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2002
Children's Book Sense 76 Picks
Unique and provocative selections from a great diversity of voices...all personally recommended by the independent booksellers of America.
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 If
the World Were a Village: A Book About the World's People
by Smith, David J.; illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong
"This book is so cool! If the world consisted of 100 people in one small
village, how many of those people would have computers? Have enough to eat? Be
able to read? Smith makes global issues accessible to all. Perfect to introduce
children to the world around them, especially at this time." -- Nikki
Mutch, UConn Coop, Storrs, CT
Loser
by Spinelli, Jerry
"This was riveting from the very first page. This book is written for teens,
but I HIGHLY recommend this to any parent, and especially one who has a son. It
had me laughing and crying. This book cuts to the core of what it is like to be
a thoughtful and sensitive young man in our sometimes cruel and confusing world.
This is one of the best books I have read in years." -- Tom Montan, Copperfield's
Books, Sebastopol, CA
The
Last Book in the Universe
by Philbrick, Rodman
"A chilling and inspiring story about a future world where writing a book
can be a crime." -- Leigh Winterbottom, Verbatim Bookstore, Vail, CA
Darby
by Fuqua, Jonathon Scott
"This story of racism in a small Southern town is powerful and beautifully
written. Little Darby is unforgettable and an inspiration to all. I highly recommend
this book!" -- Linda Johnson, Books at Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC
Bud,
Not Buddy
by Curtis,
Christopher Paul
"The Newbery Medal Winner for 2000, now out in paperback. Young Bud goes
in search of his missing father and a better life, following clues left in a
suitcase." -- Tracy Hardin, Auntie's Bookstore, Spokane, WA
A
Story for Bear
by Haseley, Dennis; illustrated by Jim LaMarche
"I have dreams about this fantastic, beautiful, wonderful book. It's the
most enchanting affirmation of reading aloud that I have seen in a while. Tell
everyone!" -- Lois Proctor, The Bookseller, Ardmore, OK
Stella, Fairy of the Forest
by Gay, Marie-Louise
"Stella and little brother Sam return in this fantastic new adventure. Sam
has never seen a fairy, so he and Stella set off for the forest in search of some,
and learn many things along the way. This is a great choice for story-time; it's
one you won't mind reading over and over." -- Mary Kooyman, Scott's Bookstore,
Mount Vernon, WA
Gobble, Quack, Moon
by Gollub, Matthew; illustrated by Judy Love
"Utterly fantastic. As a doting auntie, I can't wait to share it with my
little niece. The music makes it even more fun. A great book for the little kid
in everyone." -- Lynn Farquhar, The Tattered Cover, Denver, CO
 Journey
to the River Sea
by Ibbotson,
Eva; illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
"Here is the stuff of a great story: An inheritance, bratty twin cousins,
an aunt recreating English life while living on the Amazon, and a wonderful
boy hiding in the jungle. Ibbotson again shows her storytelling mastery, and
Hawkes' old-fashioned pen-and-ink illustrations add to the charm. A great yarn."
-- Dara La Porte, Politics & Prose, Washington, DC
Wish, Change, Friend
by Whybrow, Ian; illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke
"I adore this book and think it's a gem. Little Pig is an endearing character,
and his discovery of the power of words and the joys of friendship are charmingly
presented. The book is a natural for wonderful discussions with youngsters."
-- Betsey Detwiler, Buttonwood Books & Toys, Cohasset, MA
Bee-Man of Orn, The
by Frank
Stockton, illustrated by Maurice
Sendak
"Written at the turn of the century, and then illustrated by Sendak in 1964,
one of my very favorite books is being reissued again! It's about the classic
argument of nature vs. nurture, and nature wins." -- Judy Hamel, The
Children's Corner Bookshop, Spokane, WA
David and the Phoenix
by Edward
Ormondroyd
"Rescued from oblivion by fans from the '50s, David and the Phoenix
has landed, and it is sure to delight readers who discover this charming fantasy.
