Best of the Best
Outstanding Books of 1997 to 2008From the 1998 to 2008 editions of The Best Children's Books of the Year
Under Five | FIVE TO NINE |
Nine and Up |
Twelve and Up |
Special InterestsFive to Nine
ADVENTUREAkiak: A Tale from the Iditarod
written and ill. by Robert J. Blake
(Philomel, 1997)
A determined, brave Alaska sled dog runs his third and final Iditarod race. Expressive oil painting illustrations. (6-9)
Ghost of the Southern Belle: A Sea Tale
by Odds Bodkin, ill. by Bernie Fuchs
(Little, Brown, 1999)
Beautiful illustrations add to this 1865 tale in which a young sailor finds a solution to a ghost ship's curse. (5-8)
The Island-Below-the-Star
written and ill. by James Rumford
(HMC, 1998)
Five brothers set off across the Pacific to find a new island. Each, including Manu, the youngest, plays a role. (6-9)
Napí Goes to the Mountain
by Antonio Ramírez, ill. by Domi, trans. by Elisa Amado
(Groundwood, 2006)
Colorful, dramatic watercolors enhance this native Mexican adventure of two children who embark on a dreamlike quest for their missing father. (6-9)
A Traveling Cat
by George Ella Lyon, ill. by Paul Brett Johnson
(Orchard, 1998)
A lost cat finds a temporary loving home where she can give birth to her kittens before moving on. Handsome illustrations. (5-8)
ANIMALSAnimal House
written and ill. by Melissa Bay Mathis
(S&S, 1999)
In a rhymed story, children seek advice from different animals on how to fashion a good play space. (5-7)
Daring Dog and Captain Cat
by Arnold Adoff, ill. by Joe Cepeda
(S&S, 2001)
A lively romp through the night with two captivating pets. Perfect for reading aloud. Playful illustrations. (5-8)
Dogs, Dogs, Dogs!
by Leslea Newman, ill. by Erika Oller
(S&S, 2002)
Counting dogs, dogs, dogs spells fun, fun, fun. (4-7)
Good Dog, Paw!
written and ill. by Chinlun Lee
(Candlewick, 2004)
Paw, the singing dog, helps a young veterinarian in her clinic. Delightful watercolor and pencil illustrations. (4-6)
Goose's Story
by Cari Best, ill. by Holly Meade
(FSG, 2002)
All summer a young girl and her dog watch a courageous goose with one leg and welcome back her new family the following spring. Striking illustrations. (5-8)
Mole Music
written and ill. by David McPhail
(Henry Holt, 1999)
Fanciful illustrations show a mole who teaches himself to play the violin, and his music soon soothes the world. (4-7)
Sammy:
The Classroom Guinea Pig
written and ill. by Alix Berenzy
(Henry Holt, 2005)
Mrs. B's early elementary class learns a great deal about animal behavior from Sammy. Delicate detailed illustrations and facts about guinea pigs. (5-8)
Some Dog!
by Mary Casanova, ill. by Ard Hoyt
(FSG, 2007)
When an energetic stray dog invades George's peaceful existence and charms his owners, George proves he is still special. Humorous illustrations. (5-7)
There's a Zoo in Room 22
by Judy Sierra, ill. by Barney Saltzberg
(Harcourt, 2000)
Meet 26 class pets in this rhyming romp through the ABCs. (4-7)
Verdi
written and ill. by Janell Cannon
(HBC, 1997)
A young python resists growing up. Marvelous illustrations. (5-8)
BEGINNING READERSAnt Plays Bear
by Betsy Byars, ill. by Ann Schweninger
(Dial, 1997)
Four more delightful episodes in the life of Ant and his older brother. (6-8)
Doors
written and ill. by Roxie Munro
(Chronicle, 2004)
Explore and search-and-find in this colorful lift-the-flap book. (4-7)
ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE
I Am Invited to a Party!
My Friend Is Sad
There Is a Bird on Your Head!
Today I Will Fly!
written and ill. by Mo Willems
(Hyperion, 2007)
Elephant Gerald and Piggie share their deep friendship through simple and sincere actions. Humorous, cartoonish illustrations. (4-8)
Poppleton
Poppleton and Friends
(Scholastic, 1997)
by Cynthia Rylant, ill. by Mark Teague
Delightful stories about a lovable pig and his friends. Charming illustrations. (5-7)
Poppleton Everyday
Poppleton Forever
by Cynthia Rylant, ill. by Mark Teague
(Scholastic, 1998)
Two more in the series about the wonderful pig and his friends. (5-8)
You Read to Me, I'll Read to You: Very Short Stories to Read Together
by Mary Ann Hoberman, ill. by Michael Emberley
(Little, 2001)
Simple, entertaining stories filled with engaging pictures and catchy rhymes. An enjoyable way for a child to read with an adult. (5-7)
FANTASYDoña Flor; A Tall Tale About A Giant Woman With A Great Big Heart: Un Cuento De Una Mujer Gigante Con Un Gran Corazón
by Pat Mora, ill. by Raul Colón
(Dragonfly Books, 2005)
A delightful tall tale with warm, lyrical language and illustrations. (English and Spanish.) (6-9)
Enchantment in the Garden
written and ill. by Shirley Hughes
(Lothrop, 1997)
A wealthy by lonely girl cares about a lovely statue of a sea god and brings him to life with her touch. Luminous paintings. (6-8)
Flotsam
written and ill. by David Wiesner
(Clarion, 2006)
On the beach, a boy discovers a camera with photos of a fantastical underwater journey. Wordless, with imaginative, detailed watercolors. (5-9)
Horace the Horrible: A Knight Meets His Match
by Jackie French Koller, ill. by Jackie Urbanovic
(Cavendish, 2003)
When Princess Minuette goes to stay with her Uncle Horace, she causes him to change radically. Bright watercolors. (5-8)
Hunwick's Egg
by Mem Fox, ill. by Pamela Lofts
(Harcourt, 2005)
An Australian marsupial lovingly adopts an egg. Wonderfully detailed watercolor pencil illustrations. (6-8)
Jitterbug Jam: A Monster Tale
by Barbara Jean Hicks, ill. by Alexis Deacon
(FSG, 2005)
Frightened of a boy, a young monster hides under his bed and learns to conquer his fears. Graphic style illustrations. (6-9)
Learning to Fly
written and ill. by Sebastian Meschenmoser
(Kane/Miller, 2006)
Can a penguin be taught to fly? (6-8)
Nobody Rides the Unicorn
by Adrian Mitchell, ill. by Stephen Lambert
(Scholastic, 2000)
A child, who is used by adults to capture a unicorn, releases him and escapes to his kingdom. Exquisitely illustrated (4-6)
O'Sullivan Stew
written and ill. by Hudson Talbott
(Putnam, 1999)
Sassy Kate saves her Irish village by telling tall tales to the angry king. (7-9)
Pierre's Dream
by Jennifer Armstrong, ill. by Susan Gaber
(Dial, 1999)
Lazy Pierre awakes from an afternoon nap under a tree to find himself the heroic star of a traveling circus. Or was it all just a dream? Vibrant illustrations. (6-9)
Pockets
by Jennifer Armstrong, ill. by Mary GrandPré
(Crown, 1998)
A stranded seamstress creates elaborate pockets for the Midwestern townspeople, transforming their everyday lives. Exquisitely told. (6-9)
The Prairie Train
by Antoine O Flatharta, ill. by Eric Rohmann
(Crown, 1999)
Somber, dramatic illustrations show Conor, a homesick young Irish immigrant, who travels across America on a train that wishes it were a boat. (5-7)
Raisel's Riddle
by Erica Silverman, ill. by Susan Gaber
(FSG, 1999)
This Cinderella's "prince"is the rabbi's son who wins her by solving her riddle. (6-9)
Raising Dragons
by Jerdine Nolen, ill. by Elise Primavera
(HBC, 1998)
Magical language and illustrations meld perfectly in this tale of a spunky girl who knows just how to raise dragons. (6-9)
The Secret-Keeper
by Kate Coombs, ill. by Heather M. Solomon
(Atheneum, 2006)
When Kalli falls ill after sharing the villagers' secrets, she discovers the most important secret of all. Moving, multi-media illustrations. (5-8)
Sector 7
written and ill. by David Wiesner
(Clarion, 1999)
A wordless tale that will whisk you on a playful escapade to visit the cloudmakers in the sky. (5-8)
Summer Reading is Killing Me!
by Jon Scieszka, ill. by Lane Smith
(Viking, 1998)
Joe, Sam, and Fred time-travel in their summer reading list. Another in the Time Warp series. (7-9)
A Summertime Song
written and ill. by Irene Haas
(McElderry, 1997)
A fanciful story, lyrically told, of a young child's dreamlike adventure. Exquisite illustrations. (5-9)
Weslandia
by Paul Fleischman, ill. by Kevin Hawkes
(Candlewick, 1999)
The class nonconformist creates a brilliant utopia and arouses the admiration of his torturers. Clever illustrations parallel the zany, imaginative text. (7-9)
What a Truly Cool World
by Julius Lester, ill. by Joe Cepeda
(Scholastic, 1999)
God and Angel Shaniqua bring flowers and butterflies into the world by inventing music. Humorous, with folk art oil paintings. (6-9)
When Agnes Caws
by Candace Fleming, ill. by Giselle Potter
(Atheneum, 1999)
A talented young birdcaller snares a rare duck in the Himalayas and thwarts a villainous bird-hunter and stuffer. Delightful illustrations. (5-9)
When the Wind Bears Go Dancing
written and ill. by Phoebe Stone
(Little, Brown, 1998)
Through evocative pictures and rhymed text, a young girl transforms a storm into a wild, exciting animal romp in the sky. (6-8)
FOLK AND FAIRY TALESAesop's Fables
written and ill. by Jerry Pinkney
(SeaStar, 2000)
"The Tortoise and the Hare"and other favorite tales. Expressive watercolors. (7-9)
The Ant and the Grasshopper
retold and ill. by Amy Lowry Poole
(Holiday House, 2000)
Aesop's fable set in China extols the value of hard work. Well retold with paintings influenced by traditional Chinese art. (5-7)
Basho and the River Stones
by Tim Myers, ill. by Oki S. Han
(Cavendish, 2004)
The Japanese poetry master and his joy in nature are described, with lush watercolor illustrations and haikus by the author. (6-8)
The Best Beekeeper of Lalibela: A Tale from Africa
by Cristina Kessler, ill. by Leonard Jenkins
(Holiday House, 2006)
In the mountains of Ethiopia, a young girl shows that she too can be a beekeeper. The rich mixed-media art reflects the African village and landscape. (6-9)
Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella
by Robert D. San Souci, ill. by Brian Pinkney
(S&S, 1998)
Creole version of the classic French tale, narrated by the godmother. Lush tropical scratchboard-and-paint illustrations. (5-8)
Ch'at Tó Yinílo'; Frog Brings Rain
by Patricia Hruby Powell, ill. by Kendrick Benally, Navajo by Peter A. Thomas
(Salina Bookshelf, 2006)
A Navajo tale that explains how fire was quenched by frog. Art in Navajo style. (6-9)
The Crane Wife
retold by Odds Bodkin, ill. by Gennady Spirin
(HBC, 1998)
Beautifully illustrated and poetically retold Japanese legend of a poor weaver and his mysterious wife. (7-10) M
The Day Ocean Came to Visit
by Diane Wolkstein, ill. by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
(Harcourt, 2001)
Ocean finally accepts an invitation to visit Sun and Moon's bamboo cottage with startling results.
(5-8)
Days of the Blackbird: A Tale of Northern Italy
written and ill. by Tomie dePaola
(Putnam, 1997)
How Le Giornate della Merla came to be. Colorful and appealing illustrations. (5-8)
The Dog Who Walked with God
by Michael J. Rosen, ill. by Stan Fellows
(Candlewick, 1998)
Beautifully detailed watercolors and rhythmic text tell the Kato Indian creation myth of the Great Traveler and his dog. (6-10)
The Dragon Prince: A Chinese Beauty & the Beast Tale
by Laurence Yep, ill. by Kam Mak
(HarperCollins, 1997)
To save her father's life, his youngest daughter agrees to marry a fierce dragon. Beautiful illustrations. (6-8)
The Eagle's Gift
by Rafe Martin, ill. by Tatsuro Kiuchi
(Putnam, 1997)
A traditional Eskimo tale about the gift of joy. Exceptional illustrations.
Epossumondas
by Coleen Salley, ill. by Janet Stevens
(Harcourt, 2002)
An outrageous tale of a small possum who takes his mother's advice literally. Hilarious illustrations. Wonderful read-aloud. (3-7)
The Everything Seed: A Story of Beginnings
by Carole Martignacco, ill. by Joy Troyer
(Tricycle, 2006)
A new creation myth with images of a still developing universe. Batik artwork. (7-9)
Fly, Eagle, Fly!: An African Tale
retold by Christopher Gregorowski, ill. by Niki Daly
(McElderry, 2000)
An eagle learns to soar upward. Foreword by Archbishop Tutu encourages children to do the same. Spectacular illustrations. (7-9)
Fresh Fish: A Tale from Tanzania
written and ill. by John Kilaka
(Groundwood, 2005)
When Dog steals Chimpanzee's fish, the animals of the African village spring into action and catch the thief. Vivid, detailed watercolor illustrations. (6-9)
The Girl Who Spun Gold
by Virginia Hamilton, ill. by Leo and Diane Dillon
(Blue Sky, 2000)
Masterful retelling, majestically illustrated, of a West Indian version of the Rumpelstiltskin tale. (6-9)
Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Cinderella
by Paul Fleischman, ill. by Julie Paschkis
(Henry Holt, 2007)
A retelling with a global spin of the classic Cinderella story is accompanied by colorful, stylized gouaches. (6-8)
Hanne's Quest
written and ill. by Olivier Dunrea
(Philomel, 2006)
The speckled hen quietly tries to save Mem Pockets' farm. (6-9)
The Hired Hand: An African-American Folktale
by Robert D. San Souci, ill. by Jerry Pinkney
(Dial, 1997)
A lazy son learns a hard lesson. Classic watercolor illustrations. (7-10)
The Hungry Coat: A Tale from Turkey
written and ill. by Demi
(McElderry, 2004)
Nasrettin Hoca, a good man in a not-so-good coat, learns--and then teaches--that appearances can be deceiving. Turkish, miniature-style illustrations. (7-10)
The Jungle Book: Mowgli's Story
by Rudyard Kipling, ill. by Nicola Bayley
(Candlewick, 2005)
Vibrant colored pencil illustrations and elegant design introduce a new generation to the man-cub, Mowgli and the Law of the Jungle. (7-12)
Just a Minute
written and ill. by Yuyi Morales
(Chronicle, 2003)
When the skeleton Señor Galavera comes to take Grandma Beetle away, she cleverly turns the tables. Beautiful Mexican style paintings. (5-7)
Keeper of Soles
by Teresa Bateman, ill. by Yayo
(Holiday House, 2006)
An accomplished and clever cobbler manages to outwit death--for a time. Amusing acrylics. (5-8)
The King of the Birds
written and ill. by Helen Ward
(Millbrook, 1997)
A story of birds searching for their king. Includes an identification key. Spectacularly detailed illustrations. (6-9)
The Loathsome Dragon
retold by David Wiesner, and Kim Kahang, ill. by David Wiesner
