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PICTURE BOOKS for Phyllis Diller. Currently she pens a column for Brio magazine. The artwork is an appealing part of the story. Mark Lowry, singer, storyteller, and author, is pictured dressed as Noah. Photographs of Lowry are integrated with colorful cartoon illustrations of animals and the ark drawn by Lyn Boyer Nelles. Parents will appreciate the emphasis on Noah’s obedience and God’s protection from the flood as a result. Children will enjoy the animal sounds and repetitious phrases. They’ll probably learn the lines and sing along. For chuckles and smiles, consider this book as a fun way to experience the familiar story. Lydia E. Harris, Freelance Writer, Former Teacher, Seattle, Washington Molly Bannaky, written by Alice McGill; pictures by Chris K. Soentpiet. LCCN 96003000. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1999. ISBN 039572287X, HBB, $16.00. E. Banneker, Benjamin, 1731-1806--Family--Fiction; Farm life--Fiction. 29 p. Small children. Molly Walsh while milking a cow in 1683 spills the milk. Since the cow that Molly was milking is owned by her Lordship, she is sent to court for stealing. The punishment for this crime is death. But Molly can read the Bible; therefore her sentence is to be sent to America as an indentured servant. Molly works very hard and eventually is set free. She purchases land, but needs help to raise her crops. She purchases a slave named Bannaky. Molly and Bannaky learn to love each other and are married. Molly has four daughters and the eldest daughter, Mary, has a son whom they name Benjamin Banneker. Benjamin later becomes a very educated and important man in history. The story seems almost romantic in its retelling because none of the hardships are really mentioned. However, the account is accurate in that Molly Walsh did marry a slave and was the grandmother to the famous Benjamin Banneker. A simple story that depicts early American life with a different historical slant. Author Alice McGill and illustrator Chris Soentpiet certainly did their homework to produce Molly Banaky. Connie Weaver, Church Librarian, Newville, Pennsylvania Mrs. Mack, by Patricia Polacco. LCCN 97052946. New York: Philomel Books, Putnam & Grosset, 1998. ISBN 0399231676, HBB, $16.99. E. Horses--Fiction; Michigan--Fiction. 40 p. Small children. In the summer of her tenth year while she is visiting her father in Michigan young Patricia Polacco is about to have her dream of learning to ride horses come true. Her excitement fades when Da drives her to rundown looking stables where she meets Donnie and Nancy, two teenage workers and sees a "mean-looking man" staring at her. Her fears dissipate when she meets the colorful and friendly owner of the stables, Mrs. Mack, who calls everyone "shugah." Patricia’s not sure if she is going to be happy here until she sees Penny, the most beautiful horse she has ever seen. Patricia soon not only learns to ride but to appreciate Donny and Nancy and to reach out to the "mean-looking man," Hap, a trapeze artist who has been bitter since his brother’s death. Finally Patricia is allowed to ride the lovely Penny. The approaching end of summer brings not only Patricia’s reluctance to return to California, but also a deadly viral infection to Penny. The doctor says she will not survive and that she has no chance unless they can stand her up. Patricia’s kindness to Hap is now returned as he intervenes to save Penny. Once again Patricia Polacco has taken an autobiographical experience and written an illustrated and engaging story. Girls will especially identify with her desire to ride horses and her love for Penny. In addition to the appealing storyline, the lessons the young Patricia learns are wonderful jumping off places for discussions with children—the long-lasting value of her friendship with Mrs. Mack, her friendship with Donnie and Nancy once they get past first appearances and begin know each other, and her willingness to reach out to "the unlovely and unloved" which results in a life change for her and for Hap. Teresa O’Donley, <strong>Library</strong> Media Teacher, Scotts Valley, California My rows and piles of coins, by Tololwa M. Mollel; illustrated by E. B. Lewis. LCCN 98021586. New York: Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin, 1999. ISBN 0395751861, HBB, $15.00. E. Money--Fiction; Bicycles and bicycling--Fiction; Tanzania--Fiction. 32 p. Small children. My Rows and Piles of Coins is a charming story of unselfishness and love. Little Saruni goes to market with his mother, Yeyo, and is paid a small amount of coins for helping. As he wanders through the colorful market place, he sees many things he could buy, but no. He must save his coins in rows and piles until he has enough to purchase a beautiful bike that can carry the heavy load of produce to the market for his mother. Saruni’s determined efforts to help, take an unusual twist, and his willingness to give to others is rewarded in a most interesting way. The beautiful water colors by E.B. Lewis carry the reader to the center of the lively market in Tanzania. The storyline is written simply, mixing some native words within the context of the story. At the back is short section by the author, Tololwa M. Mollel, that gives a definition of the foreign words used. This is a wonderful story of love that will encourage the reader’s heart and provides a beautiful story for parent and/or teacher to discuss. Mary McKinney, Former Teacher, Freelance Writer, Editor, Port Orchard, Washington Never trust a squirrel! by Patrick Cooper; illustrated by Catherine Walters. LCCN 98023251. New York: Dutton Children’s Books, Penguin Putnam, 1999. ISBN 0525460098, HBB, $15.99. E. Trust (Psychology)--Fiction; Guinea pigs--Fiction; Squirrels--Fiction. 