and soft pastel colors.

Reviewer: Pat Campbell, OCPL/La Palma Branch

Hey, Rabbit by Sergio Ruzzier

Rating: Recommended

Roaring Brook, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 978-1-59643-502-5

Age Range: Toddler-Kindergarten

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Take a rabbit, add a magical suitcase and rabbit's animal friends, and you have a recipe for an enchanting and delightful read-aloud story for prereaders. "Hey, Rabbit! Is there anything for me in your suitcase?" is the question that greets rabbit as he pushes, carries and pulls his magical suitcase along the grass and individually meets his friends. Of course there is! As the suitcase is opened, each animal friend gets exactly what they want and more. The magic spills onto a double page for each one. A dog wants a bone for his birthday and gets a birthday cake made of bones. A toucan wants a leaf to remind him of home and gets a jungle complete with plants and animals. A bear, cat, mouse, and crab also get what they want. When rabbit wonders if there is anything left for him in the suitcase, he slowly opens it and all his friends come out of it, along with a huge radish. The illustrations are simple and sweet. There is plenty of white space in most pictures. I would highly recommend this book. It will be enjoyed by anyone who has a special wish.

Reviewer: Pat Campbell, OCPL/La Palma Branch

The Karma Club, by Jessica Brody

Rating: Recommended

Farrar Straus Giroux, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0-374-33979-1

Age/Grade Level: YA

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After a romantic setback, three teens discover the concept of karma and decide it's their job to make the universe right. Their plans for revenge, I mean, karmic retribution are creative, if at times only marginally legal, and often hilarious. But playing with karma leads to unexpected and mostly unpleasant consequences. In other words, don't try this at home! The girls are sympathetic and the Northern California setting rings true. A fun summer read teenage girls are bound to enjoy.

Reviewer: Linda McLaughlin, Fullerton Public Library

The Naming of Tishkin Silk, by Glenda Millard

Illustrated by Patrice Barton
Rating: Very Good
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009, $15.99
ISBN: 99780374354817
Age/Grade Level: Grades 3-5

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Griffin Silk is the youngest member of the Silk family, an almost ethereal family in a small town. He is attending real school for the first time because his mother has "gone away," and though he draws quite a bit of attention because of his rather eccentric family, he makes a friend in Layla, a sweet classmate who wears a daisy-chain crown. As the two become friends, Layla breaks Griffin's fragile shell and learns the details of his family's silence as to why their mom lives somewhere else and why there was once a baby sister whose crib lays empty. At only 100 pages with large margins and pictures, this is a quiet and sweet story of grief, forgiveness and family. A great pick for parent and child to read together and discuss.

Reviewer: Jacqueline Overlid, OCPL/Villa Park

My Garden, by Kevin Henkes

Greenwillow, 2010, $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-171518-1
Age/Grade Level: Preschool/Kindergarten
Rating: Very Good

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Mother has a garden, but this unique garden is the product of a young girl's imagination. This one would have no weeds and the flowers would never die. There would be chocolate rabbits, birds and sea shells. "What are you doing?" asks mother. "Oh, nothing," I say. "Just working in my garden." Simple text is a strong match to the corresponding illustrations.

I read this to a preschooler the other day, and she was animated and all smiles.

Reviewer: Jane Yarborough, Library consultant

Higgledy-Piggledy Chicks, by Barbara Joose

Illustrated by Rick Chrustowski
Greenwillow, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0-06-075043-5

Age/Grade Level: 2-5 years

Rating: Very Good

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Mama stays very busy keeping her seven new chicks from getting into trouble in a very busy barnyard. The reader will delight in all the "animal sounds" that punctuate this delightful tale. In the end pages, the illustrator shares her experiences raising young chicks, and the inspiration for trying a new art form -- collage. It also provides a great model for a fun art activity.

