Face to Face With Wolves

The newest wolf book by Jim Brandenburg, this will introduce readers to the daily life and habits of the gray wolf. With photos from Minnesota, Ellesmere Island, and other places; this book will give readers a close-up look at wolves in their natural habitat. A glossary, fact page, bibliography, and suggestions for how readers can support the wolves' comback are included in the back. As usual, the photographs are wonderful!

Tomatoes, Potatoes, Corn and Beans

Subtitled "How the Foods of the Americas Changed Eating Around the World", by Sylvia A. Johnson; this book describes how a variety of foods grown in the Americas were taken to Europe, Africa and other places and changed the way people eat around the world. Illustrated with archival prints from botanical sources and other pictures and photographs, this is a very interesting read. I personally learned a number of new bits of information as I read it. The book was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 1998, and was selected for the NCSS "Notable Social Studies Trade Books" list in 1998.

A Mama for Owen

Owen, a baby hippopotamus, who survived the tsunami of 2004, may be the most widely known creature who survived that disaster. This picture book by Marion Dane Bauer, with acrylic and colored pencil illustrations by John Butler, retells the story of Owen and his friend Mzee, the giant tortoise. Although they seem to be an odd pair, they have become best friends and now live in a nature preserve in Africa.

Twigboy

This fantasy picture book conveys the story of Twigboy and his friend Rockwell. Twigboy has accidently wandered into the dangerous area called Weedland, where he is rescued by Rockwell. They decide to seek revenge on the plants and animals in Weedland. Written and illustrated by Stephen Gammell, the book illustrates the importance of having friends.

Ride

"How about going for a ride?", Mom asks as the family piles into the car. Soon Brother and Sister are arguing and fighting in the back seat. Every kid who has ever shared a car seat with a brother or sister will relate to this colorful picture book written and illustrated by Stephen Gammell.

Chased By the Light

Award-winning nature photographer, and Minnesota native, Jim Brandenburg assigned himself the task of taking only one photograph a day for the ninety days of autumn. The photos were all taken near his home in far northern Minnesota. The resulting collection and book might be of particular interest to teens and young adults who are interested in the art of photography. Jim also created a similar book called Looking for the Summer, which, although he didn't limit himself to one photo a day, is a similar collection of pictures for each day of summer.

This is Just to Say

It is often hard to say "I'm sorry" or ask forgiveness when you've done something wrong. This book by Joyce Sidman, is a collection of poems by the sixth grade students in Mrs. Merz's class. They each have writen an apology, in the form of a poem, to someone they may have hurt. The book also includes poems of acceptance from some of the addressees. The mixed media illustrations by Pamela Zagarenski enhance the atmosphere of the book.