REVIEWS FOR NORWOOD HOUSE PRESS TITLES
The Funny Zone
THE FUNNY ZONE-SERIES REVIEW
"The "Funny Zone" series is a set of books filled cover to cover with hilarious jokes sure to appeal to young readers in second through fourth grade. In addition to the humor, all three books also have creative writing exercises designed to stimulate youthful imagination. Each book has a different theme: Animal Zone (9781599531397, $19.95), History Zone (9781599531410, $19.95), and Sports Zone (9781599531441, $19.95). All three are delightfully amusing and make ideal gifts or rainy-day entertainment for children."
Midwest Book Review, June 2008
"Finally, joke books with more to them than just the same old gags rehashed with new names and places (although there are some of those, too). They also teach children how to write rib-ticklers of their own. After several chapters of jokes, each one describes a specific type ("Daffynitions" in Classroom, tongue twisters in Let's Eat, riddles in Let's Go, and puns in Science) and how to write it. Readers are encouraged to brainstorm and to submit entries of their own to the publisher in hopes of having them posted on its Web site and perhaps included in a future book. Brightly colored, eye-catching cartoons complement the texts."
School Library Journal, July 2008
The New Matt Christopher Sports Library
CENTER COURT STING
Matt Christopher
"Gr. 3-5. Daren McCall, the hot-tempered star forward of the Rangers, is blaming everyone but himself for how badly the team is playing-especially center Lou Bettman. Lately Lou's game has been off, and Daren has been taking every opportunity to point it out, usually in front of their teammates. It's not only Lou Daren finds fault with. A young neighbor who has just taken an interest in basketball, the team's towel boy, and even Lynn, Daren's best friend and teammate, fall victim to his sharp barbs. His conversion to Mr. Nice Guy, which occurs halfway through the book, is much too quick to be convincing, and the novel's outcome is predictable. What Christopher handles better is the exciting basketball play-by-play; it's edge-of-your-seat suspense that won't disappoint the author's many fans."
Booklist (Vol. 95, No. 9/10, January 1, 1999)
"Daren is a success on the basketball court, but his tendency to cast blame and make hurtful remarks alienates his teammates and even damages his relationship with the young neighbor boy he is coaching. As in most Matt Christopher stories, the protagonist learns an unsubtle lesson about sportsmanship and team-playing in a novel that includes lots of sports action."
Horn Book (Spring 1999)
"Gr. 4-8-Hothead Daren McCall can't control his temper. He thinks the world is out to get him and blames his errors and failures-both on and off the basketball court-on everyone else. When his friends are barely speaking to him and the coach has threatened to bench him or kick him off the team, Daren finally realizes his problem. This is a good story with plenty of game action. It gets its lesson across without being preachy and holds readers' interest. The characters are clearly drawn and likable. Although they are probably junior-high age, and the subject matter, theme, and action, will keep older readers engaged, the reading level and simple explanations of basketball plays and defenses make the story accessible to younger children. Mark another one in the win column for Matt Christopher."
School Library Journal (January 1999)
"Written in contemporary style, this fast paced sports action paperback moves the reader through a season with the Rangers-a basketball team reported to be the best in the league. Daren blames everyone but himself when the Rangers go through a slump, including a teammate, his best friend, and a young neighbor. Daren finally realizes he is part of the problem and learns to be a real team player. The dialogue is realistic. The action will be sure to please any young sports fan. Christopher scores another win. 1998, Little Brown, $3.95. Ages 8 to 12."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
MOUNTAIN BIKE MANIA
Matt Christopher
"Gr. 5-7. Matt Christopher has put together another solid sports novel, this one featuring all-terrain cycling. When the story opens, sixth-grader Will Matthews is floundering after school now that both of his parents are working. Most of his afternoons are spent watching television, and he's started to put on a little weight. His parents insist that he get involved in some kind of after-school activity, but nothing clicks until he joins the mountain bike club. Will takes to it almost immediately, and his problems seem to be solved. But how could he ever guess that the club will nearly cost him his best friend and become the center of a school controversy? The action and the issues fly fast and furiously in the latest addition to the Christopher cache. As in all of his works, the thrills and the responsibilities have equal weight."
