Barrett, Mary Brigid. SNOW BABY. Illus by Eve Chwast. New
York: Harcourt/Red Wagon,
1998. 12p. 0-15-201054-8; bd.bk., $5.95.
96-075966. PreS- K BB.
Barrett's book is a must for young children who live in
snow country. Gram comes to take baby out to play in the snow. Baby is
bundled up and ventures out into the snow covered world with Gram. They climb up
hills, make snow angels, go sledding, and baby plops in a drift. At day's
end, the wind howls outside, while baby and Mama are nice and warm inside,
blowing goodby kisses to Gram. Rhyme, repetition, and bright bold
illustrations make this a fun board book to read again and again. This book is
bound to be a favorite of babies to preschool children who live in areas like
the Upper Peninsula.
Betty Karbon, Munising School and Public Library,
Munising, MI.
Beck, Ian. TEDDY’S SNOWY DAY. Illus by the author.
New York: Scholastic, 1998,
2002. 32p. 0-439-17520-8; hb., 15.95
99-047802 PreS-K E
Lily and her Teddy look out the window and want to go out
and play but mother suggests that Teddy stay inside. When Teddy is sitting
on the windowsill, mother closes the window, he falls outside where he enjoys
himself while slipping on a plank of wood, and snowboarding down a steep hill,
making a snowbear, and sliding on the ice. When Teddy becomes lost, he is
saved by someone whose red mittens and white cuff are the only part of him that
is seen. Children will enjoy being in on the joke.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, Michigan
Carr, Jan. FROZEN NOSES. Illus. by Dorothy Donohue.
New York: Holiday, 1999.
32p. 0-8234-1462-0; hb., $15.95
98-48540 Pres-Gr. 2 E
This catchy rhyme about ordinary winter activities like
making a snowman, sledding, and skating is excellent for reading aloud to
preschool and early elementary children. Choose a few of the collage
illustrations to grace winter bulletin board or as patterns for children,
intermediate and above, to make faces or whole bodies of children in
action. Upper peninsula children can identify with the children as they
get ready to go outdoors: "Frozen noses/ Tingly toeses/
Sniffle, snuffle Winter's Cold!/ Better Bundle!/ Quiver, shiver/ Booted, bucked/
Buttonholed." Carr's book is a good choice for public and
school libraries and day care centers.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Cuyler, Margery. THE BIGGEST, BEST SNOWMAN. Illus. by Will
Hillenbrand.
New York: Scholastic, 1998. 32p. 0-590-13922-3;
hb., $15.95 PreS-Gr.2 E
Little Nell lives with Big Mama, Big Sarah, and Big Lizzie
in a Big snowy woods. No matter what Little Nell wants to do, the others
say she is too little. So Nell goes out in the snow to play with her
friends, Reindeer, Hare, and Bear Cub who help her make a BIG snowman. Winter
birds; Crow, Cardinal, and Sparrow, help put on the face. When her
family sees Nell's snowman they are astounded and Big Mama says Nell can help
make a Big lunch. Because of its big size, the book can be used for
reading aloud to a large group. The story can be read just for fun
or to introduce woodland birds and animals, but for that purpose, it would have
been better to have a white tail deer instead of a reindeer. Also use the
book to introduce opposites; big and little. There is enough repetition
here so beginning readers can read it with some help.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, MI
Edwards, Richard. COPY ME, COPYCUB. Illus. by Susan
Winter. New York:
HarperCollins, 1999. unp. 0-06-028570-2; hb.,
$14.95 99-1175 PreS-Gr. 3
E
The watercolor illustrations in this picture book are a
perfect complement to a warm story about a cub who copies everything his mother
does; he is a copycub. Copycub follows his mother as the seasons change
until it begins to snow. His mother wants him to follow her to a warm cave
where they can spend the winter but Copycub is so numb and cold that he can't
keep up and lies down to sleep. Mother gently urges him to follow her step
by step until they reach the cave where they can snuggle until spring.
Before reading this book aloud to children, show them the front cover and snowy
end papers and ask them to predict what will happen in the story.
This gentle book has several layers; it is a book of mother love, changing
seasons, and hibernation. Schools or agencies who provide classes on
parenting will find this book invaluable to show how parents are role models for
children. This book is as perfect for a preschool lapsit
program as it is for a primary school science unit. When read aloud at a
pre-school story hour or at home as a bedtime story, children can chime in and
be a copycub. This versatile book will fit into any school, public, or
home library. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, MI
Ehlet, Lois. SNOWBALLS. San Diego: Harcourt, 1995.
32p. 0-15-20074-7; hb.,
$16.00 0-15-202095-0; pb., $7.00
94-47183 PreS-Gr.3
E
Teachers will welcome the paperback edition of this
favorite picture book for their classroom collections. By now all school
and public libraries in snow belt states will already own a hardback copy of
this magnificent book. The collage illustrations showing the birch trees,
birds, and photos of "good stuff" for making a snow family are
bright and colorful. There is even information about what makes snow and
that it melts. This is an excellent book for sharing with a group because
by holding the book longways, viewers have a good look at the snow dad, snow
mom, snow boy, snow girl, snow baby, snow cat, and snow dog. Using
paper plates and "good stuff," kids can try their own hand at making
snow people. Don't miss this one.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Ford, Christine. SNOW! Illus.by Candace Whitman. New
York: HarperFestival,
1999. 24p. 0-694-01199-1; hb., $9.95.
98-72313 PreS-Gr. 1 E
Six stages of color coding on the back cover indicate age
levels from newborns to children ages 3 and up to help purchasers make gift
selections. This book is labeled for ages 2 and up. Because the
rhyme concludes on the last end paper where date due cards for computer
check-out are often placed, the book is more suitable for personal rather than
library collections. However, the catchy rhyme could be read aloud during
preschool story hour programs if the group is small. The watercolor
illustrations are soft and inviting.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Glaser, Linda. IT’S WINTER. Illus by Susan Swan.
Brookfield, CT: Millbrook, 2002. 32p.
0-7613-1759-7; lib.bdg., $21.90
0-7613-1680-9; pb. 2001-044771 PreS-Gr. 3
E
The brightly colored collage illustrations enhance a rhyme
that shows a girl and her dog making footprints, snow angels, and a snowman and
snow lady. When she gets a postcard from her grandparents in Florida, the
book changes direction and readers see animals in areas up north that she
can’t see who are hibernating and others who are surviving winter like deer
and birds. A list of nature activities concludes the book. Libraries
owning other books in the series---IT’S FALL! (2001) and IT’S
SPRING! (2001) will want this one too.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, Michigan
Henkes, Kevin. OH! Illus by Laura Dronzek. New York:
Greenwillow, 1999. 24p.
