Picturing Lake Minnetonka; A Postcard History

Last week I assembled a "photo album" of penny postcards (dating back to the 1930's) that had belonged to my grandparents at one time.  That was perfect timing for the exploration of this book. So, I hope you'll indulge me for a few moments while I describe a local history book about the Lake Minnetonka area.  Lake Minnetonka has been a part of Minnesota history since at least the 1880's when James J. Hill recognized the tourism potential of the Lake, and began building railroads and hotels to accommodate them.  This unique book includes a large collection of early photographs, postcards, and other images of the early days on this famous lake.  it is especially strong on early steamboating on the Lake.  Written by James Ogland, this has great potential as a History Day resource.

Moose on the Loose

In a rollicking story that may remind some readers of the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie... series, this tale will have readers laughing at the antics of a moose that moves in to live with a young boy. What would you do with a moose in your yard?  Or in your house? Or in your room? How about in your bathtub?  Kathy-jo Wargin is the author of this hillarious tale told in verse form.  The colorful comic illustrations by John Bendall-Brunello add to the merriment. By the end, young readers will know exactly what to do when a moose goes on the loose.

Ubiquitous; Celebrating Nature's Survivors

They've done it again! Joyce Sidman and Beckie Prange have combined their talents to produce a fascinating new book about animals.  Their first collaborative effort (for Song of the Water Boatman) was a Caldecott honor book.  This book focuses on animals and plants that have survived through millions of years.  The plants and animals range from large groups (bacteria and grasses for example) to individual species (coyotes, crows and others) Each double page spread includes a poem by Joyce, a paragraph of background information about the featured animal or plant, and a wonderful linocut illustration by Beckie.  Even the endpapers are part of the story as they illustrate the vast span of geologic time covered by the book, and show when each of the featured plants and animals appeared on earth.  Reviewers are liking this book a lot (at least 2 starred reviews so far).  Put this on your short list of titles to watch at award time in 2011.  It will be a good supplement for science classes.

Volcano Wakes Up!

The Icelandic volcano (whose name I can neither spell nor pronounce) has put this geologic phenomena into the headlines recently.  What good timing for this new book by Lisa Westberg Peters! She has visited the volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii several times, and is fascinated by them.  In this book, her poems provide several perspectives: from a small vocano ready to erupt, ferns and crickets that live near the volcano, a small blacktop road also near the volcano, as well as the sun and moon.  Enhanced with cut-paper collage illustrations by Steve Jenkins, this is a nice supplemental resource for introducing volcanoes.  End notes include additional information on Hawaii's volcanoes.

In a Heartbeat

Told in alternating viewpoints, this is the story of two girls and one heart.  Eagan is a figure skater who dies in a tragic accident while performing.  Amelia is the girl, dying of congestive heart failure, who receives Eagan's heart in a transplant operation.  When she starts to display unusual new traits and characteristics, she wonders if her new heart is trying to tell her something.  Written by Loretta Ellsworth, this young adult novel explores the theory of cellular memory, and will leave readers with plenty to think about.

Big Brother Has Wheels

While kids are growing up, they often remember (with envy or admiration) an older brother or sister who got to do things they couldn't do yet.  This picture book tells the story of a big brother who loved wheels and got to drive all kinds of vehicles--from a tricycle (as a child) to a golf cart (as a grandparent)--during his life.  Words describing movement are set in different fonts that visually portray their meaning.  This is a unique perspective on the topic of transportation.  Written by Patrick Mader, illustrated by Andrew Holmquist, this is a story to share with family members of all ages.

Tsion's Life

Tsion (pronounced SEEyon) is an eleven year old girl in Ethiopia.  In this book, Tsion introduces readers to her daily life including her family, school, meals, and social life.  Readers will also learn several Amharic words (for family, town, father, mother, brother, pray, candy, food, school, friend, etc.).  The author, Stacy Bellward, lives in Brooklyn Park, MN, and has adopted an Ethiopian child.  The book was selected for the International Reading Association "Books for a Global Society" list in 2009.

