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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