06; hb., $15.00 01700544; lib.bdg., $14.93
9851890 PreS - Gr. 3 E
The animals that play in the new snow with children are:
squirrel, rabbit, cat, dog, and birds. This title is good for sight
reading the word "Oh" for even the youngest child. The cardinals
are called birds but can be identified as cardinals for children when the book
is read aloud to them. This cozy book ends with children returning to a
cozy house. School and public libraries needing easy to read picture books
will purchase this book which is an essential purchase in schools where the
elementary curriculum includes the study woodland biomes.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Hines, Anna Grossnickle. WHAT CAN YOU DO IN THE SNOW?
Illus. by
Thea Kliros. New York: Greenwillow, 1999.
20p. 0-6880160078-6; bd.bk,
$5.95. 98-13383 PreS-Gr.1
BB
Eight suggestions for playing in the snow are given
in simple sentences with an "understood" subject, a verb, and a direct
object except for the last one which is "Slide!" Some suggestions are
"Stamp a trail," "Hear the quiet," and "Throw a
snowball." Different children appear in each double spread and all
are Caucasian except for an African American boy and an Asian girl. The
illustrations are descriptive and appealing. The book will make a useful
addition to preschool story hours featuring snow books because it can be used
for narrative pantomiming. After reading the book, the adult leader can
ask the children to mime the activities while the book is read a second time.
Children will have to be reminded that, because of space limitations, all
activities will have to be mimed while standing up, especially "Swoosh an
angel." Other books in the series are WHAT CAN YOU DO
IN THE RAIN? WHAT AN YOU DO IN THE WIND? and WHAT CAN
YOU DO IN THE SUN? Use all four books to stimulate discussion of other
activities that can be accomplished in various types of weather.
Purchase the books for listening pleasure, beginning reading, or for science
enrichment.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Inkpen, Mick. KIPPER'S SNOWY DAY. Illus. by the author.
San Diego: Red Wagon/Harcourt,
1996. unp. 0-15-201362-8; hb., $14.00
0-15-202303-8; pb., $5.95 95-47126 PreS-Gr. 2.
E
Two delightful dogs are excited about the snow and go out
to make tracks and snow angels/dogs, have a snowball fight, and build a snowman.
The two dogs romp and play until their shadows become long. That sounds
ordinary but what is unique is that Tiger, an unlikely but humorous name for the
second dog, can't get up from making his snow angel/dog and rolls down the hill,
making a snowball as he rolls. The repetition of the words "silly,
woolly clothes" that Tiger and eventually the snowman wear, is just
one of the aspects that makes this book easy to read for second graders.
Although the language is at times poetic, it is still easy to read. Before
Kipper makes paw prints in the new snow, it is "like an empty page waiting
to be scribbled on." The "huge cotton ball snowflakes" can
easily be reproduced on a bulletin board or for an art project. Primary
teachers will want the paperback for their room collections. Use the
book to teach similes and metaphors. First published in Great Britain,
this book traveled the Atlantic well. Kids may know Kipper and Tiger from Nick
Jr. on Nickelodeon. Even if Kipper is unfamiliar, he grows on
readers who will want to read other books about him.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Johnson, Crockett. HAROLD AT THE NORTH POLE: A CHRISTMAS
JOURNEY
WITH THE PURPLE CRAYON. Illus. by the author.
New York: HarperCollins, 1957, 1958.
unp. 0-06-028073-5; hb., $12.95. 0-06-028073-5;
lib.bdg., $2.89 58-6614 PreS-Gr.2
E
Harold needs a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve so he sets
off to the woods at night and makes a moon and stars, snow, snowman, the North
Pole complete with Santa coming out of the chimney, reindeer, and a sleigh
filled with toys. Then he had to make his tree so Santa could come and put
presents under it. Fans of Harold will love this reprint of a holiday
favorite and will want to draw along with him. Purchase to replace worn
copies or to round out holiday collections in school and public libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Josse, Barbara M. SNOW DAY! Illus. by Jennifer Plecas.
New York: Clarion, 1995. 32p.
0-395-96890-9; pb., $5.95. K-Gr. 3
E
Robby and his dog Zippy are ecstatic when neither the snow
plow nor the school bus can get through the snow. Robbie gets his younger
sister, Louise, to join him in making snow angels while Zippy makes a snow dog.
His older sister, Heather, is less enthusiastic until she sees her parents and
younger brother and sister engaged in a snowball fight and goes out to join the
women's side. Cocoa with marshmallows in front of the fire is a satisfying
end to the story. The watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, and pastel
illustrations add to the charm of this book. The author and illustrator have
taken an ordinary event and made it into a delightful picture book. The
dog adds a special dimension through words and illustrations. This book is
an essential purchase in "snow belt" states and a good choice for
school and public libraries in the rest of the world.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Joyce, William. SNOWIE ROLIE. Illus by author. New
York: Geringer/Harper, 2000. 40p.
0-06-029285-7; hb., $15.95 0-06-029286-5; lib.bdg.,
$15.89 00-28119 PreS-Gr. 2 E
“Rolie Polie Olie lived in a land where it never
snowed.” Then one day it did and Olie and Zowie built a snowman.
What do you do when your snowman friend starts to melt? Take him to
Chillsville where Klanky Klaus lives, of course; even if it is hard to say
goodby. The book ends satisfactorily when they find a present where their
friend Snowie once stood. Fans of TV’s “Playtime Disney” will enjoy
reading about their friends.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
McGeorge, Constance W. SNOW RIDERS. Illus. by Mary Whyte.
San Francisco: Chronicle,
1995. 32p. 0-8118-0873-4; hb. $13.95
8-8118-2464-0; pb. 94-47214 K-3
E
Molly, who likes horses as much as the author of this
book, and her younger brother spend their day off from school making many snow
horses. That night, when they look at their creations in the moonlight,
the horses come to life. You don't have to be a horse lover to enjoy this
book. The story and illustrations stir the imagination. The end
papers add a frosty touch to the book. This is a different type of snow book to
add to school and public library collections.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Martin, Bill, Jr. THE TURNING OF THE YEAR. Illus by Greg Shed.
San Diego:
Harcourt, 1999. unp. 0-15201085-8; hb.,
$15.00 96-53078 PreS-Gr
E
Gouache illustrations bring the twelve couplets to life;
there is one for each month of the year. Although the book is not
large, the illustrations fill the page so that it could be used for reading
aloud to small groups of children. The boy, girl, and the dog obviously
enjoy each month which could lead adults to find out which month is the favorite
one of readers and why. Teachers will use the book to teach the months of
the year and to encourage couplet writing, public librarians will want to use it
for story times throughout the year, and parents will want to add it to their
home picture book library. Martin's book is especially appealing to
Upper Peninsula children because they can identify with the scenes, especially
fall and winter.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Nagel, Karen Berman. SNOW? LET’S GO! Illus by
Carolyn Croll. My First Hello Reader
series, level 2. New York: Scholastic Cartwheel,
2000. 32p. 0-439-09906-4; pb., $3.99.