Booklist, February 1, 1999
"Gr. 3-6-This sturdy and fast-moving novel posits a simple situation: an avowedly unathletic sixth-grader, pushed by his parents to find an after-school activity, discovers and falls in love with mountain biking. Will and Danny's friendship is endangered by Will's new passion and Danny's resistance to it. Both characters are well drawn, and their dialogue-whether angry or affectionate-rings quite true and reveals the common sense and good hearts of both boys. Needless to say, Christopher tidily resolves their disagreements as well as the book's subplots-a conflict between bikers and hikers; Will's parents' tendency to work too much and leave him a latchkey kid; and the bike club's need for new members and better PR, especially to make up for the behavior of an immature member. The issues that Christopher addresses-usage of public spaces, responsibility to the environment, the necessity of parents balancing work and child rearing, friends respecting one another's differences-are worked into the plot, rather than placed atop it, and Will's loving family environment, if a tad too perfect, is also reassuring and endearing."
School Library Journal (March 1999)
"In Mountain Bike Mania, Will fights after school loneliness and TV addiction by joining his middle school mountain biking club. Spike It! Concerns Jamie's resentment when her new stepsister joins her volleyball team. Kids will appreciate reading about two sports not generally explored in fiction. The prose has contemporary references and language; the tried-and-true Christopher style stressing sportsmanship and family values remains heavy-handed. Category: Intermediate Fiction. 1999, Little, 148pp, $15.95, $3.95. Ages 9 to 12. Rating: 4: Recommended, with minor flaws."
Horn Book (Horn Book Guide, Fall 1999)
SNOWBOARD SHOWDOWN
Matt Christopher
"Two brothers compete with each other in an intense case of sibling rivalry in a book addressing adolescent concerns. Snowboarding, a popular extreme sport, is the preferred form of competition between the brothers and their peers. The brothers come to blows throughout the novel, as they search of their own identities and their places in the family unit. Readers are carried through the lives of these two young men to the defining moment of their fraternal relationship. Matt Christopher is able to pull contemporary, young adult reader into the novel by using teenage slang and through his understanding of adolescent social angst. From the bullies to the friends, the characters are endearing and memorable. Christopher has taken a familiar young adult theme and produced an action filled adventure that instructs as it entertains."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
"Cap's rural Texas town is too small for a football league, until Grandpa suggests starting six-man teams. In Snowboard, Mexican-American brothers Freddie and Dondi challenge each other to a pair of snowboarding competitions. The typical Christopher formula of pedestrian plots, limited characterization, and lots of sports action keeps current by including disabled and minority characters, as well as a few contemporary expressions. Category: Intermediate Fiction. Rating: 4: Recommended, with minor flaws."
Horn Book (Horn Book Guide, Spring 2000)
Team Spirit Series
TEAM SPIRIT- SERIES REVIEW
"This list represents recommended nonfiction sports-related series that have been released over the past year. After evaluation by reviewers, titles are grouped under series name and listed alphabetically by author."
- Stewart, Mark. The Chicago White Sox. 2006. 48p. lib. Ed., $18.95(1-59953-060-0).
- Stewart, Mark. The Denver Broncos. 2006. 48p. lib. Ed., $18.95 (1-59953-066-X).
- Stewart, Mark. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
- 2006. 48p. lib. Ed., $18.95 (1-59953-061-9).
- Stewart, Mark. The New York Mets. 2006. 48p. lib. Ed., $18.95 (1-59953-002-3).
- Stewart, Mark. The Pittsburgh Steelers. 2006. 48p. lib. Ed., $18.95 (1-59953-063-5
- Note: Series last reviewed in BKL Ap. 1 06, under Stewart, Mark. Gr. 3-5."
