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Winter
2002 Children's Book Sense 76
Unique and provocative selections from a great diversity of voices...all personally recommended by the independent booksellers of America.
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 A
House Called Awful End: Book One of the Eddie Dickins Trilogy
by Philip
Ardagh; illustrated by David
Roberts
"All you fans of Mr. Snicket and Mr. Dahl, here you go! Mr. Ardagh is here
with a new series about kids persevering despite some dire straits. Here's the
first ridiculous, witty, and fun installment. Enjoy!" -- Carol Schweppe,
Hicklebee's, San Jose, CA
 A
Corner of the Universe
by Ann
M. Martin
"Based on a secret in the author's own family, this story works on many levels.
Martin opens our eyes to shades of gray, where it's hard to make choices and live
with the consequences. A great choice for mother/daughter book clubs."
-- Valerie Koehler, Blue Willow Books, Houston, TX
 Feed
by M.T.
Anderson
"Anderson has created such a convincing future world complete with so many
provocative ideas and sly commentary, I marveled at how he fit them all into one
book. I think teens will really enjoy this one. It's a very deserving finalist
for the National Book Award, with more awards likely." -- Carol Chittenden,
Eight Cousins Bookshop, Falmouth, MA
 Toot
& Puddle: Top of the World
by Holly
Hobbie
"Toot's off again, so, knowing what his best friend loves to do, Puddle hops
trains, planes and bicycles until he finds Toot in a French café. Then,
off they go to Nepal for the biggest adventure of them all. Complete with beautiful
watercolor illustrations, this one should get you hooked on these irresistible
characters!" -- Mary Fellow, Annie Bloom's Bookstore, Portland, OR
 Fireboat:
The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Henry
by Maira
Kalman
"This is a classic that will be just as powerful 50 years from now. I am
immensely grateful Kalman had this book in her. Portions of the proceeds of sales
of this book will be donated to the Twin Towers Orphan Fund." -- Tony
Miksak, Gallery Bookshop & Bookwinkle's Children's Books, Mendocino, CA
 The
House of the Scorpion
by Nancy
Farmer
"Two-time Newbery honoree Farmer is back with a futuristic tale about a strange
place and time. This wonderful novel has strong characters, provocative and timely
ideas, and a gripping plot." -- Susanna Nawrocki, The Twig Book Shop,
San Antonio, TX, also a National Book Award Finalist
 The
Sands of Time
by Michael
Hoeye
"Another delightful adventure with Hermux Tantamoq, the mouse watchmaker
we met in Time Stops for No Mouse. He is back with his friends in search
of an ancient civilization of mythical creatures called 'cats.' Did these fearsome
beasts actually exist? Travel with Hermux through another exciting exploit and
find out." -- Mary Swanson, The Bookloft, Enterprise, OR
 New
York's Bravest
by Mary
Pope Osborne; illustrated by Steve
Johnson and Lou
Fancher
"Osborne has done it again. This book is a wonderful, heroic tale that will
inspire and excite all who read it or have it read to them. Osborne never talks
down to her audience, and, as a result, her story pulls the reader/listener into
the adventure and makes him/her one with the action." -- Marge Grutzmacher,
Passtimes Books, Sister Bay, WI
 The
Spider & The Fly
by Mary
Howitt; illustrated by Tony
DiTerlizzi
"In this delightfully ghoulish picture book, the classic morality tale of
the spider and the fly is played out with the sparkling, delicate illustrations
of the talented DiTerlizzi. The spooky dream-like tone of the backgrounds is a
perfect match to the growing troubles of the fly. Sure to be a storytime favorite."
-- Alex Pippard, BookPeople, Austin, TX
 Catalyst
by Laurie
Halse Anderson
"I inhaled this in one sitting. High school senior Kate Malone, daughter
of the local minister, keeps her motherless family together and deals with the
struggles of one of her classmates. This is a touching look at how important
it is not to judge someone by what his or her life looks like on the outside."
-- Mary Ellen Kavanaugh, My Sisters' Words, Syracuse, NY
 Busy
Monkeys
by John
Schindel
"I love this book for the full-color photos and rhyming appeal for small
children. Kids can act out what they hear, such as " Monkey yelling, monkey
smelling" and " Monkey slurping, Monkey burping." Better yet, adults
can, too!" -- Kristin Keller, Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN
 Knick-Knack
Paddywhack
by Paul
O. Zelinsky
"Zelinski has created a masterpiece of moving parts to the well-known children's
song. With every reading, you see new things and understand more of this brilliant
author's sense of humor and knowledge." -- Lisa Schmitt, Wild Rumpus,
Minneapolis, MN
Who
Hops?
