This book is a wonderful way to teach preschoolers basic virtues. A series of words are defined by how they apply to the preparation and sharing of cookies. Cooperation is illustrated by both subjects cooking together. Patience is demonstrated by the wait for the cookies from the oven. Respect is shown by giving the first cookie to one's grandmother. Proud is being happy with the way the cookies turned out. Illustrations are a delightful mix of children and animals.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/28/2009

ISBN-10: 006058081X

ISBN-13: 9780060580810

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'Coolies' by Yin is an historical accounting of the Chinese contribution to the building of the transcontinental railroad in the United States of America in the mid-1800's. Beautifully told through the eyes of Shek and his little brother Wong, the author is able to describe the immense prejudice, (being called Coolies), the grueling and dangerous working conditions, and the poor pay that the Chinese workers were subjected to. Through the realistic illustrations of Chris Soentipiet, we are told the story of the enormous contribution and sacrifice made by many Chinese workmen in the building of a railroad and in the expansion of the United States.

Similar authors: Laurence Yep; Lila Perl; Karen Hesse, Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert; Eve Bunting; Shirin Yim Bridges

Similar books: The Transcontinental Railroad by John Perritano; Dragon's Gate by Laurence Yep; To the Golden Mountain: The Story of the Chinese who Built the Transcontinental Railroad by Lila Perl; Pop's Bridge by Eve Bunting; Papa's Mark by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/27/2011

ISBN-10: 0399232273

ISBN-13: 9780399232275

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A Caldecott Honor book, this title follows the adventures of James and Eamon as they visit Eamon's grandparents while attending Nature Camp during the day. The book's humor comes from the interaction of the words and the pictures, which often communicate different ideas, like how James arrives with 'just a couple of his belongings,' but we can see an enormous pile of overflowing boxes behind him. Pick this title for an amusing story of a week of camp and play, with bright, relaxed illustrations.

Awards nominated: Monarch Award Nominee 2011

Awards won: Caldecott honor book 2009

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 4/9/2010

ISBN-10: 0152060200

ISBN-13: 9780152060206

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Cowboy and Octopus become friends when Octopus shows Cowboy how to play on the teeter totter. Although they have their differences, Octopus is kind and tactful, Cowboy is truthful and blunt, they are both very loyal friends.

Awards nominated: Monarch Award Nominee 2011

Reviewed by: caroll

Date read: 4/6/2010

ISBN-10: 0670910589

ISBN-13: 9780670910588

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Liza loves to color with her crayons. After running out of paper and creating a masterpiece on her bedroom wall, Liza's punishment is a day without her beloved crayons. But after a dreary beginning, she discovers all sorts of artistic possibilities in the natural world when she goes for a walk and creates life-sized collages with mud, leaves, bricks, petals, sticks, and other things she finds along the way.

Reviewed by: mec

Date read: 4/10/2009

ISBN-10: 0873589106

ISBN-13: 9780873589109

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