Schoolyard Rhymes
By Judy Sierra & Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Knopf Delacorte Dell $15.95 Ages 6-12
Remember the good ol' days of playground fun-when you first learned the rhythmic nuances of jumping rope?
Schoolyard Rhymes introduces children to fifty classic favorites, including Miss Mary Mack and Shimmy, Shimmy, Coca Pop, all "choreographed" through beautiful illustrations and fabric collages. From table manners to underwear to the famous lady with the alligator purse-these schoolyard rhymes will get toes tapping and hands clapping across generations.
When an Elephent Comes to School
Written and illustrated by Jan Ormerod
Scholastic Press $16.95 Ages 3-7
Children everywhere are anxiously awaiting the first days of riding the school bus, meeting teachers, and making friends. When an Elephant Comes to School introduces children to school through the experiences of a charming elephant, including arts and crafts, story time, dancing, and lunch. This is a perfect back-to-school book for new students and experienced grade schoolers.
The Penderwicks
By Jeanne Birdsall & Knopf Delacorte Dell
$15.95 Ages 10 and up
Recently named a Children's Book Sense Top Ten 10 Pick, The Penderwicks is an innocent, magical reading adventure for middle school and teen readers. The elegant east East Coast estate of Arundel is the setting for the fun summer escapades of four sisters. While spending their summer in the estate's guest house, the girls, along with their new friend, the estate owner's son, explore secret passageways and dangerous gardens-all teeming with adventure. The novel is humorous but carries a strong message: no matter what, you help a friend in need.
Ms. Frizzle's Adventures: Imperial China
Joanna Cole & Illustrated by Bruce Degen
Scholastic Press $16.95 Ages 4-8
From the author/illustrator duo who made the Magic School Bus series a favorite among young readers, Ms. Fizzle's Adventures: Imperial China takes readers on a fun-filled learning adventure in ancient China. Ms. Fizzle ducks under a dragon at a Chinese New Year's parade and is whisked back in time to ancient China. There, she finds a remote village in need of help. Combining exciting prose and charming illustrations, the book introduces elementary-age readers to historically significant landmarks like the Grand Canal and the Great Wall.
Let Them Play
By Margot Theis Faven
Illustrated by Chris Ellison Ages 6-10
Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Little League World Series, Let Them Play! tells the story of the Cannon Street All-Stars, an all-black South Carolina little league team that was not allowed to play in the 1955 Series. Despite crowds chanting "Let them play!" the young players' dreams were never realized. Based upon the experiences of several surviving team members, Let Them Play! is a beautiful tribute to the spirit and determination of a group of young boys whose only wish was to play ball.
