What the World Eats, photographed by Peter Menzel, written by Faith D'Aluisio

You will learn here what people in many parts of the world eat, but you will learn much more as well. The book is divided into chapters, lavishly illustrated with color photographs, each of which begins with a picture of a family surrounded by a week's worth of groceries. There is a list of the foods and beverages consumed during the week, including the cost. A map showing the country represented in relation to its region,country facts,and a easy-to-read narrative about the family complete the chapter. Some families provided recipes. The text is rich with cultural information. Kids will like the "ick" factor. Pictures of street food show silkworm pupae, pig intestines, and spit-roasted guinea pig, complete with head and legs.A recipe for seal stew is printed opposite a picture of two children dragging home a freshly killed seal. This book will be fun to use with middle school social studies classes. One fact becomes very clear: the richer the country, the more fast food its people consume, meaning more problems with obesity.

Show & Tell : Exploring the Fine Art of Children's Book Illustration by Dilys Evans

While this is not exactly a children's book, it is recommended for grades 7 and up in SLJ's Best Books of 2008. A handsome, well-designed volume, it details the life and works of twelve well-known children's book illustrators. The illustrations in picture books are described as a form of fine art "worthy of celebration and recognition." The author has not tried to create an exclusive "best-of" list but rather to offer a wide spectrum of styles representing excellence in both art and storytelling. There are many well-chosen examples of each artist's work. This book will send you straight to the stacks to read and appreciate anew the art of the picture book. It could be useful to art teachers and to language arts teachers who use picture books as a teaching tool for older kids. Or it can just be read for pure pleasure.

The Juvie Three by Gordon Korman

Gecko drove the getaway car.
Terance ran with the worst gang in Chicago.
Arjay killed someone.
All three of these boys are serving time in different detention centers until they get a second chance. Douglas Healy, a former juvenile delinquent himself, gets a federal grant to run an experimental halfway house in New York City where he hopes to make a difference in these three lives. Things are going well until one night Healy is accidentally knocked unconscious while breaking up a scuffle between the boys. Terrified of the consequences, the three boys drop him off at the hospital and run away. Healy awakens and has no memory of them or the halfway house project. Afraid of being sent back to their original detention centers, the three boys scheme to continue on as if Healy were still there. They will go to school, do their community service, attend group therapy seessions, and act like model citizens until Healy's memory returns and he can resume his role as group leader. The book is funny and the teens seems real to life. It was an enjoyable book to read and one that boys should enjoy reading.

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod - Ninth Grade Slays by Heather Brewer

The Chronicles of Vladimar Tod's second book of the series, NINTH GRADE SLAYS by Heather Brewer is rivoting! Whether students have read the first book (Eighth Grade Bites) in the series or not, NINTH GRADE SLAYS proves to be a very interesting read. Vlad is a teenager who has vampiric powers beyond his knowledge. As he goes on his quest of trying to fit in with other ninth grade students, Brewer takes the reader on a journey that will never be forgotten. Vlad is born of a human and it has been foretold that a vampire who is born of a woman will be ruler of all of the vampire world. Is Vlad the one to bring these words to fruition? Brewer writes a suspenseful tale chronicling the lives of average teenagers in ninth grade, dealing with adolescent issues, growing up and finding love. The only thing is that Vlad isn't the average teenager.

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix

FOUND by Margaret Peterson Haddix is going to be one of this year's favorites. Adolescents (and adults) will really like the plot to this story. It's intriguing and mysterious. Like Haddix's Shadow Children series, this new series of books, The Missing, is going to be very popular among readers. FOUND is the first book in the series with the next book, Sent, coming out in August. The story begins with a plane that appears literally out of thin air, though this isn't the only mystery...the plane has 36 passengers - all toddlers. There was no pilot and no crew. Interested? I thought so. Once you start, you will not put the book down. It's just that good.

Madame President by Lane Smith

A romping imagination-filled examination of the duties of the President of the United States viewed through the eyes of a child. This book would be an excellent beginning point to a study of the presidency. It brings up a number of points on the list of presidental duties from photo-ops, to baby kissing, to the president's cabinet including secretary of agriculture (Mr. Potato Head) as well as some like Secretary of Soccer. Hail to the Chief has been included--but check out the modifications. Our president even has to contend with a disaster area (her own room). A great tongue-in-cheek introduction to a serious topic.

