Book Review: Preschool to Grade 4 | April 2013 (2024)

Round Is a Tortilla (Thong) ©2013 by John Parra.

IDLE , Molly. Flora and the Flamingo. illus. by author. 44p. Chronicle. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4521-1006-6. PreS-Gr 2– This charming story begs to be an animated short–unsurprising, given the author’s animation background–yet it works remarkably well as a wordless lift-the-flap book. Sparely illustrated, its full-spread white backgrounds with delicate pink-blossom borders emphasize the actions of the two protagonists. A lone flamingo lands onto the nearly blank expanse of the title page. Soon, it is joined by little Flora, who provides a sweetly round counterpoint to the angular bird. She furtively imitates the flamingo’s moves with utmost concentration and extremely comical poses until it catches on and squawks angrily, driving her away in a sulk. Friendship triumphs in the end, and the unlikely couple dance together and joyously cannonball into water on the last double foldout page. As neither flamingos nor little girls are known for their inherent elegance, the duo’s surprisingly graceful moves are reminiscent of dancing hippos and ostriches from Disney’s Fantasia. This delightful romp is a worthy addition to most collections and will appeal to flamingo and ballet fans alike.–Yelena Alekseyeva-Popova, formerly at Chappaqua Library, NY

KLAUSMEIER , Jesse. Open This Little Book. illus. by Suzy Lee. 40p. Chronicle. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-6783-2. LC 2012002129. PreS-Gr 2– In this series of opening story lines, the rolling text gently instructs readers. “Open this… Little Red Book and read about Ladybug, who opens a… Little Green Book and reads about Frog, who opens a… Little Orange Book and reads about Rabbit, who opens a….” The plot quickly turns when a giant lacks the agility to open her tiny rainbow book featuring each of the previous characters, so the story’s companions read the giant’s tale instead. With the final turn of the page, the group decides to read another story in a cozy final spread. The format reflects changes in size and scope; pages become smaller and smaller until the giant’s story and then the illustrations grow accordingly. The book requires careful manipulation as the story expands and shrinks to reflect the characters’ experiences. Individual book covers provide a visual clue to the delightful details within as each book becomes physically smaller and smaller on the page; the little red cover features prominent polka dots for the ladybug, and the yellow book highlights honeycombs on its cover. Nimble lines highlight quiet participation as the characters star in their own stories. Pencil and watercolor spreads allow the colors to extend beyond the featured designs. Digitally manipulated scenes reflect the interactive qualities within this gentle narrative. This charming format creates a thoughtful package of interwoven beginnings and connected endings.–Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

MCCLURE , Nikki. How to Be a Cat. illus. by author. 40p. Abrams/Appleseed. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0528-1. PreS-Gr 1– A delightful picture book in every way. Beginning with the paw-print endpapers, youngsters will know that they are in for an adventure. The simplicity and flow of page design are beautifully done as viewers follow a kitten and his mother as she teaches him basic feline behavior. The first spread shows Mama and her kitten as they stretch, and the direction and pull of their bodies helps children understand the concept perfectly. They then proceed to lick themselves clean, pounce, explore, and hunt. Of course, the kitten thinks hunting means playing with a butterfly. They stalk and chase and it is while they are racing around that the kitten becomes lost. Children will identify immediately with the cowering youngster waiting to be found–which happens on the very next page. Mama and her kitten eat their dinner and finally snuggle up together to dream. The cut-paper illustrations are in black and white with a few strategically placed touches of blue. At once satisfying and fun, this is a book that children will pick up again and again. Pair it with Lois Ehlert’s Top Cat (Harcourt, 1998) and Kevin Henkes’s Kitten’s First Full Moon (Greenwillow, 2004) to reinforce the playfulness of kittens and how they learn to be cats.–Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

OLSHAN , Matthew. The Mighty Lalouche. illus. by Sophie Blackall. 40p. Random/Schwartz & Wade. glossary. May 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86225-0; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96225-7; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98742-7. LC 2010031825. K-Gr 3– Lalouche is a Parisian postman living more than 100 years ago. Though diminutive, he is blessed with strong arms, nimble fingers, and fast legs. When he is sacked, thanks to the invention of an electric automobile, he must find a way to support himself and his beloved pet finch, Geneviève. Desperate, Lalouche joins the Bastille Boxing Club. Because he is so small, he is repeatedly underestimated as he continues to win matches against much bigger opponents, including gigantic Anaconda. It is when he fights “for country, mail, and Geneviève” that readers learn, “one should never underestimate a man who loves his finch.” The story, along with the language, is entertaining; names like Diamond Jacques and the Grecque, and words like “tomfoolery,” will keep readers and listeners amused. Some French is sprinkled throughout, e.g., “C’est impossible,” and a glossary helps with translation. The illustrations are outstanding–Blackall has outdone herself. The ink-and-watercolor artwork was cut out, arranged in layers, and photographed, resulting in an eye-catching, textured, three-dimensional effect that children will love poring over. The text and pictures work expertly together, moving the story forward in clever and funny ways; Lalouche’s facial expressions alone should elicit giggles from readers. An author’s note about the history of French boxing and the invention of the electric car further enhance this captivating tale with a wonderful moral: small people are capable of great feats.–Laura Lutz, Pratt Institute, New York City

SNICKET , Lemony. The Dark. illus. by Jon Klassen. 40p. Little, Brown. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-18748-0. PreS-Gr 2– Snicket and Klassen present a picture book that tackles a basic childhood worry with suspense, a dash of humor, and a satisfying resolution. Laszlo, clad in pajamas, is afraid of the dark, which spends most of the day in the basement but spreads itself throughout the boy’s rambling home at night. Every morning, he opens the basement door, peeks down, and calls out, “Hi, dark,” hoping that if he visits the dark in its room, it will not return the favor. However, when Laszlo’s night-light burns out one evening, the dark does come to call, declaring in a voice as creaky as the house’s roof, “I want to show you something.” The youngster, who bravely shines his flashlight into the inky night, is slowly coaxed down to the basement and a forgotten-about chest of drawers (“Come closer… Even closer”). Here, Snicket keeps readers teetering on the edges of their seats, taunting them with a lengthy and convoluted aside. Finally, the boy is instructed to open the bottom drawer, where he finds… a supply of light bulbs. There’s a sense of closure, as Laszlo comes to terms with the dark, which still lives in his home but never bothers him again. The understated illustrations keep the focus on the emotional context, showing a serious-faced protagonist, a stark setting, and shadow-filled corners. Faded hues contrast with the ominous blackness, providing visual punch and adding credence to the boy’s fears. Fresh, kid-savvy, and ultimately reassuring.–Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

VIVA , Frank. A Long Way Away: A Two-Way Story. illus. by author. 40p. Little, Brown. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-22196-2. PreS-Gr 2– This innovative picture book is designed to be read vertically from the top down as well as from the bottom up. Starting one way, the story follows an octopuslike alien as he swooshes down from space. A yellow wiggly line traces his journey past assorted sights like spaceships and a parachuting man, down into the depths of the ocean where he falls asleep. Read from the other direction, the story starts on the seabed and follows the creature up into space and into the waiting arms of his family. The spare, poetic text works perfectly in both directions. As in Viva’s Along a Long Road (Little, Brown, 2011), the illustrations were created as a continuous 26-foot-long piece of art using Adobe Illustrator. The striking graphic design features a limited palette of yellow, black, blue, red and white. This ingenious book invites many repeat readings.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

WILLEMS , Mo. That Is Not a Good Idea! illus. by author. 48p. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. May 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-220309-0. K-Gr 3– This charmer is lovingly composed as an homage to silent movies and the concept of picture books as the “theater of the lap.” Readers will become totally involved as they watch, along with several chicks, a drama unfolding, certain to end in tragedy. A gentlemanly fox and a demure, peasantlike goose meet. The setting is an old European city reminiscent of Budapest or Amsterdam, replete with fin de siècle gas lamps, stone-arch bridges, and wrought-iron terraces, executed in signature matte hues and strong lines (the chicks, though, are bright yellow). Heightened expressions dramatize their meeting, and it is desire at first sight. “What luck! Dinner!” reads the ornate intertitle (white type on a black background) on the following spread. In this way, the well-mannered fox proposes a series of formal invitations, “Would you care to…,” leading the goose step-by-step into his “nearby kitchen.” It is a study in pacing. Each time the goose accepts, “Hmm…sure!”; “Sounds fun!” again via intertitles, the action stops and the baby geese cry out (and flap) more and more trepidatiously: “That is NOT a good idea!” Young listeners will get involved and cry out, too. The wily goose’s actions, defying common sense, arrive at an absolutely unexpected and riotous surprise ending. Children and adults will relish being taken for such a thrilling, suspenseful ride again and again.–Sara Lissa Paulson, The American Sign Language and English Lower School, New York City

BERNE , Jennifer. On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein. illus. by Vladimir Radunsky. 56p. bibliog. Chronicle. May 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-7235-5. LC 2011004026. Gr 2-6– The name Einstein is synonymous with genius, but what does that mean to a child? Einstein himself would only admit to being “very, very curious.” Berne’s picture book offers readers few biographical details, focusing instead on the physicist’s intellect through the concepts that puzzled and excited him. He was late to start speaking and not particularly verbal–until he received a compass. As the author explains, “Suddenly he knew there were mysteries in the world–hidden and silent, unknown and unseen.” And suddenly, too, he was bursting with questions–questions about magnetism, light, sound, gravity, and later, atoms, motion, and time. This was a person who spent his life “imagining, wondering, figuring and thinking.” Radunsky’s delightful pen-and-ink illustrations on cornmeal-yellow pages flecked with fibers and earth-tone highlights depict events from the man’s life, his thoughts, and a few of his quirks. Einstein’s old-world European childhood is reflected in the formal dress of the adults that loom over him. In an image that expresses his love of numbers, computations swirl around him. Selected lines in a large, red font add emphasis, and comments in the few dialogue bubbles are handwritten in a scratchy, black line. An endnote adds information on the physicist’s thought experiments, his sense of humor, E=mc², and the atomic bomb. When considering an author’s approach, Lynne Barasch’s picture book Ask Albert Einstein (Farrar, 2005) and Mareé Ferguson Delano’s photobiography, Genius (National Geographic, 2005) are noteworthy comparisons to this richly imagined, beautifully designed, impressionistic biography.–Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal

THONG , Roseanne Greenfield. Round Is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes. illus. by John Parra. 40p. glossary. Chronicle. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4521-0616-8. PreS-Gr 2– This picture book in rhyme focuses on everyday things–a square for a park, a round pot of stew, a rectangle for the scoreboard at the baseball game. All of the shapes and activities reflect Hispanic culture–stars are for parties and the celebration depicted is a fiesta. Round is a sombrero; squares are ventanas, or windows; and triangles are for chips and guacamole. Some of the shapes appear on two spreads, some have one, but all end with the refrain: “how many more… can you find?” The realistic illustrations feature lots of people of various ages. The paintings are colorful and lend a sense of movement and joy to the activities. The Spanish words are integral to the story but will be clear from context to non-Spanish speakers. This is a lovely book for teaching and sharing shapes within a culture or for just the concepts themselves. It is also a terrific title about family, fun, and sharing.–Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City

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The following titles are reviewed in the April print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

Fiction

ADDERSON , Caroline. Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind. Bk. 2. illus. by Ben Clanton. 132p. (Jasper John Dooley Series). Kids Can. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-579-8.

AHLBERG , Allan. Hooray for Bread. illus. by Bruce Ingman. 32p. Candlewick. Apr. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6311-7.

ALBOROUGH , Jez. Six Little Chicks. illus. by author. 32p. Barron’s. 2013. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4380-0181-4. LC 2012938765.

ALTÉS , Marta. My Grandpa. illus. by author. 32p. Abrams. Apr. 2013. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0588-5.

BAKER-SMITH , Grahame. Farther. illus. by author. 40p. Candlewick/Templar. 2013. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6370-4. LC 2012942376.

BARKLEY , Callie. All About Ellie. Bk 2. ISBN 978-1-4424-5789-8; ISBN 978-1-4424-5788-1; ISBN 978-1-4424-5790-4. LC 2012006295. –––– . Amy and the Missing Puppy. Bk 1. ISBN 978-1-4424-5770-6; ISBN 978-1-4424-5769-0; ISBN 978-1-4424-5772-0. LC 2011052780. ea vol: illus. by Marsha Riti. 128p. (The Critter Club Series). S & S/Little Simon. 2013. Tr $15.99; pap $4.99; ebook $4.99.

