Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs, by Mo Willems

Rating: Recommended
Balzer and Bray, 2012, $17.99
ISBN: 978-0062104182
Age/Grade Level:

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When has Mo Willems written anything bad?  Never, of course, and this retelling of the classic Goldilocks story is no exception.  It's darling and hilarious in that sly only-adults-know-how-funny-this-is way, while never failing to appeal to children.  In this boo, Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur, and a visiting dinosaur from Norway try to bait Goldilocks wiht chocolate pudding so that they can create the perfect "chocolate-filled-little-girl-bonbon."  But she wises up to the face that their lovely home's furniture is just too enormous to belong to bears and runs out the back door, leaving the dinosaurs hungry and disappointed.  There are two morals to the story that are pretty darned appropriate and funny.  Highly recommended for the witty writing and crayon-like illustrations that Mo Willems perfected in his pigeon books!

Reviewer:  Rita Law, Children's Librarian, Fullerton Public Library

Little Sweet Potato, by Amy Beth Bloom

Illustrated by Noah Z. Jones
Rating: Recommended
Katherine Tegen Books, 2012
ISBN: 978-0061804397
Age/Grade Level: Primary

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Amy Beth Bloom's debut picture book is simply adorable.  After getting dislodged from his garden one day, a little sweet potato tries to find his way back home.  Along the way he meets some not-so-nice flowers, eggplants, and carrots who call him "dumpy, bumpy, and kind of lumpy."  But finally the little sweet potato comes upon a nice hodgepodge garden with many oblong vegetables and flowers.  Calling him "bumpalicious," they welcome him in and tell him they like "all kinds."  Children and adults alike will appreciate the book's message of acceptance, not to mention the bright illustrations with plenty of smiley faces to go around.  Highly recommended!

Reviewer:  Rita Law, Children's Librarian, Fullerton Public Library

Seed by Seed: The Legend and Legacy of John "Appleseed" Chapman, by Esme Raji Codell

Illustrated by Lynne Rae Perkins

Rating: Recommended

Greenwillow, 2012, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0061455155

Age/Grade Level:

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This is a must-buy for any school or public library.  Gorgeously illustrated and written, this picture book explores the life of John Chapman ("Johnny Appleseed") by taking readers back in time to the start of his apple seed-planting movement.  Five of his philosophies are expounded upon: "Use what you have," "Share what you have," "Respect nature, "Try to make peace where there is war," and "You can reach your destination by taking small steps."  Different vignettes show how he lived by these philosophies and became an American hero.  The mixed media artwork, especially a two-page spread with intricate embroidery, adds to the luxe feel of the book, while a short apple pie recipe on the last page gives this simple biography plenty of flavor.

Reviewer: Rita Law, Children's Librarian, Fullerton Public Library

Bang! Boom! Roar! A busy crew of dinosaurs, by Nate Evans and Stephanie Gwyn Brown

Illustrated by Christopher Santoro
Rating: Recommended
HarperCollins, 2012, $15.99
ISBN: 978-0060879600
Age/Grade Level: Grade 1-2

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This book combines almost all of the slam-dunk elements a child likes in a book, which means it has a lot going on, but it has a lot going for it, too. A fun, rhyming ABC book, it appeals to kids who love dinosaurs and kids who love bulldozers, featuring computer-generated art alongside real photographs.  On top of all this realistic whimsy, the wacky expressions on the dinosaurs' faces simply inspire joy in the reader.  The book is very charming, although every stanza is a mouthful to read.  The passages emphasize letters of the alphabet with non-stop alliteration, making it a good selection for bedtime, though not for library storytimes.  Recommended!

Reviewer:  Rita Law, Children's Librarian, Fullerton Public Library

Amelia Bedelia's First Vote, by Herman Parish

Illustrated by Lynn Avril

Rating: Recommended
Greenwillow, 2012, $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-209406-3
Age/Grade Level: 6-8 years

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Amelia Bedelia returns to the classroom as a busy young lady who runs errands for Miss Edwards, and runs into "Mr. K," the principal.  When Amelia suggests that the kids in her class VOTE on the school rules, Mr. K. agrees.  Students learn the process of casting a ballot, dealing with a tie vote, and its solution.  Everyone is delighted with the school rule that gets the most votes, including Miss Edwards and Mr. K.  A totally upbeat, delightful story.

Reviewer:  Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

White House Kids, by Joe Rhatigan

Illustrated by Jay Shinn
Rating: Very Good
Charlesbridge, 2012, $14.95
ISBN: 978-1-936140-80-0
Age/Grade Level: 4th-7th grade

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An "encyclopedia" of information about the children who lived in the White House, from Washington to Obama.  The narrative is not easy to follow because it moves back and forth among the presidential tenures.  Nevertheless, it is filled with fascinating facts and impressions about the presidents' children.  The reader is left with the impression that life in the White House had its pros and cons for the children, but few seem to regret having lived there.  The book is not for quick page-turners; it requires lingering awhile.

Reviewers:  Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

The House that George Built, by Suzanne Slade

Illustrated by Rebecca Bond
Rating:  Recommended
Charlesbridge, 2012, $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-58089-262-9
Age/Grade Level: 1st-3rd grade

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A true story about our first president's role in the locating, designing, and supervising the building of the White House.  A clear and simple progression of events, as George plans to build a special house that will be the symbol of this great new nation.  Although Washington never lived in the White House, it was ready in 1800 for John Adams.

A wonderful piece of history for the young reader. Author's notes are very helpful.

Reviewer:  Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

The Next Door Bear, by Mary Kuryla

Illustrated by Eugene Yelchin
Rating: Very Good
HarperCollins, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-170874-9
Age/Grade Range: 4-8 years

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Emma is new to the city.  She has no friends and doesn't feel welcome.  Even riding the elevator was a problem, until she found the door opened on both sides.  A honeybee leads her to a garden where she meets Mr. Bear, dripping with honey.  An invitation to tea, by Mr. Bear, begins a new friendship.  This fanciful experience helps Emma find a way to feel welcome, and to make friends with the neighborhood kids.

Reviewer:  Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

Charlie the Ranch Dog, by Ree Drummond

Illustrated by Diane de Groat
Rating: Very Good
HarperCollins, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-06-199655-9
Age/Grade level: 4-8 years

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Charlie the Ranch Dog loves living on the ranch.  His daily chores are many: eating comes first, and keeping track of his friend Daisy.  That is a lot of work, espeically between naps.  The illustrations will make you smile.  Note the back pages:  The Pioneer Woman's (and Charlie's) Favorite Lasagna recipe.

Reviewer:  Jane Yarbrough, Library consultant

We Are America: A Tribute from the Heart, by Walter Dean Myers

Illustrated by Christopher Myers
Rating:  Additional
HarperCollins, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-06-052309-1
Age/Grade Level:  5th and up

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The striking illustrations and free verse portray America from the earliest days through the present times.  Each verse is supported by a famous quotation to reinforce its meaning.  The reader will examine what it is to be an American, explore the country's tumultuous past, and look with hope to the future.

The author's notes in the introduction provide insight into the creation of this book; a response to the aftermath to the terror attack on the World Trade Center.

Reviewer:  Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant