From: Steven Engelfried <sengelfried>
Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2003 13:22:48 -0800

PICTURE BOOKS: "Tippy Toe Chick Go!" by George Shannon and Laura Dronzek has rhythm and humor that make it perfect for toddler - preschool groups. The language and the illustrations both set just the right pace for the story. "The Cat Who Liked Potato Soup" by Terry Farish and Barry Root is also unspectacular on the surface, but does a wonderful job of capturing the friendship between a man and a cat with gruff humor and characters that you really get to know just from a few words and excellent illustrations. FICTION: Many of my favorite fiction titles have been mentioned, but I'll add Wendelin Van Draanen's "Swear to Howdy." It starts out with some very funny (or very disgusting, depending on the reader) pranks by the two boys, then turns dead serious. The twist is abrupt and very powerful I think. "The Goblin Wood" by Hilari Bell is a very good fantasy in a year with several of them. Familiar elements (goblins, healers, knights...) with distinct particulars that make the fantasy world stand out, and two likable, but believably imperfect protagonists. NON-FICTION: Douglas Florian's "Bow Wow Meow Meow" is similar to his other poetry books...I just like them all. Poems and pictures are both deceptively clever, yet simple enough to inspire kids to try the same. "The Leopard" is a good example, where the placement of the words and the funny painting work together perfectly. "What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?" by Steven Jenkins and Robin Page makes great use of Jenkins' cut paper illustrations, which are fun to look at but also perfect for highlighting animal physical features. The guessing game concept is very neatly laid out.

- Steven Engelfried, Head of Youth Services
 Beaverton City Library
 12375 SW 5th Street
 Beaverton, OR 97005
 503R6%99
 sengelfried at ci.beaverton.or.us
Received on Tue 09 Dec 2003 03:22:48 PM CST