- Booklist, September 1, 2006, Sport Series RoundUp
TEAM SPIRIT- SERIES REVIEW
"Young sports fans will welcome this series' offerings covering major basketball, football, and baseball teams. Each book begins with an introduction to the team, some history, and information on the team today. The venue in which the team plays is described with many statistics. The team's uniforms, and the changes these have had over the years, as well as an introduction to the parts of the uniform specific to each sport, are covered. The books give vital statistics on pioneers and super stars of each team. Unfamiliar words related to the sport are typed in bold and explained in either the glossary, or in a separate section of "other words to know." A section of "Fun Facts" offers supplemental information, such as Joe DiMaggio marrying Marilyn Monroe or David Robinson growing nine inches during his time at the Naval Academy. Records are listed, and a list of places to visit, as well as books, Web sites, and a map showing the birthplaces of the players, make these books useful for the browsing fan or the student doing a report on a favorite team. The tone is consistently positive, and controversy related to the team is kept out of the discussions. This series is valuable for the youngest sports fans. Timeline. Index. Recommended".
Library Media Connection, November/December 2006
TEAM SPIRIT- SERIES REVIEW
"The "Team Spirit series by Mark Stewart is an exciting and thoroughly "kid friendly' collection of historical, biographical, and pictorial introductions to several of the greatest baseball, football, and basketball teams in American history. Featuring the remarkable athletic accomplishments, achievements, records and historical landmarks of professional sports, the "Team Spirit" series includes baseball's The Atlanta Braves (159953007), The Chicago Cubs (1599530015), The Chicago White Sox (1599530060), and The New York Yankees (1599530031); football's The Dallas Cowboys (159953004X), The Indianapolis Colts (1599530058), The New England Patriots (1599530066), and The Philadelphia Eagles (1599530074); basketball's The Detroit Pistons (1599530-082), The Miami Heat (1599530090), The Phoenix Suns (159530104), and the San Antonio Spurs(1-59953-11-2). Providing young sports enthusiasts in grades 3 to 6 with the history of the team, the present day team lineup, the home stadium, history of the uniform, key players, team legends, a team timeline, fun facts, team influences and coaches, quotes, major records and awards, TOC, glossary, index, and places to for each team, the twelve volume "Team Spirit" series is very strongly recommended for school and community library collections."
Midwest Book Review, July 2006
TEAM SPIRIT- INDIVIDUAL TITLES
ATLANTA BRAVES
Mark Stewart
"As with other teams of Major League Baseball, the Atlanta Braves have a colorful history. Beginning as the Boston Red Stockings in the 1870s, they moved, Milwaukee then Atlanta, changed their name to the Braves, and during the late 1990 and early 2000 seasons were a force to be reckoned with in professional baseball. Author Mark Stewart brings together the history and story of this amazing team. Using good writing and solid information, the author provides young sports fans with a quality look at the Atlanta Braves. Photographs and illustrations included throughout the text enhance the amazing facts provided. Unlike many books about teams, Mark Stewart makes an effort to shed light on the great players who contributed and still contribute to the success of the Braves. A part of the "Team Spirit" series, Mr. Stewart's book illustrates the series' purpose of illustrating, "...that deep passion shared by the players and fans when they wear the same colors, watch the same scoreboard and cheer the same triumphs." Included are numerous sections of facts and player quotes, as well as sections for further exploration. This book provides fun and information to the young reader. 2006, Norwood House Press, $25.27. Ages 11 to 18."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
CHICAGO CUBS
Mark Stewart
"Die-hard Cubs fans remember all the moments in their team's history when they had the opportunity to go to the World Series of baseball or win a pennant. As if family, Cubs fans feel the emotion of the players personally when the Chicago Cubs win or lose. It is hard to explain to the average sports fan how people feel about the Cubs and why they hold such a special place in our baseball history. Author Mark Stewart, the master of the nonfiction book, allows younger readers into the storied history and notoriety of this famed ball club. He ties together the Cubs' amazing history and facts with well-written flair. Photographs and illustrations enhance the information within the pages of this book. A part of the "Team Spirit" series, Mr. Stewart's book illustrates the series' purpose of illustrating, "...that deep passion shared by the players and fans when they wear the same colors, watch the same scoreboard and cheer the same triumphs." Included are numerous sections of facts and player quotes, as well as sections for further exploration. What an amazing book for that young sports fan. 2006, Norwood House Press, $25.27. Ages 11 to 18."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Mark Stewart