24 p. Small children. Bored with playing games in his hutch, William, a young guinea pig, dreams of climbing trees and exploring the woods. However, he’s not old enough to leave the hutch without his mother. When Stella, a playful squirrel, tempts William to play in the woods with her, William disobeys his mother and runs out of his hutch. At first, playing chase and hide-and-seek are fun for William. When blackbird squawks a warning that fox is coming, Stella leaves William alone. Frightened, William tries to hide from fox, but is quickly discovered. Fortunately, William’s wise mother comes to his rescue and together they outwit fox. Never Trust a Squirrel! gently deals with themes of peer pressure and temptation in an entertaining way that young children will understand. Parents and teachers will also find this book helpful in illustrating the importance of obedience. The consequences of disobedience may not just be punishment, but could be life threatening. Author Patrick Cooper has created a character that readers who are also too young to leave their hutch will easily identify with. Each character’s personality is accurately reflected in the colorful illustrations by Catherine Walters. As William’s mother watches Stella and William run away, Stella is seen turning toward her and sticking out her tongue. The detailed scenery and realistic looking animals are a wonderful complement to a fine story. Elizabeth Coleman, Freelance Writer, Tumwater, Washington The night of Las Posadas, written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola. LCCN 98036405. New York: Putnam’s, Penguin Putnam, 1999. ISBN 0399234004, HBB, $15.99. E. Mary, Blessed Virgin, Saint--Fiction; Joseph, Saint--Fiction; Posadas (Social custom)--Fiction; Santa Fe (N.M.)--Fiction. unp. Small children. The Night of Las Posadas is a charming story based on a custom that began in Spain and came to Mexico and southwestern America. Posada is the Spanish word for "inn," and Las Posadas celebrates Mary and Joseph seeking lodging on Christmas Eve. Tomie dePaola writes and illustrates this fiction story set in old Santa Fe, New Mexico. Sister Angie arranges the reenactment of Las Posadas for a nearby mountain village. Lupe and Roberto are chosen to portray Maria and José— Mary and Joseph—in the traditional procession. After weeks of preparation, all is ready. But at the last minute, Sister Angie becomes ill, and Lupe and Roberto get stuck in a snowstorm. A mysterious couple arrive to play Maria and José. The procession starts, and they knock on door after door. Often a costumed devil appears, and they are denied entrance. Finally they are S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 1 4 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L
PICTURE BOOKS welcomed at a courtyard where a bonfire blazes and the empty manger awaits them. But the couple who portrayed Maria and José disappear. Just then Lupe and Roberto arrive to sit by the empty manger. They wonder who took their place in the procession. Meanwhile, Sister Angie awakens and walks to church. She sees fresh footprints in the snow leading to the door. Inside, she kneels and prays by the wooden carvings of Maria and José. She notices their cloaks are covered with fresh snow. Unknown to her, a miracle had saved Las Posadas. The artwork is done in acrylic on handmade watercolor paper. The paintings are simple but capture the spirit of the story. A short glossary of Spanish words is included. Children will enjoy this unique tale with surprise ending. Lydia E. Harris, Freelance Writer, Former Teacher, Seattle, Washington One more time, Mama, by Sue Alexander; illustrated by David Soman. LCCN 98047937. Tarrytown, N.Y.: Cavendish Children’s Books, Marshall Cavendish, 1999. ISBN 0761450513, HBB, $15.95. E. Nature--Fiction; Mother and child--Fiction. 32 p. Small children. Mama begins waiting during winter when the winds swirl the snow and the bears begin their long sleep. She continues to wait as the ice on the pond thaws and the daffodils begin to bloom. Goslings and ducklings hatch, wild roses grow, and summer thunder booms, but Mama still must wait. It is only when the fall winds blow and the apples ripen on the trees that Mama’s wait comes to an end, for it is then that her daughter is finally born. One More Time, Mama, by Sue Alexander is a mother’s loving account of the wait for her daughter’s birth. Prompted by her daughter’s request that she tell the story "one more time," the mother beautifully describes the seasons that pass by during her pregnancy. Although beautiful, at times the abundant imagery used to describe the plant and animal life of each season seems too advanced and detailed for the young audience to whom this type of book generally appeals. However, David Soman’s watercolor illustrations are lovely and do a wonderful job of depicting both nature and the love that exists between the mother and daughter. Like Jamie Lee Curtis’ Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born, this is a book for parents and children to share together to remember the uniqueness of their child’s birth and, as a result, the uniqueness of the child herself. Kerri Cunningham, Librarian, Camano Island, Washington Pillow of dreams, by Peter Jan Honigsberg; illustrated by Tony Morse. LCCN 99093454. Oakland, Calif.: RDR Books, 1999. ISBN 1571430768, HBB, $17.95. E. Dreams--Fiction; Pillows--Fiction. unp. Small children. Margaret Bunny’s pillow allows her to have wonderful, exciting dreams. Newberry Mole is jealous and steals the pillow from Margaret Bunny so that he can have dreams that will make him money. Newberry discovers that his dreams from the stolen pillow do not give him wealth and pleasure because he feels so guilty about the way he acquired the pillow. After returning the pillow to Margaret Bunny, Newberry Mole is invited to stay for cake and ice cream and is even sent home with an extra piece! That night Newberry Mole decides to try his own worn out pillow and discovers wonderful dreams full of rainbows and other good things. Newberry learns that it is better to have your own dreams that to steal someone else’s dreams. Peter Jan Honigsberg has written a story that works well for very young children. The issue of theft is clear and the moral intentional. Rewards derive from your own work and belongings, not from things stolen. Tony Morse has drawn pictures that are filled with soft colors and just enough detail to be interesting and to avoid being overwhelming for young children. Barbara Wall, School <strong>Library</strong> System Director, Oswego County BOCES, Mexico, New York Red berry wool, by Robyn Eversole; paintings by Tim Coffey. LCCN 99010696. Morton Grove, Ill.: Albert Whitman, 1999. ISBN 0807506540, HBB, $15.95. E. Sheep--Fiction; Wool--Fiction; Shepherds--Fiction. 