Reviewer: Jane Yarbrough, Library consultant

Who Would Like a Christmas Tree? by Ellen Bryan Obed

Illustrated by Anne Hunter
Houghton Mifflin, 2009, $16.00
ISBN: 978-0-547-04625-9
Age/Grade Level: K-3rd grade
Rating: Recommended



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A Christmas tree farm is home to all kinds of animals. It depends upon which month of the year, from January to December, that you visit the farm. You will catch sight of these wonderful woodland creatures feasting on the roots and pine nuts, feeding their young and spinning webs. We learn about the habits of bucks and fawns, woodchucks and wild turkeys. But, "Who would like a Christmas tree in December?" "We would!" answer the happy children and their parents.


At the end of the book, a month-by-month plan describes how a Christmas tree farmer takes care of her farm. Bright and bold colored illustrations greatly enhance the theme of the story.


Reviewer: Jane Yarbrough, Library consultant

The Inside Tree, by Linda Smith

Illustrated by David Parkins

HarperCollins, 2010, $16.99

ISBN 98-0-06-029818-0

Grade/Age: 4-8 years
Rating: Very Good

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A fanciful tale about Mr. Potter, his dog, and what happens when he brings the lone tree from his yard into his house. when it grows and grows, Mr. Potter decides to make some changes in his living quarters. The colorful and "busy" illustrations give the reader many opportunities to identify the numerous happy "winged visitors" that find a home in Mr. Potter's house.

Reviewer: Jane Yarbrough, Educational Consultant

The Last Polar Bear, by Jean Craighead George

Illustrated by Wendell Minor

Rating: Additional

Harpercollins, 2009, $16.99

ISBN: 9780061240676

Age/Grade Level: Kindergarten and up

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Beautiful illustrations. Mini-lesson on the results of global warming and pollution. A little bit preachy for the adult readers, it manages to touch on endangered species, gender stereotypes, pollution, the theory of global warming and its ultimate impact. Aka, the young Native American, and his grandmother take in an orphaned polar bear cub to teach it how to "survive in a changing world." Good intentions, but are they doing the bear any favors by bringing him nto contact with the people and living with them? Would he be able to return to the wild and survive after that? All sorts of questions about the real value of taking in a wild animal to have humans teach him how to survive in the new world are raised, and not really addressed.

Reviewer: Cathy Gillette, OCPL/La Habra

Big George: How a shy boy became President Washington, by Anne F. Rockwell

Illustrated by Matt Phelan

Rating: Recommended

Harcourt, 2009, $17.00

ISBN: 9780152165833

Age/Grade level: Kindergarten and up

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Great illustrations and a very accessible telling of the important events in the life of young George Washington, leading to his growing up to become the Commander of the American Revolutionary Army, and the first President of the United States. Makes George an interestng person, and young readers and listeners will remember his story of service and patriotism. A rare readable book that can be used for Presidents' Day and on other special occasions.

Reviewer: Cathy Gillette, OCPL/La Habra

Be a Genie in Six Easy Steps, by Linda Chapman and Steve Cole

Rating: Very Good

Harper, 2009, $16.99

ISBN: 9780061252198

Age/Grade Level: 4th Grade and up

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A fun, old-fashioned story about four chidlren in a new combined family becoming a family, as they deal with relocation from London to a small English village and they find a magical book. In that book is an enchanted bookworm, who guides them through the steps and rules of being a real genie. While the children show real aptitude, they have to deal with the moral and ethical aspects about granting worthy wishes and how to select the best way to do it. No Harry Potter, but a good read with a satisfactory conclusion that gives the reader something to think about!

Reviewer: Cathy Gillette, OCPL/La Habra

Day-Glo Brothers: The true story of Bob and Joe Switzer's bright ideas and brand-new colors, by Chris Barton

Illustrated by Tony Persiani

Rating: Recommended

Charlesbridge, 2009, $18.95

ISBN: 978-1-57091673-1

Age/Grade Level: grades 2-5

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This book is hard to ignore. Not only is it about the development of fluorescent pigments, but the eye-popping tones are liberally used in the book design and illustrations. Chris Barton's clever text chronicles how an interest in ultraviolet light led Bob and Joe Switzer to what they called "Day-Glo" paint in 1938. It took years, but as Joe would say, "If just one experiment out of a thousand succeeds, then you're ahead of the game." Tony Persiani's cartoonish illustrations have just the right retro feel for this light-hearted but inspiring story.

