Number Seven

My Mei Mei by Ed Young. (Philomel Books/February, 2006; 32 pages; ISBN: 0399243399; Ages: 4 and up.)

More than anything, Tonia wants a little sister (mei mei). When the baby is adopted from China, Tonia finds that her sister couldn't walk, couldn't talk, couldn't play. Worst of all, the baby took got all of the attention. Eventually Tonia comes to love her mei mei.

The collage illustrations, done in pastels and cut paper, beautifully complement the text. Highly recommended.

Sebastian's Roller Skates by Joan de Déu Prats; Illustrator: Francesc Rovira. (Kane/Miller; 32 pages; ISBN: 1929132816; Ages: 4-8.)

Sebastian is a shy little boy who has a lot to say but does not speak. A pair of abandoned roller skates offers him a path to a new-found confidence—and voice. Torn-paper collage illustrations reflect what Sebastian is thinking.

Highly recommended. Read the entire review »

This is the Oasis by Miriam Moss; Illustrator: Adrienne Kennaway. (Kane/Miller; 32 pages; ISBN: 192913276X; Ages: 4-8.)

A lyrical look at life in the Oasis. Readers are introduced to the flora and fauna as well as the human inhabitants of this "green jewel in the desert, surrounded by mountains of shape-shifting sand." Excellent introduction. Read the entire review »

On Stage (Series: Where's the Science Here?) by Vicki Cobb. (Millbrook Press; 48 pages; ISBN: 0761327746; Ages: 9-12.)

"The magic of the theater involves special effects that create the illusion of reality for anything a playwright can dream up—including flying people and glow-in-the-dark ghosts." But, unlike a movie for which special effects can be computer-generated, "theater special effects are highly technical, and there is a lot of science behind them." Cobb does a wonderful job at explaining that science. Here readers will learn about fog machines (and how to make their own fog), fake snowflakes, substitute glass, fake blood, flying actors, and more.

Montmorency: On the Rocks by Eleanor Updale. (Orchard Books/Scholastic; 368 pages; ISBN: 0439606764; Ages: 12 and up.)

Fans of the first volume in this historical suspense series (Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman?) will delight in the latest adventures of Montmorency. It is five years later and Montmorency works with fellow government agent Lord George Fox-Selwyn and physician Dr. Farcett to solve two mysteries. Will Montmorency be able to resist being pulled back into the dark side of his criminal past?

Highly recommended. District-wide purchase encouraged.