BARNES , Peter W. Maestro Mouse and the Mystery of the Missing Baton. illus. by Cheryl Shaw Barnes. 40p. websites. Little Patriot. May 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-62157-036-3.

BIRD , Betsy. Giant Dance Party. illus. by Brandon Dorman. 32p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. May 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-196083-3. LC 2011002492.

BLECHMAN , Nicholas. Night Light. illus. by author. 48p. Scholastic/Orchard. May 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-46263-1. LC 2012024221.

BONWILL , Ann. When Mermaids Sleep. illus. by Steve Johnson. 32p. Random. May 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87061-3; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97061-0. LC 2012001881.

BRENNAN , Eileen. Bad Astrid. illus. by Regan Dunnick. 40p. Random. May 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85580-1; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95580-8; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98099-2.

BRIDGES , Shirin Yim. Mary Wrightly, So Politely. illus. by Maria Monescillo. 32p. Harcourt. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-34248-1.

BROMLEY , Nick. Open Very Carefully: A Book with Bite. illus. by Nicola O’Byrne. 32p. Candlewick/Nosy Crow. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6163-2. LC 2012942390.

BUSHNELL , Jack. Night of the White Deer. illus. by Miguel Co. 32p. Tanglewood. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-933718-80-4. LC 2012010149.

CUMMINGS , Troy. Giddy-Up Daddy! illus. by author. 40p. Random. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97856-1; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97129-7; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98123-4. LC 2012009236.

DICAMILLO , Kate & Alison McGhee. Best Friends Forever. illus. by Tony Fucile. 96p. (Bink & Gollie Series). Candlewick. Apr. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3497-1. LC 2012942669.

DUDDLE , Jonny. The King of Space. illus. by author. 32p. Candlewick/Templar. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6435-0. LC 2012942622.

ENGLE , Margarita. When You Wander: A Search-and-Rescue Dog Story. illus. by Mary Morgan. 32p. Holt. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9312-4. LC 2012011491.

ESCOFFIER , Michaël. Brief Thief. tr. from French & illus. by Kris Di Giacomo. 32p. Enchanted Lion. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-131-5.

ESCOFFIER , Michaël. Rabbit and the Not-So-Big-Bad Wolf. tr. from French by Grace Maccarone. illus. by Kris Di Giacomo. 32p. Holiday House. Apr. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2813-7. LC 2012027931.

FOSBERRY , Jennifer. Isabella Star of the Story. illus. by Mike Litwin. 32p. bibliog. websites. Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-7936-2.

FOX , Mem. Yoo-Hoo, Ladybug! illus. by Laura Ljungkvist. 32p. S & S/Beach Lane. May 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3400-4. LC 2012009047.

GARLAND , Michael. Car Goes Far. illus. by author. 32p. (I Like To Read Series). Holiday House. Apr. 2013. RTE $14.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2598-3. LC 201104907.

GEORGE , Jean Craighead. A Special Gift for Grammy. illus. by Steve Johnson. 32p. HarperCollins/Harper. May 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-053176-8. LC 2011030450.

GERSTEIN , Mordicai. How to Bicycle to the Moon to Plant Sunflowers: A Simple but Brilliant Plan in 24 Easy Steps. illus. by author. 40p. Roaring Brook. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-512-4. LC 2012013787.

GIBBS , Edward. I Spy on the Farm. illus. by author. 32p. Candlewick/Templar. 2013. RTE $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6431-2.

GLASSMAN , Miriam. Call Me Oklahoma! illus. by author. 128p. Holiday House. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2742-0. LC 2012023971.

HART , Caryl. The Princess and the Peas. illus. by Sarah Warburton. 32p. Candlewick/Nosy Crow. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6532-6.

HUNEKE , Amanda. A Monster at School. ISBN 978-1-61641-931-8; ISBN 978-1-61480-569-4. LC 2012028616. –––– . A Monster in the Park. ISBN 978-1-61641-932-5; ISBN 978-1-61480-570-0. LC 2012028626. –––– . A Monster on the Bus. ISBN 978-1-61641-933-2; ISBN 978-1-61480-571-7. LC 2012028628. –––– . A Monster on the Loose. ISBN 978-1-61641-934-9; ISBN 978-1-61480-572-4. LC 2012028632. ea vol: illus. by Guy Wolek. 32p. glossary. (Monster on the Loose Series). ABDO/Magic Wagon. 2013. PLB $28.50; ebook $19.95.

