Children's Choices for 1985

Children's Choices for 1985Source: The Reading Teacher, Vol. 39, No. 1 (Oct., 1985), pp. 34-49Published by: Wiley on behalf of the International Reading AssociationStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/20198995 .

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Children's Choices for ^

1985

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From Secrets of a Small Brother by Richard J. Margolis, illustrated by Donald Carrick. Text

copyright ? 1984 by Richard J. Margolis. Illustrations copyright ? 1984 by Donald Carrick. Published by Macmillan Publishing Company. Reprinted by permission.

The current "Children's Choices" an nual list is the 11th in a series that first

appeared (as "Classroom Choices" ini

tially) in the October 1975 issue of The

Reading Teacher. A project of the IRA Children's Book Council Joint Com

mittee, the listing is a yearly selection

by young readers of newly published books that children themselves like. The IRA-CBC Committee feels that a

listing of new children's trade books

(books other than textbooks) to which children respond enthusiastically can

34 The Reading Teacher October 1985

be of help in the classroom both in terms of teaching reading and in intro

ducing books to children for recrea tional reading.

Of the approximately 2,600 chil dren's books published in 1984, nearly one-quarter were selected for testing for "Children's Choices." A voting sys tem recorded the choices of children. In April 1985, votes were tabulated,

with the results announced at the IRA Convention in May; 105 titles appear on the 1985 list.



Titles selected for the list have been

grouped by reading levels: "All ages,"

"Beginning independent reading,"

"Younger readers," "Middle grades,"

and "Older readers." These designa tions are not intended to be restrictive;

many books read easily by beginning readers are enjoyed by more advanced

readers, and many titles for older read ers are accessible to younger readers,

or can be read aloud in the classroom. For each title, bibliographic data are

supplied, including ISBN numbers. An ISBN followed by an asterisk refers to a publisher's library-bound edition of a title; a regular trade edition may also be available. Information about

paperback editions has been provided when known. The letter "F" indicates that the paperback edition is not avail able in 1985 but is forthcoming. Pub lishers furnished price information as

of late spring 1985; prices are subject to change without notice.

There were five test teams . for books. Teams have written annotations for each title with each annotation fol lowed by the number of the team that

wrote it. Team leaders coordinated the

project in each of the five test areas. The 1984-1985 teams follow:

Team #1: Athens, and also Clarke

County and Gwinnett County, Geor

gia, included 3 elementary schools and 1 middle school. Team leaders: Lee

Galda, University of Georgia, Athens,

Georgia, and Joel Taxel, University of

Georgia, Athens, Georgia. Support team leaders: Georgia Barn well,

Wanda Beckett, Joy Marsee, Sibley Veal, and Frey a Zipperer.

Team #2: Irving, Texas, included 16

elementary schools and 6 junior high schools. Team leader: Mary D.

Lankford, The Irving Independent School District, Irving, Texas. Support team leaders: Euvaughn Cooper, Cyn

thia Gray, and Phyllis Milner. Team #3: Brooklyn, New York, in

cluded 8 elementary schools and 2 jun ior high schools in District 15. Team leaders: Hindy List, District 15,

Brooklyn, New York, and Shelley Har

wayne, New York City Writing Proc ess Project, New York, New York.

Team #4: Denver, and also Idaho

Springs, Clear Creek County, Cherry Creek, Littleton, and Adams, Colo

rado, included 6 elementary schools, 1

junior high school, and 1 middle school. Team leader: Norma J. Livo,

University of Colorado at Denver, Denver, Colorado. Support team lead ers: Laura Casperson, Claudia Foster, Barbara Kelley, Patricia Neel, Gloria

Spannagel, and Karen Welsh. Team #5: Kent, and also Canton,

Portage County, and Akron, Ohio, in cluded 6 elementary schools and 3

middle schools. Team leaders: An

thony L. Manna, Kent State Univer

sity, Kent, Ohio, and Sue Misheff, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.

The cochairpersons of the IRA-Chil dren's Book Council Joint Committee for 1984-1985 were, for IRA, Dianne

Monson, University of Minnesota, and, for CBC, Marcie Imberman,

Morrow Junior Books/Lothrop, Lee &

Shepard/Greenwillow Books.

Single copies of a reprint of "Chil dren's Choices for 1985" may be ob tained free by sending a self-addressed 6 1/2x9 1/2 inch (16 x 24 cm) enve

lope stamped with postage for two ounces to Children's Choices, Interna tional Reading Association, P.O. Box

8139, Newark, Delaware 19714-8139, USA. (Requests from outside the U.S.

should include an envelope; postage is not required.) "Children's Choices for

1985" may also be purchased in bulk

quantities for distribution at confer

ences, council meetings, etc.

Children's Choices 35



All ages

Animal Alphabet. Bert Kitchen. 111. by the author. Dial. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-8037-9117-9. US$11.95.

It's not the large black letters that

intrigue readers of this book, it's the animals that accompany each letter.

The familiar elephant looks like he could carry the "E" right off the

page, and unfamiliar animals keep viewers guessing. #1

The Best Sports Book in the Whole Wide World. Mauri Kunnas. 111. by the author. Crown. 80 pp. ISBN 0-517 55267-1. US$8.95.

Comical, cartoon-like illustrations

accompany informative, humorous

text, filled with puns, about Olym pic events in which, in this volume, all participants are animals. #2

Birdsong. Gail E. Haley. 111. by the au

thor. Crown. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-517-55051-2. US$10.95.

