CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 31, 2011
"This clever marriage of information and illustration soars high. (bibliography of adult sources, quote sources, acknowledgements, period photo) (Picture book/biography. 4-8)"
This bright, brimming picture biography commemorates Tony Sarg, a brilliant, self-taught artist whose innovative helium balloons delighted legions of Macy's parade watchers from 1928 on.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 25, 2011
"An enthralling tale that demystifies Wicca, humanizes homeless families and inspires reflection on friendship, forgiveness and moving forward. (Fiction. 10-14)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 25, 2011
"This homage to the power of imagination is one ingenious and entertaining game of wordplay. (Picture book. 5-8)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 25, 2011
"One thing's certain: It's magic. (Picture book. 4-10)
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A girl leaves her sandcastle at dusk, just as the inevitable tide rushes in, and misses a small, plaintive light that appears in its window. Rushes of tingly surrealism continue throughout this wordless adventure story about the tiny inhabitants of the sandcastle, who escape by boat.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 25, 2011
"A timeless tribute to learning as play, much enriched with background on even the (seemingly) throwaway lines and puns. (Literary criticism. 10-12, adult)"
Still ferrying dazzled readers to Dictionopolis and beyond 50 years after his first appearance, young Milo is accompanied this time through by encyclopedic commentary from our generation's leading (and most readable) expert on the history of children's literature and publishing.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 13, 2011
"Sheer delight. (final art not seen) (Animal fantasy. 8-12)"
Problem novels, ghost stories, historical fiction--is there anything Newbery Medalist Peck cannot do? Apparently not.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 11, 2011
"A dreamy-yet-instructive ode to the universe. (Picture book. 2-6)"
The coziest of quilts becomes a rocket ship in this gorgeous, mesmerizingly rhythmic read-aloud that explores a boy's small place in a vast world.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 11, 2011
"Readers ready for chapter books will delight in seeing the world through Spunky's eyes and powerful nose. (Fiction. 8-11)"
The beloved family of Julian and Huey Bates (
The Stories Julian Tells, 1981, etc.) is back after a long hiatus. Spunky, their mixed-breed dog, hilariously reveals all about his humans and realizes his purpose in life.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 11, 2011
"A totally absorbing poetic celebration of loss and redemption. (author's note) (Picture book/poetry. 7-12)"
A searing cycle of poems describes a father's grief after his son is taken from their home in Mali and enslaved in America.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 11, 2011
"Superb versions for reading alone or for sharing with audiences large or small. (Mythology. 10-14)"
Oft-told tales retold with uncommon verve and outfitted with resplendent Art Deco–style portraits.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 11, 2011
"As promised, this book is filled with loads of "Very Bad Stuff that Will Make Your Brain Explode!"--what could be better than that? (Poetry/graphic short stories. 7-12)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 11, 2011
"As much as the visual styles may vary, the high levels of wit and invention never falter. (Graphic nursery rhymes. 5 & up)"
No fewer than 50 cartoonists and comic-book artists provide distinctive visual riffs on as many nursery rhymes in this memorable showcase.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 11, 2011
"A memorable first skate by an irresistible imp. (Picture book. 4-7) "
Things get a bit dicey when plucky Samantha experiments with her new roller skates in one frightening, hilarious inaugural "roll" through town.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 11, 2011
"Three true tales of adventure as grand and admirable in the telling as they were in the doing. (Graphic nonfiction. 10-13)"
With uncommon perception and a flair for visual drama, Phelan tracks three intrepid souls' solo journeys around the world.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 4, 2011
"An irresistible read: This book sings. (Fantasy. 8-12)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 3, 2011
"Exquisitely simple and memorable. (Informational picture book. 2-8)"
"A spiral is a snuggling shape" is the somewhat homely observation that begins Sidman's brief and graceful poem--she goes on to catalog and celebrate the ways that spirals manifest themselves in the physical and natural world in a way that will draw in the youngest listeners.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 3, 2011
"Just another superb outing from a fixed star twinkling in the children's-literature firmament. (Picture book. 3-6)"
In Pinkney's sumptuous elaboration of the familiar lullaby a chipmunk's nighttime odyssey takes on the same epic scope as his Caldecott winning
The Lion and the Mouse (2009).