(Clarion, 2005)
When Princess Margaret's stepmother casts a horrible stepmother spell on her, can her brother save her? Enchanting text and fine detailed watercolors. (6-8)
The Magic Bean Tree: A Legend from Argentina
retold by Nancy Van Laan, ill. by Beatriz Vidal
(HMC, 1998)
A young Quechuan boy sets out to bring the rains back to his parched homeland. His reward, and Argentina's, is the carob bean. (5-8)
Master Man: A Tall Tale of Nigeria
by Aaron Shepard, ill. by David Wisniewski
(HarperCollins, 2001)
When Shadusa tries to prove that he's the real master man, he runs into unexpected obstacles. Funny illustrations. (5-8)
The Merbaby
by Teresa Bateman, ill. by Patience Brewster
(Holiday House, 2001)
When Tarron's fishing net pulls up a merbaby, he resists the fame and fortune it could bring, risks the peril of the siren song, and returns her to her folk. (5-8)
Mouse Match: A Chinese Folktale
written and ill. by Ed Young
(HBC, 1997)
Exceptional artwork that opens like a Chinese screen dramatizes the classic tale of a mouse's search for a bridegroom. Written in Chinese and English. (6-8)
Mystic Horse
written and ill. by Paul Goble
(HarperCollins, 2003)
A young brave saves his tribe after adopting an infirm horse with magic power. Colorful stylized illustrations. (7-10)
The Night Has Ears: African Proverbs
selected and illustrated by Ashley Bryan
(Atheneum, 1999)
Twenty-six proverbs, serious and funny, from different African tribes. Gaily illustrated. (7-9)
Night of the White Stag
by M.C. Helldorfer, ill. by Yvonne Gilbert
(Doubleday, 1999)
A wondrous tale of a young boy in an enchanted winter forest. (5-8)
Ouch! A Tale from Grimm
retold by Natalie Babbitt, written and ill. by Fred Marcellino
(HarperCollins, 1998)
Delightful retelling of the tale of young Marco who goes from being nobody special to becoming king. Clever illustrations. (5-8)
The People Could Fly: The Picture Book
by Virginia Hamilton, ill. by Leo and Diane Dillon
(Knopf, 2004)
The title story of American slaves from the original 1993 volume, with intense, haunting paintings. (7-10)
The Pied Piper of Hamelin
retold by Robert Holden, ill. by Drahos Zak
(HMC, 1998)
Wonderful illustrations depict how the Pied Piper extracts his revenge from the greedy inhabitants of Hamelin. (6-8)
Pretty Salma: A Little Red Riding Hood Story from Africa
written and ill. by Niki Daly
(Clarion, 2007)
Little Red Riding Hood set in Ghana with interesting variations on the fairy tale and colorful, amusing illustrations. (5-8)
Rachel's Library
written and ill. by Richard Ungar
(Tundra, 2004)
In the Polish village of Chelm, Rachel's idea saves the day. Bright watercolor and colored pencil folk art illustrations. (6-9)
Rapunzel
retold and ill. by Paul O. Zelinsky
(Dutton, 1997)
Magnificently illustrated retelling of the classic folktale in which a girl is imprisoned in a lonely tower. (6-9)
Sense Pass King: A Story From Cameroon
retold by Katrin Tchana, ill. by Trina Schart Hyman
(Holiday House, 2002)
A little girl's wisdom crushes the tyrannical rule of a king and restores peace in her village. Lush illustrations. (5-8)
The Shark God
by Rafe Martin, ill. by David Shannon
(Scholastic, 2001)
When their two children are sentenced to death for befriending a shark, their parents seek help from the Shark God. A Hawaiian legend. (7-9)
The Shoemaker Extraordinaire
written and ill. by Steve Light
(Abrams, 2003)
A clever twist on the folktale. Vivid mixed-media illustrations. (5-9)
The Spider Weaver: A Legend of Kente Cloth
by Margaret Musgrove, ill. by Julia Cairns
(Blue Sky, 2001)
A talented spider teaches two weavers the Kente cloth pattern. A traditional tale from Ghana. Beautifully illustrated. (6-8)
Stone Soup
retold and ill. by Jon J. Muth
(Scholastic, 2003)
A humorous Chinese version employing Buddhist traditions, village life and culture captured by exquisite, evocative watercolors. (5-8)
Storm Maker's Tipi
written and ill. by Paul Goble
(Atheneum, 2001)
Storm Maker's gift of the tipi design to the Blackfoot Nation. (5-8)
Sugar Cane: A Caribbean Rapunzel
by Patricia Storace, pictures by Raul Colon
(Jump At The Sun, 2007)
With lush illustrations and appropriate art, the classic folktale has been completely transformed to fit its setting. (7-10)
Tasty Baby Belly Buttons
by Judy Sierra, ill. by Meilo So
(Knopf, 1999)
Brave Uriko gathers allies to save the village's babies from the dreaded Oni. Humorous watercolors with a traditional Japanese flavor. (5-8)
Trickster and the Fainting Birds
by Howard Norman, ill. by Tom Pohrt
(HBC, 1999)
A well-transcribed series of Cree and Chippewa trickster tales. Excellent introduction and notes on each tale. (6-9)
The Two Brothers: A Legend of Jerusalem
retold and ill. by Neil Waldman
(Atheneum, 1997)
Sharing and love form the foundations for the ancient city. Soft, warm illustrations. (6-9)
The Ugly Duckling
by Hans Christian Andersen, adapted and ill. by Jerry Pinkney
(HarperCollins, 1999)
The outcast duckling who was really a swan. An exceptional retelling with lavish illustrations. (5-8)
The Ugly Duckling
by Hans Christian Andersen, illus. by Robert Ingpen, trans. by Anthea Bell
(Penguin, 2005)
The duckling's search for world acceptance. A new translation. (6-10)
Unwitting Wisdom: An Anthology of Aesop's Fables
retold and ill. by Helen Ward
(Chronicle, 2004)
Detailed bright watercolors enliven the retelling of twelve of the famous fables. Introductory comments hint at morals. (6-10)
GROWING UPAnd What Comes After a Thousand?
written and ill. by Anette Bley
(Kane/Miller, 2007)
Lisa discovers that her old friend lives on in the memories of all they shared. Dramatic, vibrantly colored illustrations. (6-9)
Angelo
written and ill. by David Macaulay
(HMC, 2002)
While Angelo is restoring an old church, he nurses a pigeon back to health. (6-9)
Babu's Song
by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen, ill. by Aaron Boyd
(Lee & Low, 2003)
In Tanzania, Bernardi wants to go to school and play soccer, His mute grandfather helps make this happen. Expressive watercolors. (6-8)
A Bird About to Sing
written and ill. by Laura Nyman Montenegro
(HMC, 2003)
Natalie, a poet, finds that reading her poetry aloud can be difficult. (6-12)
The Birdwatchers
written and ill. by Simon James
(Candlewick, $15.99) 0-7636-1676-1
A grandfather initiates his granddaughter into the pleasures of bird watching. Quirky illustrations.
