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March 29, 2006
Books
in Bloom
Spring
is finally busting out all over, and you're ready to clear out the
boots and bring on the sidewalk chalk. Chances are your bookshelves
could use a little renewal too. So here's a peek at the season's
newest books for kids.
 Lilly's
Big Day by Kevin Henkes
Fans of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse will cheer her return
in this charming tale. When Lilly's teacher Mr. Slinger announces
he's getting married, Lilly assumes that she will be the flower
girl until she learns that Mr. Slinger has already asked his niece.
Lilly will have to settle for “assistant", but she's ready
to take charge when the niece needs some help. Henkes' witty details
are everywhere, in hilarious vignettes of the irrepressible mouse
in action. harpercollinschildrens.com.
 I
Heard It from Alice Zucchini: Poems About the Garden by Juanita
Havill; illustrated by Christine Davenier
April is Poetry Month, and what better way to celebrate than with
poems about gardens, and their many wonders like chanting pea pods
and dainty doily dill weeds. Havill, who won the Ezra Jack Keats
New Writer Award for Jamaica's Find, presents 20 poems paired
beautifully with delicate watercolor illustrations by Christine
Davenier. Visit the Children's Book Council at cbcbooks.org
for more ways to enjoy poetry with kids this month. chroniclebooks.com.
 The
Boy Who Loved Words, by Roni Schotter; illustrated by Giselle
Potter
Other kids might collect shells or stones; young Selig collects
words. Whenever he hears a new one he likes, he jots it down on
a slip of paper and stuffs it into a convenient pocket, a sock,
a sleeve, or a hat. When he helps a poet find just the right one,
he discovers the joy of sharing his collection with the world. randomhouse.com.
 Bruno
Munari's ABC by Bruno Munari
Here's a welcome reissue from an acclaimed artist and designer.
From an ant on an apple to a blue butterfly to a cat in a cage,
Munari pairs words in whimsical ways and his bold, vivid watercolor
illustrations add to the charm. chroniclebooks.com.
 Good
Boy, Fergus! by David Shannon
Fans of Shannon's David books (No, David!) know how well
he captures his characters' exuberance. Now he turns his talents
to Fergus, the spunky family dog. He takes off after a cat in the
morning, and then just keeps going – digging up a potted plant,
getting a bath, begging for scraps, and generally making mischief.
amazon.com.
 Pecorino
Plays Ball by Alan Madison; illustrated by Anna Laura Cantone
Pecorino Sasquatch – the boy who got stuck inside a tuba in
Pecorino's First Concert – is back for more super-silly
fun. He's about to play in his first game of baseball, and he can't
wait, even though he doesn't really know what baseball is. By the
end of the day, he'll learn all about what makes America's pastime
so great. simonsays.com.
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