"Winning the first American League Pennant in 1901 is not what most baseball fans and even historians focus on. It is the disgrace put upon the team in 1919 by eight White Sox players who conspired with gamblers to throw the World Series. Movies and books abound to tell the story of this moment in baseball history. Author Mark Stewart does not gloss over this moment in White Sox memory, nor does he dwell on it. Winning the 2005 World Series is how the Sox will be remembered in recent history. As with other books in the "Team Spirit" series, the author writes not only about the players but about the stadiums and the sport itself. For many younger readers the many but varied sections will keep them interested in the story of this interesting team. Numerous photographs do an excellent job of enhancing the information provided within the text. A good addition to any library nonfiction collection. 2006, Norwood House Press, $25.27. Ages 11 to 18."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
DALLAS COWBOYS
Mark Stewart
"In 1960, their first season, the Dallas Cowboys' football team did not win a single game. Fast forward to the year 2006. The Dallas Cowboys appeared in eight Super Bowls, winning five of them. Players like Tony Dorsett, Roger Staubach, and Troy Aikman are all players who contributed to the Dallas Cowboy success story. One of the most storied members of this team was their coach Tom Landry. His trademark suit and tie with a hat is remembered by young and old fans of the National Football League (NFL). Author Mark Stewart in this title of the "Team Spirit" series does a tremendous job providing young readers with detailed information about the colorful history that is the Dallas Cowboys. As with other books in the series, numerous sections of facts and player quotes are within the pages, as well as sections for further information. Color photographs enhance the text and the action in the game of football. This book is a good addition to any public or school library collection. 2006, Norwood House Press, $25.27. Ages 11 to 18. "
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
DALLAS MAVERICKS
Mark Stewart
"The Dallas Mavericks briefly covers the team's history and highlights. Divided into twenty short chapters, the book touches on the team's entrance into the NBA; its past superstars such as Brad Davis, Mark Aguirre, and Rolando Blackman; and focuses on its current stable of players, including perennial MVP candidate Dirk Nowitzki. Other aspects of the team are discussed, including the American Airlines Center, the Mavs' $420 million arena, and the Mavericks uniform styles, both past and present. "Legend Has It" and "It Really Happened" are two chapters sprinkled with lesser-known information and team trivia; both offer short but fascinating material.
The Pittsburgh Steelers chronicles the storied tradition and history of this team. Originally called the Pirates, the team's name was changed by owner Art Rooney in 1940 to reflect the town's main industry. This NFL book also contains twenty short chapters. Seventy-plus years of football obviously cannot be detailed in such a brief book, but Stewart covers most of the basics. The Super Bowl victories are discussed, past stars are profiled, and a few tidbits of trivia are included-such as running back Byron "Whizzer" White who led the NFL in rushing yards in 1938 and went on to be appointed to the Supreme Court by John F. Kennedy.
The Team Spirit series covers all the teams in the three major professional sports leagues-baseball, football, and basketball. Each book follows the exact same format, and the large print, colorful pictures, maps, time lines, and quotes make for an easy read and offer an eye-catching layout. Fans of the teams will not find much new information as the series is more of a basic introduction. Those with little knowledge of the sport or of the specific team would be well served to peruse these titles. Although most books provide a nice and simple introduction, some material is left out or forgotten. Several Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl titles were not listed on the time line of important team events. Most middle school sports fans will enjoy the series, but even some of these students might find the reading and material too simplistic. The series could also be useful for ESL students or teachers and librarians looking for low level/high interest nonfiction."
