LANGUAGE

Abstract

Words are illustrated individually then as part of phrases or (unfortunately unpunctuated) sentences ("feet meet on the street"), helping children practice reading, recognize oral and visual word relationships, and build meaning. Pleasantly open spreads accommodate basic facts in a Roman face, ancillary information in sans serif, plus an abundance of illustrative details-letters in their various forms, artifacts, and details of ancient settings.

GENERAL LANGUAGE

Barretta, Gene Dear Deer: A Book of Homophones 40 pp. Holt ISBN 978-0-8050-8104-6 $16.95

(4) K-3 Aunt Ant moves to the zoo and writes to her "Dear Deer" about the goofy animal life she observes there-a moose eating mousse, a hoarse horse, etc. Though the wordplay is trite and the "story" is a stretch, the silliness of the text and the watercolor cartoon illustrations may help kids remember some homophone rules. PMC

Cleary, Brian P. Quirky, Jerky, Extra Perky: More about Adjectives 32 pp. Millbrook LE ISBN 978-0-8225-6709-7 $15.95

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Gable. Words Are Categorical series. "Adjectives are words like yellow, / sleeping, slumping, somewhat mellow." Rhyming text attempts to explain what an adjective is, mostly by providing a wide range of random examples; each adjective is set in colorful type to distinguish it from other words in the sentence. As usual, the series's zany cartoons starring goofy large-nose cats illustrate and (sometimes) help explain the text. BLM

Kido, Yukiko Snow Bow 32 pp. Blue Apple ISBN 978-1-59354-622-9 $12.95 PE ISBN 978-1-59354-623-6 $5.95

Kido, Yukiko Stop Pop 32 pp. Blue Apple ISBN 978-1-59354-620-5 $12.95 PE ISBN 978-1-59354-621-2 $5.95

(4) K-3 Flip-a-Word series. Each book gives a very cursory introduction to three word families. Words are illustrated individually then as part of phrases or (unfortunately unpunctuated) sentences ("feet meet on the street"), helping children practice reading, recognize oral and visual word relationships, and build meaning. Die-cut pages give multisensory reinforcement and increase motivation. Wordlist and word-find pages provide review and additional vocabulary. SRA

Robb, Don Ox, House, Stick: The History of Our Alphabet 48 pp. Charlesbridge ISBN 978-1-57091-609-0 $16.95 PE ISBN 978-1-57091-610-6 $7.95

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Anne Smith. Robb traces each letter's transformations, grouping those with intertwined histories and tucking in lots of fascinating lore. Pleasantly open spreads accommodate basic facts in a Roman face, ancillary information in sans serif, plus an abundance of illustrative details-letters in their various forms, artifacts, and details of ancient settings. An excellent first resource, skillfully organized to introduce the subject and inspire interest. Reading list, websites. Bib. Review 11/07. JRL

Truss, Lynne The Girl's Like Spaghetti: Why, You Can't Manage without Apostrophes! 32 pp. Putnam ISBN 978-0-399-24706-4 $16.99

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bonnie Timmons. This kid-friendly grammar guide stars the "tireless" apostrophe. The text pairs sentences or phrases that are identical but for one apostrophe ("Ladies' lounge / Ladies lounge"), the addition or removal of which humorously changes meaning. Energetic cartoons illustrate the zany situations, making clear the importance of proper punctuation placement. An explanation in the back further clarifies the grammar in each spread. KEW

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Bowen, Arme ¿Qué hacen los maestros (después de que te vas de la escuela)? 32 pp. ediciones Lerner ISBN 978-0-8225-6264-1 $15.95

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Barry Gott. The book's inspired premise-what teachers do at school after students go home-is enough to draw in readers; exuberant illustrations of teachers run amok seal the deal. Alas, this Spanish version doesn't replicate the energetic rhymes of the original text, and the bland translation limits the book's appeal. TW

Brill, Marlene Targ Allen Jay y el ferrocarril subterráneo 48 pp. ediciones Lerner LE ISBN 978-0-8225-7784-3 $25.26

Illustrated by Janice Lee Porter.

Patrick, Jean L. S. La nina que poncho a Babe Ruth 48 pp. ediciones Lerner LE ISBN 978-0-8225-7785-0 $25.26

Illustrated by Jeni Reeves.