(5-8)
The Birthday Doll
by Jane Cutler, ill. by Hiroe Nakata
(FSG, 2004)
Grandmother helps Franny choose between a pretty, frilly doll and a faded rag doll for her bedtime cuddles. Charming, colorful illustrations. (5-7)
The Boy Who Saved Cleveland
by James Cross Giblin, ill. by Michael Dooling
(Henry Holt, 2006)
In 1798, ten-year-old Seth shows physical and moral strength, helping his family and neighbors survive a malaria epidemic. (7-9)
The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians
by Carla Morris, ill. by Brad Sneed
(Peachtree, 2007)
Melvin has great fun growing up with a little help from his favorite people--three zany librarians. Energetic watercolor and gouache illustrations. (6-8)
Circle of Thanks
by Susi Gregg Fowler, ill. by Peter Catalanotto
(Scholastic, 1998)
Expressive illustrations highlight this warm story of animals and people caring for one another on the Alaskan tundra. (6-9)
Circus Girl
written and ill. by Tomek Bogacki
(FSG, 2001)
The exciting presence and kindness of a new girl from the circus leads two boys to become friends. (5-7)
Clementine
by Sara Pennypacker, ill. by Marla Frazee
(Hyperion, 2006)
Clementine is in a great deal of trouble, but her offbeat family is very supportive. Amusing line drawings. (7-10)
Coming On Home Soon
by Jacqueline Woodson, ill. by E.B. Lewis
(Putnam, 2004)
A daughter misses her mother who is working in Chicago during world War II. Poetic watercolors. (7-9)
Dear Tooth Fairy
by Alan Durant, ill. by Vanessa Cabban
(Candlewick, 2004)
A little girl corresponds with the tooth fairy who convinces her to give up the tooth she wants to keep. (5-7)
Dog Eared
written and ill. by Amanda Harvey
(Doubleday, 2002)
Reeling from a snide remark about his ears, Otis worries about how he looks, until he is reminded how loved he is. Loving illustrations. (5-8)
The Face at the Window
by Regina Hanson, ill. by Linda Saport
(Clarion, 1997)
Tender story of a young Jamaican girl learning to understand, instead of fear, a neighbor's mental illness. Luminous illustrations. (6-9)
Flamingo Dream
by Donna Jo Napoli, ill. by Cathie Felstead
(Greenwillow, 2002)
Prepared by her father, a young girl comes to terms with his death. Comforting collages. (5-9)
Fred Stays with Me!
by Nancy Coffelt, ill. by Tricia Tusa
(Little, 2007)
A little girl shuttles between her divorced parents' homes with an ill-behaved dog. Graceful, tender watercolors. (6-8)
Freedom Summer
by Deborah Wiles, ill. by Jerome Lagarrigue
(Atheneum, 2001)
An African-American boy and his white friend deal with racism in a southern town on the eve of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (5-8)
Gabby Growing Up
by Amy Hest, ill. by Amy Schwartz
(S&S, 1998)
Celebrating Grampa's birthday causes more worries and joy than Gabby expected. Expressive drawings. (6-9)
Georgie Lee
by Sharon Phillips Denslow, ill. by Lynne Rae Perkins
(Greenwillow, 2002)
Magical, funny stories about a cow, a grandmother and her grandson. (7-9)
Good Luck, Mrs. K.!
by Louise Borden, ill. by Adam Gustavson
(McElderry, 1999)
A third-grader tells of her class and their remarkable teacher who must take a leave from school due to cancer. Enhancing watercolors. (7-10)
Gus and Grandpa at the Hospital
by Claudia Mills, ill. by Catherine Stock
(FSG, 1998)
Gus copes during Grandpa's heart attack and recovery, helped by his amusing dog and family's support. (6-8)
Horace and Morris Join the Chorus: (But What About Delores?)
by James Howe, ill. by Amy Walrod
(Atheneum, 2002)
After being excluded from the school chorus, lonely Delores finds a way to be accepted. (5-8)
I Am Too Absolutely Small for School
written and ill. by Lauren Child
(Candlewick, 2004)
Lola's big brother convinces her that going to school for the first time is actually going to be wonderful--and it is. (4-6)
Ish
written and ill. by Peter H. Reynolds
(Candlewick, 2004)
Ramon learns that one doesn't always have to draw "just right≈. Humorous watercolor illustrations. (4-6)
The Jamie and Angus Stories
by Anne Fine, ill. by Penny Dale
(Candlewick, 2002)
Six delightful stories about Jamie and his beloved toy Highland Bull. Good read-aloud. (5-7)
Jumping into Nothing
by Gina Willner-Pardo, ill. by Heidi Chang
(Clarion, 1999)
Nine-year-old Sophie faces her fear of the high diving board in her unique way. Funny and wise.
(7-9)
Lilly's Big Day
written and ill. by Kevin Henkes
(Greenwillow, 2006)
Lilly expects to be a flower girl at her teacher's wedding, but she is in for a big surprise. Humorous watercolor illustrations. (5-7)
Mama's Saris
by Pooja Makhijani, ill. by Elena Gomez
(Little, 2007)
A little girl's desire to wear a sari on her seventh birthday offers a glimpse into Indian culture. Vibrant acrylics. (5-8)
Max's Words
by Kate Banks, ill. by Boris Kulikov
(FSG, 2006)
Max envies his brother's stamp and coin collections, but ends up with something even better. Engaging illustrations. (7-9)
Miz Berlin Walks
by Jane Yolen, ill. by Floyd Cooper
(Philomel, 1997)
A beautiful relationship builds between a young black girl and an elderly white woman as they walk and exchange stories. Exquisite illustrations. (6-10)
Monk Camps Out
written and ill. by Emily Arnold McCully
(Scholastic, 2000)
Young Monk isn't the only one who's nervous about his first camping experience. (5-8)
Morning on the Lake
by Jan Bourdeau Waboose, ill. by Karen Reczuch
(Kids Can, 1998)
An Ojibway boy learns from his grandfather about becoming one with his environment in this warm narrative. (6-9)
Mr. George Baker
by Amy Hest, ill. by Jon J. Muth
(Candlewick, 2004)
Young Henry and his friend, a talented one hundred-year-old musician, go to school together to learn to read. (5-7)
My Big Brother
by Miriam Cohen, ill. by Ronald Himler
(Star Bright, 2005)
In a poignant and timely tale, the middle child in a fatherless home assumes family responsibilities after his big brother leaves for the army. (5-7)
My Grandmother's Clock
by Geraldine McCaughrean, ill. by Stephen Lambert
(Clarion, 2002)
Ways to think about time. Gentle story, lushly illustrated. (5-8)
My Mei Mei
written and ill. by Ed Young
(Philomel, 2006)
The growing relationship between two adopted daughters. Based on the author's own children. Striking collages. (4-7)
My Name is Yoon
by Helen Recorvits, ill. by Gabi Swiatkowska
(FSG, 2003)
A Korean girl comes to accept her new life in America through words: cat, bird, cupcake and finally her own name. Magically fantastic illustrations. (5-8)
On Call Back Mountain
by Eve Bunting, ill. by Barry Moser
(Blue Sky, 1997)
Two brothers come to terms with the death of a forest ranger and family friend. Stunning illustrations. (6-9)
Our Tree Named Steve
by Alan Zweibel, ill. by David Catrow
(Putnam, 2005)
A family shares many happy years with a beloved old tree on their lawn. Buoyant illustrations. (5-9)
Pictures for Miss Josie
by Sandra Belton, ill. by Benny Andrews
(Greenwillow, 2003)
With the influence of a remarkable friend, an African-American boy grows to believe in himself. Striking collage illustrations. (6-9)
Pinky and Rex and the Perfect Pumpkin
by James Howe, ill. by Melissa Sweet
(Atheneum, 1998)
Rex feels ignored on a weekend visit to her friend's grandparents. Sensitively handled. (5-8)
A Place Called Kindergarten
by Jessica Harper, ill. by G. Brian Karas
(Putnam, 2006)
When Tommy goes off to kindergarten, the farm animals worry that they won't see him again. Warm colored-pencil art. (5-7)
The Raft
written and ill. by Jim LaMarche
(HarperCollins, 2000)
Nicky's grandmother helps him to become aware of the natural world around him. Sensitively told and beautifully illustrated. (5-8)
Remember Grandma?
