Children's Choices for 2005 (continued)

Poop: A Natural History of the Unmentionable

Nicola Davies. Ill. Neal Layton.

Poop is not just revolting and embarrassing but in fact is scientifically useful. Did you know that animal latrines send messages about group dynamics and population statistics? Through the child-like illustrations, children can enjoy exploring the mystery surrounding poop. (Team 4)

Candlewick Press. 64 pp. ISBN 0-7636-2437-3 (trade). US$15.99. CAN$18.99.

Rainbow Soup: Adventures in Poetry

Brian P. Cleary. Ill. Neal Layton.

This is a very cleverly written and illustrated book about all kinds of poems, limericks, and rhymes. From alliteration to simile, readers found this book most interesting! This book would also be a great teaching aid. (Team 2)

Carolrhoda Books/Lerner Publishing Group. 88 pp. ISBN 1-57505-597-X (trade). US$16.95. CAN$25.95.

Roger the Jolly Pirate

Brett Helquist. Ill. by the author.

Roger isn't like the other pirates. He longs to be accepted and finally manages a way to earn their favor with quite a bang. This is a delightful glimpse into the life and vocabulary of a pirate. (Team 3)

HarperCollins Children's Books. 40 pp. ISBN 0-06-623806-4 (library). US$16.89. ISBN 0-06-623805-6 (trade). US$15.99. Pb., F.

The Schoolchildren's Blizzard

Marty Rhodes Figley. Ill. Shelly O. Haas.

Readers follow two sisters through one of America's most dangerous storms, along with the teacher who saved them. Children respond to the danger faced by the children and to the afterword, which informs readers of the story's historical accuracy. (Team 1)

Carolrhoda Books/Lerner Publishing Group. 48 pp. ISBN 1-57505-586-4 (trade). US$23.93. Pb., ISBN 1-57505-619-4. US$5.95. CAN$9.95.

Something to Tell the Grandcows

Eileen Spinelli. Ill. Bill Slavin.

Emmadine, the cow, wants to be able to tell her grandchildren something special about her life. So she embarks on a trip to the South Pole. Children have a strong connection to animal books and adventures. (Team 2)

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. 32 pp. ISBN 0-8028-5236-X (trade). US$16.00.

There Once Was a Very Odd School and Other Lunch-Box Limericks

Stephen Krensky. Ill. Tamara Petrosino.

Filled with funny twisting limericks, this book celebrates familiar school topics ranging from the lunch lady to the playground bully. With a child's eye for entertainment, the pages come alive with humorous rhyming, analogies, and colorful illustrations. (Team 4)

Dutton Children's Books/Penguin Young Readers Group. 32 pp. ISBN 0-525-46974-5 (trade). US$10.99. CAN$16.50.

The Trial of Cardigan Jones

Tim Egan. Ill. by the author.

Cardigan Jones, clumsy new moose in town, finds himself in the middle of the case of a missing apple pie. As he moves past many misperceptions, all is resolved in court in this Law & Order take-off for kids. (Team 3)

Houghton Mifflin Company. 32 pp. ISBN 0-618-40237-3 (trade). US$16.00.

Tuff Fluff: The Case of Duckie's Missing Brain

Scott Nash. Ill. by the author.

When Duckie, resident storytelling toy of Los Attic, loses some of his brainy stuffing and can't tell tales anymore, Tuff Fluff, Private Investigator, is on the case. Creative surgery and sharing between friends puts Duckie back in action. Case closed. (Team 3)

Candlewick Press. 40 pp. ISBN 0-7636-1882-9 (trade). US$16.99. CAN$23.99.

What If You Met a Pirate?

Jan Adkins. Ill. by the author.

Hardly the dashing charmers we see in the movies, real pirates were smelly, barefoot, snaggle-toothed, seagoing bandits, more skilled at sewing than burying treasure. Colorfully illustrated pages dispel myths while providing facts and details about these infamous, but polite, scalawags. (Team 5)

Roaring Brook Press. 32 pp. ISBN 1-59642-077-9 (trade). US$16.95. CAN$23.95.

Advanced readers

Blackjack: Dreaming of a Morgan Horse

Ellen F. Feld.

Heather has dreamed of a horse that, to her amazement, is real. Heather must save the horse from a cruel trainer. Children will connect to the friendship of a cherished animal in danger and the need to rescue it. (Team 1)

Willow Bend Publishing. 199 pp. Pb., ISBN 0-9709002-3-6. US$9.99.

Death By Eggplant

Susan Heyboer O'Keefe.

Bertie is overwhelmed by his secret desire to become a Master Chef; by his clueless parents; and by his mortal enemy, Nick. Add in caring for a flour-sack baby for 10 days, and it's a recipe for laughter and self-discovery. (Team 3)

Roaring Brook Press. 144 pp. ISBN 1-59643-011-7 (trade). US$15.95. CAN$22.95.

Dream: A Tale of Wonder, Wisdom, & Wishes

Susan V. Bosak. Ill. various artists.

Children are whisked away on a vibrant journey of hopes and dreams. The book's message, to embrace your dreams, is told through poetic verse and the beautiful artwork of 15 celebrated illustrators. (Team 1)

TCP Press. 40 pp. ISBN 1-896232-04-3 (trade). US$17.95. CAN$23.95.

Edgar & Ellen Under Town

Charles Ogden. Ill. Rick Carton.

The cover art on this book immediately draws children's attention. The concept of twins and the mystery of a prankster draw students into the story plot. (Team 2)

Tricycle Press/Star Farm Productions. 140 pp. ISBN 1-58246-126-0 (trade). US$12.95.

Faraway Worlds

Paul Halpern. Ill. Lynette R. Cook.

Think about the intriguing possibily of the existence of other planets outside of our solar system. What might life be like there? Informative, colorful illustrations fill the pages and extend the text for readers fascinated with outer space. (Team 3)