VOYA, October 2007
DETROIT PISTONS
Mark Stewart
"The scrappiest team in the National Basketball League, the Detroit Pistons began their history as an after work company team back in the 1930s. Interestingly enough it would be this factory team mentality that would lead the Pistons to NBA championships in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2004. Known for their rough play, the Pistons would be led to their first NBA championship by the amazing finesse player Isiah Thomas. His ability to pass the ball and bring it up the court made him the key to their success. Players like Bill Lambier plugged up the holes of their defense with iron play, making many who drove to the net regret their decision. Author Mark Stewart does a stellar job profiling this colorful team in this title of the "Team Spirit" series. In accordance with the theme of the series, Mr. Stewart emphasizes the team's togetherness attitude. While many other basketball teams have superstars light their way, the ability of the Pistons to mesh unknown players is what makes them great. Included are numerous sections of facts and player quotes, as well as sections for further exploration. This book provides fun and information to the young reader. 2006, Norwood House Press, $25.27. Ages 11 to 18."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Mark Stewart
"Named the Indianapolis Colts, the team with the simple horseshoe on their helmet is anything but simple. Originally they were called the Baltimore Colts. When their team owner wanted a new stadium and Maryland would not comply, he moved them to Indianapolis. Interestingly, the Colts today are known for the same style of play they had when in Baltimore and when they were winning Super Bowls. Johnny Unitas led the Colts with his amazing passing prowess. Today it is in that same tradition that Peyton Manning, son of former professional football quarterback Archie Manning, is using to lead a talented and determined team. Mark Stewart has written a colorful and informative book. Color photographs grace the pages and make the legendary Colts come alive. As with other titles in the "Team Spirit" series, Stewart not only describes the history and skill of the Colts, but their team play and strong bonds as a professional athletic team. Included are numerous sections of facts and player quotes, as well as sections for further exploration. This book provides fun and information to the young reader. A good addition to any library. 2006, Norwood House Press, $25.27. Ages 11 to 18."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
MIAMI HEAT
Mark Stewart
Stewart, Mark. The Miami Heat. 2006. 48p. illus. index. Norwood House, lib. ed., $18.95 (0-59953-009-0). 796.323.
"Gr. 3–5. This entry in the "Team Spirit" series will give middle grade fans of the Southeast Conference powerhouse both plenty of basketball action, and a roster of the major players in the team's relatively short history. Focusing on the Heat's reputation for strong defense, Stewart chronicles its ups and downs to the beginning of the 2005-2006 season, briefly profiles 11 "Go-To Guys" from Rony Seikaly to Alonso Mourning and Shaq, glances at uniforms, game highlights, coaches and fans, then closes with pages of facts, sound bite quotes, and a quick look at basketball rules. Sure to be a popular choice for recreational as well as assignment reading, this introduction is capped with a very abbreviated multimedia resource list, but well endowed with colorful action and trading card photos."
Booklist , April 1st, 2006.
"The 2006 National Basketball Association (NBA) champions have much to celebrate. They exemplify the series title, "Team Spirit," when one learns of their history both as a team and with the many individuals who are the Miami Heat. Too often teams are comprised of a few stars and they "lead" the team to victory. There are some amazing players on the Heat, but one cannot read this book without being amazed at the stories the players and team provide. The most spectacular is the story of Alonzo Mourning. However, to know the details surrounding his story readers will have to pick up this book. Mark Stewart does a tremendous job describing both the history and success of the team as well as their struggles. Numerous photographs throughout this title provide readers with much to learn. Throughout the book, the number and variety of sections provides quite an entertaining read for any sports fan. Not only do the books in this series provide readers information on the teams highlighted, but also some of the basics of the sport being discussed. Contributions of coaches and other staff members are also highlighted in this informative series. This book is a good addition to any nonfiction collection. 2006, Norwood House Press, $25.27. Ages 11 to 18."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Mark Stewart