Helpful from a teacher perspective to view it this way--certainly explains some of the answers we get on test questions!

Wangari's Trees of Peace : A True Story from Africa by Jeanette Winter

For a slightly younger audience than "Planting the Trees of Peace" (previously nominated), this is another picture book about Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai.Brightly colored acrylic paintings illustrate the simply worded biographical information. Maathai is a strong female role model and an example of how one person's actions can bring about major change. SLJ starred review. Highly recommended.

Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls

Sam is eleven years old, has leukemia and is dying. He decides to write a book about his experience. At once extremely funny and tear-jerkingly sad, this book is a fantastic read for middle school students. Sam's older friend Felix is also dying and they are home-schooled together by Mrs. Willis who loves science and keeps the boys engaged in unique and inventive ways with learning and expanding their minds, even in this rather hopeless situation. The boys develop lists of things they want to do and Sam puts them in his book, along with his description of what happens as they pursue some of the things on the lists. NOT just a wimpy story about a Make-a-Wish kid, this robust and real tale will make you cry and laugh out loud.

Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangara Maathai by Claire A. Nivola

This ALA Notable picture book tells the story of Wangara Maathai who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her work with the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. The environmentalist changed the fate of Kenya's future by teaching Kenyans of all ages to plant trees on the country's barren land. Over 30 million trees have been planted since Maathai founded the movement. The watercolor pictures beautifully illustrate the story. The Author's Note at the end provides the history of the project and describes Wangari's role as an activitist in her country. A great read aloud for grades K-4, it really could be used with all ages to discuss the environment and the subject of activism.

Note - there is another 2008 picture book on this same subject, Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa that received positive reviews as well.

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne, Ill. by Eric Puybaret

Manfish is a picture book biography that tells the story of Jacques Cousteau from birth to becoming one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. The book is illustrated with modern, rich acrylic paintings and uses a variety of formats throughout - from full page illustrations to panels, as well as a gatefold center that opens up to represent the deep sea.

This book could be used in a biography unit, but it also includes poetry and touches on environmentalism. There are also author's notes at the end that highlight Cousteau's films, books, and the Cousteau Society.

Overall, a gorgeous book!

Recommended for ages 4-8.

Johnny Appleseed: The Legend and the Truth by Jane Yolen

Illustrated by Jim Burke. Yolen presents an interesting mix of fact and fiction in this picture book biography. Parchment style inserts include a 4-5 line verse followed by The History of Chapman's life from birth to death. At the bottom of the pages are interesting facts such as what he wrote in an IOU note to his father / brother. The illustrations are realistic and the natural colors blend well with the text. One standout illustration shows large hands with tiny apple seeds in the palms. This would be an interesting read-aloud and it could be used across the curriculum with Grades 1-4.

Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane by Carole Boston Weatherford

Illustrated by Sean Qualls. This is a lyrical story of John Coltrane's childhood (born in Hamlet, NC and grew up in High Point). Weatherford lists the sounds that influenced the jazz musician's childhood; "Daddy strumming the ukulele, and Mama cranking the phonograph." Quall's illustrations are a wonderful accompaniment. There is a lengthy Author's Note at the end along with a Selected Listening List and a bibliography for further reading. Could be used with upper elementary students in a jazz unit with Ella Fitzgerald (Pinkney), Duke Ellington (Pinkney), Jazz Baby (Weatherford), John Coltrane's Giant Steps (Raschka), and Jazz on a Saturday Night (Dillon).

A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams by Jen Bryant

Illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Engaging colorful mixed media illustrations tell the story of a family doctor who practiced medicine in his hometown, Rutherford, NJ for over forty years. Carlos knew by age 10 that he loved to write poetry, but when he became a young adult he felt that he needed to make a good living. He liked the idea of helping people and supporting his family so he decided to become a doctor. He wondered if he could continue to write as a doctor. Throughout medical school and once he became a doctor he set aside time to continue his writing. He published numerous books of poetry. So talented was he that the Pulitzer Prize was awarded to him posthumously for his last poetry collection, Pictures from Brueghel. At the back of the book is an interesting timeline of Williams’ life presented alongside concurrent world events. Also included are an author’s note, an illustrator’s note and a “further reading” list.

