LANGUAGE

Abstract

The brief rhyming text offers plenty of "alternatives, substitutes, choices" to create a starting point for discussions, though the frantic presentation is a lot to take, BLM Curious George's Dictionary 127 pp. With no more than six words per page, there's plenty of room for the accompanying illustrative definitions/' The layout is inviting, and the two-page foreword will give adults useful information about helping young children expand their vocabulary, MVK Leedy, Loreen Crazy like a Fox: A Simile Story 32 pp. Philomel ISBN 978-0-399-24233-5 $17.99 (3) K-3 Moses explains a variety of idioms using simple definitions and humorous sample sentences accompanied by droll folk-art-style oil illustrations (e.g., "Ever since the hurricane hit the hospital, the poor doctors had to operate on a shoestring" shows a shoelace undergoing surgery). Pollution, deforestation, endangered species, and global warming are explained through clear Spanish texts, dramatic photographs, and a doomsday approach that may either worry kids or make them feel preached to.

LANGUAGE

General Language ......................................................... 132

Foreign Languages ........................................................ 133

GENERAL LANGUAGE

Cleary, Brian R Stroll and Walk, Babble and Talk: More About Synonyms 32 pp. Millbrook LE ISBN 978-0-8225-7850-5 $15.95

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Gable. Words Are Categorical series. Cleary provides another introduction to synonyms (Pitch and Throw, Grasp and Know), supplying a range of examples paired with humorous illustrations of cartoony cats. The brief rhyming text offers plenty of "alternatives, substitutes, choices" to create a starting point for discussions, though the frantic presentation is a lot to take, BLM

Curious George's Dictionary 127 pp. Houghton ISBN 978-0-618-98649-1 $12.95

(3) PS Curious George and his friends illustrate six hundred words in this picture dictionary for preschoolers. With no more than six words per page, there's plenty of room for the accompanying illustrative "definitions/' The layout is inviting, and the two-page foreword will give adults useful information about helping young children expand their vocabulary, MVK

Leedy, Loreen Crazy like a Fox: A Simile Story 32 pp. Holiday ISBN 978-0-8234-1719-3 $16.95

(4) K-3 Fox Rufus leads his sheep friend Babette on a goose chase to her surprise party. The book's aim is to teach similes; plot is buried beneath explanatory notes and simile-based dialogue. It works in most places, but sometimes the chosen similes either don't fit well together or are just straight comparisons. The synthetic-looking illustrations are garish but lively, RES

Moses, Will Raining Cats & Dogs 40 pp. Philomel ISBN 978-0-399-24233-5 $17.99

(3) K-3 Moses explains a variety of idioms using simple definitions and humorous sample sentences accompanied by droll folk-art-style oil illustrations (e.g., "Ever since the hurricane hit the hospital, the poor doctors had to operate on a shoestring" shows a shoelace undergoing surgery). Some of the humor seems directed at readers older than picture-book age, possibly requiring adult explanation. Bib., ind. BLM

Truss, Lynne Twenty-Odd Ducks: Whyf Every Punctuation Mark Counts! 32 pp. Putnam ISBN 978-0-399-25058-3 $16.99

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bonnie Timmons. This amusing companion to Truss's popular Eats, Shoots & Leaves and The Girl's Like Spaghetti demonstrates what can happen when one sentence is punctuated in two different ways. (For example: "How many shoes do you need!/?") Timmons's colorful, loose-handed illustrations highlight the comical results. The actual grammatical rules in play are explained at the back of the book, TB

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Barraclough, Sue El sistema circulatorio: ¿Por qué late mi corazón? 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-2055-5 $25.36

Barraclough, Sue El sistema digestivo: ¿Qué me hace eructar? 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-2053-1 $25.36

Barraclough, Sue El sistema respiratorio: ¿Por qué me quedo sin aliento? 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-2056-2 $25.36

Barraclough, Sue El sistema sensorial: ¿Por qué me dan cosquillas? 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-2057-9 $25.36

Barraclough, Sue Los sistemas esquelético y muscular: ¿Cómo puedo pararme de cabeza? 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-2054-8 $25.36