99-30154 K-Gr. 2
ER
The paperback format makes this easy reader accessible for
home and classroom use. Reading the few words per page, learners read
about clothing necessary to wear out in the snow. The humorous ending and
rhyming text make the book fun to read. The flash cards in the middle of
the book can be removed for word recognition of winter clothing. There are
activities at the end of the book that include identifying rhyming words and
items that are not winter clothing, finding pictures that do not belong in a
winter scene, and placing items of clothing in the order they should be put on.
Answers appear on the last page. Because of the potential for
writing in the book and loosing the flash cards, this book is recommended for
library use only if it is encased in a plastic checkout bag.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Neitzel, Shirley. I’M NOT FEELING WELL TODAY. Illus by
Nancy Winslow Parker.
Greenwillow, 2001. 32p. 0-688-17380-2; hb.,
$15.95 0-688-17381-0; lib.bdg.,
$15.89 00-021917 K-Gr. 3. E
Fans of Neitzel and Winslow who liked THE JACKET I WEAR
IN THE SNOW (Harper 1995) and THE BAG I’M TAKING TO GRANDMA’S
(Harper, 1989) will find the format similar, tied together with the checkerboard
frame for the front cover. The watercolors, accented with pencil and black
pen, are perfect for the text and enhance it by providing rebuses once the words
(box of tissues, blanket, pillow, and [finger] puppets) have been introduced.
Ten essential items are needed “since I’m not feeling well today.”
The cumulative story would be fine by itself but the ending elevates it to a new
level by interjecting humor and surprise. After the whole litany of things
needed by someone who is ill, the boy jumps out of bed once he learns that a
storm has caused school to be closed. The final dance of the boy on the
last page accompanies the text “That is too bad! Hurrah! Hurrah!
I’m glad I’m feeling well today!
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Ryder, Joanne. WILD BIRDS. Illus by Susan Estelle Kwas.
New York: Harper, 2003. 32p.
0-06-027738-6; hb., $16.99 0-06-027739-4; lib.bdg.,
$17.99 99-042218 PreS-Gr. 3 E
Ryder’s trademark poetic text is significantly enhanced
with Kwas’ illustrations as a variety of birds are introduced during several
seasons. When winter comes, a girl feeds chickadees, makes bird angels in
the snow, and soars in her dreams. The total package, including the end
papers, celebrates birds. There are six feathers identified on the outside
back cover as well as one unidentified one. This is an important purchase
for all types of libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, Michigan
Root, Phyllis. GRANDMOTHER WINTER. Illus. by Beth Krommes.
Boston: Houghton
Mifflin, 1999. unp. 0-395-88399-7; hb.,
$15.00. 98-50515 PreS-Gr. 3
E
Bold scratchboard illustrations enhance this story about
what happens when Grandmother Winter shakes her feather quilt and snow falls.
Readers learn how children, adults, birds, fish, animals, and an assortment of
wildlife react. The book is a combination of factual information about how
animals prepare for winter and the fantasy of goose feathers as snow.
There is no trolley aka Mr. Rogers to separate fact from make believe but the
figurative language prepares readers when Grandmother gathers feathers, soft as
snowflakes, and stuffs them in her quilt. The story has a folktale like
quality and the illustrations are handsome.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Sams, Carl R. and Jean Stoick. STRANGER IN THE WOODS.
Illus with photos.
Milford, MI: Carl R. Sams II Photography, 2000.
46p. 0-9671748-0-5; 19.95
99-95162 PreS Gr3+
E 1-800-552-1867
www.carrlsam.com
The color photos of wildlife in the woods are definitely
the focal point of this picture book and are uniform in quality throughout the
book. Even the end papers are different double spreads of a deer
looking at a snowman, which provides the answer to the question “Who is the
stranger in the woods?” The text is less engaging although some of
it is artistically draped within the pages. The animals announce:
“Stranger in the Woods!” They wonder what it could be.
When they see the snowman, the animals have to decide who will take a closer
look and when the deer does so, they discover that the snowman is made up of
good things to eat. Children peek out of the evergreens (they must
have been downwind) and decide to replenish the eyes, nose, and mouth (carrots,
nuts, and corn) after they have been eaten by the animals. A recipe for a
snowman is included at the end of the book.
Use this book to introduce woodland animals: bluejay,
snowy owl, deer, mourning doves, beaver, squirrel, porcupine, rabbit, chickadee,
mouse, and cardinal. This book is good for studying winter and the
woodland biome. Because the photos are of real animals and the dialogue is
anthropomorphic, the caption at the top of the book, “A Photographic
Fantasy,” should be explained to children. This is a solid purchase,
especially in areas with lots of trees and lots of snow.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Scheidl, Gerda Marie. CAN WE HELP YOU, SAINT NICHOLAS? Illus. by
Jean-Pierrre
Corderoc'h. New York: North-South, 1998.
32p. 1-55858-956-2; pb., $6.96 92-05231
Gr. PreS-Gr.3 E
St. Nicholas is looking for children in the dark and gets
lost. This book isn't just about a lost Santa, it is about being helpful.
Owl shows St. Nick the way, mouse brings him a hazel nut, squirrel cracks it
open, bear offers the warmth of his cave, and reindeer carries him so he will
get there in time. The animals offer to help next year too. Use this
book to introduce woodland animals; however, substitute a white tail deer
for a reindeer. A note at the beginning tells why St. Nicholas is
portrayed as the bishop of Myra. If you don't have enough Christmas titles
to meet the demand, consider this paperback.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Scheidl, Gerda Marie. FLOWERS FOR THE SNOWMAN. Illus by
Jo'zef Wilkon.
New York: North-South, 1998. unp.
0-7358-1007-9; pb., $6.95 88-4253
Gr. K-3+ E
Snowman wants to see flowers. Rabbit says a cabbage
stalk is not a flower, crow says it is a pine tree. A city cat sees
flowers in a street lamp. Finally Snowman sees flowers in a
greenhouse but he pays a price; he melts. Children take what is left
of him and make a new snowman. The experience is all worthwhile because
now Snowman has memories of flowers. This book is a charming,
unique, and a sophisticated look at a Snowman. The
refrain,"Snowman dear, it's sad, I know, but since you're only made of
snow, you'll never see the flowers grow," is catchy. Read the book
aloud, then discuss it with students of all ages.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Seuling, Barbara. WINTER LULLABY. Illus. by Greg Newbold.
San Diego:
Browndeer/Harcourt, 1998. unp.
0-15-201403-9; hb., $16.00.
95-52259 K-Gr. 3 591.54
or 811 or
E
This rhyme questions where various wildlife go
during the winter; the answer is on another double page spread, also illustrated
with acrylics. "When the breeze blows/the petals off the
flowers,/where do the bees go?"/ "Inside their hives/till spring
arrives." There are questions and answers for snakes, mice, bats,
ducks, fish, and people. The last pages show a father reading to two
children "Out of the storm,/where it is warm."
The story is suitable for antiphonal choral reading. The teacher can ask
the questions and the class can answer in unison, six students can respond
to the teacher, or six pairs of students can ask questions of each other.