"Imagine, you are a member of one of the better teams in the National Football League (NFL), but you do not get into very many real games. Someone comes to you and says, "I know you've only thrown three passes, but you will win the Super Bowl this year." What would you say? Like most, you would smile and wonder if the person was crazy. However, that is exactly the story behind the New England Patriots Super Bowl victory in 2002 under the leadership of Tom Brady. A part of the "Team Spirit" series, this title treats readers to some of the amazing stories surrounding this interesting team. Author Mark Stewart skillfully weaves the history of the New England Patriots into a tapestry of fun for younger readers. He begins as with all books in this series with history, then follows with many of the achievements and stories surrounding individual players and coaches. Stories like the one above abound in the history of the Patriots. Of course to read about the "Snow Plow" game, readers will have to open the cover of the book. Photographs included in the text really help illustrate the players and their time as Patriots. This book is a good addition to any nonfiction library collection. 2006, Norwood House Press, $25.27. Ages 11 to 18."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
NEW YORK YANKEES
Mark Stewart
"Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Roger Maris were the beginning players who created the awesome history of the New York Yankees. Founded in 1901, the Yankees began their rise to fame. Early on, over a forty year period they won the World Series twenty times. No other team has duplicated this feat. Today, they are a force to be reckoned with in Major League Baseball. Throughout the history of the Yankees they have been known for the big hitters in their history. Until just recently Roger Maris's record of sixty-one home runs in a season was one of the longest standing records in sports history. Open this title in the "Team Spirit" series and you are treated to the excellent writing of author Mark Stewart. With his usual flair, Mr. Stewart is able to turn simple factual information into colorful history. As with other books in the series, different sections meshed with abundant photographs allow readers to stay entertained as they read. This book is a good addition to any nonfiction library collection. 2006, Norwood House Press, $25.27. Ages 11 to 18."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Mark Stewart
"The National Football League (NFL) is made up of teams with interesting histories. The Philadelphia Eagles make up a part of the colorful tapestry. Founded after the Great Depression, they were named the Eagles because the symbol for the New Deal programs was an eagle. Being in Philadelphia, the birth place of Democracy is also an important distinction for this team. While they have been national champions, their notoriety is in the players who with drive and a little flair have stood out. Defensive player Reggie White, quarterback Ron Jaworski, and currently Randal Cunningham are just a few of these players. Author Mark Stewart delivers to readers a wealth of information regarding this team. Part of the "Team Spirit" series of books, the photographs and text help readers to see how the Philadelphia Eagles exemplify the spirit of team. The different sections, characteristic of all the books within the series, allow the reader variety and focus on areas sometimes left out of informational books. This is a valuable resource for any school or public library nonfiction collection. 2006, Norwood House Press, $25.27. Ages 11 to 18."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
PHOENIX SUNS
Mark Stewart
"Never having won a National Basketball Championship (NBA) has never dampened the competitive fire of the Phoenix Suns. In fact, over the past several years they have been one of the more successful teams in the NBA. With players like Charles Barkley, Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire, the Suns make up for the lack of championships through the flair of these players. Like his other books in the "Team Spirit" series, author Mark Stewart is able to capture the skillful play and togetherness of the Suns. As most sports fans know the fun of the Phoenix Suns is that while they have had their share of stars, they have often been known for the depth of their team and the players' ability to work together. As with other books in the "Team Spirit" series, the author writes not only about the players but about the stadiums and the sport itself. For many younger readers the many but varied sections will keep them interested in the story of this interesting team. Numerous photographs do an excellent job of enhancing the information provided within the text. A good addition to any library nonfiction collection. 2006, Norwood House Press, $25.27. Ages 11 to 18."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Mark Stewart
"This is from the publisher's Team Spirit series of NFL football team information books designed for grades 3 to 6. Designed to provide meaningful background information about the team so that young people can understand why it's fun to be a fan, this book covers not only its modern times, but how the team got started; what they've worn over the years; and many positive aspects and memories. This book presents valid reasons why Steeler fans can and should be proud of their football team. At the same time, it stretches the readers' vocabularies with specialty words and an excellent in-the-back glossary. We rated this book five hearts."