Beautiful Birdsong, a young orphan girl, is tricked into ensnaring birds ,

by old Jorinella, the birdcatcher. Readers love getting to know the

language of birds, which appears as

poetry, scattered in italics through out the text. #3

The Butter Battle Book. Dr. Seuss. 111.

by the author. Random. Unpaged (48

pp.). ISBN 0-394-96580-9*. US$7.99.

Although he's writing about Zooks and Yooks, and whether bread should be eaten butter side up or

down, Dr. Seuss is actually com

menting on the absurdity of war.

Older students read this book on

quite a different level than younger ones. #3

Like Jake and Me. Mavis Jukes. 111. by Lloyd Bloom. Knopf. Unpaged (32

pp.). ISBN 0-394-95608-7*. US$11.99. A story within a story develops as

Alex's new stepfather, Jake, leads

Alex on a hilarious and frantic search for a big, hairy spider thought to be in Jake's clothes. The


illustrations are full page, full

color, and a perfect complement to

the subtle, broader story of family relations. (1985 Newbery Honor

Book.) n

Mary Had a Little Lamb. Sarah Jo

sepha Hale. 111. by Tomie de Paola.

Holiday. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0 8234-0509-5. US$13.95.

Paper ed., Holiday. ISBN 0-8234 0519-2. US$5.95. The illustrations for this nursery rhyme depict a one room schoolhouse of 1850 with his torical accuracy. The music and

several verses to the song are in

cluded, along with background ma

terial. #4 The New Kid on the Block. Jack Pre

lutsky. 111. by James Stevenson. Green willow. 160 pp. ISBN 0-688-02272 3*. US$10.88.

Prelutsky does it again! Nonsense verse taken from everyday situa

tions. The combination of Steven

son illustrations and Prelutsky humor can't miss. #2

The Night before Christmas. Clement C. Moore. 111. by Anita Lobel. Knopf. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-394-96863 8*. US$10.99.

The classic Christmas poem written in 1822 is illustrated with nostalgic paintings. The setting is in the city with Victorian row townhouses. The house decorations are opulent and full of historic detail. #4

Old MacDonald Had a Farm. Retold and ill. by Tracey Campbell Pearson. Dial. Unpaged (28 pp.). ISBN 0-8037 0070-9*. US$9.89.

Children enjoy singing these famil iar verses in addition to "reading" the active, full-color pictures that show Mr. and Mrs. MacDonald's

comical exploits with a large group of farm animals. Music and lyrics for two additional verses are in cluded. #5



From Wally the Wordworm by Clifton Fadiman, illustrated by Lisa Atherton. Text copyright ?

1964, 1983 by Clifton Fadiman. Illustrations copyright ? 1983 by Lisa Atherton. Published

by Stemmer House Publishers, Inc., Owings Mills, Maryland. Reprinted by permission.

Out to Lunch! Jokes about Food. Peter

Roop and Connie Roop. 111. by Joan Hanson. Lerner. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-8225-0983-0*. US$5.95.

"The book Out to Lunch is funny and if you read it right before lunch

you will get hungry. I did and I'm

hungry. I liked the title because it

gives the main idea of the book," is one reader's response. #4

Secrets of a Small World. Richard J.

Margolis. 111. by Donald Carrick. Macmillan. Unpaged (40 pp.). ISBN 0-02-762280-0. US$9.95.

Readers are awed by the simple yet

powerful subjects in this collection of poems in the voice of a younger brother. The poems lead children to think about such things as being teased, losing a pet, and taking care of a sick brother. #3

Space Out! Jokes about Outer Space. Peter Roop and Connie Roop. 111. by Joan Hanson. Lerner. Unpaged (32

pp.). ISBN 0-8225-0984-9*.

US$5.95. Both younger and older readers feel

that these brief, question-and-an swer jokes are "easy to memorize"

and that the zany illustrations that

accompany them are "very funny." #5

The Tortoise and the Hare. Adapted and ill. by Janet Stevens. Holiday. Un

paged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-8234-0510-9.

US$12.95. Paper ed., Holiday. ISBN 0-8234-0564-8. US$5.95.

Janet Stevens has done an excellent

job of updating "The Tortoise and the Hare." Children giggle when

they see the tortoise in a sweatband, "turtle"neck, and sneakers. They are still glad that his hard work wins. #1

Wally the Word worm. Clifton Fadi man. 111. by Lisa Atherton. Stemmer. 56 pp. ISBN 0-88045-038-X.

US$10.95.

Wally's voracious appetite for words is revived by the dictionary. Outra

geously illustrated puns, puzzles, anagrams, and other plays on

words. Charms all ages. #1




Beginning independent reading

A, My Name Is Alice. Jane Bayer. 111. by Steven Kellogg. Dial. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-8037-0124-1*. US$10.89.

This lively alphabet book is based on the alphabet games that have been played for generations. A va

riety of animals working at unusual

occupations are colorfully illus trated by Steven Kellogg's detailed

watercolors that complement Bay er's alphabet rhymes. #1

Bartholomew the Bossy. Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. 111. by Normand Chartier. Macmillan. 32 pp. ISBN 0 02-782520-5. US$9.95.

"The skunk was bossy and deserved what he got. I know some people who are like Bartholomew," says one reader of this story in which a skunk learns lessons of manners

and friendship among his animal

peers. #4 Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the

Monster Movie. David A. Adler. 111.

by Susanna Natti. Viking. 64 pp. ISBN 0-670-20035-2. US$8.95. Papered., Dell. F

Cam "The Camera" Jansen, a

poised fifth grader with a photo graphic memory, solves the mys

tery of the missing reel of a monster film. Easy reading. #1

77?^ Clown-Arounds Go on Vacation.