JAKUBOWSKI , Michele. Third Grade Mix-Up. Bk. 1. illus. by Luisa Montalto. 128p. (Sidney & Sydney Series). Picture Window. 2013. Tr $8.95. ISBN 978-1-4048-8104-4.

KANN , Victoria. Emeraldalicious. illus. by author. 40p. HarperCollins/Harper. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-178126-1; PLB $18.89. ISBN 978-0-06-178127-8. LC 2012009694.

KRALL , Dan. The Great Lollipop Caper. illus. by author. 48p. S & S. May 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4460-7; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4461-4. LC 2012004041.

KULLING , Monica. Lumpito and the Painter from Spain. illus. by Dean Griffiths. 32p. Pajama. Apr. 2013. RTE $19.95. ISBN 978-1-927485-00-2.

KUSHNER , Elisabeth. The Purim Superhero. illus. by Mike Byrne. 32p. Kar-Ben. 2013. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-9061-9; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-9062-6; ebook $6.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-0996-5. LC 2012009504.

LARSEN , Andrew. In the Tree House. illus. by Dušan Petričić. 32p. Kids Can. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-635-1.

LESTER , Helen. Happy Birdday, Tacky! illus. by Lynn Munsinger. 32p. Houghton Harcourt. May 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-91228-8.

LEVINE , Arthur A. The Very Beary Tooth Fairy. illus. by Sarah S. Brannen. 32p. Scholastic. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-439-43966-4. LC 2012013798.

LEWIN , Betsy. You Can Do It! illus. by author. 32p. (I Like To Read Series). Holiday House. Apr. 2013. RTE $14.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2522-8. LC 201104907.

LONG , Kathy. Christopher Sat Straight Up in Bed. illus. by Patricia Cantor. 32p. Eerdmans. 2013. Tr $16. ISBN 978-0-8028-5359-2. LC 2011035829.

MACKAY , Elly. If You Hold a Seed. illus. by author. 32p. Running Press Kids. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7624-4721-3. LC 2012947641.

MACLEOD , Doug. Heather Fell in the Water. illus. by Craig Smith. 32p. Trafalgar Square. May 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-74237-648-6.

MAGOON , Scott. The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot! illus. by author. 48p. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-1257-6. LC 2010031149.

MONKS , Lydia. Babbit. illus. by author. 32p. Trafalgar Square. 2013. pap. $10.99. ISBN 978-1-4052-5423-6.

MORTENSEN , Lori. Cowpoke Clyde and Dirty Dawg. illus. by Michael Allen Austin. 32p. Houghton Harcourt. May 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-23993-4. LC 2011052429.

MULLIN , Michael & John Skewes. Larry Gets Lost in Boston. illus. by John Skewes. 32p. Sasquatch. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-57061-793-5.

PALLOTTA , Jerry. Who Will See Their Shadows This Year? illus. by David Biedrzycki. 32p. Scholastic. 2013. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-545-47275-3.

PARISH , Herman. Amelia Bedelia Means Business. Bk. 1. ISBN 978-0-06-209497-1; ISBN 978-0-06-209496-4; ISBN 978-0-06-209498-8. –––– . Amelia Bedelia Unleashed. Bk. 2. ISBN 978-0-06-209500-8; ISBN 978-0-06-209499-5; ISBN. 978-0-06-209501-5 ea vol: illus. by Lynne Avril. 146p. (Amelia Bedelia Chapter Books Series). HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2013. Tr $15.99; pap $4.99; ebook $4.99. LC 2012024392.

PERRET , Delphine. The Big Bad Wolf Goes on Vacation. tr. from French. illus. by author. 64p. Sterling. 2013. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-8633-4.

PETT , Mark. The Boy and the Airplane. illus. by author. 40p. S & S. Apr. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5123-0; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5125-4.

PRIMAVERA , Elise. Who Needs Love? illus. by Laura Park. 48p. Random/Robin Corey. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85585-6; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95585-3; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97503-4.

PULVER , Robin. Saturday Is Dadurday. illus. by R. W. Alley. 40p. Walker. May 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-8691-3; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-8027-8609-8. LC 2012032293.