Choral reading can liven up study about the changing of the seasons.
This is an informative and attractive book that should be available in school
and public libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Shulevitz, Uri. SNOW. Illus. by the author.
New York: Farrar, 1998. unp.
0-374-37092-3; $16.00 97-37257
K-3 E
One snowflake falls in a gray city and a boy says
"It's snowing." But the adults, including those on the radio and
television, negate the boy's reaction to the snowflakes. But snowflakes
don't listen to radio or watch TV so eventually a gray city becomes white.
This celebration of snow is illustrated in watercolors by an illustrator who won
a Caldecott Medal and an Honor book citation for other titles. Read this
book aloud for the delicious words like swirling, twirling, and dancing.
Buy this book in places where there is lots of snow or in places that need to
understand the wonder of snow.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Siddals, Mary McKenna. MILLIONS OF SNOWFLAKES. Illus. by
Elizabeth Sayles.
Boston: Clarion, 1998. 25p. 0-395-71531-8; hb., $13.00
97-47733 PreS-Gr.1 E
This brief rhyming story begins "One little
snowflake/falls on my nose./It makes me shiver from my head to my toes."
Then two, then three snowflakes melt on her tongue. Because the book goes up to
five, it also serves as a counting book. The story cleverly mentions other
parts of the body because snowflakes also fall on her nose, eyes, and chin.
After reading the book aloud to lapsit children, ask them to find the parts of
their body mentioned in the story. During pre-school story hours children
can pantomime the laughter, jumping, running, spinning, etc. The small
size makes it usable for only a small circle of children. This is a fine
addition to school, public, and home library collections.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Spowart, Robin. INSIDE, OUTSIDE CHRISTMAS. Illus. by
the author. New York:
Holiday, 1999. unp. 0-8234-1370-5, hb
$15.95. 97-41956 PreS-Gr.3
E
Each double spread contains 2 rhyming gerunds preceded
with the word "Inside" (left hand page) and "Outside" (right
hand page). Beginning readers can take their clues from the illustrations
because each gerund is explained by the illustrations which pertain to Christmas
activities that take place inside or outside the family home of these adorable
mice. Inside mother and child mouse are making cookies "Inside
cooking" and outside they are looking at toys through a store window
"Outside looking". Primary teachers will use this book during
holiday time to introduce opposites and to stimulate students to generate more
"ing" words. Beginning readers will enjoy "reading" a
picture book by themselves. School and public libraries should place this
versatile holiday book on their Christmas lists.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Stafford, Liliana. THE SNOW BEAR. Illus by Lambert
Davis. New York: Scholastic,
2000. 32p. 0-439-26977-6; hb., $15.95. 00-06977-6
Gr. 1-3 E
Bruun, an Inuit boy, saw the polar bear feed at the town
dump. She was alone because hunters had killed her cubs. She was
thin but the men who kept her in the bear-jail couldn’t feed her and she
wouldn’t go away when released after the sea-ice froze over. Bruun
secretly fed the bear fish and soon he replaced her cubs in her heart.
When it was time to leave, the bear refused to go. So Brunn took her into
the wilderness but when he became lost, the bear offered warmth and brought food
to the boy. In spring, the bear tried to push away her boy but Bruun
wouldn’t go. Finally the bear led Bruun back to town but the boy was
unhappy. He went back to find the bear and asked her to take him back but
she chased him away and he returned to the town. When Brunn was grown, he
went hunting in the old way and eventually he saw his snow bear who was now old
and starving. Because he knew she would not survive the summer, he was
going to kill her with his harpoon but he couldn’t. Brunn stayed until
the bear died but she lived on in his memory when he told the story to his son.
The illustrations make the setting realistic. This is a dichotomy because
according to the “Author’s Note,” the relationship could not have happened
because polar bears are wild animals. This makes readers wonder why she
wrote the book but her explanation is that the book “came in response to my
searching for answers about nature, tradition, and the power of love. I
hope her story will stir others to do the same.”
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Stewart, Paul. A LITTLE BIT OF WINTER. Illus. by Chris
Riddell. New York:
HarperCollins, 1998. 32p.
0-06-028278-9; hb., $12.95. PreS-Gr. 2
E
First published in England, the book has a touch of
British humor. Rabbit tells Hedgehog that he will miss him but Hedgehog
says he won't miss Rabbit because he will be asleep. Hedgehog writes a
message on the bark of a tree requesting rabbit to save "a little bit of
winter" for him while he is hibernating. Rabbit makes a huge
snowball, wraps it in leaves, and stores it underground. When spring comes
and Hedgehog sees the soft, round, and brown ball, he does not understand
because Rabbit had told him that winter was hard, white, and cold. When
the small snowball is revealed, Hedgehog understands what winter is like.
Use this book to stimulate the production of a vocabulary list which describes
winter and another which lists animals that hibernate.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Weninger, Brigitte. MERRY CHRISTMAS, DAVY! Illus by Eve
Tharlet. Trans. by
Rosemary Lanning. New York: Michael
Neugebauer/North-South, 1998. 32p.
1-55858-980-5; hb., $15.95 1-55858-981-3
lib.bdg., $15.88 98-06109 K-Gr.3
E
Rabbit children talk about what Santa Claus expects
them to do and sharing is one of the approved activities. So Davy takes
food to feed the birds without realizing that his family will not have enough to
eat. The family decides to be frugal until spring. As a
Christmas present, the birds bring a twig with berries and the promise of
showing them where the berries grow in the summer; the deer gives a bundle of
wheat, the squirrels bring mushrooms, and wild pig brings carrots and apples..
The book, first published in Switzerland, almost leaves the impression that it
was written as a religious book but that Santa was inserted for Jesus to make it
a secular title. Nevertheless, the message of sharing is laudable and the
messengers are appealing. Buy it if it fits your needs.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Wilder, Laura Ingalls. SUGAR SNOW. Illus. by Doris
Ettlinger. My First Little House Books.
Adapted from the Little House Books. New York:
HarperCollins, 1998. 32p.
0-06-025932-9; hb., $12.95 0-06-025933-7;
lib.bdg., $12.89 0-06-443571-7; pb.
$5.95 97-14528 PreS-Gr.
3. E
Once upon a time, a little girl named Laura lived in the
Big Woods of Wisconsin in a little house made of logs." This is the
beginning of a brief picture book which has been adapted from THE LITTLE
HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS. The illustrations were inspired by those of
Garth Williams in the first book of the famous series. Readers listen with
Laura and Mary to Pa's story about how Grandpa made maple sugar and why it is
called a sugar snow. This is a brief and handsome picture book.