Joanna Cole. 111. by Jerry Smath. Par ents. Unpaged (48 pp.). ISBN 0-8193 1120-0. US$5.95.

The Clown-Around family takes a

zany trip to visit Uncle Waldo's ho tel. The illustrations are filled with clown-like inconsistencies. #2

Come! Sit! Stay! Joan M. Lexau. 111.

by Marsha Winborn. Watts. 32 pp. ISBN 0-531-04715-6. US$8.60.

Children are amused by the at

tempts of a little girl to train her

dog, Tiny, and delight in how care

fully she chooses her words and actions. And surprised by how well


her training works. #5 The Crow and Mrs. Gaddy. Wilson

Gage. 111. by Mary lin Hafner. Greenwil low. 48 pp. ISBN 0-688-02536-6*.

US$10.88. Paper ed., Scholastic. ISBN 0-590-33643-6. US$2.25.

Mrs. Gaddy and the Crow play trick after awful trick on each other.

A young reader's response was,

"Boy, being tricky sure is hard work!" #3

Funny Bunnies. Robert Quackenbush. 111. by the author. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-89919-267-X. US$12.95.

Readers can't wait to see who will enter the overcrowded hotel room next. The surprise ending explains the title of this humorous tale. #5

Fuzzy Rabbit. Rosemary Billam. 111.

by Vanessa Julian-Ottie. Random. Un

paged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-394-96346 6*. US$4.99. Paper ed., Random.

ISBN 0-394-86346-1. US$1.95. Kids love this story of a dejected stuffed rabbit who finds consolation because the characters are exquisite and it has wonderful illustrations. #2

George and Martha Back in Town. James Marshall. 111. by the author.

Houghton. 48 pp. ISBN 0-395-35386 6. US$9.95.

Tales of these hippos are back to be

enjoyed and loved again. #2 Hat. David Lloyd. 111. by Gill Tomblin. Random. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-394-86668-1. US$1.95.

A controlled vocabulary story in which Johnny Martin identifies each family member's hat and fi

nally is taken to buy his own. A comfortable size for beginning readers and familiar family situa tions make this book popular with first and second graders. #1

Her Majesty, Aunt Essie. Amy Schwartz. 111. by the author. Bradbury. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-02-781450



#*

From Poppy the Panda by Dick Gacken bach. Copyright ? 1984 by Dick Gacken bach. Published by Clarion Books.

Reprinted by permission.

5*. US$12.95. Papered., Puffin. F

This colorful and funny book made all the children think of their own

"Aunt Essie," a very special relative who is grand enough to have been a

queen. #3 The House That Bear Built. Michaela Muntean. 111. by Nicole Rubel. Dial.

Unpaged (20 pp.). ISBN 0-8037-0026 1. US$5.95.

Young children learn by playing with this book. While they follow the story, they place numbered cards on a game board, unknow

ingly "building" bear's house on the

flip side of the cards. #5 In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories. Retold by Alvin Schwartz. 111.

by Dirk Zimmer. Harper. 64 pp. ISBN 0-06-025274-X*. US$9.89. Paper ed.,

Harper. 0-06-444090-7. US$2.95. These old favorite scary stories are

told simply enough for any age child to love. Students with reading problems try harder to read. Use

this book at Halloween or any time. Children want to "read it again!" #1

Joey. Jack Kent. 111. by the author. Prentice. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0 13-510348-7. US$11.95.

Joey, a young kangaroo, invites friends into his mother's pouch to

play?and the fun begins. As more and more toys are brought in, moth er's pouch expands and expands un

til....Children love the absurdity of this story and laugh at the hilarious illustrations. #3

King Wacky. Dick Gackenbach. 111. by the author. Crown. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-517-55265-5. US$8.95.

The wacky tale of a prince, born with his head on backwards, who acts and talks in reverse and, de

spite misadventures, is adored by his people when he becomes king. #2

Poppy the Panda. Dick Gackenbach. 111.

by the author. Clarion. Unpaged (32

pp.). ISBN 0-89919-276-9. US$11.95. Children can't wait to turn the page to find out what Katie is going to use next to dress-up her panda bear.

Fruit bowls, sauce pans, and even

plastic shower caps delight young readers. #3

Rabbits: A Natural Pop-ups Book. Graham Tarrant. 111. by Tony King. Pa

per engineering by Keith Moseley. Putnam. Unpaged (10 pp.). ISBN 0 399-21005-9. US$6.95.

As they lifted tabs, slid arrows, and

peeked under flaps, children be came filled with information about the living habits of wild rabbits.

This pop-up book inspired the

youngsters to create their own! #3 Sarah and the Dragon. Bruce Coville. 111. by Beth Peck. Lippincott. 48 pp. ISBN 0-397-32070-1*. US$8.89. Pa

pered., Harper. F

This fanciful tale of a contrary uni corn and a young girl named Sarah

intrigues young readers. As Sarah

daydreams of adventure she is kid

napped by a fierce dragon. The




children enjoyed the black and white sketches of the dragon, uni

corn, mice, foxes, toads, and even a

tiny ladybug! #3 The Sherluck Bones Mystery-Detective Book 6. Jim Razzi and Mary Razzi. 111.

by Ted Enik. Paper ed., Bantam. 64 pp. ISBN 0-553-15240-8. US$1.95.