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 3, 2011
"This resilient and exuberant heroine deserves a stamp of approval. (Historical fiction. 12 & up)"
Jacky Faber must once again fight and flirt her way across land and sea to reach her beloved Jaimy Fletcher in the ninth book of this stirring historical series.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 3, 2011
"A marvelous, mystical romp that doesn't ignore reality. A hint of a possible sequel whets readers' appetite for more: Yes, please! (author's note) (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
Thirteen-year-old Sacha lives in New York City's Lower East Side at the turn of the 20th century. Or does he?
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
"Marisol's varied, distinctive lifestyle and multiracial family affirms our increasingly blended society and clearly celebrates independent thinking. Brava! (author's note) (Picture book. 5-8)"
A little girl celebrates her multiracial background and pride in her individuality through a creative and non-conformist attitude.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
"Fresh and vintage at the same time; an accompanying CD would have made it perfect. (Picture book. 3-7)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
"Warm, delicious and filling. (recipes, pie credits) (Historical fiction. 9-12)"
What do you get when you take some scrumptious pie recipes, stir in a mix-up of a mystery involving an overweight cat and a legacy, then add a sly satirical nod to the Newbery Medal? This irresistible confection.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
"A necessary title for most school and public libraries serving young readers, this will be welcomed for its calm tone and straightforward, comprehensive introduction to the subject. (index) (Nonfiction. 9-15)"
A clear, well-organized presentation of the evidence from earth's rocks and fossils, the variation of living things, the process of natural selection and the study of DNA and radiocarbon dating that supports the scientific theory of evolution.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
"Guffaws and surprising twists (plus Timbertooth's exaggerated tantrums) will have youngsters clamoring for a repeat performance. Brava! (Picture book. 4-8)"
World-famous conductor Herbert Timberteeth (an aptly named beaver) is about to debut his new song, "What Animals Like Most."
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
Directed at marsupial parents of all kinds, from kangaroos and koalas to possums and bandicoots, this tongue-in-cheek guide to joey development takes it step by step, from the birth of your pinkie to where your baby goes after it leaves the pouch.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
"A favorite ancient fable beautifully presented in the tradition of the finest picture books, this does not replace Jerry Pinkney's transcendent, Caldecott-winning The Lion & the Mouse but proudly takes its place beside it. (Picture book. 3 & up)"
A wee African grass mouse "receives top billing" (according to a concluding note) in this visually stunning retelling of Aesop's fable set amid the Aha Hills of Africa.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
"Kimmel's storytelling is effective in its use of suspense, humor, trope and repetition, making a fine read-aloud holiday treat. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-8)"
The renowned Rabbi Judah Loew of Prague and his mythical golem appear in this Hanukkah fairy tale inspired by
The Sorcerer's Apprentice and reminiscent of Tomie dePaola's
Strega Nona.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
"Readers with great expectations will find them fully satisfied by this tongue-in-cheek romp through a historic public House that is the very opposite of Bleak. (Animal fantasy. 10-12)"
"He was the best of toms. He was the worst of toms." And for all his harsh early life and unnatural dietary preferences, ragged London alley cat Skilley gets to look at a queen, too.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
"As in his earlier Redwoods, the child reader shares her reading, passing on the book to others. Real-life readers will be eager to do the same. (Informational picture book. 5-9)"
A book on coral reefs transforms the New York Public Library into a reef for its reader as she eagerly learns about those who make and dwell in those unique ecosystems, "cities of the sea."
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
"An exquisite package, much like one of Pei's buildings. (timeline, bibliography, source notes, index, suggestions for further reading, listings of building projects, awards) (Nonfiction. 12 & up) "
This lively blend of narrative and detailed design is a perfect way to introduce the architectural vision of I.M. Pei to young readers.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
"Skillfully constructed and cleverly composed, it's an awesome alphabet book that adults will also appreciate. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-7)"
Is there any new way left to present the alphabet? The answer is
Yes, as this graphic artist demonstrates when he applies his retro style to the ABCs.
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