Recently Nominated Books
Two very good friends (a sheep and an elephant) go to the circus; one eats the other's popcorn and lies about it. That one little fib whisks Doug-Dennis into space where he is surrounded by many other liars. How can he set this right? Farrell takes the serious subject of lying into an absurd place with two wacky characters and many examples of the lies people tell. The silliness gives opportunity for serious thought without preaching. The pen and ink and digitally created illustrations work well with the text and the conversational cartoon balloons. This book will be enjoyed by children and liars of all ages. Bridget Harvey
Through photographs, maps and Freeman's powerful writing, this book covers the causes of the war he reasons for the various and varying alliances and the repercussions of "the peace". It is a memorable reading experience for the complete picture it gives, especially of the horror of this often now neglected part of history. Edie Ching
When Rocket encounters a pushy bird in the park who wants to teach him to read, he couldn't care less. Why would a dog want to read, really? But when the bird reads a story aloud, Rocket is all ears. Before long he realizes that he can have stories all the time if he can read them himself. While bird is off south for the winter, Rocket practices and practices so that he can get better while his friend is away. This is a perfect book for teachers to use to open their year in September. It's all about what a treat reading is and the adorable Rocket will charm the youngsters reading it. Joan Kindig
On a layover at the Bangkok Airport, Gemma quarrels with her parents and storms off to a coffee bar to await their next flight. There she meets an attractive guy and the next thing she knows, she is drugged and abducted. Was he stalking her? For how long? Gemma becomes fully conscious lying on a bed in a ramshackle house on the desert in the middle of nowhere with no hopes for escape. This story is told by Gemma and through her eyes we feel her fear, her fury, and her desperation to escape. But is Ty so bad? What does he want with her? He says he won't hurt her. Over time, things change for Gemma and readers are left wondering what has happened. This is a great read! Joan Kindig
The collaboration between Martha Graham, Aaron Copeland, and Isamu Noguchi that produced the extraordinary ballet, Appalachian Spring is honored in this remarkable picture-book collaboration between Greenberg, Jordan and Floca. In short lines and short paragraphs, set on and among Floca’s ink-and-watercolor illustrations, the authors introduce Martha’s unusual dance style, Aaron writing music, and Isamu making miniature sets before portraying the first production at the Library of Congress in 1941. The large square format offers plenty of space, echoing the spare set and relatively small company of dancers and musicians that made up this simple but oh-so-large story of a Pennsylvania farmer’s wedding. The back matter is astonishingly rich. A triumph! Kathy Isaacs
L M N O Peas is a delightful look at the alphabet through the eyes of some very hard working and humorous peas in a variety of occupations and hobbies. From acrobats, artists and astronauts to zoologists the possibilities are endless as the peas giggle and dance through the book. Each letter is a dominating four inch high back drop for the "peo-ple" to enjoy life's choices. The text itself is bouncy and rhythmic. The illustrations are bright and energetic. Bridget Harvey
In 1851, Fredrika Bremer requested that the Swedish Consulate find her a home in which to stay on a visit to Cuba, a country she thought would offer the best of the New World. When she arrived, she experienced both its beauty—colorful vegetation and fireflies—and its reality—masters and slaves. Wealthy young girls behind curtained windows embroidered hope chest items for marriages planned when they turned 14. Prose poetry presents the points of view of Cecelia, the young pregnant slave who translates Spanish to English for Fredrika, Fredrika, and Elena, the young lady of the house. Remarkable figurative language and distinct imagery create insight into their universal conditions. Lynda Adamson
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