Six short mystery stories, starring Sherluck Bones and his good friend, Scotson, test the reader's de

ductive reasoning. Children exam

ine the stories and the illustrations to discover the single clue needed to

help Sherluck Bones solve each case. #5

Sky fire. Frank Asch. 111. by the author. Prentice. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0 13-812389-6. US$10.95:

Is it a skyfire or a rainbow? This

story fascinated first and second

grade children. After hearing the

story read aloud, they all wanted to

read it to themselves. The boldly colored illustrations are very ap

pealing. #5

Snap! Snap! Colin Hawkins and Jacqui Hawkins. 111. by Colin Hawkins. Put nam. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-399 21163-2. US$9.95. Paper ed., Putnam. ISBN 0-399-21184-5. US$4.95.

The book addresses the common

bedtime fears of small children. A turn of events changes the fearsome

monsters under Sally's bed into

friendly playmates, until the next

Snap!...Snap!... Children read this

book over and over again. #3 The Trouble with Mom. Babette Cole. 111. by the author. Coward. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-698-20597-9.

US$9.95.

Mom, who happens to be a witch, bakes cupcakes for the PTA. This disaster endears her to the kids, but not the parents. When Mom rescues the kids from a burning school

house, the other parents let their kids "go wild at my house." #2

Younger readers

Bear's Picture. Daniel Pinkwater. 111.

by the author. Dutton. Unpaged (40

pp.). ISBN 0-525-44102-6. US$9.95.

Young Bear delights in creating his own picture in spite of criticism from two "fine, proper gentlemen."

This book teaches a lesson about in

dividuality. The young readers no

tice how the size and shape of print changes when different people are

talking. #3 The Biggest Pumpkin Ever. Steven Kroll. 111. by Jeni Basse?. Holiday. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-8234-0505 2*. US$12.95. Paper ed., Scholastic.

ISBN 0-590-336991-1. US$1.95. A delightful tale of what happens when two mice fall in love with the same pumpkin. One cares for it


during the day, the other at night. The grown pumpkin presents a

problem. Beautiful illustrations accent the text. #5

Bim Dooley Makes His Move. Alice Schertle. 111. by Victoria Chess.

Lothrop. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0

688-01636-7*. US$9.50. With exciting narrative on one page and with humorous comic book

style illustrations on the opposite page, the author delights the reader with the story of Bim, an unusual

boy. Plenty of humor and wit for

anyone. #5

The Crack-of-Dawn Walkers. Amy Hest. 111. by Amy Schwartz. Macmil lan. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-02 743710-8. US$9.95.



From The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll, illustrated by Jeni Bassett. Text copy right ? 1984 by Steven Kroll. Illustrations copyright ? 1984 by Jeni Bassett. Pub lished by Holiday House. Reprinted by per

mission.

"I like to spend time with someone

special and do something special. Sadie should not have been jealous of the time her little brother had with grandpa," is one reader's re

sponse. A sensitive, interesting read aloud for discussion of jeal ousy and possessiveness. #4

Daisy. Brian Wildsmith. 111. by the au thor. Pantheon. Unpaged (48 pp.). ISBN 0-394-95975-2*. US$10.99.

Bright, colorful illustrations and the idea of Farmer Brown's cow Daisy

becoming a movie star and appear

ing in a bubble bath advertisement is very appealing to first and second

graders. As one young reviewer ob

served, "It is kinda hilarious." Chil dren also heartily endorse the half

pages because "they added to the

story and changed the pictures." #2 Dark and Full of Secrets. Carol Car rick. 111. by Donald Carrick. Clarion.


"I like to catch frogs and stuff so I know how the boy in the book feels. It would be fun to do what he did,"

was a reader's response to Chris

topher's adventures exploring and

snorkeling in the local pond. #4 Francie's Paper Puppy. Achim Br?ger. 111. by Mich?le Sambin. Picture Book Studio USA. 24 pp. ISBN 0-907234 56-9. US$10.95.

Francie lives in the country where

there are no other children to play with. The pictures Francie paints are like the watercolor illustrations in the book. The friend Francie finds surprises her as well as the reader. #1

Grime Doesn \ Pay: Law & Order Jokes.

Compiled by Charles Keller. 111. by Jack Kent. Prentice. Unpaged (64 pp.). ISBN 0-13-365503-2. US$9.95.

Outlandish puns and jokes that use

the theme "grime doesn't pay." The author's 28th addition to his series of joke books. #2

The Handy Girls Can Fix It! Peggy Kahn. 111. by Enola Jensen. Paper ed., Random. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0 394-86252-X. US$1.95.

In this book, which defies sex-role

stereotyping, girls can identify with the main characters, the Handy

Girls. One reader said that this is "the most exciting book" she had ever read. #5

Henry and the Dragon. Eileen Christe low. 111. by the author. Clarion. Un

paged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-89919-220-3.

US$10.95. This new Henry Rabbit book dem onstrates that being afraid of shadows isn't just "kids' stuff."

Henry and his parents show readers that irrational fears can be ex

plained and dispelled satisfactorily. #5

The Hole in the Ocean: A Daring Journey. Jasper Tomkins. 111. by the author. Green Tiger. Unpaged (60

pp.). Paper ed., with dustjacket. ISBN 0-914676-73-3. US$7.95.

Two boys take a fanciful trip through a whirlpool and find every

thing from "jumping toads" to "end less roads." Children love turning the text into a chant, filling in the

rhyming words as the teacher reads the book aloud. #3

I'm Coming To Get You! Tony Ross. 111.

by the author. Dial. Unpaged (28 pp.). ISBN 0-8037-0119-5. US$10.95.

The large illustrations and simple




cot?'.