30 p. Small children. When Lalo, the smartest lamb in the flock, tries to make his wool look like Boy’s red berry wool sweater he encounters all kinds of problems. Lalo’s mother tells him wool must be washed, spun, dyed, and knitted to become a sweater like the Boy’s. First Lalo tries to wash his wool, but falls in the drinking pond and gets his nose full of water. The Boy rescues him and dries him off. When Lalo tries to spin his wool he gets dizzy and falls into a thorn bush. Again the Boy rescues him. Gently he pulls the thorns out of Lalo’s wool. Not at all discouraged, Lalo goes off to find a red berry bush to dye his wool. But, when he rolls in the berry bush to dye his wool, a snake bites him and he can’t get up. Boy hears him calling for help and carries him home. Lalo discovers knitting is the best part of making a sweater, because it means to bring together. He sits at the pond with the Boy and together the friends watch the sunset turn everything berry red. Robyn Eversole’s story of an adventurous little lamb and the gentle little boy who cares for him is a delightful story of friendship. Because the book is designed with only a few well-chosen sentences on each page, there are many bright happy pictures to keep young readers interested. Tim Coffey’s expressive paintings, of the little lamb and the Boy in the red wool sweater, add wonderful detail and color. Painted swirls in the grass show where Lalo was spinning. Patchwork colored fields and hills dotted with sheep and villages bring visual interest to the story. Barbara Bryden, Freelance Writer, Olympia, Washington When Addie was scared, by Linda and Wendy Bailey. Toronto, Ont.: Kids Can Press, 1999. ISBN 1550744313, HBB, $14.95. E. Fear--Fiction; Grandmothers--Fiction. 24 p. Small children. Fear is an awful, controlling thing, and Addie was controlled by it. There were many real dangers for Addie, but she often trembled at things that couldn’t really harm her, like the lonely cry of the wolf at night, or a distant thunder storm. She would walk an extra mile to get to her beloved grandmother’s farm, just so she could skirt around the big bull in a neighbor’s field. Life was very hard for Addie and her fears. One important day when she was feeding her grandmother’s chickens, an attacking chicken hawk gave her an extreme fright. But just as she was about to run and hide, something wonderful happened inside of her. Addie found a special courage tucked way down deep that allowed her to pick up a branch and scare the hawk away. This was a turning point for Addie. She still had some fears, fears of real dangers, but she also knew that she carried around inside of her a courage that would be there whenever she really needed it. This true-life tale, When Addie was Scared, is written as quick, exciting prose. The tale unfolds the importance of love and encouragement as Linda Bailey relates this tale about her mother when she was growing up in the 1930’s on a northern prairie farm. The homespun tale portrays a common struggle with fear that many children may face. It will encourage children to discover that you have what it takes to face these fears right inside of you. The realistic illustrations by Wendy Bailey are appealing and intriguing with their detail and warmth. The situations presented allow for good discussion about different types of fears and how to deal with them. Mary McKinney, Former Teacher, Freelance Writer, Editor, Port Orchard, Washington C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 5 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1
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Page 5 and 6: talking or writing books. He worked
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Page 9 and 10: Celebrate the Triumph of Easter ...
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Page 13 and 14: PICTURE BOOKS tells him to catch up
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Page 23 and 24: CHILDREN’S FICTION Michael J. Ros
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ADULT FICTION Ten years later their
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ADULT FICTION and Melvin Hoddle, ta
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ADULT FICTION determined to reach h
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ADULT NONFICTION and C.S. Lewis. In
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ADULT NONFICTION Good news about in
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ADULT NONFICTION couples pray toget
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ADULT NONFICTION ★ Come what may,
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ADULT NONFICTION the order of topic
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REFERENCE 371.35025. Distance educa
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REFERENCE (610-756). From essays su
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INDEX David Livingstone 41 Davidson
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INDEX Mohr, Joseph 28 Mollel, Tolol
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