Seven Miles to Freedom by Janet Halfmann

Illustrated by Duane Smith. Grades 3-5.

This picture book biography of Robert Smalls, a slave from South Carolina who later became a U. S. Congressman, focuses on his life as a young slave working as a ship's wheelman. Using his knowledge of navigation and the trust of the ship's officers, Smalls executed a plot to commandeer a Confederate ship secretly loaded with the black crew's families and cannons to the North. This factual account reads like a suspense story as Smalls risks the lives of all on board to gain their freedom. The impressionistic art enhances the story and will keep young readers involved. An afterword gives details of Smalls' life through his distinguished career in Congress. A bibliography is also included.

Otto's Orange Day by Frank Cammuso & Jay Lynch

Here is a cautionary tale about getting what you wish for and learning it is not all it's cracked up to be. Otto's story is told comic book style, with tons of text for beginning readers and lots of action to keep the story moving along.

This is a great book for reluctant or new readers.

Owly: Tiny Tales by Andy Runton

This short-story graphic novel collection has twelve OWLY episodes. Owly is a friendly, vegetarian owl with lots of animal friends. They have many adventures and solve lots of problems together. There is very little text in these stories, pictographs are used to express ideas, emotions, and actions. Readers will have to pay attention to get the rich stories unfolding in the panels.

Recommended for K-5th.

One Boy by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

This clever picture counting book is a quick read but can become an engaging study of words! Each page has a short phrase and a cut-out, turn the page and the reader is rewarded with a clever play on the original words, adding to the story and offering lots of opportunities for guessing how the next round may go. All the segments seem unconnected until the very end (which could be a good discussion as the story is being read).

Recommended as story-time for PK/TK-1st grade, as book creation motivation for 2nd-5th.

A Horse of Her Own by Annie Wedekind

For every girl that loved horses, this book is a winner. Jane loves to ride and loves Beau, a borrowed horse owned by the farm she rides with, even more. While preparing for a summertime advanced competition to show she has just as many skills as the wealthier girls that own their own horses, Jane loses Beau to a girl that buys him. Despite her sadness, she maintains her good nature and is offered a wild-card chance at the competition with a newer, less manageable horse. Throughout her summer's journey, Jane both observes and suffers the typical trials and tribulations associated with adolescent girls across varying socio-economic strata. As the title suggests, Jane's strongest desire is to have her own horse, a seemingly impossible dream to Jane, but not completely out of reach, as she learns.

A Song for Cambodia by Michelle Lord

Illustrated by Shino Arihara. The life of Arn Chorn-Pond, a survivor of the Khmer Rouge killing fields, is told in this picture book biography. Chorn-Pond survives a children's work camp through his skill at playing the khim, a traditional Cambodian musical instrument. The foreword and the afterword provide historical perspective as well as describing Chorn-Pond's accomplishments in human rights in Cambodia and the U.S. Because of the tragedy and violence in the story, I would recommend this multicultural title for Grades 4-6. It is a powerful tale of how music helped ease suffering during war. Good for social studies or music units.

The Origami Master by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer

Illustrated by Aki Sogabe. A warbler in a tree observes an origami master creating origami during the day. At night, the warbler flies inside and creates his own origami masterpieces. Shimi eventually captures the bird in order to learn its secrets. In the end, Shimi comes to realize the importance of freedom and friendship. The bright, vivid colors of the origami paper, trees, etc. will work well for read alouds. There is a "Make Your Own Origami Bird" activity at the end of the book. In addition to being a wonderful multicultural title, this picture book also contains a simple moral for children.

Blacker the Berry by Joyce Carol Thomas

This book of poetry is beautifully illustrated by Floyd Cooper. Told through the voices of African-American children, these twelve poems depict the skin colors of each individual (e.g. cranberry red for a child with Irish ancestors). It is easy to see why this is a CSK Author Honor book and a CSK Illustrator Award winner. Cooper's illustrations realistically portray the varied skin tones ending with a two-page spread of laughing, smiling children.

The final lines in the poem, Cranberry Red reinforce the theme of identity:

When we measure who we are
We don't leave anybody out
We count who we are
And add all who came before us

The way we figure it
We're just great

This title could be used to teach poetry, Black History month, identity, and acceptance.