(4) K-3 Sistemas del cuerpo series. This series explains how the human body works, focusing on the following systems: respiratory, digestive, sensory, circulatory, and muscular and skeletal. Photographs, drawings, and simple diagrams illustrate the writing, which can be vague but is otherwise accessible. " ¿Sabías que ... ?" ("Did you know?") facts end the texts. The Spanish used is accurate. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. ACS

Bush, Laura, and Jenna Bush iLeer para creer! 32 pp. HarperCollins/Rayo ISBN 978-0-06-156253-2 $17.99

(5) K-3 Translated by Yanitzia Canetti. Illustrated by Denise Brunkus. Published spring 2008. This Spanishlanguage version of the Bushes' Read All About It! is a victim of an awkward, if not inaccurate, translation. The text is just as preachy in Spanish as in English. To the book's credit, the details in the illustrations, such as the teacher's growing list of rules, have been thoughtfully translated, TW

Foster, Leila Merrell África 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1749-4 $25.36

Foster, Leila Merrell Antártida 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1750-0 $25.36

Foster, Leila Merrell Asia 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1751-7 $25.36

Foster, Leila Merrell Europa 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1753-1 $25.36

Fox, Mary Virginia Australia y Oceania 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1752-4 $25.36

Fox, Mary Virginia Norteamérica 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1754-8 $25.36

Fox, Mary Virginia Suramérica 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1755-5 $25.36

(4) K-3 Continentes series. These straightforward books provide basic introductions to all seven continents. Maps and photographs of varying quality highlight climate, geographical features, and famous sites. The Spanish translations, though generally accurate, do include mistakes (e.g., Lagos certainly isn't "la ciudad más poblada del mundo"). Short reference lists include at least one Spanish resource. Reading list. Glos., ind. PJM

Gómez-Bassols, Isabel iTu si puedes, Gabriela!: ¿Como puedo crecer fuerte y sana? 32 pp. HarperCollins/Rayo ISBN 978-0-06-114104-1 $14.99

(5) K-3 With Eric Vasallo. Illustrated by Priscilla García Burris. Gabriela is distressed because her classmates call her tortuga after she finishes last in a race. Gómez-Bassols uses this premise to coach children and parents on the importance of exercise and nutrition. Readers will find the plot and presentation simplistic and didactic. The illustrations are stiff and garishly colored but occasionally culturally relevant. An appended two-page section discusses the risks of childhood obesity. Websites, PJM

Green, Jen Japón 48 pp. Raintree/ Freestyle en español LE ISBN 978-1-4109-3200-6 $31.43

Green, Jen México 48 pp. Raintree /Freestyle en español LE ISBN 978-1-4109-3201-3 $31.43

Mason, Paul España 48 pp. Raintree /Freestyle en español LE ISBN 978-1-4109-3202-0 $31.43

Mason, Paul Francia 48 pp. Raintree /Freestyle en español LE ISBN 978-1-4109-3197-9 $31.43

Mason, Paul Italia 48 pp. Raintree /Freestyle en español LE ISBN 978-1-4109-3199-3 $31.43

Roy, Anita India 48 pp. Raintree /Freestyle en español LE ISBN 978-1-4109-3198-6 $31.43

(5) 4-6 Detectives de viaje series. Published spring 2008. These geography reference books disguised as travel guides use tidbits of trivia and engaging photographs (e.g., the tomato-throwing festival in España) to try to hook readers. Though it's an interesting approach, the encyclopedic texts tend to overpower the guidebook format, and many of the pictures are stock. Translation errors, typos, and several English-only resource lists weaken the Spanishlanguage editions. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. PJM

Guillain, Charlotte Ahorrar agua 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1870-5 $20.71

Guillain, Charlotte Ahorrar energía 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1871-2 $20.71

Guillain, Charlotte Cuidar de la naturaleza 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1873-6 $20.71

Guillain, Charlotte Recoger la basura 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1869-9 $20.71

Guillain, Charlotte Usar de nuevo y reciclar 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1872-9 $20.71