Aft/

B%4

>'*."-* ;

From l^ferse than Willy! by James Stevenson. Copyright ? 1984 by James Stevenson. Pub lished by Greenwillow Books, A Division of William Morrow & Company. Reprinted by per

mission.

text of the story of Tommy's immi nent confrontation with a monster elicited these varied responses from one reader: "It is a fun book. I

thought the monster was big. It was


scary. Tommy sure had a messy room." #4

Jimmy's Boa Bounces Back. Trinka Hakes Noble. 111. by Steven Kellogg. Dial. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-8037



0050-4*. US$10.89.

Jimmy's pet boa constrictor causes

chaos at a sedate garden party. Fly

ing wigs and sneezing poodles in the punch delight young readers. A

slapstick adventure to savor. #1 Mama Don't Allow. Thacher Hurd. 111.

by the author. Harper. 40 pp. ISBN 0 06-022690-0*. US$11.89. Paper ed.,

Harper. ISBN 0-06-443078-2. US$2.95. Miles Possum and his Swamp Band outwit the hungry dancers at the Al

ligator Ball. Cool, colorful, and clever musicians delight younger readers. Lyrics and music for the traditional American song "Mama

Don't Allow" are included. #1 The Man Who Could Call Down Owls. Eve Bunting. 111. by Charles Mikolay cak. Macmillan. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-02-715380-0. US$9.95.

"It is a powerful book that displays magic and beauty. The story was

action-packed especially when the owls attacked the stranger. I did some research on owls after this

book," were one reader's reactions

to this loosely mythic tale that is also a good read-aloud story. #4

Martin's Hats. Joan Bios. 111. by Marc Simont. Morrow. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN0-688-02033-X*. US$10.88.

Martin's adventures in a variety of hats appeal more to boys than to

girls, although the colorful illustra tions of his escapades are interest

ing to both. #5 The Mysterious Giant of Barletta.

Adapted and ill. by Tomie de Paola. HBJ. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-15 256347-4. US$12.95.

"This was the bestess book I read. It was exciting, funny, and the giant was neat. The pictures were my favorita part," was a reader's re

sponse to the story of the stone gi ant who saves the town. #4

The Napping House. Audrey Wood. 111.

by Don Wood. HBJ. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-15-2567088-9. US$11.95.

The cumulative rhyme is full of fun

and humor about everyone and eve

rything napping on a cozy bed in a

napping house. The illustrations are

special. The children asked to hear it read again and again. #4

The Pain and the Great One. Judy Blume. 111. by Irene Trivas. Bradbury. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-02-711100 8. US$10.95. Paper ed., Dell. ISBN 0-440-46819-1. US$3.95.

A brother and sister each tell about their rival sibling in a picture story illustrated in bright watercolors.

The humorous read-aloud story is also useful as a stimulus for discus sion about families and feelings. #1

Pamela Camel. Bill Peet. 111. by the author. Houghton. 32 pp. ISBN 0-395 35975-9.

Once again Bill Peet has an unlikely animal character become a heroine.

Peoples' impressions are not only wrong but proven wrong. Even a

clumsy, unattractive camel can turn

into a Cinderella. #4 Patrick and Ted. Geoffrey Hayes. 111.

by the author. Four Winds/Macmillan.

Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-590-07902 6. US$5.95. Paper ed., Scholastic. ISBN 0-59-03322-3-6. US$1.75.

Youngsters can easily identify with this gentle story about two insepara ble friends. Like all best friends, their friendship changes and grows after a brief separation. Young read ers are quick to notice the printed words scattered throughout the il

lustrations, including names carved on trees and street signs. A good read-aloud story. #3

The Perfect Mouse. Dick Gackenbach. 111. by the author. Macmillan. Un

paged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-02-736760-6.

US$10.95.

Molly Margaret, the perfect mouse, knows who she should marry, but it takes awhile to convince her par ents. As Molly Margaret's parents glean their place in the natural or

der, the results have surprising rele vance for the readers. #1




RumpRump. Ivan Gantschev. 111. by the author. Picture Book Studio USA.


RumpRump is always hungry and

looking for food. During the course of a day this likeable bear is helped by friends and meets unfriendly creatures in his search for a meal.

#4

School Bus. Donald Crews. 111. by the author. Greenwillow. Unpaged (32

pp.). ISBN 0-688-02808-X*. US$9.55.

Papered., Puffin. F A day in the life of school buses is detailed with large, flat, bold illus trations and simple text. Fun as a

read-aloud book or alone. #2 The Town Mouse and the Country

Mouse. Retold and ill. by Lorinda Bryan Cauley. Putnam. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-399-21123-3. US$11.95. Paper ed., Putnam. ISBN 0-399-21126-8.

US$4.95. The classic tale of the town and

country cousins who compare life

styles is enhanced by detailed illus trations. The story is a favorite with

young readers and Cauley retells it in easily understood language. #5

What to Say to Clara. Barney Saltz

berg. 111. by the author. Atheneum.


When a new girl in class is seated

next to Otis, he is speechless. How Otis figures out "what to say to Clara" sustains the humorous narra

tive. Black and white drawings and the obvious solution to the problem of shyness appeal to a wide range of readers. A fun read-aloud book. #1

Whatever Happened to the Dinosaurs? Bernard Most. 111. by the author. HBJ.


This is a humorous collection of some fanciful explanations of where the dinosaurs went rendered in sim

ple, flat illustrations that depict the whimsical conjectures. Children can follow up with some of their own answers. #4

Worse Than Willy! James Stevenson. 111. by the author. Greenwillow. Un

paged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-688-02597 8*. US$10.88.

Grandpa's tall tale explains that there are things worse than Willy, the new baby. Wainey, Grandpa's baby brother, is one of those

things?but baby brothers can sur

prise you. #2

Yuck! James Stevenson. 111. by the au thor. Greenwillow. Unpaged (32 pp.). ISBN 0-688-03830-1*. US$10.88.