David discovers a phoenix in his backyard, and brings him all the cookies. In
exchange, David enjoys marvelous adventures as he rides astride the huge bird.
A perfect classroom read-aloud and parent-child book club pick." -- Cheryl
McKeon, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA
The
Ordinary Princess
by M.M.
Kaye
"Written with an old-fashioned English feel and illustrated with charming
line drawings, this is not your common fairy tale. Kaye has created a thoroughly
enjoyable story about a most unusual girl, a Princess Amy who manages to grow
up quite happily and to show us how wonderful it can be to just be yourself.
Now back in print, this is one of the best fairy tales that I have come across!"
-- Jen Butler-Brown, Grass Roots Books & Music, Corvallis, OR
 Mrs.
Mike
by Benedict
Freedman and Nancy
Freedman
"I read this when I was a teen, and it remains as sweet today as it was then.
It's a true story of a 16-year-old girl who marries a Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman.
Luckily for them, they love each other deeply, because it sustains them through
a harsh, difficult life in the Great North." -- Kimberly Hughes, Village
Bookstore, Menomonee Falls, WI
 The
Search for Joyful
by Benedict
Freedman and Nancy
Freedman
"What a pleasant surprise to find that a sequel was being published to
my favorite girlhood novel, Mrs. Mike, which I first read over 40 years
ago as a young adolescent! This is a totally engrossing account of the life
of the daughter of the Indian maiden Oh-Be-Joyful, her becoming a Canadian nurse
during WWII, and her subsequent adventures. A perfect love and adventure story!"
-- Marilyn Sieb, Books & Company, Oconomowoc, WI
Fairy
Tales
by Berlie
Doherty, illustrated by
Jane Ray
"Gorgeous illustrations illuminate these tales. A lovely volume to add
to anyone's library, and especially for a child's first fairy tale treasury."
-- Luanne Kreutzer, St. Helens Book Shop, St. Helens, OR
 Little
Lit: Strange Stories for Strange Kids
by Art
Spiegelman and Francoise
Mouly, eds.
"Maurice Sendak, Jules Feiffer, and a story by David Sedaris illustrated
by Ian Falconer -- do I really need to say any more? This book is so much fun.
A giant picture book for the comic book lover and for the all the strange little
kiddies out there who love it when the ordinary gets turned inside out and becomes
extraordinary!" -- Jill Bailey, Book People, Austin, TX
 Reading
Magic
by Mem
Fox
"What's the best way to guarantee reading success for your child? Mem Fox
has the answer and it is so simple, it is often overlooked. She offers insight
into the possibilities open to all parents wanting to give their child a leg up
in the world of reading." -- Marilyn Smith, Hawley-Cooke Booksellers,
Louisville, KY
Stories and Poems for Extremely Intelligent Children of All Ages
by Harold
Bloom, ed.
"What a wonderful dipping-into book for children and adults. From Aesop to
Whitman, all of us can find something here that restores light to our world. A
great gift, too." -- Sally Stipp, The Book Bag, Valparaiso, IN
 We
Were There, Too: Young People in U.S. History
by Hoose,
Philip
(Farrar, Straus, & Giroux, $26.00, 0374382522) "You can open this book
on any page and read a compelling tale from the entire history of this nation.