Elephants of Africa by Gail Gibbons

This is another appealing kid-friendly nonfiction title by Gail Gibbons. A great combination of colorful illustrations and informative text. Children will enjoy facts such as "Elephants usually sleep standing up for about three to four hours a day." Includes a nice map of areas in Africa where elephants live. Gibbons provides environmental information at the end of the book.

Lincoln Shot: A President’s Life Remembered

This book stands tall literally (12x18 inches) as well as in quality. Designed to look like a yellowed memorial issue of the 19th century “National News” one year after the assassination, this account starts with the shooting and recovery of the assassins. Then it follows Lincoln’s life, starting with his youth, and continues with his marriage, his political career, and the Civil War. Bing’s illustrations are sure to engage young readers. They include period-style advertisements, wood-cut engravings and archival photographs. I am currently planning a 4/5th grade book club using some of the materials that we obtained from an ALA We the People Bookshelf grant relating to Lincoln and the theme “All Men are Created Equal.” This volume will add to what their teacher and I hope will be an authentic experience. I must note, however, that I will proceed with caution to help them understand that this realistic memorial should not be taken literally. One of their teacher’s requests for our study is to help his students understand the passage of time from the Civil War to segregation beacuse he feels that they do not yet think linearly. We’ll see what happens!

The Constitution of the United States by Chirstine Taylor-Butler

Did you know that the delegates from Virginia and Pennsylvania were the only ones to show up on the correct date for the Constitutional Convention? This work really takes a complicated subject and makes it very accesible to children. This book begins providing quick facts on the cover and continues to the back cover! It is engaging, full of pictures, illustrations, and sidebar facts. It contains a table of contents, a timeline, a statistics page, resources, a glossary, with bold words explained, places to visit, and websites. I especially liked the "Inside the Constitution" page--it really simplifies it down to what the Preamble and the Articles are all about in a quick and easy to understand sentence. A great resource for elementary school with enough odd facts that kids who love their nonfiction books may pick it up on their own--and actually read it! It is a slim volume that does not cover everything--but does get to the heart of the information in an inquiry-based way that will appeal to children. I nominate it for inclusion.

Recommended for upper elementary and especially 5th grade social studies.

11 Planets: A New View of the Solar System by David A. Aguilar

I would like to nominate this title as a wonderful addition to a rapidly changing area in our collections.

First there were 9, then there were 8, and now eleven? This stems from the 2006 changes in the way astronomers viewed our planetary system by dividing it into 3 categories: terrestrial; gas giants; and dwarfs. This is a tardy but thorough explanation of the planets and the solar system and really gets us up to speed on the planetary changes. It is very complete work beginning with an updated mnemonic device then visiting the sun and each of the 11 planets. It contains symbols, photographs, illustrations, orbital charts, Gods the planets were named after, and kid-friendly references and fast fact charts in the back. It also addressed comets, oort clouds, and other solar systems. I really liked the solar system in a bag project located in the back. Contains a table of contents, index, glossary and further exploration section with websites from some great sources. The auothor is the Director of Science Information at the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and past Director of the Fisk Planetarium Colorado.
A small quibble with his classical mythology in that he switches between Greek and Roman Gods in random order and mentioned the Sun as the mightiest of the Gods. Apollo was important for many reasons--but "mightiest" is incorrect. A small quibble in a slim volume with a lot of information that will stretch science dollars.

Recommended for upper elementary and middle school.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

A young child barely escapes a vicious murderer and becomes a foster child, of sorts, of the graveyard. He becomes Nobody Owens, Bod for short, and lives a life unlike any other storybook boy. His life in the graveyard may surprise most readers; Gaiman does not paint a bleak, scary life for Bod. On the contrary, he is loved, protected, nurtured, and enriched in many ways. Also, he is not completely unfamiliar with regular life; at one point, he must attend school in the local community, which creates some interesting plot points, as well. As Bod grows, he learns he is still under threat from the murderer that sought him as a toddler. Bod must be brave, strong, and clever to deal with this most nefarious and undeserved enemy.

Gaiman's story is not the usual murder mystery; it is quickly paced without being rushed, and full of interesting characters and unusual situations. Fans of horror and mystery will devour this book. I recommend it to middle school.