Emma, a small witch, brews a

yuckey stew from gnat knuckles,

spider spit, snail slobber and...both

animals and kids love it. #2

Middle grades

Anastasia, Ask Your Analyst. Lois Lo

wry. Houghton. 128 pp. ISBN 0-395 36011-0. US$9.95. Paper ed., Dell. ISBN 0-440-40009-0. US$2.50.

Although Anastasia's problems are

those that most teenagers feel, in the fourth Anastasia book by Lois

Lowry Anastasia seeks psychiatric help. This book's humor will pro vide a good laugh over many


"touchy" situations and their resolu

tions. #5

Encyclopedia Browns Book of Wacky Spies. Donald J. Sobol. 111. by Ted Enik. Morrow. 128 pp. ISBN 0-688 02744-X. US$9.50. Paper ed., Ban

tam. F

The over 100 anecdotes about all sorts of spies throughout history and around the world make enter



taining reading that demands to be shared with friends. This book was

passed from hand to hand and never rested on a shelf. #1

The Foundling Fox. Irina Korschunow. Translated by James Skofield. 111. by Reinhard Michl. Harper. 48 pp. ISBN 0-06-023244-7*. US$11.89.

This poignant story which depicts the devotion of a vixen for an or

phan fox she finds in an underbrush stimulates children to discuss the value of sharing and the importance of commitment. #5

Harriet and the Crocodiles. Martin Waddell. 111. by Mark Burgess. Atlan

tic-Little. 80 pp. ISBN 0-316-91490 8. US$10.95. Papered., Archway. F

Harriet has a great ability to create havoc wherever she goes. On a

class trip to the zoo, Harriet returns with a surprising pet. Readers won der what would happen if Harriet were in their school. #3

Harry's Dog. Barbara Ann Porte. 111.

by Yossi Abolafia. Greenwillow. 48

pp. ISBN 0-688-02556-0*. US$10.88.

Papered., Scholastic. F

Harry has secretly become the owner of a dog. Harry's aunt helps him solve the problem of an allergic father. The bottom corner of each

right-hand page tells another dog story with pictures. #4

In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Ro binson. Bette Bao Lord. 111. by Marc Simont. Harper. 176 pp. ISBN 0-06 024004-0*. US$9.89. Paper ed., Harper. F

The story of Shirley Temple Wong, a young Chinese immigrant also known as Bandit, is touchingly filled with the warmth of human trial and error. #2

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom: A Tale of High Adventure.

Adapted by Les Martin. 111. with pho tographs. Paper ed., Random. 96 pp. ISBN 0-394-86389-5. US$3.95.

Like the popular movie, this story follows Indiana Jones from one ex

citing adventure to another. Color

photographs from the movie help young readers to visualize many of the adventures. With his compan ions, a beautiful nightclub singer and a young boy, Indiana Jones es

capes one close call after another in

exotic India. Will they find their

way out of the Temple of Doom? #3 Isabelle Shows Her Stuff. Constance C. Greene. Viking. 144 pp. ISBN 0 670-41103-5. US$11.95. Paper ed., Dell. F

Isabelle is irresistible in this funny and fun-to-read book in which the

10-year-old heroine takes on an 8

year-old boy protege with surpris ing results. Young readers identify themselves and their friends with the characters and want to take part in the escapades on Hot Water Street. #5

The Kid Next Door and Other Head aches: Stories about Adam Joshua. Janice Lee Smith. 111. by Dick Gacken bach. Harper. 160 pp. ISBN 0-06 025793-8*. US$9.89.

Adam Joshua compares notes about

neatness, pets, superheroes, and

overnight guests with his best

friend, Nelson, in the series of ad ventures they share in five short sto

ries. This is the second Adam Joshua book by Janice Lee Smith. #2

Kon-Tiki: A True Adventure of Survival at Sea. Thor Heyerdahl. Adapted by Lisa Norby. 111. with drawings by Ronald Himler and photographs. Ran dom. 96 pp. ISBN 0-394-96364-4*. US$4.99. Paper ed., Random. ISBN 0-394-86364-X. US$1.95.

Can six men cross the Pacific on a raft? Thor Heyerdahl's attempts to

prove a legend are retold in the ex

citing and informative account of the Ra expedition. Also appeals to older readers. #3

Lucky Charms & Birthday Wishes. Christine McDonnell. 111. by Diane de Groat. Viking. 96 pp. ISBN 0-670




From The Foundling Fox by Irina Kors chunow with pictures by Reinhard Michl, translated by James Skofield. Copyright ? 1982 by Deutscher Taschenbuch Verlag

GmbH & Co. KG, M?nchen. Translation cop yright ? 1984 by Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc. Reprinted by permission of the pub lisher.

44430-8. US$10.95. Paper ed., Puf fin. ISBN 0-14-031886-0. US$3.95.

Emily Mott grows a little wiser in each of five stories of everyday ob stacles and familiar fears. #4

Marms in the Marmalade. Diana Mor

ley. 111. by Kathy Rogers. Carolrhoda.

Unpaged (24 pp.). ISBN 0-87614-258 7*. US$8.95.

"Words are usually made in a logi cal way, or so I've always thought, but on looking more closely I would

say they are silly as often as not,"

says the author. Salty does mean

having a lot of salt, but does skinny mean covered with lots of skin? Et

ymology illustrated and made fun. #2

The Morning the Sun Refused to Rise: An Original Paul Bunyan Tale. Glen Rounds. Ill by the author. Holiday. Unpaged (48 pp.). ISBN 0-8234-0514

1*. US$9.95. A very tall tale with droll humor

packing every page makes this

story, in which Paul Bunyan frees the earth's axis to spin again, popu lar read-aloud and read-alone fare.