We as a people, and especially kids, need to know these stories." --
Chris Bowe, Longfellow Books, Portland, ME
Do Like a Duck Does
by Judy
Hindley, illustrated by Ivan
Bates
"Here's a preschool gem with tricky words that step across the page with
a Sousa-like cadence, delighting children and adults alike. This is a rollicking
gem of a story in itself, but with Bate's illustrations, it's irresistible! We
rate this one a 5-star favorite of the spring season." -- Karen Gaston,
Butterfly Books, DePere, WI
Duck on a Bike
by David
Shannon
"'That's the silliest thing' and 'Oh what a show-off' say the barn animals
in this beautifully illustrated, terrific read-aloud book." -- Melissa
Mytinger, Cody's Books, Berkeley, CA
Fix-It
by David
McPhail
"When the TV won't work, Emma demands it be fixed. Cranky young Emma has
to be entertained while waiting, first with a balloon, then with a song, and finally
with a book. By the time papa discovers that the TV is unplugged, Emma is too
deep into the book to care about the TV anymore!" -- Linda Hillegass,
Lee Booksellers, Lincoln, NE
I Love My Little Storybook
by Anita
Jeram
"You know a book that makes you laugh out loud is a winner. A sweet, but
never saccharine, story celebrating the joy and magic of reading and books, with
Jeram's trademark adorable bunnies are the cutest fairies ever to inhabit a picture
book! " -- Kathleen Carey, The Little Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza,
Albany, NY
Ten in the Bed
by David
Ellwand
"A lovely large-format board book, using photographs of well-loved teddy
bears to depict '10 in the bed, and one rolls over' verse." -- Carol
Dunn, Northwind Book & Fiber, Spooner, WI
Audrey and Barbara
by Janet
Lawson
"While Audrey seeks adventure, her cat, Barbara, seeks naps. As this imaginative
duo prepare for their journey to India in a sailboat made from the bathtub, they
discover their friendship is essential to any adventure. A charming picture book."
-- Colleen Shipman Vollaro, Book Rack & Children's Pages, Essex Junction,
VT
Chelsea
& the New Puppy
by Loren
Spiotta-DiMare, illustrated by Kara
Lee
"A touching story about how a pet's feelings can be hurt when a new one
comes along. It's also a nice way to explain to a child about a new baby in
the family." -- Connie Shelton, The Book Shelf, Angel Fire, NM
The
Frogs Wore Red Suspenders
by Jack
Prelutsky, illustrated by Petra
Mathers
"This book is one of those wonderful serendipitous marriages of word and
picture. Prelutsky's funny, light verse begs to be read out loud, and Mather's
illustrations bring an added joy to the experience." -- Michael Coy,
M. Coy Books, Seattle, WA
Giggle Giggle Quack
by Doreen
Cronin, illustrated by Betsy
Lewin
"Cronin and Lewin have done it again! A clever and hysterical text paired
with perfect, expressively hilarious illustrations. Readers will gladly welcome
back these 'clever critters' and revel in their escapades as they follow their
duck!" -- Ellen Mager, Booktenders Children's Bookstore, Doylestown,
PA
Little Pig Figwort Can't Get to Sleep
by Henrietta
Branford, illustrated by Claudio
Munoz
"Glance at the cover and you'll be laughing and identifying with this humorous
porcine who cannot sleep. Turning this way and that, in one comic pose after another,
Figwort imagines exhausting adventures, hoping he'll tire and sleep. Enjoy."
-- Jan Clymer, Toadstool Bookshop, Keene, NH
Molly and the Magic Dress
by Billy
Norwich, illustrated by M.
Scott Miller
"Eloise, move over! Spunky Molly can be anybody in her magic dress. Enter
a homeless woman who becomes a queen, a ritzy wedding, and fun for all!"
-- Sue Carita, Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH
My Friend Rabbit
by Eric
Rohmann
"I smiled, then giggled and laughed out loud at this creative picture book
from talented Eric Rohmann. As each boldly illustrated page unfolds, you follow
rabbit on a hilarious adventure. Kids will shout 'Read it again, read it again!'"
-- Jonatha Foli, Copperfield's Books, Sebastopol, CA
Slow Loris
by Alexis
Deacon
"All of us here read and loved it. Both the text and illustrations are amusing
and imaginative. The image of a meerkat wearing a fez will stay with me forever."