(5) K-3 Yo solo historia series. These books accurately depict historical events: an Underground Railroad escape (Alien Jay) and a woman, Jackie Mitchell, striking out Babe Ruth (La nina). However, both texts use some obscure and sometimes inaccurate Spanish language that can be difficult to decipher. Color drawings, some stiff and static, illustrate the texts. ACS

Bush, Jenna La histona de Ana: Un camino lleno de esperanza 290 pp. HarperCollins/Rayo ISBN 978-0-06-144861-4 $18.99

(3) YA Translated by Bertha Ruiz de la Concha. Photographs by Mia Baxter. Bush tells the story of Ana, an HIV-positive teen she met while working in Latin America for UNICEF. Ana's tale is related in a very straightforward way without much style, also evident in the Spanish translation. Many photographs help break up the text. Copious appended information about HIV and abuse is useful. Websites. TW

Carlson, Nancy ¡Sonríe! 32 pp. ediciones Lerner ISBN 978-0-8225-7817-8 $15.95

(4) K-3 It's hard to resist the toothy smile of Carlson's frog protagonist in this book about staying positive regardless of the challenges around you (e.g., being the new kid in school, doing badly on a test). The Spanish translation (uncredited) is somewhat leaden and literal, but the facial expressions of the bright green, red-eyed froggie will make most readers smile. TW

Cooper, Sharon Katz Aprender de los fósiles 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0238-4 $21.36

Cooper, Sharon Katz Usar el agua 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0244-5 $21.36

Cooper, Sharon Katz Usar el aire 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0239-1 $21.36

Cooper, Sharon Katz Usar el carbón, el petróleo y el gas 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0240-7 $21.36

Cooper, Sharon Katz Usar la tierra 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0243-8 $21.36

Cooper, Sharon Katz Usar las plantas 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0241-4 $21.36

Cooper, Sharon Katz Usar las rocas 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0242-1 $21.36

(3) K-3 Explorar los recursos del planeta series. Published spring 2007. This series discusses Earth's natural resources, describing the resource, where it's found, how it's used, and what options there are for conservation. Information is presented through simple sentence structures in accurate Spanish translation, which introduces key science vocabulary. Large photographs and clear diagrams illustrate the concepts. Each book includes an activity or experiment to help reinforce comprehension. Glos., ind. ACS

Deedy,Carmen Agra, Reteller Martina, una cucarachita muy linda: Un cuento cubano 32 pp. Peachtree ISBN 978-1-56145-425-9 $16.95

(3) K-3 Translated by Cristina de la Torre. Illustrated by Michael Austin. Martina the cockroach has reached marrying age and, with the help of her grandmother's wise advice, she seeks an acceptable suitor. Martina meets with several, none of whom pass muster, until she finally encounters her perfect match. This richly illustrated retelling of a tale from Cuban folklore features sophisticated Spanish-language grammar and vocabulary. Concurrently published in English. AMT

Easterling, Lisa Escuelas 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0442-5 $20.71

Easterling, Lisa Fantilias 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0444-9 $20.71

Easterling, Lisa Juegos 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0445-6 $20.71

Easterling, Lisa Musica 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0448-7 $20.71

Easterling, Lisa Ropa 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0447-0 $20.71

Mayer, Cassie Hogares 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0441-8 $20.71

Mayer, Cassie La agricultura 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0443-2 $20.71

Mayer, Cassie Mercados 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0446-3 $20.71

(4) K-3 Nuestra comunidad global series. These books compare and contrast various aspects of community life around the world in an effort to promote cultural understanding and celebrate diversity. The simple sentences are easy to read (though there's some awkward Spanish phrasing), but the text can be repetitive and some of the comparisons are vague. Striking photographs will attract readers. Glos., ind. PJM

Gómez-Bassols, Isabel La canción de Gabriela 32 pp. HarperCollins/Rayo ISBN 978-0-06-114102-7 $12.99

(5) K-3 With Eric Vasallo. Illustrated by Priscilla García Burris. The author, a psychologist, tells the story of a young girl who experiences fear and uncertainty when her family moves to Estados Unidos from a Spanish-speaking country. The text is clear but didactic. Garishly colored illustrations look amateurish and don't contribute much to the story. A clinical-sounding two-page section about dealing with feelings is appended. AMT

Guzmán, Lila, and Rick Guzmán César Chávez: La lucha por lo justo 32 pp. Enslow/Elementary LE ISBN 978-0-7660-2679-7 $22.60

Guzmán, Lila, and Rick Guzmán Diego Rivera: Artista de México 32 pp. Enslow/Elementary LE ISBN 978-0-7660-2676-6 $22.60

Guzmán, Lila, and Rick Guzmán Ellen Ochoa: La primera astronauta latina 32 pp. Enslow/Elementary LE ISBN 978-0-7660-2677-3 $22.60

Guzmán, Lila, and Rick Guzmán Frida Kahlo: Pinto su vida 32 pp. Enslow/Elementary LE ISBN 978-0-7660-2678-0 $22.60

Guzmá;n, Lila, and Rick Guzmán George Lopez: Comediante y estrella de TV 32 pp. Enslow/Elementary LE ISBN 978-0-7660-2680-3 $22.60

