Friday, July 31, 2009

Food for Thought: The Stories Behind the Things we Eat by Ken Robbins

From chapters.ca:
Deliciously interesting, tasty morsels of cultural history combined with luscious photographs will leave readers hungry for more. "Every kind of food has its story." Acclaimed photographer Ken Robbins guides us through the history, mythology, and literary significance of food. Fascinating facts - it was an apple that started the Trojan War; oranges used to be so expensive that only the rich could afford them - and stunning photographs make Food for Thought a tasty read that will have everyone looking at their plates in a new way.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

All the Wrong People Have Self-Esteem: An Imappropriate Book for Young Ladies by Laurie Rosenwald

From chapters.ca:
These days, a lot of people are trying to tell teens what's best for them. Here's a look at life from artist and professional nonconformist Laurie Rosenwald, who insists that she doesn't want to tell anyone what to do. But when you are as irreverent as she is and as funny people sort of DO want to know what you think. Then again, if you think like Rosenwald, it could get you kicked out of yoga class.
In the tradition of nothing you've ever seen or read, All the Wrong People Have Self Esteem is for young women* who ask good questions about life and then like to laugh at the answers. Got a better approach?

*or frankly, anybody else.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

All Stations! Distress! By Don Brown

From chapters.ca:
A gripping acount of the ill- fated maiden voyage of the Titanic. It took 4,000 men to build it, 23 tons of animal grease to slide it into the ocean, 100,000 people to wave bon voyage, but only one wrong move to tear the Titanic apart, sinking it into the pages of history. On a cold moonless night in April of 1912, 2,000 passengers - both the uber- rich enjoying a luxury cruise and the dirt- poor hoping to find a new life in America - struggled to survive. Only 700 suceeded. Lifeboats were launched half- full; women were forced to leave their husbands and sons behind; and even those who made it out alive were forever haunted, constantly wondering "why me?" Told through captivating prose and chilling first- hand accounts, Don Brown take the pieces of the broken Titanic and gives it such a vivid shape that you'd swear you've never heard the story before.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Daddy, Papa, and Me by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Carol Thompson

From chapters.ca:
Daddy helps me paint the sky. Papa helps me bake a pie. Rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with its daddies. From hide- and- seek to dress- up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there's no limit to what a loving family can do together.

Mommy, Mama, and Me by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Carol Thompson

From chapters.ca:
Mommy picks me up, up, up. Mama pours juice in my cup. Rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with its mommies. From hide- and- seek to dress- up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there's no limit to what a loving family can do together.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Too Many Pears! By Jackie French and Bruce Whatley

From chapters.ca:
Pamela the cow loves pears - and will do just about anything to get them. But will anyone else ever get to eat a pear again? Certainly not until she's had her fill... and moved on to something else!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Come to the Castle by Linda Ashman, illustrated by D. S. Schindler

From chapters.ca:
History comes alive in poetry and pictures. Welcome to the 13th- century banquet at the castle of the Earl of Daftwood! Here young readers will meet all of the lords and ladies, the servants and the squires. They will discover surprises: flying silverware and mystery meat made of animal feet for dinner - life in the castle isn't always elegant. Linda Ashman's clever rhyming text and S.D Schindler's intricate illustrations look at life in a medieval castle from multiple eye- opening perspectives.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Chicken and Cat by Sara Varon

From chapters.ca:
Cat comes to the big city to stay with best friend, Chicken. The city is exciting (and there's so much to do!) but after a while Cat pines for the country with its trees and bright colours. Chicken takes Cat on fun adventures but Cat remains blue. How can Chicken make the city a brighter and happier place for Cat to live in?

Friday, July 24, 2009

The Problem with Puddles by Kate Feiffer, illustrated by Tricia Tusa

From chapters.ca:
What if your parents agreed to disagree? Eight and a half years ago, when their beautiful baby girl was born, Mr. and Mrs. Puddle couldn't agree on what to name her. So Mrs. Puddle calls her daughter Emily and Mr. Puddle calls her Ferdinanda. And everyone else? They call her Baby. Having parents who agree to disagree does mean twice as many presents on your birthday, but it can complicate your life! There was the time Baby's parents couldn't agree on what kind of dog to get - so they got two, both named Sally. One summer day, when rushing back to the city from their country house, the Puddles leave the Sallys behind. Will the Puddles agree to go back? What will become of the Sallys?