There are two schools of thought about taking chapters of successful fiction and
making them into picture books. Does making a story accessible to a
younger audience outweigh providing imagery for an audience instead of having
them imagine it for themselves. Even if library funds do not allow
purchasing the myriad of other titles, librarians in the midwest or in areas
where making maple sugar is part of a pioneer unit of study will wish to
purchase this particular title.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
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Silly Tilly and Mr. Mail-Mole make a snowman in this
valentine story for beginning readers. When her glasses become
fogged, Tilly thinks the valentines the wind is blowing around are colored
snowflakes. When Tilly slips in the snow, Mr. Mail-Mole thinks she is making
snow angels. There is just enough silliness for first graders to enjoy
while sharpening their new reading skills. Hoban has created an
entertaining and snowy easy reader.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience as a school library-media
specialist
Little, Jean. EMMA'S MAGIC WINTER. Illus by Jennifer
Plecas. I Can Read Series.
New York: HarperCollins, 1998 64p
.0-06-025389-4; hb., $14.95;
0-06-025390-8; lib.bdg., $14.89. 97-49667
K-Gr.3 ER
There are seven chapters in this easy reader about
how shy Emma makes friends with a new girl next door and her baby brother
through magic boots and reading aloud. Because the story takes place in
winter, the girls play outside in the snow. The winter setting is a
natural part of the story. By the time spring comes, Emma's self
confidence has improved. This easy reader moves emerging readers toward
chapter books.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience as a school library-media
specialist
Nagel, Karen Berman. SNOW? LET’S GO! Illus by
Carolyn Croll. My First Hello
Reader series, level 2. New York: Scholastic
Cartwheel, 2000. 32p.
0-439-09906-4; pb., $3.99. 99-30154
K-Gr. 2 ER
The paperback format makes this easy reader accessible for
home and classroom use. Reading the few words per page, learners read
about clothing necessary to wear out in the snow. The humorous ending and
rhyming text make the book fun to read. The flash cards in the middle of
the book can be removed for word recognition of winter clothing. There are
activities at the end of the book that include identifying rhyming words and
items that are not winter clothing, finding pictures that do not belong in a
winter scene, and placing items of clothing in the order they should be put on.
Answers appear on the last page. Because of the potential for
writing in the book and loosing the flash cards, this book is not recommended
for library use unless encased in a plastic checkout bag. Primary teachers
will love this book.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience as a school library/media
specialist
Ruelle, Karen Gray. SNOW VALENTINES. Holiday House
Readers, Level. 2
New York: Holiday, 2000. 32p.
0-8234-1533-3; hb., $14.95 99-46315
Gr. 1-2 ER
PAULIN’S PICKS
It is difficult to write an easy reader that sustains the
story while making it fascinating for emerging readers. Ruelle does so
admirably using sufficient repetition in four chapters about a cat named Harry
and his sister, Emily. The kittens get hugs from their mother and drawings
from their father for special occasions and know this will be true for
Valentine’s Day also. The cat kids want to do something special for
Valentine’s Day but after unfavorable feedback from their parents, they
discard paper hearts, a dance, a song, a dessert, and finally settle on the
newly fallen snow to help them express their love for their parents. This
is a humorous and tender story that is totally believable.
Although this title is a holiday and winter book, it can be read all year long
because love and family don’t have boundaries dictated by the calendar.
Consider shelving it with the easy readers rather than with the holiday books,
especially in snowy climates. Even if your easy reader budget is limited,
make sure that this is one of your selections.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience as a school library/media
specialist
Rylant, Cynthia. HENRY AND MUDGE AND THE SNOWMAN PLAN.
Illus. by Sucie Stevenson. Ready-to-Read Series, Level
2. New York: Simon and
Schuster, 1999. 40p. 0-689-81169-1; hb., $14.00.
98-108942 Gr. K-3 ER
This is the 19th Henry and Mudge easy reader written by
Rylant and illustrated by Stevenson using her usual watercolors.
Three chapters are listed in the contents. In the first chapter
Henry learns about the snowman contest and asks his father to enter with him.
His father is green from painting a chair. While Henry and his father
build their snowman, Henry visits with his dog friends. The last chapter
shows a variety of entries: snow people, cats, dogs, and aliens. The
judges are mystified by Henry and his Dad's snowman until Henry tells them it is
his dad painting a chair. Winners are varied: Abraham Lincoln, a snow
leopard and third place to the snowman with paint in his mustache.
They receive a ribbon for most original and a box of snowman cookies.
Snowman cookies would be a great treat after reading this book. First and
second grade teachers can have a box of snowman cookies in the reading corner
for students to eat after reading the book to themselves. This winning
combination has produced another winner.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience as s school library media
specialist
Stadler, John. READY, SET, GO! Illus. by the author.
I Can Read Series, Level 1.
New York: HarperCollins, 1996. 32p.
0-06-024947-1; lib.bdg., $15.89
0-06-444238-1; pb. $3.75
95-26452 PreS-Gr. 2
ER
Although the story is simple to read, this easy ready has
a theme and plot. Little Sasha, a dog, wants her cousin Oliver to play
with her but he takes pride in building a bigger snowman and a bigger fort only
to be outdone by his friend Juliet. However, Sasha saves Juliet from
disaster while they are skating and the bigger dogs decide to let her play with
them.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience as a school library-media
specialist
Van Laan, Nancy. MOOSE TAILS. Illus by Amy Rusch.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin,
1999. unp. 0-395-90863-9; hb.,
$15.00. 97-41273 K-Gr.3 ER
In the third story of this easy reader, "The Snow
Creature," Beaver, Moose, Mouse, Rabbit, and Squirrel all add features
important to them to make a snow creature like a long bushy tail or two long,
thin ears. Before showing students the final snow creature, have them draw
what they think it might look like. All three stories in this easy reader are
about the same woodland creatures.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience as a school library-media
specialist
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Numerous full-page color photos add to the appeal of this
title in a series that includes FOREST FIRES, FLOODS, and TSUNAMIS.
Some famous blizzards covered in the book are the Armistice Day blizzard in
1940, the Alberta Clipper of 1941, the Blizzard of 1888, the Storm of the
Century in 1993, and the Blizzard of 1996. Readers learn about what makes
a blizzard, how to survive in one, how they are predicted, as well as
information about wind chill, frostbite, and hypothermia. A section called
"Words to Know" includes seven items, the "To Learn More"
bibliography includes five items including Murphy's BLIZZARD (Scholastic,
2000) which is an excellent companion book because they complement one another.
There are four "Useful Addresses," and five "Internet
Sites." The index, map, and wind chill chart are also helpful.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, MI 49855
32 years of experience as a school library-media
specialist
Berger, Melvin and Gilda. BRRR! A BOOK ABOUT POLAR ANIMALS.
Hello Reader, Science, Level 3. New York:
Scholastic Cartwheel, 2000.
0-439-20165-9; pb., $3.99 00-020823 Gr. 1-2
591.7 or ER
A memo to families at the beginning of this books relates
that this series helps readers "learn to read by remembering frequently
used words like "the," "is," and "and;" by using
phonics skills to decode new words, and by interpreting picture and text
clues." There are four or more suggestions for readers before,
during, and after reading the book. The animals in the photos are in
bold print in the text to help readers identify them. The book is totally
illustrated with color photos that appear in appealing patterns on the pages.