Nation by Terry Pratchett

After a great wave hits, Mau is the only survivor of his island village. He is joined by other survivors, some islanders like him, and one very different girl from the west. His people, the Nation, had a very rich culture and oral tradition of history. As they do the work of surviving each day, Mau battles with the voices of his people's past and the new experiences brought on by exposure to other cultures. Along the way, Mau grows from a regular boy to a great man.

This book will appeal to readers that enjoy survival stories, folklore, history, and even science. The interweaving of folklore throughout the story adds an element of mysticism that makes the reader wonder if there is some fantasy happening, too.

I'd recommend this book to middle schoolers.

Palace of Mirrors by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Cecilia has believed all her life she is the true princess, although she is living in hiding. She awaits the day to replace the decoy when all her enemies are eliminated. But, is she really who she thinks she is?


Haddix does a good job of intertwining suspense with an innocent love story in this true princess tale. All girls who have ever dreamed of being a princess will enjoy this book. With a 14 year old heroin, this book is appropriate for 4-8 grades.

What to do About Alice by Barbara Kerley

Alice Roosevelt was a plucky girl and a fun character for a book! Why haven't we seen her before?
This tells the story of the less-than-proper oldest daughter of Teddy Roosevelt and her antics growing up in and around prestidential politics. When her father was elected to the presidency, she was 17 and soon took on an ambassador level assignment and traveled the world spreading good will and collecting gifts from all her admirers. Despite her dad's constant requests to tone down her antics, she remained one of his confidants and a stalwart in Washington until her death in her 80's.
Thorough author's note and sources at the end.

Crazy Like a Fox; A Simile Story by Loreen Leedy

A not-so-complex but clever story, told entirely in similies, of a fox and a lamb. Other animal friends are shown in the story spouting thier own similies that describe the action.
Fun, bright, child friendly illustrations add to the building action that culminates into a big birthday party for the lamb.

Clever grammar exercises and activties are included in the back.

Finding Home by Sandra Markle

A true story of a momma koala bear that survives a fire in her woods. She and her Joey wander off in search of food, finding a yummy tree in a residential backyard. The neighbors keep a safe distance but spend the next few days observing the momma and her search for food.

This is a charming story of koala love - both the momma and her Joey and humans with these adorable but wild animals. The story could be sensationalized but is told delicately. The illustrations are soft but show lots of emotion.

An author's note shares the details of the original events and shares what has happened to both the animals since.

A very timely tale with the recent Australian wildfires.

Bodies from the Ice : Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past by James M. Deem

Here is gruesome science at its best. This book is certain to attract middle school boys. In recent years melting glaciers have exposed many frozen corpses, from the "iceman" discovered in 1991 in the Italian Alps to children sacrificed by the Incas to the Everest explorer George Mallory. Color photographs, maps, and illustrations are somewhat sensational, but the text calmly explains how archaeologists investigate each discovery. Students will also learn how glaciers move and how quickly they are retreating. There is even a section on how young people can help to slow down the process of global warming. Grades 4-8.

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

This story begins in May of 1776 when the mistress of two young slave girls dies. They were to be freed in her will, but a nefarious relative shows up and claims them. They travel to New York where the earliest days of the American Revolution play out while Isabel, the older girl, tries to make sense of their lives. Her younger sister is physiclly and mentally impaired. Her new owners are harsh and cruel. They are also Tories. Isabel agrees to spy on them for the Patriot cause and helps uncover an assassination plot against George Washington. The plight of slaves in the early days of our history is clearly exposed here. Many details of daily life are described. The initial defeats of the Patriot army and nightmarish conditions in the British-run prisons are also graphically detailed. The book is well written and does what all good historical fiction should: it puts meat on the factual bones of the past. Highly recommended for grades 6-8.

Shooting the Moon by Frances O'Roark Dowell

NC author.
Wonderful historical fiction from the military perspective on VietNam but through the eyes of Jamie whose brother TJ enlists in the Army. The Colonel is in charge of signing orders to send young men to VietNam. His daughter Jamie has never really thought about what that means because she is Army through and through, as is the Colonel, and that means you do things the Army way. Brother TJ sends back letters to the Colonel and his wife but sends Jamie a roll of unexposed film with no explanation. She learns how to develop film down at the base recreation center where she volunteers and discovers that her brother is sending her picture after picture of the moon.
A great work to use for a discussion of symbolism and for point of view. We often hear about how people outside the war protested but not about how the people fighting the war felt. Grades 6-8. Possibly younger.