-- Julia Green, Front Street Books, Alpine, TX
Sometimes I'm Bombaloo
by Rachel
Vail, illustrated by Yumi
Heo
"Sometimes you just get so mad, you just can't stand it and you just have
to let it out. But, then, you get into trouble and have to go to your room. As
Katie learns in this wonderful book, there will always be someone who still loves
us for what and who we are." -- Kathy Taber, Kids Ink Children's Bookstores,
Indianapolis, IN
Song of Night: It's Time to Go to Bed
by Katherine
Riley Nakamura; illustrated by Lennia
Riley
"A soothing story on how animals prepare for bed-time. Riley's illustrations
are warm and endearing." -- Teresa Barrett, Dartmouth Bookstore, Hanover,
NH
Teddy Bear, The
by David
McPhail
"There is a wonderful message of giving and caring in this story of a young
boy who discovers that his beloved lost teddy bear has been adopted by a homeless
man." -- Beth Puffer, Bank Street Bookstore, New York, NY
Tom Mouse
by Ursula
K. Le Guin; illustrated by Julie
Downing
"Le Guin has woven a charming tale of travel and friendship. A delightful
book for anyone who loves adventure, animals, and trains." -- Lynn
Stuertz, The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, Winnetka, IL
The Amazing Days of Abby Hayes
by Anne
Mazer
"This is a fun series all about a normal fifth-grader who finds herself stuck
between smart and successful siblings. Abby is just finding her own place in the
family and school, and in her own voice in her journal and love of writing. But
don't take my word for it; let her tell you." -- Leslie Scully, A Likely
Story Children's Bookstore, Alexandria, VA
- Every
Cloud Has a Silver Lining (#1)
(Scholastic/Apple, $4.50, 0439149770)
-
Declaration
of Independence, The (#2)
(Scholastic/Apple, $4.50, 0439178762)
-
Reach
for the Stars (#3)
(Scholastic/Apple, $4.50, 0439178770)
-
Have
Wheels, Will Travel (#4)
(Scholastic/Apple, $4.50, 0439178789)
-
Look
Before You Leap (#5)
(Scholastic/Apple, $4.50, 0439178819)
- Pen
Is Mightier Than the Sword, The (#6)
(Scholastic/Apple, $4.50, 0439178827)
- Two
Heads Are Better Than One (#7)
(Scholastic/Apple, $4.50, 0439353661)
The Green Knowe Chronicles
by L.M.
Boston
"A series of five reissued classics from the early '50s, great for fans of
Lemony Snicket, Eva Ibbotson, and J.K. Rowling. These are great fantasies featuring
a cavernous old mansion, some magic, and great characters to get to know."
-- Jennifer Brenninger, Doylestown Bookshop, Doylestown, PA
- Children
of Green Knowe, The
(Odyssey Classics/Harcourt, $6.00, 0152024689)
- Treasure
of Green Knowe
(Odyssey Classics/Harcourt, $6.00, 0152026010)
- River at Green Knowe, The
(Odyssey Classics/Harcourt, $6.00, 015202607X)
- Stranger at Green Knowe, A
(Odyssey Classics/Harcourt, $6.00, 0152025898)
- Enemy at Green Knowe, An
(Odyssey Classics/Harcourt, $6.00, 0152024816)
Lost Treasures
by Mary
Nash
"Long before J.K. Rowling, Mary Nash wrote stories of magic, witchcraft,
and adventurous kids tracking down secrets, spells, and other mysteries. Originally
published in 1961, Mrs. Coverlet's Magicians has been reprinted so that
another generation will get lost in the magic of her writing." -- Suzanne
Coopersmith, R.J. Julia's Booksellers, Madison, CT
Alice Hoffman
Aquamarine
by Alice
Hoffman
"A poignant and endearing tale of two young girls who know that summer's
end means one will move away. But when Clair and Hailey discover a stranded mermaid
named Aquamarine, they help her woo the man she loves and return to the sea before
it's too late. In the process, the girls realize that the impending move will
only change their friendship, not end it." -- Libby Alison Richmond,
Inklings Bookshop, Yakima, WA
Sharon Creech
Ruby Holler
by Sharon
Creech
"This book follows the adventures of two orphans, Dallas and Florida, as
they experience the trials of being passed from home to home. But, when they travel
to Ruby Holler and meet Sairy and Tiller, they discover that their lives will
never be the same again! Another exciting adventure by Creech." -- Kia
Johnson, Lake Country Booksellers, White Bear Lake, MN
The
Wanderer
by Sharon
Creech
"There's always a long waiting list in our store for Creech's books in paperback.