Who
Hoots?
by Katie
Davis
"Davis hit a home run when these were first released as picture books,
but now that they are available in board book format, I am in love. The pictures
are as colorful as ever and the text is just as silly. The only difference:
It's easier for the little ones to see who does and doesn't hop and hoot!"
-- Leslie Scully, A Likely Story Children's Bookstore, Alexandria, VA
 
 Alphaboat
by Michael
Chesworth
"Punctuation and poetry pack this tale of Captain C, the Alpha-crew, and
Admiral T in their search for the treasure of Mister E! A combination of sly visual
and verbal puns makes this rollicking read-aloud as much fun for the grown-ups
as for the small fry. One of the cleverest picture books we've seen in quite a
while." -- Diane Danielson & Vincent Desjardins, Snow Goose Bookstore,
Stanwood, WA
 Another
Perfect Day
by Ross
MacDonald
"Things are going well for your average superhero during his daily routine,
until things suddenly go awry. This charming story is about a little boy's dream
as he struggles to wake up on a bright, sunny morning. With totally cool retro
illustrations, this will have young and old laughing" -- Liz Morgan &
Kimberly Hughes, Village Bookstore, Menomonee Falls, WI
 Baghead
by Jarrett
J. Krosoczka
"Okay, so there has been a haircutting incident in my family, so maybe that's
why I got such a good laugh from this fabulous read-aloud. But I think all parents
and children alike will enjoy this fresh new voice in children's picture books."
-- Sarah Parker, Scott's Bookstore, Mt. Vernon, WA
 The
Bookstore Mouse
by Peggy
Christian
"This 1996 gem is finally out in paperback. Perhaps one of my family's favorite
books of all time: It's the story of a bookstore mouse, an illiterate cat, and
an adventure in words. There's a giant named Jargon, a dragon named Censor, and
a scribe named Cervantes. A great read-aloud for all ages." -- Nancy
Tebeau, Not Just for Kids Bookstore, Wake Forest, NC
 The
Collie of Castle Hill
by Christine
Reilly Carter
"Based on a true story, this book is about the wonderful relationship between
a child and a dog. The pencil illustrations beautifully bring the seasons and
holidays on their farm to life." -- Lorilee Buzby, Califon Bookshop,
Califon, NJ
 Courage
by Bernard
Waber
"Add my vote to the many that this special book will receive. Waber has given
us a humorous but poignant look at some very real aspects of courage in an accessible
presentation. This is a book that educators, parents, and friends will be sharing
for years to come. One of the best books on the subject in a long time."
-- Sheilah Egan, A Likely Story Children's Bookstore, Alexandria, VA
 Dear
Mrs. Larue: Letters from Obedience School
by Mark
Teague
"What a witty book! Little dog Ike has been sent to obedience school by his
owner, and his letters home make it sound like a prison. But the funny illustrations
show us otherwise." -- Kara Luger, Chinook Bookshop, Colorado Springs,
CO
 Epossumondas
by Colleen
Salley; illustrated by Janet
Stevens
"The single best read-aloud this year. Master storyteller Salley's tale begs
to be read with an accent, but suffers nothing without one. Janet Stevens, one
of our favorite illustrators, provides utterly fun and fabulous pictorial life
to young Epossumondas, who follows directions all too well. Three thumbs up!"
-- Melissa Mytinger, Cody's, Berkeley, CA
 Ignacio's
Chair
by Gloria
Evangelista; illustrated by Cathy
Morrison
"The life and times of an antique chair from the 16th Century to the present
age are chronicled in this impressive picture book. Kings, pirates, and immigrants
all play a part in this remarkable chair's story." -- Dana Harper, Brystone
Children's Books, Ft. Worth, TX
 Mole
& the Baby Bird
by Marjorie
Newman; illustrated by Patrick
Benson
"Simple and beautiful language reveals a universal truth: If you love something,
set it free." -- Adrianne Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Ft. Worth,
TX
 Mrs.
Biddlebox
by Linda
Smith
"Did you ever wake up in a dreary little funk? Mrs. Biddlebox is having a
perfectly awful day, but, instead of grumbling, she comes up with a truly extraordinary
idea: Why not take all the ingredients of this dismal day and bake them into a
cake? What a fun book to share with anyone having 'one of those days.'"