Reviewer: Mary Smith, OCPL/El Toro

Built by Angels: The story of the old-new synagogue, by Mark Podwal

Rating: Very Good

Harcourt, 2009, $16.00

ISBN: 978-0-15-2066789

Age/Grade Level: Grades 1-3

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The old-new synagogue in Prague is the oldest standing synagogue in Europe. Author Podwal has spun together some of the legends that have sprung up about this historic building: that angels built it from stones originally from the destroyed temple in Jerusalem, that a golem is locked in the attic. The brightly painted illustrations in the manner of Chagall evoke the dreamlike mood. Some of the elements (like the golem) are glossed over so quickly that a reader not already familiar with Jewish folklkore might be confused. But overall, this is an evocative, poetic tribute to a special place.

Reviewer: Mary Smith, OCPL/El Toro

Pussycat's Christmas, by Margaret Wise Brown

Illustrated by Anne Mortimer

Rating: Additional

Katherine Tegen Books, 2009, $9.99

ISBN: 978-0-06-186978-5

Age/Grade Level: Ages 5-9

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Before you buy this, check if you might already have it in your collection. Although this is the "first paper-over-board edition," it has the same illustrations by Anne Mortimer as an edition from 1994. Very fine illustrations they are, too. Pussycat's bright yellow eyes shine, and her finely rendered fur gleams. The text by Margaret Wise Brown is copyrighted 1949 and has some similarities to "The Golden Egg Book," but the story is more rambling and less satisfying than that classic. The main appeal will be to cat lovers who will enjoy the kitty's-eye view of the Christmas season.

Reviewer: Mary Smith, OCPL/El Toro

Winter Trees, by Carole Gerber

Illustrated by Leslie Evans

Rating: Additional

Charlesbridge, 2008, $15.95

ISBN: 9781580891684

Age/Grade level: Ages 4-7

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A young boy and his dog take a walk in the snow; he uses sight and touch to observe how--bare of leaves--many trees have strikingly different and easily recognizable shapes.

The simple poetic text and the linear illustrations--a mix of lenoleum block prints, watercolors, and collage--convey a subtle appreciation of nature which this lovely, quiet book can foster in young children on a one-to-one basis, in primary classrooms, or even effectively presented in a storytime.

Reviewer: B. Carswell, OCPL/West Garden Grove

What's Coming for Christmas? by Kate Banks

Illustrated by Georg Hallensleben

Rating: Additional

Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2009, $15.99

ISBN: 9780374399481

Age/Grade Level: Preschool-2nd grade

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It is Christmastime on the farm, and both humans and animals are filled with anticipation. The suspense mounts as the pages unfold: "Something was coming," but although the children might guess that Christmas was approaching, what is happening among the animals will come as a wonderful surprise.

This tender story beautifully illustrated with soft-focus acrylic drawings, which could almost have been done by children, strikes just the right note between realism and wonder. A lovely addition to the Yule season books.

Reviewer: B. Carswell, OCPL/West Garden Grove

Pharoah's Boat, by David Weitzman

Rating: Recommended
Houghton Mifflin, 2009, $18.00
ISBN: 9780547053417
Age/Grade Level: Ages 9-12

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With poetic language and striking illustrations, David Weitzman chronicles the story of how one of the greatest boats of Ancient Egypt came to be built -- and built again, after a miraculous find at the great pyramid of Giza led to its excavation and reconstruction.

Fascinatingly written and enriched with myriads of meticulous drawings, the book unfolds like a mystery and reveals a tantalizing portrait of this glorious age in Eyptian history.