This is a wonderful coming-of-age book for girls and boys alike, as Sophie and
Cody must endure a boat journey across the Atlantic." -- Carolyn Harrington,
Great Horned Owl Bookstore, Louisville, CO
Jerry Spinelli
Stargirl
by Jerry
Spinelli
"The students at Mica High have no idea what to make of Stargirl, a 10th
grader who plays the ukulele, keeps a pet rat in her bag, and dances in the rain.
This story of individuality, conformity, peer pressure, and first love touched
me deeply with its truth and beauty." -- Mari Enoch, The Bookloft, Great
Barrington, MA
Linda Sue Park
When My Name Was Keoko
by Linda
Sue Park
"Set during the Japanese occupation of Korea during World War II, this remarkable
novel, told in alternating chapters by a sister and brother facing the oppressive
powers of the occupying Army, is a complex and thoughtful novel." --
Tracy Wynne, Cover To Cover Booksellers, San Francisco, CA
Across a Dark and Wild Sea
by Don
Brown
"This is the story of Columcille, born in Ireland in the year 521, who extols
the virtues of reading and writing in the midst of the Dark Ages. A remarkable
piece of history and an exciting read for children ages 7 and up." --
Rebecca Mullin, Kids Ink Children's Bookstores, Indianapolis, IN
Breadwinner, The
by
Deborah Ellis
"A powerful look into the fictional life of a young girl and her family under
Taliban rule in Afghanistan. Very powerful and important." -- Nancy Tebeau,
Not Just for Kids Bookstore, Wake Forest, NC
Daughter of Venice
by Donna
Jo Napoli
"Living a sheltered life, 14-year-old Donata longs for even a small bit of
freedom or knowledge. She disguises herself as a boy, slips out of the palazzo,
and the adventures begin. Her spunk and determination to direct her own course
in life are a challenge to young girls today." -- Katie Abbott, Scott's
Bookstore, Mt. Vernon, WA
Hamster of the Baskervilles, The: From the Tattered Casebook of Chet Gecko, Private Eye
by Bruce
Hale
"Chet Gecko rocks. Children and adults can both appreciate the snappy patter
of the 4th-grade lizard detective and his adventures on the destructive trail
of a 'werehamster.'" -- Maryelizabeth Hart, Mysterious Galaxy Books,
San Diego, CA
Matilda Bone
by Karen
Cushman
"In medieval England, selfish Matilda learns a new compassion for those around
her. A wonderful new tale by Newbery winner Cushman." -- Sharron Miller,
The Bookstore Plus, Lake Placid, NY
Patrol:
An American Soldier in Vietnam
by Walter
Dean Myers; collages by Ann
Grifalconi
"This book is stunning, powerful, and (unfortunately) will always be timely.
Myers describes the reality of being a soldier: the fear, the ambiguity, and
the sadness. The collage art of Vietnamese jungles and villages is hauntingly
beautiful. This should win a Caldecott Award." -- Will Peters, Annie
Bloom's Books, Portland, OR
Sammy Keyes and the Search for Snake Eyes
by Wendelin
Van Draanen
"Another witty and fast-paced caper that puts Sammy in the thick of some
very dangerous situations. As always Sammy and her loyal friends help the underdog
and save the day, as well as themselves, just in time." -- Sarah Parker,
Scott's Bookstore, Mt. Vernon, WA
What Happened on Planet Kid
by Jane
Leslie Conly
"Two young girls create an imaginary world where only girls and nice boys
are allowed. It soon becomes all too clear why this special space is so important.
One girl has to make a very important decision; the other has to survive."