There is enough information about the Arctic and Antarctic and the animals that
live there to make this book useful to classes who are studying the poles.
Because the simple and informative sentences are not condescending, this book
can be used for readers above the recommended grades and for beginning adult
readers. There is no question about the value of this book,
especially in paperback format. The only question librarians will ask is
whether it should be shelved with easy readers or science books.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, MI 49855
32 years of experience as a school library-media
specialist
Branley’s classic snow book has been updated with
illustrations from front to back endpapers which are blue with white snowflakes.
The watercolors illustrate the straightforward text which contains simple
sentences to explain what makes snowflakes; how snow helps plants, animals, and
humans; and the dangers of snow, including spring flooding. Branley
always involves readers in his books. Branley asks readers to look at the
six sides of each snowflake through a magnifying glass, to walk through snow and
tell what type of snow it is, and to read two thermometers to see whether or not
the thermometer buried in snow is warmer than one hanging in the air.
At the end of the book, two experiments, three snow web sites, and three books
to read are provided. Replace your old copy with this one or buy your
first one for daycare centers, elementary school, and public libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience as a school library/media
specialist
Calabro, Marian. THE PERILOUS JOURNEY OF THE DONNER PARTY. New
York:
Clarion, 1999. 192p. 0-395-86610-3; hb.,
$20.00 98-29610 Gr. 4-10+
979.4
A map tracing the journey from Springfield, IL to Sutter's
Fort, CA is included at the beginning of the book to offer readers a pictorial
view of the shortcuts taken by the Donner Party as well the usual route.
Also helpful is the list of the 32 family members and employees who left
Springfield in April, 1846. A chronology and roster of the dead at the end
of the book are useful. A number of books for young readers, videos, and
web sites as well as an extensive bibliography complete the book. The text reads
like an adventure story; it is one of the most celebrated and
gruesome stories in American History.
Most Americans have heard of the Donner Party but only
know that they were a lost wagon train who had to eat each other to survive.
They are often thought of as a group. Calabro brings the party alive as
individuals and provides readers with interesting, little known details about
the trip. The group could have been called the Reed party because James
Reed and the Donner Brothers were successful men who went into this venture
together. Readers learn a lot about the Reed family, especially
12-year-old Virginia the tomboy, her grandmother who dies early in the venture,
her mother who travels in luxury in her Pioneer Palace Car, her father's fall
from grace when he kills another party member and is banished from the train,
her father's rescue mission, and their subsequent good fortune in California.
Because of George Donner's ad in the newspaper a number of single men came along
as teamsters whose job was to walk beside the oxen all the way to California.
Mary Lincoln probably saw the party leave Springfield. The Breen family of Iowa
were Irish immigrants who joined the part later. Hastings wrote a
book which told travelers of the shortcut he had never taken. Males over
the age of 14 voted on wagon train matters like whether or not to take the
"shortcut." It was disappointing to learn that Jim Bridger lied
to the party just to sell them supplies. The men who killed the scouts
were never brought to trial because killing Indians was not a crime. The
families kept their own supplies and prepared their own dwellings during the
fateful winter. A German who beat his wife, may have killed one of the
women and eaten her. There was a protocol to eating others, family members
were spared from eating a relative.
Statistics are interwoven and provide interesting information
about the trip: there were 9 original wagons; women had a higher
survival rate then men; of the 43 teenagers and children, almost two out
of three survived but more than half of them lost both parents and were orphans
when they reached California. Only two families made it to California
without loss of life. In 1996, at the 150th anniversary of the start of
the journey, 450 of the 2,500 descendants held a reunion. Charts
showing amounts of food per adult brought along and the number of overland
emigrants going to Oregon and California between 1840 and 1850 add interest to
the text.
Especially interesting is the chapter about the survivors,
told person by person. A 12-year-old boy who was rescued died from
overeating. Virginia Reed died at age 87. The information
about each family is extensive and required much research. A number of letters
and diary entries are provided so this book could be used to explain
primary sources. Calabro discusses various memoirs written after the
disaster and their probable validity. Black and white photos,
drawings, and maps of party members, sites, and monuments, are disbursed
throughout the text at appropriate places and add interest to the saga.
This well-rounded chronicle will be useful to intermediate, middle and high
school history students learning about settling the American West but it
will also be picked up because of its name recognition by readers of all ages.
Share this book with readers who were fascinated with the Titanic disaster.
Highly recommended.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years experience as a school library/media specialist
Drake, Jane and Ann Love. THE KIDS WINTER HANDBOOK. Illus
by Heather Collins.
Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can, 2001. 128p.
1-55337-033-3; hb., $18.951-55074-969-2;
pb., $12.95 C2001-900531-8 Gr. K-4
790.1
This book is "jammed-packed" with over a hundred
interesting indoor and outdoor projects about winter. Some projects
include weather recording and forecasting, star and animal track identification,
kitting a scarf or making a fleece headband, tips for starting a campfire or a
fire in a fireplace, snow games and art, bird feeding, making string or
toothpick snowflakes, pinecone skier, indoor smores, hot chocolate and a
gingerbread house. The directions are clear and complete, the pencil
sketches with green backgrounds add interest and information to the text and are
helpful, and the projects are worthwhile. This craft book also functions
as a science book. This book is recommended for school and public
libraries everywhere but is essential in areas where snow is abundant.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, MI 49855
32 years of experience as a school library-media
specialist
Finnegan, Mary Pat. WINTER: SIGNS OF THE SEASON AROUND NORTH
AMERICA.
Illus by Jeremy Schultz. Minneapolis: Picture Window,
2003. 24p. 1-4048-0001-8; lib.bdg.
PreS-Gr. 2 508.2
Readers learn about winter in Alaska, Northwestern Canada,
New England, the Midwest, the Appalachian Mountains, California, and Mexico.
At the end of the book there is a small picture to accompany the description of
each of the areas that includes temperature and activities. Besides the
large print text, there is smaller text labeled FUN FACT.” Some of the
illustrations--the snow on the mountains and the orange trees--are a bit
abstract for the age of the audience of a nonfiction picture book that is a
teaching tool. Another troublesome aspect is mixing countries, states, and
sections of the country as if they are parallel. Since there are only six
different climate patterns, one of which includes a state and a section in
another country, it would have been better to stick to the same geographical
pattern. The book ends with a project, glossary, index, list of five age
appropriate books, and three web sites one of which lists sunrise/sunset times
around the world which adds another dimension to a picture book intended for
young children.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, Michigan
32 years of experience as a school library/media
specialist
Gibbons, Gail. POLAR BEARS. Illus by author. New
York: Holiday, 2001.