by Laura Langston, ill. by Lindsey Gardiner
(Viking, 2004)
A gentle, loving family deals with dementia as Margaret helps grandmother to remember. (5-8)
Rosalie, My Rosalie: The Tale of a Duckling
by Jacquelyn Mitchard, ill. by John Bendall-Brunello
(HarperCollins, 2005)
A girl who longs for a pet lovingly cares for a duckling until it outgrows its home. (7-9)
Sallie Gal and the Wall-a-kee Man
by Sheila P. Moses, ill. by Niki Daly
(Scholastic, 2007)
Sallie Gal's desire for colorful ribbons helps her appreciate her rural southern neighborhood's daily life and her mother's integrity. (6-9)
Shining
by Julius Lester, ill. by John Clapp
(Harcourt, 2003)
A silent African girl finds her voice by listening closely to the world around her. Lush text and stunning art. (7-9)
Shredderman: Secret Identity
by Wendelin Van Draanen, ill. by Brian Biggs
(Knopf, 2004)
The clever class nerd uses his wits and a classroom assignment to bring the class bully to justice. (7-9)
Sister Anne's Hands
by Marybeth Lorbiecki, ill. by K. Wendy Popp
(Dial, 1998)
Young Anna is exposed to the ugly face of racism as an African-American nun comes to teach in her second-grade classroom in a predominantly white town. (6-9)
Suki's Kimono
by Chieri Uegaki, ill. by Stephane Jorisch
(Kids Can, 2003)
On the first day of school, a Japanese-American girl shares her culture and unique spirit. Lovely watercolors. (5-8)
The Summer My Father Was Ten
by Pat Brisson, ill. by Andrea Shine
(Boyds Mills, 1998)
A summer incident when he was ten changed the way this father lived his life. Evocative watercolors. (5-9)
Thank You, Mr. Falker
written and ill. by Patricia Polacco
(Philomel, 1998)
Trisha hides her inability to read, feeling worse and worse about herself, until a perceptive fifth grade teacher discovers her secret. (6-9)
this little light of mine
ill. by E.B. Lewis
(S&S, 2005)
One child makes a difference in this traditional African-American spiritual. Joyous, loosely painted watercolors. (5-7)
Tomboy Trouble
by Sharon Dennis Wyeth, ill. by Lynne Woodcock Cravath
(Random House, 1998)
An easy-to-read, well-told tale of a non-conformist girl and how she deals with gender identity. (7-9) E
True Heart
by Marissa Moss, ill. by C.F. Payne
(HBC, 1999)
Bee, with eight siblings to support, takes a job loading freight on the Union Pacific Railroad in 1893. Richly illustrated. (6-8)
Turtle Spring
written and ill. by Deborah Turney Zagwyn
(Tricycle Press, 1998)
The gift of a turtle helps a young girl develop love for her new brother and an appreciation for the evolving seasons. Captivatingly illustrated. (5-7)
Visiting Day
by Jacqueline Woodson, ill. by James E. Ransome
(Scholastic, 2002)
A celebration of family by a young girl who makes a monthly visit to Daddy in prison. (5-7)
The Year of Miss Agnes
by Kirkpatrick Hill
(McElderry, 2000)
A small Native American community in Alaska gets a new teacher--a teacher like no other. (7-10)
Zizi and Tish
by Liz Moore, ill. by Liz Milkau
(Orca, 2003)
When big sister Tish makes a new friend, her little sister Zizi feels left behind. (7-9)
HUMORAdventures of Cow
by Cow, retold by Lori Korchek, photos by Marshall Taylor
(Tricycle, 2005)
Cow's very silly observations bring him happily and safely home. (5-7)
Arnie the Doughnut
written and ill. by Laurie Keller
(Henry Holt, 2003)
With the help of his would-be eater, a spunky doughnut decides to change his destiny. Clever and witty. (5-9)
Arthur's Tractor: a fairy tale with mechanical parts
by Pippa Goodhart, ill. by Colin Paine
(Bloomsbury, 2003)
Several stories in one demonstrate that a single picture is worth a thousand words. A delightful spoof. (6-10)
Awful Ogre's Awful Day
by Jack Prelutsky, ill. by Paul O. Zelinsky
(Greenwillow, 2001)
A delightful, rhymed look at a day in the life of an ogre. (6-9)
Bats at the Beach
written and ill. by Brian Lies
(HMC, 2006)
Whimsical rhymes and dark, detailed illustrations describe the antics and fun of bats at night. (5-7)
Big Bad Wolves At School
by Stephen Krensky, ill. by Brad Sneed
(S&S, 2007)
Rufus, a young, active wolf, struggles to fit in at school until his classmates recognize the value of his abilities. Lively, funny illustrations. (4-8)
The Biggest Soap
by Carole Lexa Schaefer, ill. by Stacey Dressen-McQueen
(FSG, 2004)
On a South Pacific island, a young boy goes on an incident-filled journey to buy soap for his mother. Colorful, textured, mixed media illustrations. (5-8)
The Blunder of the Rogues
written and ill. by Tim Egan
(HMC, 1999)
The hilarious account of the woes that befall four bowling animal-friends who decide to become criminals. (7-9)
The Bootmaker and the Elves
by Susan Lowell, ill. by Tim Curry
(Orchard, 1997)
Retelling of the familiar story about the poor shoemaker who is helped by elves. Set in the Old West. (6-12)
The Boy, The Bear, The Baron, The Bard
written and ill. by Gregory Rogers
(Roaring Brook, 2004)
A comic book style fantasy with energetic humor that takes a boy through Elizabethan England and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. (5-9)
Buttons
written and ill. by Brock Cole
(FSG, 2000)
Three daughters set out to find replacements for the buttons that have burst from their father's breeches. Whimsically told and illustrated. (6-8)
The Chicken-Chasing Queen of Lamar County
by Janice N. Harrington, ill. by Shelley Jackson
(FSG, 2007)
Living on a farm with her grandmother, a young African-American girl sets out to catch Miss Hen until she realizes the chicken has a secret. Exuberant collages. (5-8)
Clarence the Copy Cat
by Patricia Lakin, ill. by John Manders
(Doubleday, 2002)
Clarence refuses to be a mouser but he keeps his public library home by scaring away the mouse in a most unusual way. (5-8)
Cinderella's Rat
written and ill. by Susan Meddaugh
(HMC, 1997)
The "true"story of Cinderella, with a delightful twist. Animated illustrations. (5-7)
Diary of a Worm
by Doreen Cronin, ill. by Harry Bliss
(HarperCollins, 2003)
Worm silliness and life from a unique perspective. Clever illustrations. (5-9)
Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners
written and ill. by Laurie Keller
(Henry Holt, 2007)
Mr. Rabbit, suspicious of his new neighbors, learns that practicing the Golden Rule can win friends. Colorful acrylics depict comical characters. (5-8)
Duck for President
by Doreen Cronin, ill. by Betsy Lewin
(S&S, 2004)
Mutiny on the farm leads to a rocky career. Humorous watercolor illustrations. (6-9)
Dusty Locks and the Three Bears
by Susan Lowell, ill. by Randy Cecil
(Henry Holt, 2001)
A charming Westernized Goldilocks tale. Amusing illustrations. (6-9)
Emeline at the Circus
written and ill. by Marjorie Priceman
(Knopf, 1999)
Clever illustrations tell the tale as Emeline accidentally becomes part of the show when her class visits the circus. (5-7)
Epossumondas Saves the Day
by Coleen Salley, ill. by Janet Stevens
(Harcourt, 2006)
Epossumondas's guests disappear while arranging for the birthday biscuits. Hilarious mixed-media illustrations. (5-7)
A Fine, Fine School
by Sharon Creech, ill. by Harry Bliss
(HarperCollins, 2001)
When being in school is such a fine, fine thing, why not stay there all the time? (4-8)