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Pocketful of Stars: Rhymes, Chants, and Lap Games by Felicity Williams, illustrated by Michael Martchenko

From the back of the book:
Preschoolers who hear words spoken and interpreted expressively will in time learn to speak and act expressively. We must, therefore, surround our children with words from birth, captivating their imaginations with chants that rhyme and sing. This contemporary collection of rhymes is great fun because it enables adults and very young children to play with words together...although this book was written for babies, you will find that older children, particularly siblings, also love to join in.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Gooney Bird is so Absurd by Lois Lowry, illustrated by Middy Thomas

From chapters.ca:
The fourth hilarious title in Lowis Lawry's popular "Gooney Bird" series! It's a cold January at the Watertower Elementary School - the perfect weather for Gooney Bird Greene to break out her special brain- warming hat! It's a good thing she has one. Gooney Bird's brain will need to be as warm as possible this month, because Mrs. Pidgeon is teaching her class about poetry. Who knew there could be so many different ways to write a poem? Haikus, couplets, limericks - Mrs. Pidgeon's students soon find that writing good poetry takes a lot of hard work and creative thinking. Gooney Bird and her classmates are up to the challenge. But just when things are going well, the kids get some terrible news. Gooney Bird will need all the inspiration her brain can muster to orgainize the most important poem the class has ever written.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

The Elsewhere Chronicles Book One: The Shadow Door by Bannister and Nykko

When Grandpa Gabe dies he leaves a house full of strange books and equipment. When one of the machines opens a door to another word, things become dangerous.

Monday, July 20, 2009

The Adventures of Polo by Regis Faller

From chapters.ca:
Equipped with a backpack full of supplies, Polo sets off on a little boat and on a series of delightful adventures that take him across (and under) the ocean, to an island and a frozen iceberg, to space and home again, with a world of magical encounters along the way. Polos journey is packed with incident and expression; 80 pages of seamless, satisfying picture storytelling are perfectly targeted to the youngest reader. Unique, dynamic, and playful, The Adventures of Polo calls to mind the worlds of film animation, comics, and classic books from Harold and the Purple Crayon to The Snowman and has style, appeal, and substance all its very own.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Chicken and Cat Clean Up by Sara Varon

From chapters.ca:
Chicken and Cat are best friends, so when Chicken decides to open a housekeeping business, Cat naturally comes to mind as the perfect partner. But Cat is sleepy and clumsy, and makes a lot of mistakes. Luckily, Cat listens to his inner- species calling and saves the day. Sara Varon masterfully urges readers to find their own calling in this charming tribute to friendship, discovery, and budding entrepreneurs of all species!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Getting the Girl: A Guide to Private Investigation, Surveillance, and

From chapters.ca:
High school can be harsh, but Harewood Technical takes the hierarchy of popularity to a whole new level. No one knows who started it or how long it's been going on, but sometimes girls at Harewood will get their pictures, with a D written beside them, posted on the mirrors of the student bathrooms. D for Defiled. No one talks to the Defiled. No one notices they exist. Fourteen- year- old Sherman Mack has been at Harewood for three weeks. Sherm is only in grade nine, but he's a ladies' man with a thing for "older women" girls his age aren't ready for him or his smooth, carefully studied moves. He's been working on asking out Dini Trioli, an artistic tenth grader. Before he gets his chance, Lester "the Molester" Broadhead, captain of the lacrosse team, scoops her up. That's bad, but what's worse is the fate of Lester's last girlfriend, who was D- listed and forced out of the school in shame. Determined to save Dini's reputation, Sherm will put everything on the line to stop the mysterious Defilers from claiming another victim.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Houdini's Gift by Jeanne Gehret, illustrated by Michael LaDuca

From chapters.ca:
Revisiting well- loved characters from a past adventure, this picture book presents animal- loving Ben with the challenge of having another pet after losing his pet hamster. Knowing that Ben is not ready to care for a new pet, his parents help him develop responsibility and readiness by using a reward chart. Young readers will enjoy sharing the secret that Mom keeps from Ben through the whole process of selecting and preparing for the new pet. The advice within the story shows how families living with ADHD or learning disabilities will gain solace by fine- tuning desired behaviours through setting and pursuing goals.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Eagle Eyes by Jeanne Gehret, illustrated by Michael LaDuca