Heartland Reviews, August, 2006
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Mark Stewart
George Gervin , David Robinson, and now Tim Duncan, the Spurs have become three-time NBA champions. Mark Stewart combines his exciting writing style with good information to provide readers with an interesting insight into the team story. Mr. Stewart writes about their struggles as well as their triumphs to become one of the modern day basketball dynasties. As with his other books in the "Team Spirit" series, the author writes not only about the players, but about the stadiums and the sport itself. For many younger readers the many but varied sections will keep them interested in the story of this interesting team. Numerous photographs do an excellent job of enhancing the information provided within the text. A good addition to any library nonfiction collection. 2006, Norwood House Press, $25.27. Ages 11 to 18."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
BEGINNING-TO- READ BOOKS
COME TO SCHOOL, DEAR DRAGON
Margaret Hillert; Illustrated by David Helton
"This lively whimsical story is about a boy and his pet dragon. The adorable green pet dragon follows the boy to school where they participate in classroom and playground activities together. Attractive colorful illustrations complement the simple, predictable text and provide additional details that enrich the story. This "Beginning To Read" book contains many high frequency words, repetitive text, and basic phonetic patterns, supporting fluency and comprehension. This updated library version includes features such as a word list, suggestions for teachers and caregivers, and activities to promote reading success. Young readers will enjoy this simple text about the antics of a boy and his pet dragon because it will capture the imagination and appeal to children who are learning to read simple text while enjoying imaginative stories. 2006, Norwood House Press, $18.60. Ages 3 to 7."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
GO TO SLEEP, DEAR DRAGON
Margaret Hillert ; Illustrated by David Heltonbr />Norwood House Press, $18.65 and $13.95. 2006
"This title for emerging readers, part of the "Beginning-to-Read" series from Norwood House Press, is a reprint of a classic story by Margaret Hillert. As with all the books in this series, the story features text in large, plain type; is told in common sight words that are repeated often, allowing beginning readers ample recognition practice; and is accompanied by illustrations that expand on the plotline, along with cues that will help children develop story comprehension skills. This story stars a young boy and his pet dragon, and begins as they are both falling asleep. The boy dreams of brave knights and tall castles, of jousting tournaments and dragon eggs. Readers are entertained by the boy's imaginary tale of how he finds his beloved pet, all the while practicing word recognition skills. This particular title is the first of the "Dear Dragon" series, one of Hillert's most popular and educationally-acclaimed series, and it is one that today's kids will love just as well. This version includes an introduction with reading tips for parents by literacy consultant, Shannon Cannon; a complete vocabulary list; and five reading reinforcement mini-lessons developed in response to recent findings by the National Reading Panel. 2006, Norwood House Press, $18.60 and $14.75. Ages 5 to 7".
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR DRAGON
Margaret Hillert; Illustrated by Carl Kock
"Happy Birthday, Dear Dragon is typical of the many other similar beginning-to-read books by Margaret Hillert which remain popular with primary teachers. Together the original text written at a primer level and the full color child like illustrations tell the story of a little boy who chooses a dragon as a birthday present. The books should appeal to the imaginations of beginning readers….are [a] well worth purchase by all primary school libraries as excellent supplemental independent readers."
School Library Journal, December 1978.
IT'S CHRISTMAS, DEAR DRAGON
Margaret Hillert; Illustrated by Carl Kock
"This updated "Beginning-to-Read Book" is another title in the "Dear Dragon" series. Dragon and his human companion are seen cavorting in the snow as this early reader opens. Dragon's fire breathing trick is very handy for snow removal. Employing the restricted vocabulary suitable for the target age does not hamper the delight with which the little boy and Dragon prepare for Christmas by cutting down "something for the house" that is "not too little…not too big." Of course, they have a great time decorating the tree, making cookies, and simply enjoying being together. Dragon puts on a beard and a Santa hat for an amusing scene. To finish off the day Dragon lights the logs in the fireplace. "Here you are with me. And here I am with you. Oh, what a merry Christmas, dear dragon." The cartoon illustrations utilize bold colors, with red and green predominating the clothing and scenery. The message is subtle, and presents are not featured in this useful little reader. New readers will feel empowered with the success of reading this story about friends at the Christmas season. Picture clues abound to help carry the story forward and provide hints to struggling readers. The back matter includes reading reinforcement activities for caregivers and a word list. 2006 (orig. 1981), Norwood House, $18.60. Ages 3 to 7."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
IT'S HALLOWEEN, DEAR DRAGON