-- Marilyn Smith, Hawley-Cooke Booksellers, Louisville, KY
 The
Nightingale
by Hans
Christian Andersen; illustrated by Jerry
Pinkney
"Pinkney chose to move this familiar tale to exotic Morocco, filling his
pages with lavish palace gardens, richly patterned clothing, and lush landscapes.
The cultural richness of his artwork brings a new warmth to this story, and every
page is a gift." -- Ellen Davis, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI
 Plantzilla
by Jerdine
Nolan; illustrated by David
Catrow
"When Mortimer adopts the class plant for the summer, he gets a little more
than he bargained for in this wacky tale. It quickly grows to 'Little Shop
of Horrors' proportions and begins to dominate the household. The story is
told entirely through letters -- an always delightful format -- and the detailed
illustrations are hilarious." -- Kate McNally, Bookshop Benicia, Benicia,
CA
 The
Pot That Juan Built
by Nancy
Andrews-Goebel; illustrated by David
Diaz
"Readers will enjoy this book on several levels: the familiar, bouncy rhyme
on the left-hand pages that tells the true story of Juan Quezada's renaissance
of Mexican pottery; on the right hand pages, Diaz's glowing illustrations."
-- Rory Walsh, Kids Ink Children's Bookstores, Indianapolis, IN
 Raccoon
Moon
by Nancy
Carol Willis
"A heartfelt story of a raccoon family's first year together. This charming
book has facts incorporated in the story, so you are learning while enjoying."
-- Joy Winslow, Danner's Books, Muncie, IN
 The
Range Eternal
by Louise
Erdrich; illustrated by Steve
Johnson
and Lou
Fancher
"This is Erdrich's lyrical, touching tribute to the heart of her childhood
home: an old-fashioned, wood-burning cookstove which the family took for granted
until it was gone. A great book to share on the cold winter nights to come."
-- Barb Bassett, Red Balloon Bookshop, St. Paul, MN
 Ruby's
Wish
by Shirin
Yim Bridges; illustrated by Sophie
Blackall
"This beautiful book is set in China at a time when education was considered
only the birthright of boys. Happily, for one young girl, the patriarch in the
story recognizes Ruby's talents and her eagerness to become educated."
-- Judy Hamel, Childrens' Corner Bookshop, Spokane, WA
 When
Marian Sang
by Pam
Munoz Ryan; illustrated by Brian
Selznick
"Ryan's words and Selznick's art powerfully combine to bring to life the
story of Marian Anderson's incredible triumph in the late 1930s: Finally being
allowed to sing before an integrated audience on the Lincoln Memorial steps."
-- Candace Moreno, San Marino Toy and Book Shoppe, San Marino, CA
 Ug:
Boy Genius of the Stone Age
by Raymond
Briggs
"Briggs's new book is fun, wonderfully illustrated, and full of his warm
and quirky charm. Ug's story is the story of each of us, at one time or another,
as we've tried to discover our way and fit in a world that doesn't always make
sense." -- Herman Fong, Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, MA
 Zathura
by Chris
Van Allsburg
"Open this book and you'll immediately realize you're in for a strange
and imaginative adventure. Van Allsburg strikes the perfect balance between
the everyday world of sibling rivalry and a world where anything can happen.