-- Kim Soyka, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY
Q Is for Quark
by Schwartz,
David M.; illustrated by Kim
Doner
"Excellent illustrations and an informative text make complex concepts easy
to understand. We give this book a very high rating." -- Bob Spear, The
Book Barn, Leavenworth, KS
Water Dance
by
Thomas Locker
"Finally in paperback, this lyrical text paired with sumptuous illustrations
makes for a beautiful book that is also a lesson on the nature of water in our
world." -- Barb Bassett, Red Balloon Bookshop, St Paul, MN
Georgie
by Malachy
Doyle
"A wrenching story of a 14-year-old boy perceived to be a lost cause. We
see that he is as fearful of those around him as they are of him, and we learn
just how much he wants to be normal. Georgie gets one more chance when he is transferred
to yet another group home and meets Tommo and Shannon." -- Kerry Skiffington,
Deerleap Books, Bristol, VT
Gingerbread
by Rachel
Cohn
"Here is a real teenager in literature: vulnerable, sensitive, and a bit
self-destructive. She carries a gingerbread-colored rag doll with her everywhere
she goes, even on her trip to NYC to meet her biological father. What a completely
cool book! I was fascinated by this lovable, yet slightly rebellious, 16-year
old." -- Dana Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Wautagua, TX
 Hole
in My Life
by Jack
Gantos
"Gantos has written a courageous and compelling autobiographical book about
his time as a drug smuggler. The consequences were awful: He was caught, convicted,
and served 15 harrowing months in prison. Gantos has not only written a good
book, but also, I hope, has opened the possibility of writing about far wider
motives for decisions and actions that sculpt lives into their actual form.
Living with today's pervasive drug culture is an unsought challenge each person
is forced to face. A VERY important book." -- Carol Chittenden, Eight
Cousins Bookshop, Falmouth, MA
 How
to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found
by Sara
Nickerson
"This deliciously suspenseful, sensitive and well-written novel weaves together
strands of friendship, family, mystery and the agonies of adolescence. You won't
want to put it down!" -- Leah M. Maier, The Children's Corner Bookshop,
Spokane, WA
Hush
by
Jacqueline Woodson
"A girl in a Witness Protection Program family hates her new life. Woodson
has crafted another great story sure to intrigue all readers." -- Kara
Luger, Chinook Bookstore, Colorado Springs, CO
Lucy the Giant
by Sherri
L. Smith
"Lucy is 15 and tall, with a homelife filled with hopelessness. We share
Lucy's thoughts, see with Lucy's eyes, and feel Lucy's pain as she struggles to
fit in. One of the most moving and compelling stories that has come my way."
-- Tula Patterson, The Children's Corner Bookshop, Spokane, WA
Making the Run
by Heather
Henson
"This took me back to the summer of my senior year and wanting to escape
my small town roots and make the run for my future. Henson captures these feelings
and more. An excellent summer read for teens." -- Jenne Herbst, Quail
Ridge Books and Music, Raleigh, NC
Shattering Glass
by Gail
Giles
"From the first sentence ('Simon Glass was easy to hate.'), to its violent
end, this is a provocative novel on the nature of leaders and followers, the price
of being cool, and the pain of wanting to belong in high school. Dark and well
crafted, this suspenseful and powerful book is unforgettable, and it will provoke
much discussion." -- Holly Myers, Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle,
WA
Sight,
The
by David
Clement-Davies
"The author of Firebringer brings us a new epic fantasy novel based
on the myths of wolves and good and evil, as a bitter she-wolf sets out to fulfill
her destiny." -- Jeanne Fondrie, Village Books, Bellingham, WA
Things Not Seen
by Andrew
Clements
"The author of Frindle, Landry News, and School Story
has done it again. Jack's mother is a professor; his father a physicist, and
Jack is a teenage boy who, on p. 1, awakens from a night's sleep only to discover
he is invisible!" -- Janis Irvine, The Book Bin, Northbrook, IL
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