Reviewer: B. Carswell, OCPL/West Garden Grove

The Leprechaun Who Lost His Rainbow, by Sean Callahan

Illustrated by Nancy Cole

Rating: Additional

Albert Whitman, 2009, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0807544549

Age/Grade Level: K-2nd Grade

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Colleen's grandfather is getting ready to play his bagpipes in the annual St. Patrick's Day parade, when the rain threatens to ruin the day. While she plays her little green pennywhistle, a little leprechaun pops out and asks for her help in making a rainbow so they can stop the rain and find his gold. With Colleen's help, and her special whistle, together the two make a rainbow and save the day. Colleen is rewarded for her generosity, and the parade can go on. Though this sweet story is a little too text-heavy for a rave review, it provides a nice way to introduce colors, the concept of rainbows, and cultural significance with references to Irish traditions and myth. Good for larger library and holiday collections.

Reviewer: Jacqueline Overlid, OCPL/Villa Park

Cake Girl, by David Lucas

Rating: Additional

Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009, $15.95

ISBN: 9780374399092

Age/Grade Level: ages 8-11

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In this bedazzling book, a witch bemoans being--again--alone on her brithday. So she bakes a Cake Girl and tells her to sing and dance and do all the housework. "And then," says the Witch, "I'll eat you." Cake Girl, being bright and clever, manages to turn the tables on the witch with happy results for them both. Deliciously illustrated with cheery pen-and-watercolor artwork that dances across the pages, this magical picture book will enchant young readers, and not just at Halloween.

Reviewer: B. Carswell, OCPL/West Garden Grove

Never Ask a Bear, by Louise Bonnett-Rampersaud

Illustrated by Doris Barrette

Rating: Additional

Harper, 2009, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0-06-1128769

Age/Grade level: K-2nd grade

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Bright two-page spreads illustrate the ten "rules" about what not to do when you have a grizzly bear over the play. Bears are apparently very bad houseguests who will break doors, scare siblings, paint on pets and flood the bathroom. The illustrations are fun and lively, showing lots of movement, but the rules don't have that same fun. This would be a fun storytime book because of the silly theme and clear, big pictures, but the ending doesn't have that "pow" factor, and may actually lead kids who are playing attention to ask, "huh?" Good for larger collections and for bear and "what if" storytime themes.

Reviewer: Jacqueline Overlid, OCPL/Villa Park Branch

Evidence of Angels, by Suza Scalora

Rating: Additional

Harper, 2009, $19.99

ISBN: 9780061243431

Age/Grade Level: Junior High or High School

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In this oversized title, the author uses her personal grief over the loss of her "Gustav" as a jumping point into the discussion of angels. With bright and hazy "photographs" depicting her angel sightings, Scalora describes her experience and interactions with angels and others touched by a mysterious presence. With limited text, mostly descriptions of her walks around the city, letters from other angel-watchers and quotes from a "tattered leather-covered" library book entitled Divine Light: Angels, Scalora introduces different types of angels and their mantras with an almost nonfiction feel. Francesca Lia Block is listed as an additional author, and her name makes this almost odd, spiritual title much more approachable and special. This is an additional title for larger collections to add to their older child/teen sections. Young teens who feel for the world of Weetzie Bat will surely appreciate the world of angels and Scalora's convincing production.

Reviewer: Jacqueline Overlid, OCPL/Villa Park

Santa's Stowaway, by Brandon Dorman

Rating: Additional

Greenwillow, $16.99, 2009

ISBN: 9780061351884

Age/Grade Level: 3-8 years

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Sam, a new elf in Santa's workshop, asks Santa why Christmas matters. To discover the answer, Sam stows away on Santa's sleigh and actually follows Santa into a house. The little girl who discovers Santa is so pleased with the toy Sam made that Sam realizes what makes Christmas so special for him.

The digital art used as the basis of the illustrations in this picture book has a soft edge, which gives the book an old-time feeling. Brandon Dorman is primarily an illustrator working wiht digital art for book covers, but he also creates a theme appropriate for young children and adults in this particular story. The illustrations are so detailed and engaging, they compete with the story for attention. Be sure to watch for the mouse.