Good Night, Good Knight
by Shelley Moore Thomas, ill. by Jennifer Plecas
(Dutton, 2000)
Three little dragons are helped to go to sleep in this amusing, repetitive tale. Perky watercolor and ink drawings. (4-7)
Gooney Bird and the Room Mother
by Lois Lowry, ill. by Middy Thomas
(HMC, 2005)
A girl with outrageous outfits and a sparkling vocabulary wins the lead in the Thanksgiving pageant after she agrees to locate a volunteer to be a helper. (6-8)
Happy Birthday, Frankie
by Sarah Weeks, ill. by Warren Linn
(HarperCollins, 1999)
Can Frankie's body parts be connected in time? A wacky tale with bright, cut-paper and gouache illustrations. (5-8)
Heat Wave
by Eileen Spinelli, ill. by Betsy Lewin
(Harcourt, 2007)
A pre-air conditioning heat wave with engaging brush and ink illustrations. (6-8)
Hoodwinked
written and ill. by Arthur Howard
(Harcourt, 2001)
Mitzi wants a pet but choosing the right one proves challenging. (6-8)
I, Crocodile
written and ill. by Fred Marcellino
(HarperCollins, 1999)
Napoleon finds an egocentric reptile in Egypt and captures him for a showy souvenir with amusing results. Witty and appealing illustrations. (6-9)
I'd Really Like To Eat A Child
by Sylviane Donnio, ill. by Dorothée de Monfried
(Random, 2007)
A very young crocodile learns that good nutrition is the secret to growing and realizing his dream--to eat a child. Humorous illustrations, (5-9)
Inventor McGregor
by Kathleen T. Pelley, ill. by Michael Chesworth
(FSG, 2006)
Hector McGregor discovers that he can invent almost anything as long as he is surrounded by the world he loves. Humorous watercolors. (6-9)
Kitty Riddles
by Katy Hall and Lisa Eisenberg, ill. by R.W. Alley
(Dial, 2000)
What's little and soft and says, "Beow, beow≈? A kitten with a cold. (4-7)
Magpie Magic: A Tale of Colorful Mischief
written and ill. by April Wilson
(Dial, 1999)
An intriguing wordless caper related through fascinating illustrations. (6-9)
Martha Walks the Dog
written and ill. by Susan Meddaugh
(HMC, 1998)
A talking dog finds that words can be powerful, even with a neighborhood bully. (5-8)
The Marvelous Misadventures of...Fun-Boy
written and ill. by Ralph Cosentino
(Viking, 2006)
Nearly wordless, thoroughly hilarious vignettes portray moments in the life of a young boy and his friends. (6-9)
Me and My Cat?
written and ill. by Satoshi Kitamura
(FSG, 2000)
Nicholas and his cat trade places. Hilarious illustrations. (6-8)
Mean Margaret
by Tor Seidler, ill. by Jon Agee
(HarperCollins, 1997)
A community of animals, header by newlywed woodchucks, tries to raise a greedy, mischievous human baby. Very funny! (7-10)
Monkey Business
written and ill. by Wallace Edwards
(Kids Can, 2004)
Exquisite, extremely humorous illustrations "explain"various idioms. (7-10)
Mr. Putter & Tabby Write the Book
by Cynthia Rylant, ill. by Arthur Howard
(Harcourt, 2004)
Mr. Putter discovers that writing a book is much more complicated than he thought. (7-9)
Nobody's Diggier Than a Dog
by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, ill. by Beppe Giacobbe
(Hyperion, 2005)
Various canines and their various ways, with illustrations as humorous as the rhythmic text. (5-8)
Nonsense!
by Edward Lear, ill. by Valorie Fisher
(Atheneum, 2004)
Favorite limericks with sly imaginative illustrations. (6-9)
A Pipkin of Pepper
written and ill. by Helen Cooper
(FSG, 2005)
Three friends making pumpkin soup go to the city to buy salt and one gets lost. (4-8)
A Play's the Thing
written and ill. by Aliki
(HarperCollins, 2005)
When Miss Brilliant's class prepares to perform for parents, Jose, the class grump, is given the teacher's role. Delightful cartoons. (6-8)
The Real, True Dulcie Campbell
by Cynthia DeFelice, ill. by R. W. Alley
(FSG, 2002)
Farm-girl Dulcie is certain that she was really born a princess and sets out to find her true family.
(5-7)
Star Jumper: Journal of a Cardboard Genius
written and ill. by Frank Asch
(Kids Can, 2006)
The amazing, hilarious adventures of Alex, an ingenious young inventor. Black-and-white illustrations. (7-9)
Souperchicken
by Mary Jane Auch, ill. by Mary Jane and Herm Auch
(Holiday House, 2003)
Henrietta is some smart chick! Because she can read, she saves her hen aunties and many other animals. Bold amusing illustrations. (5-7)
The Talented Clementine
by Sara Pennypacker, ill. by Marla Frazee
(Hyperion, 2007)
In a series of hilarious mishaps, an irrepressible girl discovers her value to the school talent show.
(6-9)
Teacher's Pets
by Dayle Ann Dodds, ill. by Marylin Hafner
(Candlewick, 2006)
When Miss Fry's students bring in their pets for "Show and Tell,"her class becomes a mini zoo.
(5-7)
Ten-Gallon Bart
by Susan Stevens Crummel, ill. by Dorothy Donohue
(Cavendish, 2006)
The sheriff of Dog City takes on Billy the Kid, roughest goat in the West. A hilarious read-aloud with extraordinary, textured paper illustrations. (6-8)
Thelonius Monster's Sky-High Fly Pie
by Judy Sierra, ill. by Edward Koren
(Random, 2006)
He once swallowed a fly and... Humorous cartoon illustrations. (5-8)
Think Cool Thoughts
by Elizabeth Perry, ill. by Linda Bronson
(Clarion, 2005)
How a family deals with hot weather. Acrylic and oil illustrations. (6-8)
The Three Silly Billies
by Margie Palatini, ill. by Barry Moser
(S&S, 2005)
Hip-talking travelers pool their wit, pluck and coins to pass the Troll's Toll Bridge. Humorous watercolors. (6-9)
Timothy Cox Will Not Change His Socks
by Robert Kinerk, ill. by Stephen Gammell
(S&S, 2005)
An obedient, well mannered second grader makes a promise to himself that is very hard to keep when faced with external pressure. Whimsical watercolors. (6-9)
Waking Up Wendell
by April Stevens, ill. by Tad Hills
(S&W, 2007)
One little bird at #1 Fish Street triggers a domino effect that wakes up each house in the morning. Humorous illustrations. (5-8)
Wild About Books
by Judy Sierra, ill. by Marc Brown
(Knopf, 2004)
Whimsical tale of a zoo full of animals who become avid readers and bibliophiles. Humorous illustrations. (6-8)
You Can't Take a Balloon Into the Metropolitan Museum
by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman, pictures by Robin Preiss Glasser
(Dial, 1998)
In this wordless book, following a yellow balloon yields wonderful visual delights of the streets of New York and the Metropolitan museum. (6-9)
PASTAnna All Year Round
by Mary Downing Hahn, ill. by Diane de Groat
(Clarion, 1999)
A warm portrait of German Americans in pre-World War I Baltimore, drawn from a family memoir. (7-9)
Apples to Oregon
by Deborah Hopkinson, ill. by Nancy Carpenter
(Atheneum, 2004)
Daddy and his family meet the challenge of moving his precious orchard from Iowa to Oregon. Warm, witty text and illustrations. (6-10)
The Babe & I
by David A. Adler, ill. by Terry Widener
(HBC, 1999)
Poignant depiction of Depression life as a young boy discovers his father, a former businessman, selling apples to support the family. (7-9)
Barefoot: Escape on the Underground Railroad
by Pamela Duncan Edwards, ill. by Henry Cole
(HarperCollins, 1997)
A terrified slave is helped on his way to freedom by wild creatures. Dark-toned paintings. (8-10)