32p. 0-8234-1593-7; hb., $16.95. 00-054075
Gr. K-4 599.786
Besides learning about polar bears, readers learn about
the Arctic and the animals that live there. There is a map showing the
Arctic and besides full-page drawings, there are close-ups; labels for parts of
the bear, the bottom of the paw, and underfur. Readers learn about the
bear's amazing sense of smell, communication, keeping warm, size, food, dens,
cubs, and dangers. The last page shows some additional facts about polar
bears. This life cycle book is great for emerging readers of all ages. The
illustrations are up to Gibbons' quality standards and can be enjoyed even
without the text.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, MI 49855
32 years of experience as a school library-media
specialist
Green, Jen. POLAR REGIONS. Saving Our World series.
London: Aladdin, 2001 and
Brookfield, CT: Copper Beech/Millbrook, 2001.
32p. 0-7613-2162-4; lib.bdg., $21.90
Gr. 4-6 333.7
The maps, photos, and drawings spread artistically
throughout the pages of this science book add interest to the text.
Some topics covered are polar regions, animal life, damage to the area,
including ozone holes, greenhouse effect, and global warming, and protecting
life. Added features are the review at the back of the book, environmental
addresses and projects, a glossary, and index as well as questions and answers
disbursed throughout the book. This utilitarian nonfiction book about the
poles will be a useful addition to general knowledge in public libraries and
curriculum support in school libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, MI 49855
32 years of experience as a school library-media
specialist
Love, Ann and Jane Drake. THE KIDS BOOK OF THE FAR NORTH. Illus by Jocelyne
Bouchard. Niagra Falls, NY: Kids Can, 2000. 1-55074056308;
lib.bdg., $15.95.
C99-933011 Gr. 3-8
909.09
Maps, sky, prehistory, landscape (ice and permafrost),
plants, animals, birds, and people are the substance of this book. Ancient and modern peoples are:
Saami (Laplanders), Evenki, Nganasan, Paleo-Eskimos, Nenets, Inuit, and Inupiat.
Sidebars abound with the
“Eco Watch” being the most frequent. Printed on a pale blue
background, the watch discusses information about ecological concerns. Other sidebars are charts and tables.
Some sidebars are bounded with
black line, one of which is a particularly gruesome version of “Sedna,
the Sea Spirit.” If the polar regions are part of the curriculum, then
this book is a good choice for school or public libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience of as a school library media
specialist
Lunge-Larsen, Lise. THE RACE OF THE BIRKEBEINERS. Illus by
Mary Azarian.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2001. 32p.
0-618-10313-9; hb., $16.00. 00-053977
Gr. 2-7+ 398.2
PAULIN'S PICKS
According to the title page, this Norwegian legend is
"Based on the account in "Hakon Hakonsson's Saga" penned in 1264
by Sturla Tordsson. Beginning with the gold emblem embossed on the hard
cover and repeated on the back of the paper jacket, the illustrations are worthy
of Azarian, a Caldecott winner with SNOWFLAKE BENTLEY (HM, 1998).
Woodblocks are the perfect medium for the birch trees on the front cover and the
borders that surround some of the illustrations within. Even the bordered
title page, showing an old Norse stave church, is a work of art.
According to the "Author's Note" at the end of the
book, Lunge-Larsen tells that she added feelings to the legend about Prince
Hakon from the Saga. A selected bibliography follows. The blurb on
the back book jacket flap tells about the Birkebeier race in Hayward, WI that
the author has skied twice. This cross-country ski race in Norway and
Wisconsin, commemorates the centuries old event told in this book.
The legend, written like a pose poem, is about fierce peasant
warriors from Norway, the Birdkebeiners, so named because of the birch bark
wrapped around their legs instead of armor. On Christmas Eve in 1206, a
priest came with a young woman and an infant who was Prince Hakon (HO-kun) who
had been born three weeks after the death of the king. The priest had
hidden the baby and Inga of Varteig for over a year from the Baglers, rich
nobles and false bishops who wanted to the peasant's money and wanted to rule
the kingdom. To outwit the Baglers, skiers from Lillehammer took Inga and
the baby over the tallest and stormiest mountains in Norway. "Now if this
were a fairy tale, the story would be over. But this story is true, and
what happened next is perhaps the most miraculous of all." How Inga
saved her son's heritage from the Baglers through carrying burning irons,
follows this statement. The book concludes with Hakon becoming one of the
most powerful kings of Norway during the Middle Ages and Norway's Golden Years.
This is a handsome book and a stirring story.
This picture book is highly recommended for libraries of all kinds, but it is
essential where there is a large Scandinavian population and lots of snow.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, MI 49855
32 years of experience as a school library-media
specialist
Martin, Jacqueline Brigs. SNOWFLAKE BENTLEY. Illus by Mary
Azarian. Boston:
Houghton Mifflin, 1998. unp.
0-395-86162-4; hb., $16.00 97-12458
PreS-Gr 3+ 551.57 or
92 or E
Every member of ALSC, the Association for Library
Service to Children, can nominate books for the Caldecott Medal.
This book was my nomination. The woodcuts are an appropriate medium for a
biography of a farmer who was born in 1865. One cannot imagine the
farm buildings and setting executed in another medium. The snowflake
woodcuts on the blue background provide a recurring pattern that unifies the
book even though one would expect all of the snowflakes to be different.
Although Bentley was from Vermont, he was a rugged individualist who could have
just as easily lived in Michigan's Upper Peninsula or any other snowy, rural
region. A photo of Bentley and his camera as well as pictures of three of
his snowflakes, appear in the afterword along with a bibliography. This
information entices readers to look for the National Geographic magazine
containing Bentley's photos. Comparisons between Bently's photos and those
of Marquette's George Shiras are inevitable because both were photographic
pioneers who appreciated nature and both were published in National Geographic.
Every public and school library, regardless of where it is located, needs
a copy of this book. Martin and Azarian have created a winner.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience as a school library-media
specialist
* Editor's note: Winner of the
1999 Caldecott Medal.
Murphy, Jim. BLIZZARD: THE STORM THAT CHANGED AMERICA.
Scholastic, 2000. 136p. 0-590-67309-2; hb.,
$18.95. 99-24894
Gr. 4-10+ 974.7
PAULIN’S PICKS
Read this book with a cup of hot cocoa in front of a
roaring fire. Murphy has meticulously researched the “Blizzard of
1888." Emphasis is on New York City although Murphy tracked the storm
as it swept across the Midwest and traveled through New York and Pennsylvania.
Facts are seamlessly woven into the text. One example is the origin of the
word blizzard. Murphy cites his sources including the 1,2000 letters
written by members of the Society of Blizzard Men and Blizzard Ladies. An
index follows.
The stories are fascinating: the miraculous survival of two
boys in a snowbank, a rich man giving out free coal, and various tests of
courage. Some stories are gruesome. A Western Union lineman
was electrocuted while thousands watched, a farmer died within feet of his
house, and a girl was left behind in the snow after escaping a flaming
train.