Readers love the whimsical line

drawings. #1

Night of the Twisters. Ivy Ruckman. Crowell. 160 pp. ISBN 0-690-04409 7*. US$10.89. Papered., Harper. F

The terror of a toronado is told

through Dan, the 12-year-old boy who finds shelter in the basement with his best friend and baby brother. #2

A Pup Grows Up. Sally Foster. Photo

graphs by Sally Foster. Dodd. Un

paged (64 pp.). ISBN 0-396-08314-5.

US$10.95. Children who love animals spend many hours poring over the expres

sive photographs in this book. The text is informational in nature and holds the reader's interest through the inclusion of little-known facts about dogs. #5

Ramona Forever. Beverly Cleary. 111.

by Alan Tiegreen. Morrow. 192 pp. ISBN 0-688-03786-0*. US$10.88. Pa

per ed., Dell. ISBN 0-440-47210-5.

US$2.95. The Quimby family lives through many of life's changes (death, wed

dings, and birth) with love and car

ing during Ramona's year in the third grade. Ramona finds out that it is hard work to be a baby and that

growing up is hard work too. #4

Todays Special: Z.A.P andZoe. Athena V Lord. Ill by Jean Jenkins. Macmillan.

160 pp. ISBN 0-02-761440-9.

US$10.95. Even though Zach is a first-genera tion Greek American living in up state New York in the late 1930s,

today's readers enjoy his quick thinking, humor, and the frustrating but loving relationship he has with his little sister, Zoe. #1

Vacation Fever! Wendy Andrews. Pacer. 144 pp. ISBN 0-399-21084-9.

US$10.95. Paper ed., Pacer. ISBN 0 399-21083-0. US$2.25.

Mia wonders if she can find sum mer romance while traveling with her family. While some readers feel



the happy ending relies too heavily on unlikely coincidence, others are

delighted by this story about a warm and romantic family vaca

tion. #5 The War with Grandpa. Robert Kimmel Smith. 111. by Richard Lauter. Delacorte. 160 pp. ISBN 0-385-29314-3*.

US$12.95. Paper ed., Dell. ISBN 0

440-49276-9. US$2.25. Peter declares war when his grand father moves in and takes over his room. Readers love the sly and

naughty tricks the two warring par ties play on each other. Students identified with Peter, who was writ

ing this story because his teacher asked him to. #3

Older readers

All Night Long. Francine Pascal. Paper ed., Bantam. 144 pp. ISBN 0-553 23943-0. US$2.50.

This book is part of the Sweet Val

ley High series. Elizabeth worries about her twin sister, Jessica, whose new boyfriend is not a boy but a man ?mustache and all! A student remarked that this would

make a great script for a television

soap opera. #3 And Nobody Knew They Were There. Otto R. Salassi. Greenwillow. 192 pp. ISBN 0-688-00940-9. US$9.50.

Adventure, danger, and tension

make this a compelling story for older readers who love the way two

13-year-old boys outwit a lot of

adults-including some U.S. Ma

rines. #1

College Basketball: You Are the Coach. Nate Aaseng. 111. with photo graphs. Lerner. 104 pp. ISBN 0-8225 1555-5*. US$8.95. Paper ed., Dell. ISBN 0-440-99839-5. US$2.25.

The reader becomes the coach in 10 crucial situations from 10 NCAA basketball tournament games be tween 1956 and 1983. Sports

minded children enjoy making decisions about basketball strate

gies. The actual results are provided for comparison. #5

College Football: You Are the Coach. Nate Aaseng. 111. with photographs.

Lerner. 104 pp. ISBN 0-8225-1556 3*. US$8.95. Paper ed., Dell. ISBN 0-440-99840-9. US$2,25.

Readers enjoy calling the right of fensive and defensive plays from critical situations in 10 of history's

most exciting college bowl games. Readers can compare their strate

gies with the actual plays. #5

Fantasy Summer. Susan Beth Pfeffer. Pacer. 204 pp. ISBN 0-399-21086-5.

US$10.95. Papered., Pacer. F

Any teenage girl who's ever dreamed of being on her own with a

glamorous job is captivated by this

story. Sixteen-year-old Robin

spends a summer in New York City. It's a dream come true; it's a Fantasy Summer! #5

Friends Are Like That. Patricia Hermes. HBJ. 128 pp. ISBN 0-15-229722-7. US$12.95. Papered., Scholastic/Apple. ISBN 0-590-33558-8. US$2.25.

Adolescent readers easily identify with the problems of friendship, loyalties, and being in the "out"

group. The kindergarten friendship between Tracy and Kelly is strained

by the struggle to be part of the

popular group in junior high school. #3

Ghosts Beneath Our Feet. Betty Ren

Wright. Holiday. 144 pp. ISBN 0 8234-0538-9. US$10.95. Papered., Scholastic/Apple. ISBN 0-590-33704




1. US$2.25. The combination of a ghost story, set at the site of a tragic mining ac

cident that took place 30 years ago, and a story of four vulnerable peo

ple trying to become a family in

trigues older readers. The conflicts between adults and children, and

brother and sister are very real. #1 The Graveyard and Other Not-So

Scary Stories. William Warren. 111. by Edward Frascino. Prentice. 96 pp. ISBN 0-13-363623-2. US$10.95.

Horror and comic relief alternate in

the split sequences of four short sto

ries. Readers flip to a specific page to discover the rational way out of a

difficult situation and the story con

tinues. #2 Hercules. Retold by Bernard Evslin.