Margaret Hillert; Illustrated by Carl Kock
"If you'd like your child to read an interesting story about Halloween, this could be it. A small dragon and a little boy have the most fun at Halloween. First, they play in the colorful leaves, next they help the boy's father to rake them. The boy and dragon select a large pumpkin for Father to carve into a jack-o'-lantern, and a small pumpkin for Mother to make into a pie. Dear Dragon wins a prize for looking so funny. At last the dragon takes the happy boy for a ride in the sky, where they see a witch in the sky on a broom. This "Beginning-to-Read" book has a brief letter to the caregiver with suggestions for helping the child read this book comprised mainly of common sight words. Several pages at the close of the book give Reinforcement Activities. The sixty-four-word list is given to help the child become familiar with words in the text. There are other "Dear Dragon" books in this series that children will also enjoy. 2007 (orig. 1981), Norwood House Press, $18.60. Ages 4 to 7."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
MAGIC BEANS
Margaret Hillert; Illustrated by Mel Pekarsky
"This book is part of the "Beginning-to-Read" series designed for children who are just learning to read. It is a retelling of the Jack in the Beanstalk story that is probably familiar to most young readers. The book uses only 44 words to tell the story. Prior knowledge will be important for children's understanding of the book because of its rigid adherence to controlled vocabulary that often makes the plotline confusing. The extremely simple text using high frequency and phonetically common words, however, will help even the earliest readers be successful with this book. Books intentionally written at a specific reading level whose primary purpose is to teach reading skills will almost always suffer in terms of plot, characterization, and other elements necessary for high-quality literature. Teachers may find the exercises in the back of the book useful as a teaching tool for early reading instruction. Parents, however, may find these exercises, which use educational jargon from the National Reading Panel, confusing. 2006, Norwood House Press, $18.60. Ages 4 to 6."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
WHO GOES TO SCHOOL
Margaret Hillert; Illustrated by Nan Brooks
"Readers of this delightful text will discover that children as well as animals can go to school. School can be fun for children and there are many different things that dogs, elephants, and cats can learn to do in training schools too. This charming story from the "Easy Stories" set of the "A Beginning-to-Read Book" series will intrigue young readers and pique their interests in animals. Children will read about sled dogs, seeing eye dogs, big circus cats, and dogs that can be trained to sit and stay. The appealing colorful illustrations provide additional rich details that enhance the story and ensure comprehension of the text. This updated library version includes text features such as a high frequency word list, suggestions for teachers and caregivers, and activities to promote reading success. This is an engaging text that will be treasured by young readers. It can be used by primary teachers in classrooms to support the teaching of reading and comprehension. It will be fun for children to read this book and, most likely, it will be read and enjoyed over and over again. 2006, Norwood House Press, $18.60. Ages 3 to 6."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
WHY WE HAVE THANKSGIVING
Margaret Hillert; Illustrated by Dan Siculan
"Part of the "A Beginning-to-Read" series, this title would be suitable through its illustrations for the reinforcement of the history of the Pilgrims departure from England to America via Holland. The text is aimed at the beginning reader, but it would need explanation to put it into historical perspective. The opening lines "I want you to go here. You have to do what I want. Go here. Go here." show a regally dressed person that children may recognize as "the king" pointing to a church building while two men dressed as "typical Pilgrims" (many historians do not think that Pilgrims wore square-shaped shoe buckles/ornaments) stand with heads down, looking forlorn. The two Pilgrims' entry through a rounded door is accompanied with text that reads "You can not do what you like. Get in here. Get in here. This is the spot for you." The next page shows the men in foot stocks in a stone-walled room with straw on the floor and a number of mice/rats. "We do not like this." And, so the plan is made to go away on a "big, big boat"--of course, by our standards it was actually extremely small. First they go to Holland, identified by the pictures of windmills and a storks' chimney nest and then we read "I guess Father and Mother did not like it." Young children can grasp that concept but the idea that the religious persecution was just a continuation of what was endured in England is not part of this story. "Now, sit down. Sit down. It is good to have something to eat. It is good to have friends," accompanies the illustration of the feast shared by the Natives and the "newcomers." The "Reading Reinforcement" pages at the back and the word list also found there will be of interest to those helping emergent readers to become more confident. Not recommended as a first purchase unless the need for the most basic of texts is a priority. 2007, Norwood House Press, $18.60. Ages 4 to 7."
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
