Scrub-a-Dub-Tub: The Book Bag, Books for Ages 5 to 8, March/April 2008

Come Look with Me: Discovering Women Artists for Children by Jennifer Tarr Coyne. There is something for everyone in this collection of 12 paintings, and you don't need to know a lot about art to enjoy it. You'll find information about the artist, the painting, and questions to engage your reader. They will stimulate the reader’s curiosity and provide much food for thought and discussion. (Lickle Publishing, 2005)

Come Look with Me: Discovering African American Art for Children by James Haywood Rolling, Jr. This is another in this series of books designed to introduce children to the fine arts. Our reviewer: "When I taught school, I used art in my history classes (high school level) to set context. This project is one of the neatest programs for teaching and learning about art that I've ever seen."

Daisy Dawson is On Her Way by Steve Vooke. Daisy is late for school ... again. But she has a good reason, really she does. A butterfly kissed her cheek and now she can talk with the animals. It would be rude not to say good morning, right? This is an illustrated chapter book that kids can relate to. Although it is meant for independent readers, this is the kind of story you want whe you are ready to introduce chapter books to a Kindergarten/first grade audience. (Candlewick Press, 2008) NOTE: We read an Advance Reader Copy.

Roonie B. Moonie: Lost and Alone by Janan Cain. Roonie B. Moonie is a young bee who wants to be a famous explorer (like Christopher Columbee, you know!). One bright, sunny day he is ready to go, and Mother B. is saying the same stuff she always says about being safe, so he doesn't really listen. The events and strategies are paired together, creating a series of vignettes, rather than a string of events with an answer at the end. The illustrations will remind you of David Kirk's Little Miss Spider: bright, colorful, warm! (Illumination Arts, 2007)

Teach Me ... French Spiritual Songs by Judy Mahoney and Anne Mahoney. This is a multi-media product to teach French. There is a songbook and CD; songs have both vocal and instrumental versions. "The program is well organized, imaginatively conceived, and easily engages the learners. This is unique and enjoyable approach to bilingual learning." (Teach Me Tapes, Inc. 2004)

Wordsworth the Poet by Frances H. Kakugawa Wordsworth, a mouse, liked to write poetry, even when his freidns didn't think it was cool. During a storm, Wordsworth was able to make everyone feel better through his poetry. His writing inspired his friends and changed their way of thinking. An elementary school teacher participating in our Use Your ABCs program shared this with her class. "The kids loved it ... This was a good book for sensory images. We made lots of connections. It also has a great moral." (Watermark Publishing, 2004)

You're Blushing, Little Octopus by Cheryl Block. Little Octopus is shy. So when her friends laugh at her for turning pink and squirting ink, her feelings get REALLY hurt. She is still growing, and hasn't mastered camouflage yet. But the time is NOW ... because an eel wants her for lunch. This is a story wrapped in a book with information about sea life on the coral reef. Although the animals have 'personalities, the purpose of the story is to convey facts about them. This is another fabulous multi-media title in the Webs to Whales Nature Tales series. (Block Publishing, 2008)

Check out these Podcast Reviews from JUST ONE MORE BOOK! Andrea put together a collection with a springy water theme ... just perfect for splashing in the Tub!

Brothers With Borders: The Puddle Pail by Elesa Kleven. "This wonderfully cluttered and sweetly retro story of a sibling’s soft struggle for individuality is a heartening celebration of creativity, character and acceptance." (Tricycle Books, 1997)

Sun, Snubs and Striving: My Best Friend by Mary Ann Rodman. "Sunshine bounces from dancing water on every page of this gorgeously captured exploration of poolside politics and the prevalent pain of unrequited attentions." (Puffin, 2005)

Canine Coast Guard: Heroes of Isle aux Morts by Alice Walsh. "Based on a true story and starring a Newfoundland dog, this suspenseful account of a daring maritime rescue is an inspiring reminder of the resourcefulness, generosity and pluck of an era gone by." (Tundra Books, 2001) NOTE: Mark & Andrea also have links to the Canadian Coast Guard vessel featured in the story on the Just One More Book site.

Slime, Grime and Greediness: The Three Fishing Brothers Gruff by Ben Galbraith. "Stubble, nastiness, dead fish and debris transform foul fishing tactics into a riveting affair in this gloriously disagreeable cautionary tale." (Hodder & Stoughton, 2007) NOTE: Bring this book alive with links to the author/illustrator's hometown. Go to this Just One More Book feature.

Here are the Books we've recently received that caught our eye.