REID , Barbara. Picture a Tree. illus. by author. 32p. Albert Whitman. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-6526-1. LC 2012019530.

RICHMOND , Marianne. Oh, the Things My Mom Will Do.... illus. by author. 32p. Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-8233-1.

ROCCO , John. Super Hair-o and the Barber of Doom. illus. by author. 32p. Hyperion/Disney. May 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-2189-3.

ROSS , Tony. I Don’t Want to Go to the Hospital! illus. by author. 32p. (A Little Princess Story Series). Andersen. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1155-5; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1156-2.

SAKAI , Komako, reteller. The Velveteen Rabbit. tr. from Japanese by Yuki Kaneko. illus. by reteller. 40p. Enchanted Lion. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-128-5.

SATEREN , Shelley Swanson. Max and Zoe at Recess. ISBN 978-1-4048-7200-4. LC 2011051236. –––– . Max and Zoe at Soccer Practice. ISBN 978-1-4048-6213-5. LC 2011051237. ea vol: illus. by Mary Sullivan. 32p. (Max and Zoe Series). glossary. Picture Window. 2012. PLB $19.99.

SCILLIAN , Devin. The Tall Tale of Johnny Kaw. illus. by Brad Sneed. 32p. Sleeping Bear. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-791-7.

SHEA , Bob. Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great. illus. by author. 40p. Hyperion/Disney. May 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-5952-0.

SHEWCHUK , Pat. In Lucia’s Neighborhood. illus. by Marek Colek. 32p. Kids Can. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-420-3.

SLATER , Teddy. Pigs in Love. illus. by Aaron Boyd. 24p. Sterling. 2013. BD $9.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-8621-1.

SLEGERS , Liesbet. Katie’s Day with Grandma. tr. from Dutch. illus. by author. 30p. Clavis. 2012. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1605371269.

STEIN , David Ezra. Ol’ Mama Squirrel. illus. by author. 32p. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25672-1. LC 2012021073.

STERN , Ariella. Purim Guess Who?: A Lift-the-Flap Book. illus. by Patti Argoff. 26p. glossary. Hachai. 2013. RTE $9.95. ISBN 978-1-929628-73-5. LC 2012944005.

STERNBERG , Julie. Like Bug Juice on a Burger. illus. by Matthew Cordell. 176p. Abrams/Amulet. Apr. 2013. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0190-0. LC 2012033169.

SUTTON , Sally. Farmer John’s Tractor. illus. by Robyn Belton. 32p. Candlewick. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6430-5. LC 2012942677.

TONATIUH , Duncan. Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant’s Tale. illus. by author. 32p. glossary. websites. Abrams. May 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0583-0.

TUTU , Desmond & Douglas Carlton Abrams. Desmond and the Very Mean Word. illus. by A.G. Ford. 32p. Candlewick. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5229-6.

VERDE , Susan. The Museum. illus. by Peter H. Reynolds. 32p. Abrams. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0594-6. LC 2012022518.

VIAU , Nancy. Look What I Can Do! illus. by Anna Vojtech. 32p. Abrams. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0529-8. LC 2012018807.

VILLA , Alvaro F. Flood. illus. by author. 32p. Capstone. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-62370-001-0; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-1-4048-8006-1.

WEINERT , Matthias. No Bath, No Cake!: Polly’s Pirate Party. tr. from German by David Henry Wilson. illus. by author. 48p. NorthSouth. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4112-3.

WESTON , Robert Paul. Prince Puggly of Spud and the Kingdom of Spiff. 206p. Penguin/Razorbill. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-59514-567-3.

YAMASAKI , Katie. Fish for Jimmy: Inspired by One Family’s Experience in a Japanese American Internment Camp. illus. by author. 40p. Holiday House. Apr. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2375-0. LC 2012006584.

YERKES , Jennifer. A Funny Little Bird. illus. by author. 48p. Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. May 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-8013-9.

YOKOCOCO . Matilda and Hans. illus. by author. 32p. Candlewick/Templar. May 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6434-3.

YOON , Salina. Penguin on Vacation. illus. by author. 40p. Walker. Apr. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-3397-9; PLB $15.89. ISBN 978-0-8027-3396-2.