Reviewer: Anne Williams, OCPL/Fountain Valley

The Hanukkah Mice, by Steven Kroll

Illustrated by Michelle Shapiro

Rating: Additional

Marshall Cavendish, $14.99, 2008

ISBN: 9780761454281

Age/Grade Level: 4-8 years

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A picture book about the Hanukkah tradition of gift-giving to children. The mouse brother and sister are amazed when the human girl receives a doll house just the right size for a mouse family the first night of Hanukkah. Each night after, the new present is furnishings for the doll house. The eighth night, the gift is a miniature menorah. The mice are having so much fun, they are not even aware the girl is watching them enjoy the doll house.

The simple, colorful illustrations by Michelle Shapiro do not detract from the story's theme. This story is simpler than Steven Kroll's Will You Be My Valentine? holiday book, but it also deals with how children look at holiday giving, in a story that addresses the way adults help young children learn the meaning of different holidays. This is a good selection for young children about the traditions of Hanukkah and gift giving.

Reviewer: Anne Williams, OCPL/Fountain Valley

Duck for Turkey Day, by Jacqueline Jules

Illustrated by Kathryn Mitter

Rating: Very Good

Albert Whitman, 2009, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0-8075-1734-5

Age/Grade Level: Ages 5-8

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This is a story of the traditional American holiday, Thanksgiving, through the eyes of a young Vietnamese girl whose family traditions vary from those of some of her classmates. It tells of her desire to have turkey on Turkey Day rather than her well-loved family tradition, duck. The heartwarming conclusion gives insight into the many other traditional meals had by American children at Thanksgiving other than turkey. It is cultural understanding delivered to an early school-age audience. The illustrations are bright and soft. This is a story children can relate to and will follow easily.

Reviewer: Elisabeth Ellis, OCPL/Stanton

The Cat's Tale: Why the Years Are Named For Animals, by Doris Orgel

Illustrated by Meilo So

Rating: Marginal

Roaring Brook Press, 2008, $17.95

Age/Grade Level: Ages 4-8

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The story is a children's version of how the Chinese calendar was named for twelve different animals. Willow, a young girl, is told the story by her grandmother until the little girl's precocious cat, Mao, takes over the telling. The story tells of the race between the animals to be named an animal of the Chinese calendar. The writing style of the author is somewhat difficult to follow, and I think the book will have a hard time keeping the attention of young readers. it is too wordy for a storytime, and the illustrations are presented in a very busy manner. The traditional tale is interrupted several times by the search for Willow's stuffed pig, creating more confusion within the book.

Reviewer: Elisabeth Ellis, OCPL/Stanton

Merry Christmas, Splat, by Rob Scotton

Rating: Recommended

HarperCollins, 2009, $16.99

ISBN: 9780060831608

Age/Grade Level: Ages 3-7

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Scotton's vibrant illustrations are melted-crayon colorful against the black and white backdrop, inviting any young reader to pet Splat because he looks so darn soft and fluffy. It's nearing Christmas, and Splat, with help from his loyal friend Seymour the rat, is writing a letter to Santa because it's very important to let Santa know what to bring you. However, Splat's confidence in his good behavior is shaken by his incredulous little sister; so in an endeavor to assuage his growing doubts, he begins to do chores around the house. For example, Splat washes all the dishes: problem is, the dishes aren't dirty! And when he opens the front door to shovel the snow, well, you guessed it, the snow splats all over Splat. Scotton's comedic timing places Splat in near misses and almost catastrophes that any child (or adult for that matter) can relate to in this sweet tale of personal expectations and rewards.

Reviewer: Marie L. Twombly, OCPL/Aliso Viejo

Mystery Vine, by Cathryn Falwell

Rating: Recommended

Greenwillow Books, 2009, $16.99

ISBN: 9780061771989

Age/Grade Level: Ages 3-7

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Perfect for Toddler Storytime, Falwell's simple rhymes accompany colorwheel brightness, while imparting a soft, earthy tone essence of nature as Mom, brother, sister, and even the family dog plant lots of seeds, watch them grow and pull the weeds. Do employ dialogic reading and have your kids point out the intricacies Falwell places on each page, from the tiny red ladybug crawling across the growing mystery vine to the small yellow butterfly accenting the sky above. In cumulative style, Falwell presents the seasons cycles while simultaneously offering a simple lesson in fruits and vegetables (and no, they don't all come from the grocery store!). As a special bonus, Falwell includes recipes, gardening fun with simple, easy-to-follow instructions, and while this reviewer is no fool and not about to give away the identity of the mystery vine, let's just say that it rhymes with bumpkin. You are absolutely never going to guess!