Beautiful Warrior: The Legend of the Nun's Kung Fu
written and ill. by Emily Arnold McCully
(Scholastic, 1998)
An original story, using traditional Chinese narrative, of the travails of a young woman saved by the kung fu master. (7-10)
Caleb's Story
by Patricia MacLachlan
(Harper Collins, 2001)
A delicate story of accepting and loving others in spite of their flaws. Third in the Sarah Plain and Tall series. (7-10)
Circle Unbroken
by Margot Theis Raven, ill. by E.B. Lewis
(FSG, 2004)
Gentle, painterly watercolors and poetic text describe a family's basket-weaving heritage from Africa to America, from slavery up to today. (7-9)
Cocoa Ice
by Diana Appelbaum, ill. by Holly Meade
(Orchard, 1997)
Life long ago in Santo Domingo and in Maine, comparing the harvesting of chocolate and Yankee ice. Vivid illustrations. (6-10)
Fancy That
by Esther Hershenhorn, ill. by Megan Lloyd
(Holiday House, 2003)
Pippin Biddle, an orphaned portrait painter in mid-nineteenth-century America, sets out to make his fortune. Colorful, amusing egg tempera illustrations trace a journey full of mishaps. (7-9)
Fannie in the Kitchen
by Deborah Hopkinson, ill. by Nancy Carpenter
(Atheneum, 2001)
Lively whimsical story of the genesis of the Fannie Farmer cookbook. Amusing illustrations play with images. (5-10)
Faraway Grandpa
by Roberta Karim, ill. by Ted Rand
(Henry Holt, 2004)
Kathleen and Grandpa share rituals--even as Grandpa's mind is lost to Alzheimer's. Beautifully and tenderly illustrated. (5-8)
The Firekeeper's Son
by Linda Sue Park, ill. by Julie Downing
(Clarion, 2004)
In the 1800s Korea Sang-hee must decide whether to light the signal fire of peace or make the army come. Soft watercolors and pastels. (6-9)
A Fourth of July on the Plains
by Jean Van Leeuwen, ill. by Henri Sorensen
(Dial, 1997)
How pioneers on their way out West celebrated July 4, 1852. Warm illustrations. (5-8)
The Gardener
by Sarah Stewart, ill. by David Small
(FSG, 1997)
When Lydia is sent to live with her uncle, she is determined to brighten up her drab urban surroundings. Watercolor illustrations. (4-8)
Goin' Someplace Special
by Patricia McKissack, ill. by Jerry Pinkney
(Atheneum, 2001)
Illustrations truly capture the mood when ŒTricia Ann takes her first trip alone and faces the inequities and hurts of segregation. (5-8)
Going North
by Janice N. Harrington, ill. by Jerome Lagarrigue
(FSG, 2004)
A brave and loving African-American family leaves the segregated South for a better life. Riveting, vibrantly colored illustrations. (5-8)
Happy Feet: The Savoy Ballroom Lindy Hoppers and Me
by Richard Michelson, ill. by E.B. Lewis
(Harcourt, 2005)
A boy and a famous Harlem dance club are born on the same night in 1926. Expressive watercolors. (7-10)
Heaven's All Star Jazz Band
by Don Carter
(Knopf, 2002)
His grandson imagines Grandpa Jack having fun in heaven with all his favorite jazz musicians. Vibrant poetry and illustrations. (5-8)
Henry and the Kite Dragon
by Bruce Edward Hall, ill. by William Low
(Philomel, 2004)
In 1920s Chinatown a misunderstanding between the kite-flyers and the homing- pigeon-flyers is resolved. (5-8)
I Dream of Trains
by Angela Johnson, ill. by Loren Long
(S&S, 2003)
In 1900, an African-American boy is inspired by his sharecropper father and the legendary Casey Jones. Lush acrylic illustrations. (6-9)
Lizzie Nonsense: A Story of Pioneer Days
written and ill. by Jan Ormerod
(Clarion, 2005)
In the late nineteenth century, Lizzie uses her imagination to embellish her limited experiences in the Australian bush country. Evocative watercolors. (6-9)
Lookin' for Bird in the Big City
by Robert Burleigh, ill. by Marek Los
(Harcourt, 2001)
A young Miles Davis plays his horn to New York City's beat as he searches for his idol, Charlie Parker. (6-9)
Mary Smith
written and ill. by A. U'Ren
(FSG, 2003)
Before alarm clocks, this real-life woman woke the town each morning in a unique way. Amusing illustrations. (5-7)
The Memory Coat
by Elvira Woodruff, ill. by Michael Dooling
(Scholastic, 1999)
A Russian-Jewish family journeys to America, only to face the possibility that one of them will be turned back at Ellis Island. Dramatic oil-painting illustrations. (7-9)
Miss Bridie Chose a Shovel
by Leslie Connor, ill. by Mary Azarian
(HMC, 2004)
In 1856, a young immigrant's wise decision about what to take along serves her well in a new land. Woodcuts. (6-9)
The Name Quilt
by Phyllis Root, ill. by Margot Apple
(FSG, 2003)
Sadie and Grandmother share stories about their family members through a quilt. The quilt blows away, but the stories go on, Beautifully illustrated. (6-9)
Night Boat to Freedom
by Margot Theis Raven, ill. by E.B. Lewis
(FSG, 2006)
A slave boy and his Granny help row others--and themselves--to freedom. Masterful watercolors. (7-10)
The Orphan Singer
written and ill. by Emily Arnold McCully
(Scholastic, 2001)
An impoverished family in Venice leaves their talented daughter at a foundling home where she can be trained as an opera singer. (7-10)
The Pickle Patch Bathtub
by Frances Kennedy, ill. by Sheila Aldridge
(Tricycle, 2004)
A young Missouri farm girl harvests a plan to buy her family a much needed bathtub. (6-9)
The Sea Chest
by Toni Buzzeo, ill. by Mary GrandPré
(Dial, 2002)
While awaiting her adopted sibling, a young girl listens to the story of the baby found near the lighthouse after a storm. Beautiful oil paintings capture the mood. (6-9)
The Secret to Freedom
by Marcia Vaughan, ill. by Larry Johnson
(Lee & Low, 2001)
A slave family before and after liberation. Touching and informative. (6-9)
Seeing the Elephant: A Story of the Civil War
by Pat Hughes, ill. by Ken Stark
(FSG, 2007)
Ten-year-old Izzie yearns to contribute to the Union cause but finds that war is neither glorious nor one-sided. Realistic oil paintings. (7-10)
The Shipwrecked Sailor: An Egypian Tale with Hieroglyphs
written and ill. by Tamara Bower
(S&S, 2000)
A sailor finds himself stranded by a storm in a land of enchantment. Based on a story from an ancient papyrus scroll. Illustrations in the Egyptian style. (7-10)
Sky Sash So Blue
by Libby Hathorn, ill. by Benny Andrews
(S&S, 1998)
The harsh realities of American slavery are revealed in the poetic tale of the sky blue sash. (6-8)
So Far from the Sea
by Eve Bunting, ill. by Chris K. Soentpiet
(Clarion, 1998)
A Japanese American girl and her family visit Manzanar, where her father was interned as a child in 1942. Watercolor illustrations. (6-9)
Sophia, the Alchemist's Dog
written and ill. by Shelley Jackson
(Atheneum, 2002)
A devoted dog helps his alchemist master satisfy the king's wish. Delightfully illustrated and told. (6-9)
Streets of Gold
by Rosemary Wells, ill. by Dan Andreasen
(Dial, 1999)
Mary and her family flee from oppressive Russia to Boston where freedom and the opportunity to get an education make up for difficult conditions. Beautiful illustrations. (7-10)
Sweet Music in Harlem
by Debbie A. Taylor, ill. by Frank Morrison
(Lee & Low, 2004)
Hunting for his great uncle's hat, a boy inadvertently collects some jazz greats for a photo. (7-10)
Three Cheers for Catherine the Great!