111. by Jos. A. Smith. Morrow. 160 pp. ISBN 0-688-02748-2. US$9.25.

The classic Greek tale of the man of

superhuman strength is retold in a

spare, quickly-moving text with lots

of dialog and an emphasis on the

personalities of the characters, both mortals and gods. Young readers

found it "exciting" and "better than most myths." #1

The Hero and the Crown. Robin Mc

Kinley. Greenwillow. 256 pp. ISBN 0

688-02593-5. US$11.50. Paper ed.,

Ace/Berkley. F A strong female protagonist, high fantasy, great adventure, and a sub

tle love story with a happily-ever after ending cause young fantasy lovers to rate this "one of the best

books I've ever read." (1985 New

bery Medal) #1 / Want to Go Home! Gordon Korman.

Paper ed., Scholastic/Apple. 192 pp. ISBN 0-590-33046-2. US$2.25.

Rudy Miller, determined to have a

rotten time at summer camp, takes

the reader through hilarious esca

pades, many of which he causes. #2

It's About Time. Bernai C. Payne, Jr.

Macmillan. 180 pp. ISBN 0-02

770230-8. US$10.95. Paper ed.,


Archway. F

What if your parents had never got ten together? Chris and Gail go back in time to 1955 to witness their parents' first date and acciden

tally prevent it. Desperately, they try to play Cupid to their teenage

parents and secure their birthright. #4

Kiss Me, Creep. Marian Woodruff.

Paper ed., Bantam. 144 pp. ISBN 0

553-24150-8. US$2.25. When Joy Wilder met Richie Bren nan at her new school, it was hate at

first sight. Not until their senior

year, when they are voted senior fa

vorites, did they realize they did not

hate each other at all. Typical teen

age characters in the Sweet Dreams

series. #4 Lovebirds. Janet Quin-Harkin. Paper ed:, Bantam. 160 pp. ISBN 0-553 24181-8. US$2.25.

When Tiffany Johns has to join her

film-maker father in Australia, she's uneasy. Students enjoy learn

ing about life in the Australian out

back, while becoming involved in a

teenage love story. Part of the Sweet Dreams series. #3

The Mystery of the Smashing Glass. William Arden. Random. 176 pp.

ISBN 0-394-96550-7*. US$5.99. Pa

per ed., Random. ISBN 0-394-86550 2. US$1.95.

Three detectives attempt to solve

the mystery of shattering car win

dows all over town. Students de

scribe this book as "filled with

clues, culprits, and comedy!" #3

Paper Dolls. Susan Beth Pfeffer. Paper ed., Dell. 144 pp. ISBN 0-440-96777 5. US$2.50.

Older girls enjoy reading about the

pitfalls and rewards of the glamor ous life of a fashion model. The

idea that one might deliberately leave that world to be an ordinary

teenager is appealing. #1 The Presidents Daughter. Ellen Emer son White. Paper ed., Avon. 256 pp.



ISBN 0-380-88740-1. US$2.95. The complications of teenage life for 16-year-old Meghan Powers in crease when her mother, the Massa

chusetts senator, becomes President of the United States. A timely story. #2

Taffy Sinclair Strikes Again. Betsy

Haynes. Paper ed., Bantam. 128 pp. ISBN 0-553-15235-1. US$2.25.

Jana Morgan finds the road to sixth

grade popularity a rocky one. Iso

lated when her friends find her too

critical, she befriends the enigmatic Taffy Sinclair, learning almost too

late that to have a friend, you must

first be one. #4 Truth or Dare. Susan Beth Pfeffer. Four Winds/Macmillan. 144 pp. ISBN 0-02-774680-1. US$9.95. Paper ed.,

Scholastic/Apple. ISBN 0-590-32529

9. US$2.25. Without her two best friends, sixth

grader Cathy knew junior high would be a nightmare, until she met

beautiful, sophisticated Jessica.

Trying desperately to win Jessica's

friendship, Cathy nearly loses all her friends, old and new. #4

When Love Dies. Francine Pascal. Pa

per ed., Bantam. 144 pp. ISBN 0-553 25035-3. US$2.50.

When Steven and Tricia break up, Steven's identical but opposite twin sisters try to help. Impulsive Jessica fixes up Steven with her best friend, and perceptive Elizabeth looks for the real reason for Tricia's strange behavior. Part of the Sweet Valley High series. #4

Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush ?

Jerry Spinelli. Little, Brown. 228 pp. ISBN 0-316-80712-5. US$12.95. Pa

pered., Dell. F

Megamouth, who is really 12-year old Megin, is at war with her older brother Greg, also known as

Grosso, in this humorous story told in alternating first-person chapters

by Megin and Greg. #2

Growth in children's social perceptions of a story In a Japanese study of children's ability to understand and judge the behavior

of characters in a story, 453 students in grades three through six heard a story called "The Five-Colored Deer" and were then asked to write their thoughts about the man who betrayed the deer. The children's responses were catego rized according to the perspectives they attributed to the man and the deer.

Three developmental stages of role-taking were identified in the children's

responses. In the first stage, third graders judged the man mainly on the basis

of his overt behavior. In the second stage, fourth and fifth graders began to

understand, albeit insufficiently, the perspective of the man. In the third stage, fifth and sixth grade children could reflect on the mutual feelings between the

man and the deer and could judge the man from a social perspective. The study has been reported by Kanjiro Nakayama of the Joetsu University

of Education in the journal of the Japanese Reading Association, The Science

of Reading, vol. 28, no. 4 (December 1984), pp. 130-39 (text in Japanese).




Documents

Children's Choices for 1985