| Children's Books : |
How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long When Braid Beard's pirate crew invites Jeremy Jacob to join their voyage, he jumps right on board. Buried treasure, sea chanteys, pirate curses — who wouldn't go along? Soon Jeremy Jacob knows all about being a pirate. He throws his food across the table and his manners to the wind. He hollers like thunder and laughs off bedtime. It's the heave-ho, blow-the-man-down, very best time of his life But then Jeremy Jacob finds out what pirates don't do.... Ages 3-7. Harcourt, 0-15-201848-4, $16.00 |
Stella, Star of the Seaby Marie-Louise Gay Stella and her little brother are spending the day at the sea. Stella has been to sea before and knows all its secrets, but Sam has many questions. "Does a catfish purr? Does a sea horse gallop?" Stella has an answer for them all. The only thing she isn't sure of, and neither are we, is whether Sam will ever come into the water. Exquisite, evocative watercolors bring a diaphanous day at the beach alive in the perfect suymmer story. Gently humorous, Stella, Star of the Sea also captures the relationship between an older sister and her baby brother — a responsibility that can be both lots of fun and very trying. Ages 2-4. Groundwood Books, 0-88899-337-4, $15.95 |
 Fish Eyes:
A Book You Can Count Onby Lois Ehlert How many fish can you count? Dive on in and see! Stylized fish shapes in flat, razzle-dazzle colors against a dark blue background float across the pages from one to ten, accompanied by one little dark fish who keeps the count going. Cutout circles at the eyes reveal colors on succeeding pages. The slight text, occasionally in rhyme, introduces adjectives through the count, and tries to set a context of wish-fulfillment. It's a slick production, attempting several concepts at once--numbers, shapes, colors, imagining, and addition to a value of one. Ages 6 months to 3 years. Red Wagon Book/Harcourt, 0-15-21681-X, $6.95 |
The Whale Riderby Witi Ihimaera Eight-year-old Kahu craves her great-grandfather's love and attention. But he's focused on his duties as chief of the Maori in Whangara, New Zealand — a tribe that claims descent from the legendary "whale rider." In every generation since the whale rider, a male has inherited the title of chief. But now there is no male heir — there's only Kahu. She should be next in lin for the title, but her great-grandfather is blinded by tradition and sees no use for a girl. Kahu will not be ignored. And in her struggle she has a unique ally: the whale rider himself, from whom she has inherited the ability to communicate with whales. Once that scared gift is revealed, Kahu may be able to reestablish her people's ancestral connections, earn her great-grandfather's attention — and lead her tribe to a bold new future. Harcourt, 0-15-205016-7, $8.00 |
Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle What a good father Mr. Seahorse is! And he's not the only one, as readers will discover in Eric Carle's humorous and informative story and radiantly colorful pictures. As he floats through the sea, Mr. Seahorse finds several other kinds of fish fathers caring for their eggs and babies in the most surprising ways. Mr. Tilapia, for instance, keeps his eggs safe in his mouth until they hatch, while Mr. Kurtus sticks his on top of his head. Sharp-eyed viewers who turn the acetate pages will also smile to see Mr. Seahorse pass right by a scary lionfish and other camouflaged creatures. In this appealing, fact-based story and beautiful collage illustrations, Eric Carle introduces a little-known and fascinating facet of natural history. Young readers will also find emotional reassurance in his account of Mr. Seahorse's fatherly devotion> Philomel Books, 0-39924269-4, $16.99 |
Beachcombing: Exploring the Seashoreby Jim Arnosky What kind of shell is that? Where did this coconut come from? can I take a closer look at a horseshoe crab? Learn all about the wonders of beach life with Jim Arnosky's fascinating beachcombing guide. Detailed, colorful illustrations help you identify shells, coral, beach birds, and more! Take it with you to the water's edge, or make the beach come alive at home with this personal tour of the shore. Dutton, 0-525-47104-9, $15.99 |
Eliza and the Dragonfly by Susie Cladwell Rinehart "Eeeeeewwww!" Eliza exclaims in disgust when she first sees the dragonfly nymph. It's an "awful green creature" the size of a paperclip, living in shallow water near the edge of a pond. Yet almost despite herself, Eliza becomes entranced by it. She even names it Horace. Before long Horace emerges from the pond and is transformed into a remarkable flying being — and Eliza completely changes her tune. Ages 4-10. Dawn Publications, 1-58469-059-3, $8.95 |
 Shiny
Seaside: Baby Dazzlersby Helen Stephens Sparkly fish and shiny shells — babies will love every glittery page! Children love shiny, sparkly things, and here is a unique board book that is sure to delight them. Little hands can touch the colorful, die-cut glitter images found on every spread. Ages 0-3. Little, Brown and Company, 0-316-81160-2, $5.99 |