(4) K-3 Ayudar al medio ambiente series. These titles educate children about the environment and simple things they can do to help protect the earth (e.g., save water, conserve energy, care for nature, reuse and recycle, and clean up litter). The texts, though limited and repetitive, are accessible and accurately translated. Clear photographs supplement and enhance the information. Glos., ind. ACS

Guillain, Charlotte Flores 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1731-9 $20.71

Guillain, Charlotte Frutos 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1733-3 $20.71

Guillain, Charlotte Hojas 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1730-2 $20.71

Guillain, Charlotte Raices 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1728-9 $20.71

Guillain, Charlotte Semillas 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1732-6 $20.71

Guillain, Charlotte Tallos 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1729-6 $20.71

(4) PS Encuentra las diferencias series. This series discusses the various parts of a plant: leaves, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, and fruit. The colorful photographs are more engaging than the writing style. Though the texts use simple sentence structures, they are choppy, and some of the plant-specific terms, lacking Spanish-language correlaries, are difficult to understand. Each book ends with a "spot the difference" activity. Glos., ind. ACS

Hall, Margaret Bancos 32 pp. Heinemann le isbn 978-1-4329-1773-9 $28.21

Hall, Margaret Dinero 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1774-6 $28.21

Hall, Margaret Tarjetas de crédito y cheques 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1775-3 $28.21

Hall, Margaret Tu dinero 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1776-0 $28.21

(4) K-3 Ganar, ahorrar, gastar series. These books explain basic economic concepts, from allowance to bank accounts, occasionally offering practical advice. Kid-friendly titles on money (Dinero) and allowance (Tu dinero) are perhaps better suited for the audience than the volumes on banks and credit cards. The texts are generally smoothly translated. Some of the well-cap tioned photographs look dated. Glos., ind. SF

Leake, Diyan La policía 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1997-9 $20.71

Leake, Diyan Los bomberos 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1996-2 $20.71

Leake, Diyan Los dentistas 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1994-8 $20.71

Leake, Diyan Los maestros 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1998-6 $20.71

Leake, Diyan Los médicos 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1995-5 $20.71

Leake, Diyan Los veterinarios 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1999-3 $20.71

(4) K-3 Personas de la comunidad series. This series explores different professions within the context of local and international communities. The texts are easy to read but can be vague or repetitive and lacking in substance (e.g., dentists, doctors, and veterinarians all use instrumentos). Clear photographs of culturally diverse people will attract young readers. The Spanish is passable, if occasionally stilted. Glos., ind. PJM

Marin, Cheech El Capitán Cheech 32 pp. HarperCollins/Rayo ISBN 978-0-06-113209-4 $16.99

(5) K-3 Translated by Miriam Fabiancic. Illustrated by Orlando L. Ramirez. In this follow-up to Cheech y su autobús escolar, school-bus driver Cheech's students, the "Cheecharrones," outfit the vehicle with a sail to compete in a regatta. The book's premise is illogical and the ending - using the stop sign on the bus to secure a victory - questionable at best. Spirited but hammy illustrations add a few laughs. Concurrently published in English, TW

Markle, Sandra Los perritos de las praderas 40 pp. ediciones Lerner LE ISBN 978-0-7613-3896-3 $25.26

Markle, Sandra Los puercoespines 40 pp. ediciones Lerner LE ISBN 978-0-7613-3897-0 $25.26

Markle, Sandra Los pulpos 40 pp. ediciones Lerner LE ISBN 978-0-7613-3898-7 $25.26

Markle, Sandra Los zorrillos 40 pp. ediciones Lerner LE ISBN 978-0-7613-3899-4 $25.26

(3) 4-6 Animales presa series. These books highlight skunks, octopuses, porcupines, and prairie dogs. The series title means "animal prey," and the volumes describe how these creatures defend themselves from enemies, even acting as predators at times. Markle's straightforward, accessible writing has been adequately translated into Spanish. Intriguing close-up photographs extend the texts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. ERG

Portnoy, Mindy Avra ¿Adonde van las personas cuando mueren? 24 pp. ediciones Lerner LE ISBN 978-0-7613-3905-2 $15.95