I loved this as much as his Jumanji!" -- Harvada Elisberg, Children's
Bookshop, Appleton, WI
 A
Child's Book of Faeries
by Tanya
Robin Batt
"This collection of fairy stories, poems and lore by a 'professional fairy'
is magically delightful! Barefoot consistently produces quality books for children,
and this is one." -- Kathleen Carey, The Little Book House of Stuyvesant
Plaza, Albany, NY
Fairie-Ality:
The Fashion Collection
by David
Ellwand and David
Downton
"I just L-O-V-E this gorgeous and fun book of faerie outfits, all in gorgeous
color." -- Nikki Mutch, UConn Co-op, Storrs, CT
 Judy
Moody Saves the World
by Megan
McDonald
"The third installment in the Judy Moody series is perfect for 2nd and 3rd
graders. Judy is on a tear about recycling and the environment! A fun read and
a spunky little heroine." -- Diane Smith-Hill, A Children's Place, Portland,
OR
 Chet
Gecko: This Gum for Hire
by Bruce
Hale
 Into
The Labyrinth
by Roderick
Townley
"In this sequel to The Great Good Thing, the characters who live in
the storybook are rushing to keep up with the many readers they get when the book
is republished, and it becomes even more difficult when the book is loaded onto
the Web. There are many funny scenes-Sylvie the Princess persuades the Writer
to add a new character who can teach yoga to the cast to relieve their stress-and
lots of adventure in cyberspace." -- Nancy Felton, Broadside Bookshop,
Northampton, MA
 The
Great Good Thing
by Roderick
Townley
The
Saturdays
The
Four Story Mistake
Spiderweb
for Two
Then
There Were Five
by Elizabeth
Enright
"It's great to have these wonderful books about the wonderful Melendy family
out again in new editions!" -- Elizabeth Bluemle, Flying Pig Children's
Books, Charlotte, VT
 The
Little Brute Family
by Russell
Hoban; illustrated by Lillian
Hoban
"The reissue of a favorite book is like an old friend coming back to visit.
In The Little Brute Family, originally published in 1966, a clan of appealing
little 'brutes' discover that mean feelings breed meanness and good feelings breed
goodness." -- Beth Puffer, Bank Street Bookstore, New York, NY
 Rio
Grande Stories
by Carolyn
Meyer
"In this book originally published in 1994, 7th grade students delve into
their family folklore to create a book as part of a class project about their
unique traditions and relatives. Melding together stories-from the Hidden Jews
to the first black explorers-each student discovers something special to contribute
that speaks to the beauty of our nation's multicultural identity."
-- Joe Cedillo, PAGES: Books for Children and Young Adults, Tarzana, CA
 The
Angel Factory
by Terence
Blacker
"A strange and thought-provoking book about Thomas, who seems to have the
perfect life until he discovers that his parents are angels. But what exactly
is an 'angel,' why are they here, and what role do they expect Thomas to play
in their Project? This book will keep you wondering until the very last page."
-- Katherine Bryk, Learned Owl Bookshop, Hudson, OH
 Behind
the Mountains
by Edwidge
Danticat
"A 13-year-old Haitian girl is encouraged by a teacher to begin keeping a
diary about the time when Haiti's presidential elections caused violence and uncertainty.
This is a gem that makes real for students the experiences of those forced from
their beloved and familiar lives by political and economic complications."
-- Margi Shindler, Ecola Square Books, Cannon Beach, OR
 Boston
Jane: Wilderness Days
by Jennifer
Holm
"This is the second Boston Jane tale, told by Jane herself. Spunky Jane survives
many adventures out on the rough Western frontier, attempting to do the right
thing. Tension is provided by a misunderstanding between Jane and Jehu, a solid,
quiet man who loves her and always appears at the right times. An engrossing story."
-- Sue Carita, Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH
 Cecile:
Gates of Gold
by Mary
Casanova
"As the American Girl series places a fictitious girl in American's past,
the Girls of Many Lands series places one in another country in a fascinating
time period-in this case, a young girl in the court of 1744 Versailles."
-- Janet Bibeau, Storybook Cove, Hanover, MA
 Dolores:
Seven Stories About Her
by Bruce
Brooks
"I have sold tons of Brooks' classic work, The Moves Make the Man.
His latest is the coming-of-age saga of a brainy, beautiful loner, who resists
caving to social pressure and physical threats. A very empowering but credible
role model for early adolescent girls." -- Mary Taft, Prairie Lights,
Iowa City, IA
 The
Frog Princess
by E.D.
Baker
"This is an innovative twist on the original fairy tale, and it's absolutely
enchanting." -- Julie Heidtman, Page One Books, Albuquerque, NM
 Harmony
by Rita
Murphy
"An entertaining coming-of-age novel with an unusual but wonderfully loving
family, a believable touch of magical realism, and an intelligent, good-hearted
girl struggling to find her place in the world. I was touched by Harmony's desire
to rid herself of her inexplicable 'powers' so that she could be 'normal,' and
I was moved by her realization that a curse can sometimes be a blessing in disguise."