Nonfiction

BIGGS , Brian. 123 Beep Beep Beep!: A Counting Book. ISBN 978-0-06-195812-0. –––– . Stop! Go!: A Book of Opposites. ISBN 978-0-06-195813-7. ea vol: 24p. (Everything Goes Series). HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. 2013. BD $7.99.

BOLDEN , Tonya. 12 Days of New York. illus. by Gilbert Ford. 32p. maps. Abrams/Amulet. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0542-7. LC 2012022800.

BOZZI , Ricardo. The World Belongs to You. illus. by Olimpia Zagnoli. 48p. Candlewick/Templar. 2013. RTE $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6488-6. LC 2012942658.

CASTROVILLA , Selene. Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. illus. by Drazen Kozjan. 40p. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. reprods. websites. Boyds Mills/Calkins Creek. Apr. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-880-6. LC 2012949044.

CHENG , Christopher. Python. illus. by Mark Jackson. 32p. index. Candlewick. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6396-4. LC 2012942617.

COSS, Lauren. Weird-But-True Facts About Weather. illus. by Mernie Gallagher-Cole. ISBN 978-1-61473-423-9. LC 2012946530. RINGSTAD , Arnold. Weird-But-True Facts About Inventions. illus. by Kathleen Petelinsek. ISBN 978-1-61473-415-4. LC 2012946522. –––– . Weird-But-True Facts About Science. illus. by Kathleen Petelinsek. ISBN 978-1-61473-417-8. LC 2012946524. –––– . Weird-But-True Facts About U.S. History. illus. by Mernie Gallagher-Cole. ISBN 978-1-61473-421-5. LC 2012946528. –––– . Weird-But-True Facts About U.S. Presidents. illus. by Mernie Gallagher-Cole. ISBN 978-1-61473-422-2. LC 2012946529. ea vol: 32p. (Weird-But-True Facts Series). further reading. glossary. index. websites. The Child’s World. 2013. PLB $27.07.

DE LAS CASAS, Dianne, adapter. Beware, Beware of the Big Bad Bear! illus. by Marita Gentry. 32p. Pelican. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4556-1690-9; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4556-1691-6. LC 2011052875.

ELY , Kosa. The Peaceable Forest: India’s Tale of Kindness to Animals. illus. by Anna Johansson. 32p. Insight Editions. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-60887-115-5.

FOWLER , Susi Gregg. Arctic Aesop’s Fables: Twelve Retold Tales. illus. by Jim Fowler. 32p. Sasquatch. 2013. pap. $10.99. ISBN 978-1-57061-861-1.

HARNESS , Cheryl. Mary Walker Wears the Pants: The True Story of the Doctor, Reformer, and Civil War Hero. illus. by Carlo Molinari. 32p. Albert Whitman. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-4990-2. LC 2012019531.

HOURAN , Lori Haskins. Dig Those Dinosaurs. illus. by Francisca Marquez. 24p. Albert Whitman. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-1579-2.

INNES , Stephanie & Harry Endrulat. A Bear in War. illus. by Brian Deines. 40p. photos. reprods. Pajama. May 2013. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-927485-12-5.

JOCELYN , Marthe & Nell Jocelyn. Where Do You Look? illus. by authors. 32p. Tundra. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-77049-376-6. LC 2012934217.

LEWIN , Ted. Look! illus. by author. 32p. (I Like To Read Series). Holiday House. 2013. RTE $14.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2607-2. LC 2011049607.

LEWIS , J. Patrick. Face Bug. illus. by Kelly Murphy. photos by Frederic B. Siskind. 36p. Boyds Mills/Wordsong. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-925-4. LC 2012943510.

LONG , Ethan. The Wing Wing Brothers: Carnival de Math. illus. by author. 32p. Holiday House. May 2013. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2604-1. LC 2012016562.

MCCARTHY, Meghan. Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton. illus. by author. 48p. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks. Jun. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2262-9; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-8188-6. LC 2012023603.

