Next book

MONEY

HOW TO GET IT, SPEND IT, AND SAVE IT

paper 0-517-88586-7 Berry and the other eight girls in the New Moon Books Girls Editorial Board, buoyed by some very supportive adults, are behind this lively and straightforward book that could be used for fun and profit by most readers. The book covers not only such requisite purchases as books, CDs, and other essential stuff, but larger notions, from household budgets to house mortgages. There’s a chapter on how to get money, from babysitting and dog-walking to starting a business (actually executed by one of the girls); discussions of budgets, savings, and the stock market that are simple and accessible. The girls also state clearly, at the outset, the connection between having money and its attendant independence and power. They include interviews with women who have started their own businesses or who work for themselves. It’s all terribly earnest but very well grounded, backed by charts, lists, boxes of text, and spot illustrations. Fresh and engaging. (bibliography, glossary) (Nonfiction. 8-14)

Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2000

ISBN: 0-517-88585-9

Page Count: 96

Publisher: Crown

Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2000

Categories:
Next book

THE COLORS OF US

This vibrant, thoughtful book from Katz (Over the Moon, 1997) continues her tribute to her adopted daughter, Lena, born in Guatemala. Lena is “seven. I am the color of cinnamon. Mom says she could eat me up”; she learns during a painting lesson that to get the color brown, she will have to “mix red, yellow, black, and white paints.” They go for a walk to observe the many shades of brown: they see Sonia, who is the color of creamy peanut butter; Isabella, who is chocolate brown; Lucy, both peachy and tan; Jo-Jin, the color of honey; Kyle, “like leaves in fall”; Mr. Pellegrino, the color of pizza crust, golden brown. Lena realizes that every shade is beautiful, then mixes her paints accordingly for portraits of her friends—“The colors of us!” Bold illustrations celebrate diversity with a child’s open-hearted sensibility and a mother’s love. (Picture book. 6-8)

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1999

ISBN: 0-8050-5864-8

Page Count: 28

Publisher: Henry Holt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1999

Categories:
Next book

THE QUILTMAKER'S GIFT

A sentimental tale overwhelmed by busy illustrations and rampant pedantry. A gifted quiltmaker who makes outstanding quilts never sells her wares, but gives them away to the poor. A greedy king so loves presents that he has two birthdays a year, and commands everyone in the kingdom to give him gifts. Everyone brings presents till the castle overflows; the king, still unhappy, locates the quiltmaker and directs her to make him a quilt. When she refuses he tries to feed her to a hungry bear, then to leave her on a tiny island, but each time the quiltmaker’s kindness results in her rescue. At last, the king agrees to a bargain; he will give away his many things, and the quiltmaker will sew him a quilt. He is soon poor, but happier than he’s ever been, and she fulfills her end of the bargain; they remain partners forever after, with her sewing the quilts and him giving them away. The illustrations are elaborate, filled with clues to quilt names. A note points to the 250 different quilt names hidden in the picture on the inside of the book jacket. (Picture book. 6-10)

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1999

ISBN: 1-57025-199-1

Page Count: 32

Publisher: N/A

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1999

Categories:
Close Quickview