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This month's books range from the lyrical longings of a young sharecropper's son to a lighthearted guide on manners. It's a potpourri of ideas, but all will lift young imaginations. For ages 5-8 I Dream of Trains Written by Angela Johnson; illustrated by Loren Long (Simon & Schuster, 32 pages, hardcover, $16.95) Casey Jones was a legendary railroad man, known far and wide for his skill with a locomotive whistle and as an engineer. But he also was a hero to the black sharecroppers who toiled in cotton fields beside the route of the Illinois Central in the Mississippi Delta at the turn of the last century. Angela Johnson's lovely book imagines one young boy, whose long, hard days in the hot fields are eased by his dreams of hero Jones and his hopes of getting out of the fields on a train someday: "One day I will leave the cotton behind. I'll miss my family...but I will remember what Papa said about Casey and his soul-speaking whistles and my place in the big wide world." Johnson's writing is lyrical, and the acrylic illustrations are quite expressive. Hotshots! Written and illustrated by Chris L. Demarest (Simon & Schuster, 38 pages, hardcover, $17.95) This action-packed book by Chris Demarest, a volunteer firefighter in New Hampshire as well as a fine artist, educates children about the elite corps of firefighters known as hot shots. These highly trained people fight fires in the wild, away from conventional equipment, relying on tools they can carry in themselves. The rhyming text moves along quickly, and the illustrations, rendered in pastels, capture the fury and intensity of a wildfire. Best of All Written by Max Lucado, illustrated by Sergio Martinez (Crossways Books, 28 pages, hardcover) Christian writer Max Lucado has added another book to his children's series about little wooden people called Wemmicks. "Best of All" centers on little Punchinello and the excitement in the town of Wemmicksville when it discovers that it will be visited by Miss Bess Stovall, who is "famous for just being famous." Turns out Bess is a huge snob, too, who notes the differences among the Wemmicks by the wood that they are made of. She is made of maple, which she considers best, while poor Punchinello is made of willow. He is ostracized, and is feeling alone and abandoned when his maker, Eli, tells him that he is made of willow for a reason. And it turns out when Bess needs saving from under a bridge, Punchinello is the only one able to do it because he is made of the flexible wood. Lucado's tale, while not elegantly written, contains valuable lessons about self-esteem and not being judgmental. Don't Slurp Your Soup Written by Lynne Gibbs, illustrated by John Eastwood (McGraw Hill, 30 pages, hardcover) What is the proper way to introduce someone to your mom? Why is it important to use "the magic words?" Why is it important to show good sportsmanship? Lynne Gibbs has created a useful, timely manners guide, perfect for young elementary school-aged children. In a lighthearted style it covers everything from being a good host and guest at a party to the proper way to use e-mail and a cell phone. In an age when we're subjected to loud cell-phone discussions while waiting in line at the grocery store, maybe our only hope is to teach kids that that is unacceptable behavior, even if their parents haven't figured it out yet. Crispin and the 3 Little Piglets Written and illustrated by Ted Dewan (Doubleday Books, 32 pages, hardcover, $15.95) Crispin the pig had it all - a nice house, toys and two best friends to play with. He wasn't at all pleased when his parents told him there was going to be an addition to the family - and even less pleased when it turns out to be three little piglet siblings. They are noisy and messy and don't do anything he wants them to. Will Crispin ever learn to love the piglets, or will he just be the big bad brother and keep getting sent outside? Ted Dewan has created a fresh and funny book, and his illustrations are jumping with action and expression. This would be the perfect book to present to a child who has just gotten a new sibling or two of his own to deal with. My Daddy and Me Written by Jerry Spinelli; illustrated by Seymour Chwast (Knopf, 32 pages, hardcover, $15.95) Let's give Dad some respect: When he comes home from work each day, his playful puppy can't wait to jump on Dad's back, wrestle with him, drive the car (in the driveway) or just be together. And even though Dad may be dog tired, he takes the time to have fun with his son. Newbury Medalist Jerry Spinelli, in his first picture book, writes a heartfelt valentine to dads everywhere who make the time to play, work and just be with their children. The illustrations, by New Yorker artist Seymour Chwast, are animated and colorful. This would be a perfect book to read together, just Dad and the kids. Pirate Jam Written and illustrated by Jo Brown (McGraw Hill, 26 pages, hardcover, $15.95) Alas. Fredbeard and Little Jim are something of a washout as pirates. They find shivering timbers a bit of a bore, they can't buckle swashes and they always hold the treasure map upside-down. They find they're not much good at anything they try - even their garden, filled as it was with treasure - wasn't much good. The tomatoes won't ripen and the strawberries went all mushy. But one day they get the idea to make some jam out of those mushy berries - Pirate Jam. It ends up being a huge hit and they make a sackful of gold. Jo Brown's funny tale is accompanied by her own pictures, which are colorful and whimsical. |
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