MCKISSACK , Patricia & Fredrick McKissack. Booker T. Washington: African-American Leader. ISBN 978-0-7660-4109-7. ––––. Carter G. Woodson: Black History Pioneer. ISBN 978-0-7660-4109-7. ––––. Frederick Douglass: Fighter Against Slavery. ISBN 978-0-7660-4098-4. ––––. George Washington Carver: Scientist and Inventor. ISBN 978-0-7660-4102-8. ––––. Ida B. Wells-Barnett: Fighter for Justice. ISBN 978-0-7660-4108-0. ––––. Jesse Owens: Legendary Track Star. ISBN 978-0-7660-4104-2. ––––. Louis Armstrong: King of Jazz. ISBN 978-0-7660-4106-6. ––––. Madam C.J. Walker: Inventor and Millionaire. ISBN 978-0-7660-4105-9. ––––. Marian Anderson: Amazing Opera Singer. ISBN 978-0-7660-4101-1. ––––. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Civil Rights Leader. ISBN 978-0-7660-4099-1. ––––. Mary McLeod Bethune: Woman of Courage. ISBN 978-0-7660-4103-5. ––––. Paul Robeson: A Voice for Change. ISBN 978-0-7660-4107-3. ea vol: 24p. photos. further reading. glossary. illus. index. websites. (Famous African Americans Series). Enslow. 2013. PLB $21.26.

MAMADA , Mineko. Which Is Bigger? Which Is Rounder? tr. from Japanese. illus. by author. 24p. Kids Can. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-973-4.

METZGER , Steve. Lincoln and Grace: Why Abraham Lincoln Grew a Beard. illus. by Ann Kronheimer. 40p. photos. reprods. Scholastic. 2013. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-545-48432-9.

MOSS , Marissa. Barbed Wire Baseball. illus. by Yuko Shimizu. 48p. bibliog. index. photos. websites. Abrams. Apr. 2013. RTE $18.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0521-2. LC 2012010021.

OFANANSKY , Allison. Cheesecake for Shavuot. photos by Eliyahu Alpern. 32p. Kar-Ben. 2013. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8126-6; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1411-2; ebook $6.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-0990-3. LC 2012009495.

PERCY , Graham, reteller. Tales from Around the World. illus. by reteller. 96p. Trafalgar Square. 2013. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-84365-207-6.

ROBINSON , Jill & Marc Bekoff. Jasper’s Story: Saving Moon Bears. illus. by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen. 40p. photos. Sleeping Bear. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-58536-798-6.

ROSENTHAL , Amy Krouse. I Scream, Ice Cream: A Book of Wordles. illus. by Serge Bloch. 40p. Chronicle. May 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4521-0004-3.

SHASKAN , Stephen. The Three Triceratops Tuff. illus. by author. 32p. S & S/Beach Lane. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4397-6; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4398-3. LC 2012012475.

STILLE , Darlene R. Barack Obama: 44th US President. illus. by Richard Stergulz. ISBN 978-1-61641-939-4; ISBN 978-1-61480-577-9. –––– . Eleanor Roosevelt: First Lady and Civil Rights Activist. illus. by Reed Sprunger. ISBN 978-1-61641-941-7; ISBN 978-1-61480-579-3. –––– . Jackie Robinson: Amazing Athlete and Activist. illus. by Richard Stergulz. ISBN 978-1-61641-940-0; ISBN 978-1-61480-578-6. ea vol: 32p. chron. further reading. glossary. index. websites. ABDO/Magic Wagon. (Beginner Biographies Series). 2013. PLB $28.50; ebook $19.95.

STOCKDALE , Susan. Stripes of All Types. illus. by author. 32p. glossary. Peachtree. Apr. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-695-6.

VAZQUEZ-LOZANO , Gustavo. Iván Córdoba. ISBN 978-1-4222-2652-0. WANDERSMAN , Aldo. Ronaldinho. ISBN 978-1-4222-2657-5. –––– . Ronaldo. ISBN 978-1-4222-2658-2. ea vol: 32p. chron. further reading. index. photos. websites. (Superstars of Soccer Series). Mason Crest. 2012. PLB $19.95.

WEITEKAMP , Margaret A. with David Devorkin. Pluto’s Secret: An Icy World’s Tale of Discovery. illus. by Diane Kidd. 40p. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Abrams. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0423-9.

WOLF , Gita. The Enduring Ark. illus. by Joydeb Chitrakar. 34p. Tara Bks. May 2013. Tr $21.95. ISBN 978-93-80340-18-0.

YOLEN , Jane & Rebecca Kai Dotlich. Grumbles from the Forest: Fairy-Tale Voices with a Twist. illus. by Matt Mahurin. 40p. Boyds Mills/Wordsong. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-867-7.