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor.

Fiction for the 5th and 6th grade girls about real-life situations. This story is developed in an understated style of writing. Mommers ( main character Addie's mother) is not an outright abusive mother. She is a neglectful mother, spending her time watching TV and staying out all night, preparing a huge pot of soup and then forgetting to buy any groceries. Mommers has recently gotten divorced from Dwight who has custody of their two daughters (the Littles). Addie has to stay with Mommers because she is not Dwight's daughter. Dwight comes to visit and bring the girls to see their mother and to see Addie. Her grandfather also tries to help Addie but she hides the truth. Addie tries to live as though her mother is doing what she is supposed to do. Unfortunately, this has happened before and there are flashes of those past times in the story. Eventually Addie's trailer home catches fire and Mommers isn't there.
A very well-written story that does not play on your sympathies but stands on its own stalwart legs, just like Addie, trying to make a way for herself.

Well Witched by Frances HARDINGE

Take your British folktale about a wishing well as background peeking into a story set in modern times. Add in three adolescents who have worked out "the pecking order" and their individual roles in their group just to have imposed gifts from the witch in the well destroy the balance and threaten their world. The kids steal coins from the well and consequently are set the task of granting the wishes which go with the coins by the witch. Thoughtful musings among the characters about wishes and what people really want when they are wishing. Scary fantasy.

The Lincolns: a Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary. By Candace Fleming.

Gr 6 Up–
A good bit of research work went into this book. Although I don't really care for the type of layout used, it is true to the scrapbook concept. SLJ says: "Fleming presents side-by-side portraits of the famous first couple, combining telling anecdotes and large and small details to reveal aspects of the Lincolns’ personalities and temperaments. Primary sources and high-quality archival photos and reproductions add significantly..." I think the brown tones may put off some children who expect everything to be in living color and in photograph format. Some fascinating facts can be shared when book-talking this title. For research, I'm not sure how it will work, but I am about to find out as 8th grade begins their research papers for the year.

We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson

Beautiful oil paintings, based on photographs from the Negro League Baseball Museum grace at least every other page of this collection of stories about “lost heroes” of our national game. Following a forward by Hank Aaron, cleverly labeled “Innings,” tell the story from Negro League’s beginnings in the 1920s through “Extra Innings,” the end of the Negro Leagues from 1946 until the League’s last day in 1960. Included in the back: lists of Negro Leaguers who made it to the Major Leagues and Negro Leaguers in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, a bibliography and filmography, numerous endnotes, and a 3-page index.

Secrets, Lies and My Sister Kate

This wonderful novel by Belinda Hollyer takes the reader on an adventure with two sisters, Mini and Kate. Mini and Kate are sisters and best friends. They have no secrets - or so Mini thought. Mini discovers a family secret that is not only explosive, but threatens the core of her relationship with her sister. Even worse is that Kate knew, but didn't tell Mini. When Kate disappears without a trace, Mini stops at nothing to find her. Kate always knew how to make things better, but now that she is gone, what will Mini do? Mini can't get answers from her parents and with Kate gone, she is forced to rely on her own instincts. If she finds her, will her family ever be whole again or will they be forever broken. This is a great coming of age novel. Recommended for grades 7-12.

Frogs by Nic Bishop

Fabulous photography and fun facts make this a superior science book for elementary and middle school students. Frogs as large as newborn babies, frogs you can see through, a frog that ate seventeen young cobras at one sitting: these are some of the creatures that Bishop brings us. The high resolution close-up portraits of many kinds of frogs are impossible to resist. An author's note explains how he was able to take these amazing pictures. Index and glossary included.

Wanda Gag : The Girl Who Lived to Draw by Deborah Kogan Ray

Here is a picture book biograpy for the younger set. In 1928 Wanda Gag created what some have called the first modern picture book, Millions of Cats. The story of her life is one of overcoming hardships. Although she experienced a happy childhood, her father died when she was fifteen, making it difficult for her to pursue her dream of drawing as a profession.How she accomplished that dream makes for an inspriring story. Every page of text has a quotation from Gag's diaries. The pictures are brightly colored and appealing. Grades 1-4.