Guzmán, Lila, and Rick Guzmán Roberto Clemente: Héroe del béisbol 32 pp. Enslow/Elementary LE ISBN 978-0-7660-2675-9 $22.60

(4) 4-6 Latinos famosos series. These biographies detail the lives of six notable Latinos, pointing out both the struggles and achievements in their personal lives and careers. The writing varies in style from active and engaging (Chávez, Clemente) to more flat. Numerous photographs and other visual support (e.g., artwork reproductions in Kahlo) help give faces to these important figures. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. AMT

Knudsen, Shannon La Pascua en todo el mundo 48 pp. ediciones Lerner LE ISBN 978-0-8225-7791-1 $25.26

(4) K-3 Illustrated by David L. Erickson. Yo solo festividades series. Knudsen shares Easter celebrations from countries around the world including Switzerland, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Mexico. Informative illustrations depict the various traditions, often including special clothing. The translation is mostly accurate with the exception of one word, cuclillo, which is not commonly used by native Spanish speakers, and one page seems to be missing text. A map and recipe are appended. ACS

Marin, Cheech Cheech y su autobús escolar 32 pp. HarperCollins/Rayo ISBN 978-0-06-113204-9 $16.99

(5) K-3 Translated by Miriam Fabiancic. Illustrated by Orlando L. Ramírez. Published spring 2007. School bus driver Cheech takes some musically talented kids to the battle-of-the-bands contest, where they wonder if their mariachi stylings can go up against rock-and-roll. The Spanish translation reads fine, but the telling is listless. Cartoonish illustrations are playful but don't add much to the text. Concurrently published in English. TW

Markle, Sandra Los buitres 40 pp. ediciones Lerner LE ISBN 978-0-8225-7731-7 $25.26

Markle, Sandra Los glotones 40 pp. ediciones Lerner LE ISBN 978-0-8225-7732-4 $25.26

(3) 4-6 Animales carroneros series. This series provides graphic, sometimes gory details about the lives and habits of different scavengers, here focusing on wolverines (Glotones) and vultures (Buitres). Most of the vivid photographs are not for the weak of stomach (e.g., vultures tearing apart a dead zebra), though pictures showing the babies are cute. The Spanish translations are acceptable. Reading list. Glos, ind. TW

Nelson, Robin Empujar y jalar 24 pp. ediciones Lerner LE ISBN 978-0-8225-7810-9 $18.60

Nelson, Robin Flotar y hundirse 24 pp. ediciones Lerner LE ISBN 978-0-8225-7808-6 $18.60

(4) K-3 Mi primer paso al mundo real series. These books will do in a pinch to teach Spanish-speakers very basic concepts of buoyancy (Flotar) and force (Empujar). A simple, accurately translated sentence on each page relates to the photograph above it. There's really no content; the text shows objects that float or sink, for example, but doesn't tell why (some simple bullet points at the end give more information). Glos., ind. ACS

Theodorou, Rod Anfibios 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0563-7 $25.36

Theodorou, Rod Aves 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0564-4 $25.36

Theodorou, Rod Insectes 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0566-8 $25.36

Theodorou, Rod Mamiferos 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0567-5 $25.36

Theodorou, Rod Peces 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0565-1 $25.36

Theodorou, Rod Reptiles 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-0568-2 $25.36

(4) K-3 New ed. (2000). Crias series. Published spring 2007. These revised Spanish-language editions focus on baby animal development, touching on behavior, characteristics, habitats, life cycles, and survival techniques. Large, well-captioned photographs illustrate the science concepts. Life-cycle diagrams and comparison charts are appended. Though some of the information can be confusing, the Spanish translations are accurate. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. ACS

Walker, Sally M. La electricidad 48 pp. ediciones Lerner LE ISBN 978-0-8225-7717-1 $26.60

Walker, Sally M. La luz 48 pp. ediciones Lerner LE ISBN 978-0-8225-7719-5 $26.60

(5) 4-6 Photographs by Andy King. Libros de energia para madrugadores series. These volumes about light and electricity feature short chapters and simple science experiments. The Spanish translations are accurate, but the texts don't explain the science very well and the English-language resources pages will be of limited use to Spanish speakers. Large photographs (most stiffly staged) and clear diagrams help make the scientific terms and concepts more accessible. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. PJM

Willems, Mo El conejito Knuffle 40 pp. Hyperion ISBN 978-1-4231-0566-4 $15.99 PE ISBN 978-1-4231-0567-1 $7.99

(3) PS Translated by F. Isabel Campoy. With its playful digital/retro-sty le illustrations and simple story, Knuffle Bunny broke ground in books for preschoolers, and this Spanish version is a delight. The text is well integrated into the illustrations just as it is in the English version, with Trixie's unintelligible babbling appropriately rendered in a Spanish equivalent. The whole thing is perfect for a read-aloud. TW