The Seashore Bookby Charlotte Zolotow "What is the seashore like?" a little boy asks his mother. So she brings it to life for him. The seashore is a place where the sea and the sky are the same smoky gray until...the morning sun breaks through. The hot noonday sun feels warm as a big soft cat covering you. And it seems there is nothing in the world except the sound of the wind and the rising and falling song of the waves. Ages 3-8. HarperTrophy, 0-06-443364-1, $6.99 |
One Fat Summer by Robert Lipsyte Bobby Marks hates hot weather. It's the time when most people are happy to take off their heavy jackets and long pants. But for Bobby, sho can't even button the waist of his jeans or reach over his belly to touch his toes, spending the summer at Rumson Lake is pure torture. This particular summer promises to be wrose than usual. His mom and dad can't stop fighting. His best friend, Joanie, goes home to New York City unexpectedly and won't tell him why. Dr Kahn, the rich, stingy estate owner who hires him to manage the lawn, is trying to work Bobby to death before he can earn a single dime. And the local guy who worked for Dr. Kahn last summer is lurking around every corner, itching for a chance to catch Bobby alone, to pay him back for stealing his job. But there's more to Bobby Marks than his two hundred pounds. He's about to find out just how terrifying and exhilarating, how dangerous and wonderful, one fat summer can be. HarperTrophy, 0-06-447073-3, $5.99 |
The Summer My Father Was Ten
by Pat Brisson Every spring a girl and her father plant their garden. This shared time is, in turn, the catalyst for the man to recount once again the summer he was 10, a story readers hear through the words of his daughter. He had a neighbor who carefully tended his garden through the day and listened to opera music in the evening. A game of baseball that her father and his friends were playing turned into an afternoon of destruction when the ball landed in the garden and led to the boys throwing every tomato, onion, and pepper that they could get their hands on. The neighbor could only ask, "Why?" The child's father said he was remorseful and volunteered to help the old man the next summer, leading to a long friendship and his own love of gardening. Boyds Mills Press, 1-56397-829-6, $8.95 |
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson Young Jim Hawkins spends his days working at his father's inn. But everything changes when a strange sailor comes to stay as a guest. The sailor dies, leaving behind a map in his sea chest. Jim sets out on an adventure to find a treasure, but a thieving pirate gang is after him! Find out who gets the gold when they get to Treasure Island! Random House, 0-679-80402-1, $3.99 |
The Little Island by Golden MacDonald Once there was a little island in the ocean. That little island changed as the seasons came and went. The storm and the day and night changed it. So did the lobsters and seals and gulls that stopped by. The one day a kitten visited the little island and learned a secret that every child will enjoy. Ages 5-8. Dragonfly Books, 0-440-40830-X, $6.99 |
Big Al by Andrew Clements Poor Big Al! He just wants to make friends. And in the whole wide blue sea you can't find a nicer fish. But because Big Al is large and scary-looking, the little fish are afraid to get to know him. What can he do? He tries everything he can think of — from disguising himself with seaweed to burrowing under the ocean floor so he'll look smaller. But something always goes wrong, and lonely Big Al wonders if he'll ever have a single friend. Then one frightening day, when a fishing net captures the other fish, Big Al gets the chance to prove what a wonderful friend he can be! Ages 4-7. Aladdin Paperbacks, 0-689-81722-3, $6.99 |
Swimsuit by Kit Allen Preparing for the beach involves not only a swimsuit, but it also includes sunscreen, a tank top, flip flops, and more. Ages 1-3. Houghton Mifflin, 0-618-26371-3, $4.95 |
Stowaway by Karen Hesse It is known that in the summer of 1768, Captain James Cook sailed from England on H.M.S. Endeavour, beginning a three-year voyage around the world on a secret mission to discover an unknown continent at the bottom of the globe. What is less known is that a boy by the name of Nicholas Young was a stowaway on that ship. Newbery winner Karen Hesse re-creates Cook's momentous voyage through the eyes of this remarkable boy, creating a fictional journal filled with fierce hurricanes, warring natives, and disease, as Nick discovers new lands, incredible creatures, and lifelong friends. Ages 10-14. Aladdin Paperbacks, 0-689-83989-8, $6.99 |
Nate the Great and the Boring
Beach Bag by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat It's gone! Oliver's boring blue beach bag is gone. Inside are his clothes, shows, and a special seashell. All he has left is his beach ball. This is a perfect case for Nate the Great and his trusty dog, Sludge. But they don't find many clues in the sand and surf. What trail should they follow next? Follow the leader to find out! A Yearling Books, 0-440-40168-2, $4.50 |
 Seasons:
First Foil Poetry Haikusby Ida Ageledis Bright foil accents, large lift-the-flaps and colorful images connect a toddler's everyday life with simple words. Ages 3 and up. Piggy Toes Press, 1-58117-188-9, $6.95 |
 Splash!by Flora McDonnell The elephants are hot, the tiger is hot, the rhinoceros is hot. The baby elephant knows what to do — find some lovely water and SPLASH! Candlewick Press, 0-7636-2035-1, $6.99 |
The Arm of the Starfishby Madeleine L'Engle When Adam Eddington, a gifted marine biology student, makes the acquaintance of blond and beautiful Kali Cutter at the airport on his way to Portugal to spend the summer working for the renowned scientist Dr. O'Keefe, he has no idea that this seemingly chance meeting is connected to a deadly power struggle between two groups of people. Caught between Kali's seductive wiles and the trusting adoration of Dr. O'Keefe's daughter, Poly, Adam has to make a decision that could affect the entire world: Which side is he on? Laurel Leaf Books, 0-440-90183-9, $4.99 |
Mr. Popper's Penguinsby Richard and Florence Atwater It was hard enough for Mr. Popper to support himself, Mrs. Popper, Bill and Janie Popper. The addition of twelve penguins to the family made it impossible to make both ends meet. Then Mr. Popper has a splendid idea — the talented penguin would be a sensation on the stage. And so they were.... A classic American humor, this story of a gentle housepainter and his high-stepping penguine has delighted children for generations. Little, Brown and Company, 0-316-05843-2, $5.99 |
The Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars Sara's fourteenth summer was turning out to be the most confusing time of her life. Up until this summer, things had flowed smoothly, like the gliding swans on the lake. Now she wants to fly away from everything — he beautiful older sister, her bossy Aunt Willie, he remote father, and most of all, herself. But can she fly away from Charlie? Sara loves her brother so much, and in a way she can't understand, though sometimes she can't stand his neediness. But when Charlie himself flies away, Sara knows what she must do... Puffin Book, 0-14-031420-2, $5.99 |
Shark Attack by Cathy East Dubowski Savage killers or endangered victims? Discover the truth about the most feared creatures in the sea. Stunning photographs combine with lively illustrations and engaging, age-appropraite stories in DK Readers, a multilevel reading program guaranteed to capture children's interest while developing their reading skills and general knowledge. DK Publishing, 0-7894-3440-7, $3.99 |
 Pirate
Diary: The Journal of Jake Carpenterby Richard Platt Beginning in 1716, Pirate Diary recounts the adventures of Ja0-76s journal about how he takes part in a daring treasure raid, endures a terrifying storm, and learns all about life under the pirate code! Ages 9 and up. Candlewick Press, 0-7636-2169-2, $6.99 |
The Little Red Lighthouse and
the Great Gray Bridge by Hildegarde H. Swift and Lynd Ward Built in 1880 of cast iron and steel, the "fat and red and jolly" little lighthouse sits on the bank of the Hudson River in New York City. When the great, gray, and powerful George Washington Bridge is built overhead, the little lighthouse feels very, very small. But he soon comes to understand that he is sill needed to guide boats through dark and stormy weather. Ages 3-7. Voyager Books, 0-15-204573-2, $8.00 |
 A
Good Day's Fishingby James Prosek What's the secret to a good day's fishing? Bright sun. Cool breeze. Favorite rod and reel. Tackle box with bobbers, hooks, and sinkers. But we haven't gotten to the secret...yet. James Prosek, best-selling author of Trout and Fly-Fishing the 41st, tells the story of a good day's fishing in this beautiful picture book, illustrated with the author's own gentle watercolors. For those who want to learn more about how to fish, there's a comprehensive glossary of lures and flies in the back of the book. A Good Day's Fishing will make a fisherman or fisherwoman out of anyone — even a first-timer. Ages 5-10. Simon & Schuster, 0-689-85327-0, $15.95 |
The Boat Alphabet Bookby Jerry Pallotta Even the most savvy boat lover will be fascinated by 'B is for Barkentine... Q if for Quffa...and the rest. Learn about all different types of boats from letters A to Z in this beautifully illustrated picture book. All ages. Charlesbridge, 0-88106-911-6, $7.95 |
 Into
the Sea by Brenda Z. Guiberson Guiberson recounts the life of a sea turtle from its days as a hatchling on a sandy beach through its return to the same island as an egg-laying adult many years later. Using vivid prose, the author describes the creature's initial journey into the sea, its growth and travels throughout the ocean, and its narrow escape from a fishing net. A beautiful, compelling book about the fragile life cycle of the endangered sea turtle. Ages 6-10. Henry Holt, 0-8050-6481-8, $6.95 |
 Crab Moonby Ruth Horowitz One night in June, Daniel sees the extraordinary sight of hundred of horseshoe crabs spawning on the beach — just as they have for 350 million years. In the morning, Daniel returns to find a lone crab, marooned in the sand. Can he save it? Ages 6-9. Candlewick Press, 0-7636-2313-X, $6.99 |