From chapters.ca:
Revised with new illustrations, this tale begins with the hero's fascination with nature, then shows how ADHD negatively affects his family dynamics, schoolwork, and self- esteem. The hallmarks of ADHD - impulsivity, distractibility, and hyperactivity, as well as difficulty sleeping - are clearly shown in this story. Newer updates of the treatment process are provided, including relaxation techniques, medication, and an entire song that a child can sing to help them gather school materials before leaving home. Discussion starters to help parents and professionals expand on the meaning of the book are included for use with individuals or groups of children.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

The Don't Give Up Kid by by Jeanne Gehret, illustrated by Michael LaDuca

From chapters.ca:
This revised edition about Alex, a child with learning disabilities, has been updated with completely new illustrations and reflects the use of the latest tactile techniques used in schools. In this story, Alex is inventing a cookie snatcher, but his lack of reading skills and impatience means that he needs extra help. There are new discussion starters for parents and professionals, and positive solutions are presented to help build a positive image for the learning- disabled child.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Magic Pickle vs. the Egg Poacher by Scott Morse

From chapters.ca:
In book two of Scott Morse's funny send up of superheroes, eight- year- old JoJo is hard at work on her homework, when Magic Pickle bursts through her bedroom floor. The flying kosher dill needs her help: there's a bad egg in town. The Egg Poacher is working for the Brotherhood of Evil Produce. The Brotherhood wants him to kidnap a "wild kiwi" from the zoo, which they think could be a welcome addition to their rogue produce gang. Egg Poacher has already created havoc at the zoo and by the time Magic Pickle and JoJo arrive, it's lions and tigers and bears, oh my! As zoo animals run amuck, Magic Pickle and JoJo have to stop that rotten egg.

Monday, July 13, 2009

The Underwear Salesman and Other Jobs for Better or Verse by J. Patrick Lewis, illustrated by Serge Bloch

From chapters.ca:
Have you ever talked at length with an exterminator?
Or had a heart- to- heart with an ice sculptor?
Or waxed philosophical with an acrobat?
No?
Well, look inside.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

From chapters.ca:
While out exploring one day, a little boy named Liam discovers a struggling garden and decides to take care of it. As time passes, the garden spreads throughout the dark, grey city, transforming it into a lush, green world. This is an enchanting tale with environmental themes and breathtaking illustrations that become more vibrant as the garden blooms. Red- headed Liam can also be spotted on every page, adding a clever seek- and- find element to this captivating picture book.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Goldilicious by Victoria Kann

From chapters.ca:
Being Pinkalicious is pinkatastic, especially when she's accompanied by her pet unicorn, Goldilicious. Goldie is a roller- skating, kite- flying, high- jumping unicorn who will protect Pinkalicious from the evil wizardry of her little brother, Peter. Together, Pinkalicious and Goldilicious can conquer anything!

Friday, July 10, 2009

The Faerie's Gift by Tanya Robyn Batt and Nicoletta Ceccoli

From chapters.ca:
The woodcutter's heart is full of longing: he has no children, his mother's sight has failed and the family feels the prick of cold and the pinch of hunger. One day, he spies a hawk circling its prey and is astonished to discover a small man cowering nearby. It is a faerie! The woodcutter kindly scares the bird away, and, in return, is granted one wish. But wishing for whatever you want is not as easy as it seems, and the woodcutter must make a difficult choice.

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Roawr! By Barbara Joosse, illustrated by Jan Jutte

From chapters.ca:
Little Liam is snuggled in his toasty bed when his slumber is broken by a crack! snap! ROAWR! outside in the woods. Papa is away, and Mama is sleeping soundly. And as everyone knows, Mama is delicious to forest things. It's up to Liam to protect her, but what can he possibly do against the forest's wild and dangerous creatures? He's just a little boy, after all.

Monday, July 06, 2009

Rules by Cynthia Lord

From chapters.ca:
Twelve- year- old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is near impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. She's spent years trying to teach David the rules - from "a peach is not a funny-looking apple" to "keep your pants on in public!" - in order to head off his embarrassing behaviours. But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a surprising new sort- of friend, and Kristi, the next- door friend she's always wished for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?

Sunday, July 05, 2009

I Miss You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt, illustrated by Cyd Moore

From chapters.ca:
"Mama, do you miss me so much that you're coming right home to me, no matter what?" In this second stinky face title, Mama is away and tells her son that nothing can keep them apart. Through the boy's lively imagination, Mama braves hungry sharks, terrible pirates, spaceships lost in time and much more to assure her son that nothing can keep her from coming home to him.