(5) K-3 Illustrated by Shelly O. Haas. A child asks her relatives the title question (meaning "What happens when a person dies?") and gets answers that are all over the map. The main text is repetitive and dull; an epilogue and list of suggestions to help adults talk to kids about death are more useful. The illustrations, though colorful, are stiff. The Spanish translation is adequate, TW

Posada, Mia Adivina qué está creciendo dentro de este huevo 32 pp. ediciones Lerner LE ISBN 978-0-7613-3906-9 $16.95

(4) K-3 Rhyming text accompanies collage pictures of animals and their eggs, with clues in the illustrations hinting at which animal baby might be inside. The text then gives more information about animal young and their habits. A spread at the end shows various eggs at actual size. The Spanish translation occasionally strains for its rhymes, TW

Rissman, Rebecca Ahorrar dinero 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1918-4 $20.71

Rissman, Rebecca Ganar dinero 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1917-7 $20.71

Rissman, Rebecca Gastar dinero 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1919-1 $20.71

Rissman, Rebecca ¿Qué es el dinero? 24 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1920-7 $20.71

(5) K-3 Dinero en todo el mundo series. These books attempt to describe in a very basic way what money is and how it's earned, saved, and spent. The simple, repetitive sentences are easy to read, but the explanations are incomplete or too abstract. The stock photos, though eye-catching, don't always relate clearly to the subjects. Glos., ind. ACS

Royston, Angela Aire contaminado 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-2016-6 $25.36

Royston, Angela Bosques en peligro 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-2018-0 $25.36

Royston, Angela Calentamiento global 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-2015-9 $25.36

Royston, Angela La vida silvestre en peligro de extinción 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-2019-7 $25.36

Royston, Angela Océanos y ríos contaminados 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-2017-3 $25.36

(4) K-3 Proteger nuestro planeta series. The cover photographs sum up the common message in this series: the world is a mess, and it's all our fault. Pollution, deforestation, endangered species, and global warming are explained through clear Spanish texts, dramatic photographs, and a doomsday approach that may either worry kids or make them feel preached to. Nevertheless, they'll learn enough facts and terminology to become convincing environmentalists. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. PJM

Saunders, Nigel, and Steven Chapman Combustibles fósiles 48 pp. Raintree /Freestyle en español LE ISBN 978-1-4109-3182-5 $31.43

Saunders, Nigel, and Steven Chapman Energía nuclear 48 pp. Raintree /Freestyle en español LE ISBN 978-1-4109-3183-2 $31.43

Saunders, Nigel, and Steven Chapman Energía renovable 48 pp. Raintree /Freestyle en español LE ISBN 978-1-4109-3185-6 $31.43

Saunders, Nigel, and Steven Chapman Transferencias de energía 48 pp. Raintree /Freestyle en español LE ISBN 978-1-4109-3184-9 $31.43

(5) YA Sobre la energía series. Published spring 2008. This series on energy provides explanations of topics ranging from fossil fuels to nuclear energy to renewable resources. Photographs, charts, and diagrams complement the texts. The Spanish translations, however, are merely passable. Errors, inconsistencies, and awkward phrasing affect even key terms and end matter; reading lists are either Englishonly or they reference other volumes in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. PJM

Schaefer, Lola Aceites 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1791-3 $25.36

Schaefer, Lola Carnes y proteínas 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1793-7 $25.36

Schaefer, Lola Cereales 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1788-3 $25.36

Schaefer, Lola Frutas 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1790-6 $25.36

Schaefer, Lola Leche 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1792-0 $25.36

Schaefer, Lola Vegetales 32 pp. Heinemann LE ISBN 978-1-4329-1789-0 $25.36

(4) K-3 Grupos alimenticios series. This series discusses the six food groups that make up a healthy diet. Each book explains the origin of the foods, how to ensure that sufficient amounts of each group are consumed daily, easy recipes, and physical characteristics. Information is presented through simple sentence structures in accurate Spanish (though some facts are unsupported). Large photographs and clear diagrams illustrate the concepts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. ACS