Arnie and the Skateboard Gang

When Arnie gets a new skateboard for his birthday, he can't wait to visit the park where all the cool skateboarders hang out.  It's fun until one of the boldest boarders challenges everyone to ride down the biggest (and most dangerous) hill around.  Arnie must decide how far he is willing to go to be cool.  Written and illustrated by Nancy Carlson, this has a good message about courage.

Ian's Walk

A young girl named Julie would like to go to the park.  But she isn't sure she wants to take her younger brother, Ian, along because he has autism.  Ian does everything differently, and it hard for Julie to understand him.  When Ian gets lost at the park, Julie realizes that in order to find him, she will need to view the world as he does.  Written by Laurie Lears, illustrated by Minnesotan Karen Ritz, this is a good story to share with children to help them understand what autism is--and can be a teaching tool for families and teachers alike.

Sit Still

A young boy named Patrick knows 101 ways to sit in a chair.  Not everyone appreciates this skill and people are constantly telling Patrick to "sit still!" Patrick's mother decides to see if keeping him busy might help.  By the end of the story, he knows 101 things to do not sitting still.  Written and illustratewd by Nancy Carlson, this can be shared with active young children at home or at school.

Zoe's Goodbye

Seeing a pet near the end of life is a sad time for everyone. In this story, a young girl is about to lose her lifetime companion, a black and white dog named Zoe. During their final night together, Zoe wakes her owner and together they go on a magical sled dog ride through the winter woods. Written and illustrated by a veterinarian, Dr. Mary Schlangen, this will bring tears to readers' eyes, but is also a wonderful story to share with children who are experiencing grief at the loss of a pet.

Black Bear, Loon and Walleye: A Fable From the Northwoods

Bear, Loon, and Walleye have been friends for a long time; but they each envy a friend for something. Bear loves Walleye's silvery scales, Loon loves Bear's beautiful fur coat, and Walleye envies the way Loon can fly (if he just had wings, he could fly too). In a moment of shared concentration, the changes take place. Soon each realizes that their new covering is more of a problem than an asset, so they make a reverse wish to change things back, and everyone is happy again. Written by Sara Button, illustrated by Patricia Ann Lewis, this little fable can be enjoyed by many ages. The book includes a CD with a recording of the story and accompanying song.

Crows and Cards

The year is 1849 and 12 year old Zeb Crabtree is put on a steamboat bound for St. Louis, so he can became an apprentice to his Great Uncle Seth, who is a tanner. Tanning hides is about the last thing Zeb wants to do with his life, but he has no choice in the matter. While on the boat, Zeb falls under the charms of Chilly Larpenteur, a shady riverboat gambler, who fast-talks Zeb into becoming his apprentice. Along the way, Zeb also becomes friends with a blind Indian chief, his beautiful daughter, and a grouchy slave cook who help him get his life on track. Written by Joseph Helgerson (author of Horns and Wrinkles, another engrossing Mississippi River tale), this book may remind readers of Tom Sawyer. A full glossary in back will help readers navigate the tale's language (and it has funny spots too). It was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2010.

Windows With Birds

The star of this gentle story is a gray tabby cat. It loves its home with places to climb, hide, windows to look out of, and a mouse to chase. There's a boy who fills his food dishes and scratches his itchy spots. But one day, the boy takes him to a strange new house that is high above the ground. Life is awful at first, but eventually the cat learns that this new home has wonders of its own. This is the newest story written and illustrated by Karen Ritz. It will be enjoyed by cat lovers of all ages.

Frankie Works the Night Shift

Frankie is an orange tabby cat (who incidently looks just like my cat Garfield!). He lives, and works the night shift in a hardware store, where a mouse creates a huge ruckus. This new counting book by Lisa Westburg Peters has wonderful digitally enhanced photography illustrations by Jennifer Taylor. Frankie seems to really love the night shift, but is he really working? Read the book and make up your own mind.

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is a fiesta day celebrated on May 5th in Mexico and the United States. It is a celebration of Mexico's defeat of the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This account for early readers is written by Linda Lowery, and illustrated by Minnesotan Barbara Knutson. It is a good classroom resource for Cinco de Mayo this week.