Reviewer: Marie L. Twombly, OCPL/Aliso Viejo

Michelle, by Deborah Hopkinson

Illustrated by AG Ford

Rating: Additional

Katherine Tegen Books, 2009, $17.99

ISBN: 978-0-06-1827396

Age/Grade Level: Ages 4-8

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Michelle is presented as a picture book biography of First Lady Michelle Obama. The book covers information about Mrs. Obama from her birth through the inauguration of President Barack Obama. The book includes colorful illustrations of Michelle Obama throughout important periods in her life. At the end of the book is an author's note with additional details about Mrs. Obama's life.

As a book for young children, this is a good introduction to information about the First Lady. The book solely presents a positive side of Michelle Obama, but for young children researching her or trying to learn about her, it gives good background about her life and history. The color illustrations are detailed and give warmth to the book, which keeps the reader engaged and wanting to read more about the First Lady.

Reviewer: Kristine Russell, OCPL/Ladera Ranch

Tyrannoclaus, by Janet Lawler

Illustrated by John Shroades

Rating: Marginal

HarperCollins, 2009, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0-06-1170546

Age/Grade Level: Ages 4-8

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Tyrannoclaus is the story of a Tyrannosaurus Rex serving as a dino-version of Santa Claus for all the dinosaur children. It follows the model of the classic holiday tale 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. In this fractured version of the tale, Tyrannoclaus and his helpers are busy preparing for Christmas when the volcano crater they are working in begins to erupt. Tyrannoclaus and his helpers must rush to escape impending doom and safely deliver gifts to all the young dinosaurs.

What child doesn't love T-Rex and Christmas? Well, I think a child who experienced this book might find it a big disappointing. The cover art for this book made me very hopeful, but when I started reading it I was disappointed by the contrived rhyming that was used so that the story would mimic the classic, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. I am sure young children will appreciate the illustrations in the book, with brightly colored dinosaurs, but the text and flow of the story are lacking in what could have been a great picture book.

Reviewer: Kristine Russell, OCPL/Ladera Ranch

Here Comes Jack Frost, by Kazuno Kohara

Rating: Recommended

Roaring Brook Press, 2009, $12.99

ISBN: 9781596434424

Age/Grade Level: PreK - Grade 2

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The simple, yet intriguing illustrations will draw the young reader into this story of winter friends. Jack Frost has come to play with a young boy, and the joys of their friendship and the winter season are evident in these beautiful pages. The author uses spare text and shades of blue and white to share this charming story of winter.

Reviewer: Mary Pezzetti, OCPL/Tustin Branch

The Twelve Prayers of Christmas, by Candy Chand

Illustrated by James Bernadin

Rating: Recommended

Harper Blessings, 2009, $16.99

ISBN: 9780060776367

Age/Grade Level: PreK to Grade 2

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The illustrations in this beautiful book are simply stunning. The story of Jesus's birth is related in a series of twelve poems and pictures, each from a different participant in the event. This is a well-crafted book of praise and celebration, and is a good choice for family sharing during the Christmas season.

Reviewer: Mary Pezzetti, OCPL/Tustin Branch

Have You Ever Seen a Sneep? by Tasha Pym

Illustrated by Joel Stewart

Rating: Recommended

Random House, 2009, $16.95

ISBN: 9780374328689

Age/Grade Level: Ages 3 and up

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A poetic tale of a young boy who questions the Sneep and friends who seem to be following him throughout his day and his picnic. A cute sotry with nice illustrations. The shades of color the illustrator uses are subtle and calming. Tasha PYm is a British author and a line or two may need to be explained to youngsters. A little British jargon makes the book standout nicely.

Reviewer: Kim Christofferson, Orange County Public Library/Cypress Branch