Pumpkin Baby by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Susan Mitchell

From chapters.ca:
In Pumpkin Baby , a young child with an active imagination comes to terms with the imminent arrival of a sibling. Spurred on by trips with her mother to a family farm, she imagines a host of babies - each with their own unique characteristics - and wonders if she could, indeed, love such a brother or sister. Gently and lovingly told by Yolen, and wonderfully illustrated by Susan Mitchell, Pumpkin Baby is a perfect addition to the family library that's expecting a new cardholder.

Saturday, July 04, 2009

The Rain Came Down by David Shannon

From chapters.ca:
Caldecott Honor artist David Shannon captures the chaos that follows an unexpected downpour. One noisy event leads to another, until finally the sun comes out, and everyone in town ends up smiling and lending one another a hand.

Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully by Julianne Moore, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

From chapters.ca:
Freckleface Strawberry loves the Early Bird program at school because it means extra time on the playground- except when it rains. Rain means indoor playtime... and facing the school bully Windy Pants Patrick in a bruising game of dodgeball. Ignoring him seems the safest thing, but what's our freckled heroine to do when she's forced to confront the bully alone? Beat him at his own game, of course. A funny, inspiring story about an all- too- common problem that kids, parents, and teachers will easily relate to.

The Frogs and Toads all Sang by Arnold Lonel, illustrated by Adrianne Lobel

From chapters.ca:
From Caldecott Medalist Arnold Lobel comes a brand- new collection of rhyming stories about frogs and toads. Discovered by his daughter, Adrianne Lobel, The Frogs and Toads All Sang has the same warmth, compassion, and humor that is found in his best-loved work. Brimming with sweet silliness, this new book reminds us why Arnold Lobel's characters continue to be so popular years after debut.

Friday, July 03, 2009

Leaf by Stephen Michael King

From chapters.ca:
A green tale for all ages. An enduring friendship sprouts between boy and plant. When a little boy runs in a panic from a haircut, a bird sees to it that his luxuriously follicated head is put to good use and drops a single seed right on top. Time passes, and wait... could it be? Something grows. A leaf! Instead of trying to rid himself of his new living hairstyle, the boy learns how to make the leaf grow, and, in turn, winds up growing a lot himself.

I'm Your Bus by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Evan Polenghi

From chapters.ca:
Howdy, you can count on us. Morning, evening, I'm your bus! Welcome to a day in the life of a school bus and his road- hugging buddies. Morning, noon, and nighttime, too, that golden four- wheeled friend is at your service. Ready to drive you to and from school safely. 'Cause he's your bus. And in between those pick- up and drop- off moments, your bus spends time with his friends, other vehicles who drive around town doing what they do best. Sweeping, zipping, parking, creeping.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Can You Find it, Too? by Judith Cressy

From chapters.ca:
In Can You Find it, Too? children approach art as detectives, browsing through 20 beautifully reproduced paintings in search of more than 150 details that are fun to find. With works from renowned institutions including The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and featuring art by renowned artists from all over the world, the search is on, for a musical horse, a nest of baby birds, even an artist's signature in worms!

Thursday, July 02, 2009

The 39 Clues Book Four: Beyond the Grave by Jude Watson

From chapters.ca:
Amy and Dan are hot on the trail of the fourth Clue, but their ruthless relatives will stop at nothing to eliminate them from the competition. Their hunt leads them to an ancient city that has been a hot bed of Cahill activity for centuries. All that stands between the siblings and the Clue is a cryptic riddle, a missing relic, and the secret of their grandmother's past. The clock is ticking for Amy and Dan, but can they really solve a mystery that has eluded their ancestors for generations?

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino

From chapters.ca:
Jacques Cousteau was the world's ambassador of the oceans. His popular TV series brought whales, otters, and dolphins right into people's living rooms. Now, in this exciting picturebook biography, Dan Yaccarino introduces young readers to the man behind the snorkel. From the first moment he got a glimpse of what lived under the ocean's waves, Cousteau was hooked. And so he set sail aboard the Calypso to see the sea. He and his team of scientists invented diving equipment and waterproof cameras. They made films and televisions shows and wrote books so they could share what they learned. The oceans were a vast unexplored world, and Cousteau became our guide. And when he saw that pollution was taking its toll on the seas, Cousteau became our guide in how to protect the oceans as well.
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