There is much to learn about working conditions at the turn
of the century. Many of the workers went to their jobs because there was
high unemployment and they were afraid of losing their jobs. Some risked
their lives to go to work only to find the building locked or that their bosses
were not there to be impressed. The newest immigrants were the Italians
and many were grateful to be hired by the day to dig out the railroad cuts into
the city. One interesting account involves a young reporter who went out
to sea to write about the men who piloted the ships into the busy harbor.
Without knowing about the coming storm, Marshall went aboard Pilot Boat No. 13
and got more excitement than he expected as ships and men were tossed about.
Murphy concludes this fascinating book with changes caused by
the storm. Although New York City was considered a modern marvel, it
had no way to deal lots of snow. Snow removal up to that time was the job
of each property owner but after the storm became the responsibility of the
city. Wires for phone and electricity were buried, plans for the
underground transportation system were taken seriously, ordinances for storage
of coal and garbage were instituted, and regulations for signs were imposed.
Changes in weather prediction occurred. Weather, handled by the Signal
Corps, was taken out of the army and put into the Dept. of Agriculture and its
name was changed to the U.S. Weather Bureau which would be open round the clock
instead of being closed for the Sabbath.
In order to give an “oldtime” appearance to the photos
and sketches and to make them uniform, they all have a sepia tone. The
text is the same color. However, this reader, who has glaucoma, found this
a hindrance to reading the text. Others will find it adds to the charm and
flavor of the book. Murphy lives up to a reputation that was established
with ACROSS AMERICA ON AN EMIGRANT TRAIN (Houghton Mifflin, 1993) and THE
GREAT FIRE (Scholastic, 1995.)
In snowy climates, teachers can read part of this book
aloud to stimulate students before they are turned loose with video or digital
cameras and tape recorders to record local snowy survival stories. This is
an exceptional nonfiction book that is as essential in areas where snow occurs
as it is in places where inhabitants have never seen snow.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience as a school library/media
specialist
Murphy, Stuart J. MISSING MITTENS, Level 1: ODD & EVEN
NUMBERS. MathStart series.
Illus by G. Brian Karas. New York: HarperCollins, 2001.
33p. 0-06-028026-3; hb., $15.95
0-06-028027-1; lib.bdg., $15.89 0-06-446733-3; pb., $4.95
99-41334 PreS-Gr. 3 513.2
The humorous rhyming text provides a fun way to learn
about odd and even numbers from 1-8. Readers see Farmer Bill in his red
underwear, then fully dressed--except that he can’t find his other mitten.
Illustrations share the concept that one mitten is “odd,” and two mittens
are “even.” The concept of “pairs” is mentioned in the rhyme.
Humor enters the book when Bill notices that the cow only had three mittens
rather than four on her teats and a drawing reinforces the “odd” and
“even” concept. Other animals that wear mittens are three chickens who
should have six mittens and two horses who should have eight. The mitten
thief is finally found; a goat eating the mittens. This book can also be
used to teach counting by twos, (1, 3, 5, 7) and (2, 4, 6, 8) as reinforced by a
drawing showing all the “odd” mittens in the top and “even” mittens on
the bottom. Even though the farm is from the past as evidenced from the
old wood stove, it can be used for farmyard animal recognition. As usual
with this series, there are directions “For Adults and Kids” which
include helping children with the concept, other activities, and other books
about numbers.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience as a school library/media
specialist
Ross, Kathy, CRAFTS TO MAKE IN THE WINTER. Illus. by Vicky
Enright. Brookfield,
CT, Millbrook, 1999. 64p. 0-7613-0319-7. $16.95.
98-43573 Gr. 3+ 745.5
A wide range and diversity of activities will make
this book a welcomed addition; the craft section and will be grabbed by anyone
ages 8-12. Brownie leaders, teachers or moms will devour the contents.
Ross presents instructions and drawings for twenty-nine craft projects with a
winter or holiday theme including puppets, Christmas ornaments, magnets, masks,
Valentines and much more. The instructions are concise and easy to follow
which will make it sought after on a cold, blustery, stay-in-the-house
wintry day.
Patricia Fittante; Children's Librarian, Escanaba Public
Library, Escanaba, MI
24 years of experience as a teacher and librarian
Seuling, Barbara. WINTER LULLABY. Illus. by Greg Newbold.
San Diego:
Browndeer/Harcourt, 1998. unp. 0-15-201403-9;
hb., $16.00.
95-52259 K-Gr. 3 591.54
or 811 or
E
This rhyme questions where various wildlife go
during the winter; the answer is on another double page spread, also illustrated
with acrylics. "When the breeze blows/the petals off the
flowers,/where do the bees go?"/ "Inside their hives/till spring
arrives." There are questions and answers for snakes, mice, bats,
ducks, fish, and people. The last pages show a father reading to two
children "Out of the storm,/where it is warm." The
story is suitable for antiphonal choral reading. The teacher can ask the
questions and the class can answer in unison, six students can respond to
the teacher, or six pairs of students can ask questions of each other. Choral reading can liven up study about the changing of the seasons.
This is an informative and attractive book that should be available in school
and public libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience as a school library-media
specialist
Stille, Darlene R. WINTER. Simply Science series.
Illus with photos. Minneapolis: Compass
Point, 2001. 32p. 00-011006
07565-0096-6; lib.bdg., $14.95 Gr. K-3
508.2
Large print and colorful photos help readers understand
snowflakes, freezing and melting, ice, causes of winter, how animals cope,
places where there is always winter, and how winter ends. Besides the
index, there is a glossary, list of interesting things to know, a bibliography
of books, websites, and addresses for an almanac and a national park.
Although written for primary readers, adult ESL readers will also find this book
interesting.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, MI 49855
Yolen, Jane. SNOW, SNOW: WINTER POEMS FOR CHILDREN.
Photos by Jason Stemple. Honesdale, PA: Wordsong/Boyds
Mills, 1998.
32p. 1-56397-721-4; lib.bdg., $16.95
97-76914 Gr. 3-5 811.54
Beautiful color photos inspired Yolen to write these
poems. All 13 of the poems have something to do with snow:
“Snowmobile,” “Skier,” “Snow on the Trees,” and “Mountain
Snowstorm.” The poems and photos are artistically arranged to make a
picture book for all climates, especially those with lots of winter.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, MI
Yolen, Jane, ed. ONCE UPON ICE AND OTHER FROZEN POEMS.
Photos by Jason Stemple. Honesdale, PA: Wordsong/Boyds
Mills, 1997.
32p. 1-56397-408-8; lib.bdg., $17.95 97-76914
Gr. 3-5 811.008
According to the introduction, Yolen asked 17 other poets
to look at Stemple’s “photos of ice formations and write whatever the photos
inspired.” The 22 poems are accompanied by the photos in pleasing
arrangements to make an attractive picture book. Some of the more
well-known poets are: X. J. Kenedy, Mary Ann Hoberman, J. Patrick Lewis, Ann
Turner, Lee Bennett Hopkins, and Nancy Willard. Introduce these
poems when studying seasons.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, MI