-- Alison Morris, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA
 I
Smell Like Ham
by Betty
Hicks
"Nick is worried about his appearance, girls, making the basketball team,
and missing his mother. He also has concerns about his new stepfamily, mustard
dispensers, and his best friend's angry family. This is a funny, poignant, and
true look at being a middle school kid." -- Rene Kirkpatrick, All for
Kids Books, Seattle, WA
 Parvana's
Journey
by Deborah
Ellis
"Parvana is separated from her family in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan,
so she heads to Kabul to find them. This is a must-read for the many fans of the
bestselling prequel, The Breadwinner." -- Carol Stoltz, Concord
Bookshop, Concord, MA
 Quiver
by Stephanie
Spinner
"Moving at a swift pace, Spinner pulls the reader right into ancient Greece
with Atalanta's demand for the deaths of her suitors. With its musical prose,
Quiver brings life to the deities of ancient Greece." -- Katie Abbot,
Scott's Bookstore, Mt. Vernon, WA
 The
Same Stuff as Stars
by Katherine
Paterson
"Angel and her brother are deserted by their mother, so they are left in
the care of their great grandmother, who is very poor. Angel, who is 11, has to
be adult and parent, too; her burdens seem positively overwhelming. But she manages
to find some joy in life as she discovers the stars with the help of an elderly
man in the trailer next door. A very compelling story." -- Kim Dalley,
Toadstool Books, Peterborough, NH
 A
Week in the Woods
by Andrew
Clements
"Mark didn't ask to move to New Hampshire or to go to a hick school. Now
the whole school is headed out for a week of camping. As Mark begins to open
up to life in the country, he decides it might be okay to learn something new.
It might even be fun. But things go all wrong. Clements asks- and answers -questions
about first impressions, fairness, loyalty, and courage, and exactly what it
takes to spend a week in the woods." -- Margaret Poppe, Books & Books,
Coral Gables, FL
 Bloody
Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary Jack Faber
by L.A.
Meyer
"Jacky Faber is a 13-year-old with spirit and grit. She's an orphan living
on the streets of 18th-century London, begging for food and dodging danger. When
a warship comes to shore looking for ship's boys, Jacky disguises herself as a
boy and sets out on a high sea adventure in search of pirates. This one will keep
you reading!" -- Valerie Lewis, Hicklebee's, San Jose, CA
 Breathing
Underwater
by Alex
Flinn
"Nick appears to have everything going for him: intelligence, popularity,
wealth, but his father's violent temper colors his whole life. His journey of
self-discovery is chronicled in a court-ordered journal he is required to keep.
This book was difficult to put down-a thought provoking read for mature teens."
-- Pam Stilp, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops, Brookfield, WI
 City
of the Beasts
by Isabel
Allende
"For the young and the young at heart, this story about the relationship
between a nerdy boy and his adventurous grandmother is priceless. The adventure
story has just enough magic to make it thought-provoking fiction, but not so much
to make it a flat-out fantasy. A wonderful book." -- Jeanne Michael,
Odyssey Books, Grass Valley, CA
 Edgewater
Angels
by Sandro
Meallet
"This book is a gem. Meallet's language is truthful and the emotions honest
as he captures the lives of these teens growing up in the projects without fathers.
This book was a big handsell in our store last year in hardback, and we are looking
forward to selling many more now that it's in paperback." -- Sarah Wingfield,
M is for Mystery/ K is for Kids Bookstore, San Mateo, CA
 A
Step from Heaven
by An
Na
"A masterful writer, Na describes the struggles and joys of a Korean family
living in America, creating memorable characters and a novel worthy of awards."
-- Andrea Hein, Kids Ink Children's Bookstores, Indianapolis, IN
At
the Crossing Places
by Kevin
Crossley-Holland
Sequel to The Seeing Stone.
Sorceress
by Celia
Rees
Sequel to Witch Child.
Nancy
Drew: Secret of the Old Clock
Nancy
Drew: The Hidden Staircase
Nancy
Drew: The Bungalow Mystery
Nancy
Drew: The Mystery at Lilac Inn
by Carolyn
Keene; read by Laura
Linney
   
 The
BFG
by Roald
Dahl; read by Natasha
Richardson
 Boy
by Roald
Dahl; read by Derek
Jacobi
 Charlie
and the Chocolate Factory
by Roald
Dahl; read by Eric
Idle
 George's
Marvelous Medicine
by Roald
Dahl; read by Richard
E. Grant
Going
Solo
by Roald
Dahl; read by Derek
Jacobi
 Revolting
Rhymes & Dirty Beasts
by Roald
Dahl; read by Alan
Cumming
 The
Twits
by Roald
Dahl; read by Simon
Callow
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