by Cari Best, ill. by Giselle Potter
(DK, Inc., 1999)
Sara's Russian grandmother asks for no presents on her birthday, so Sara searches for the best present of all. Fun and warm illustrations. (6-9)
Treehouse Tales
by Anne Isaacs, ill. by Lloyd Bloom
(Dutton, 1997)
Lighthearted adventures of three children on a 19th century Pennsylvania farm. (6-9)
The Visit
by Reeve Lindbergh, ill. by Wendy Anderson Halperin
(Dial, 2005)
Two young sisters visit their aunt and uncle's farm. Gentle rhymes and appealing illustrations. (5-7)
Wind Flyers
by Angela Johnson, ill. by Loren Long
(S&S, 2007)
A great-great uncle talks to his young nephew about his love of flight and his experiences as a Tuskegee Airman during World War II. (6-9)
The Wondrous Whirligig: The Wright Brothers' First Flying Machine
written and ill. by Andrew Glass
(Holiday House, 2003)
Growing up in a family that encouraged investigation of whatever aroused their curiosity led to an amazing invention. Whimsical illustrations. (5-8)
The Yellow House: Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin Side by Side
by Susan Goldman Rubin, ill. by Jos. A. Smith
(Abrams, 2001)
An unsuccessful experiment in living and working together creates a compelling story about the two artists. (7-10)
SPORTSCasey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic Sung in the Year 1888
by Ernest L. Thayer, ill. by C.F. Payne
(S&S, 2003)
The day Casey left Mudville joyless captured in active paintings packed with expression. (7-9)
TODAYCherry Time
written and ill. by Daniela Bunge
(Minedition, 2007)
A shy boy overcomes his fears with the help of a dog and a new friend. Dramatic illustrations. (5-8)
Crêpes By Suzette
written and ill. by Monica Wellington
(Dutton, 2004)
A delicious tour of Paris in collage. (5-8)
The Disappearing Island
by Corinne Demas, ill. by Ted Lewin
(S&S, 2000)
Nine-year-old Carrie and her grandmother embark on an afternoon expedition in waters off Cape Cod. (6-9)
Dream Dancer
by Jill Newsome, ill. by Claudio Munoz
(HarperCollins, 2002)
Lily dances in her mind until her injured foot recovers enough for her to return to the dance floor. Graceful illustrations. (5-7)
Goodbye Mousie
by Robie H. Harris, ill. by Jan Ormerod
(McElderry, 2001)
A little boy's pet mouse dies. Sensitive narrative and charming illustrations. (5-8)
Grandfather's Wrinkles
by Kathryn England, ill. by Richard McFarland
(Flashlight, 2007)
A tender tale of Lucy's relationship with her grandfather who shares his memories with her. Colored pencil, watercolor and pastel illustrations. (6-10)
Grandpa's Soup
by Eiko Kadono, ill. by Satomi Ichikawa
(Eerdmans, 1999)
An elderly man recovering from his wife's death learns to cook soup from her recipe and ends up feeding the neighborhood. (5-7)
Gugu's House
written and ill. by Catherine Stock
(Clarion, 2001)
Kukamba emulates her Grandma's amazing artwork. But when rains come to her Zimbabwe home, she looks for new beauty. Expressive watercolors. (7-9)
Hot City
by Barbara Joosse, ill. by R. Gregory Christie
(Philomel, 2004)
On a hot summer day, two city children find a cool refuge in the library. Expressive acrylics. (5-7)
The Journey
by Sarah Stewart, ill. by David Small
(FSG, 2001)
Hannah, an Amish girl, keeps a diary on her first visit to Chicago. The city sights remind her of her quiet home. Glorious illustrations. (6-9)
Kamishibai Man
written and ill. by Allen Say
(HMC, 2005)
Forced into retirement by the advent of television, an elderly storyteller ventures out onto once-familiar streets and makes a surprising discovery. (6-9)
The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq
written and ill. by Jeanette Winter
(Harcourt, 2004)
In the midst of the Iraq War, a cherished meeting place and library was destroyed, but Alia's ingenuity saved the precious books. Folk art illustrations. (6-9)
Madlenka
written and ill. by Peter Sis
(FSG, 2000)
In showing her loose tooth to her urban neighbors, a little girl enjoys visits to foreign countries. Fantastic illustrations. (4-6)
Mama Elizabeti
by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen, ill. by Christy Hale
(Lee & Low, 2000)
Caring for a brother is not as easy as caring for a doll. Warm, loving text and illustrations. (5-7)
Martin Bridge on the Lookout!
by Jessica Scott Kerrin, ill. by Joseph Kelly
(Kids Can, 2005)
An eight-year-old looks for ways to deal with some predicaments in this second book of a series. (7-9)
Mia's Story: A Sketchbook of Hopes and Dreams
written and ill. by Michael Foreman
(Candlewick, 2006)
A girl brings love and beauty to her impoverished surroundings in the Andes Mountains. Soft watercolor and pencil illustrations. (5-8)
My Little Grandmother Often Forgets
by Reeve Lindbergh, ill. by Kathryn Brown
(Candlewick, 2007)
Tom's loving relationship with his grandmother, who suffers from memory loss, is tenderly expressed in rhyme. Ink and watercolor illustrations. (4-7)
Oliviatown
by Allen Levi, ill. by Garry Pound
(Children's Miracle Network, 2003)
A young girl creates a world on the sidewalk in front of her house. Oil and pencil illustrations. (5-9)
On Meadowview Street
written and ill. by Henry Cole
(Greenwillow, 2007)
When Caroline moves to Meadowview Street, she doesn't see a meadow or a view, but she finds a way to make a change. (5-7)
A Picnic in October
by Eve Bunting, ill. by Nancy Carpenter
(HBC, 1999)
On a family's annual outing to the Statue of Liberty, Tony discovers the meaning of America for new and old Americans. Fresh text and illustrations. (6-9)
Pumpkin Jack
written and ill. by Will Hubbell
(Albert Whitman, 2000)
Lovely illustrations capture a boy's affection for his pumpkin "friend≈, and his appreciation for its natural life cycle. (4-8)
The Roses in My Carpets
by Rukhsana Khan, ill. by Ronald Himler
(Holiday House, 1998)
A moving tale of an Afghani refugee boy, whose courage, imagination and rug weaving talent provide hope for his family. (8-10)
The Scarves
written and ill. by Daniela Bunge, trans. by Kathryn Bishop
(Penguin, 2006)
A grandchild attempts to reunite his separated grandparents when he sees how unhappy they are. Colorful, stylized illustrations. (5-8)
Skin Again
by bell hooks, ill. by Chris Raschka
(Hyperion, 2004)
Look deep inside, past the outer skin color, to discover the real person. Loose energetic paintings. (4-6)
The SOS File
by Betsy Byars, and Betsy Duffey, and Laurie Myers, ill. by Arthur Howard
(Henry Holt, 2004)
Twelve humorous stories about students in various emergency situations. (7-9)
The Tiny Kite of Eddie Wing
by Maxine Trottier, ill. by Al Van Mil
(Kane/Miller, 1996)
A poor boy, who can't afford his own kite, makes do flying an imaginary one that catches the attention of old Mr. Chan, the wealthiest man in town. (6-9)
The Top Job
by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, ill. by Robert Neubecker
(Dutton, 2007)
Changing a light bulb is sometimes more dangerous than it sounds. Amusing illustrations. (6-8)
Who's Whose?
written and ill. by Jan Ormerod
(Lothrop, 1998)
Simple yet immensely clever depiction of daily life with supportive and diverse family and friends. (4-6)
