Reviews (2)

Very cute Japanese Fairy Story
"The Girl Who Loved Caterpillars" is a very cute Japanese fairy story about a girl who goes against what girls are "supposed" to like and are "supposed" to act and follows her own path. (Incase you wanted to know: the movie/manga "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" was inspired by this story.) This story is very well written/translatted and is a good start for those looking for Japanese fairy stories. The values of the Japanese during Heian Period of Japan are presented as well as a message to be an individual that applies to the current day.

(And if you don't want to get that in-depth, it's a really good story too. ^_^)

The only problem I have with this is the ending. It's as if the author intended a second chapter but either didn't finish or it was lost. You're left wondering what happened to the Girl Who Loved Caterpillars.

Beautiful illustrations; lovely tale of medieval Japan
This is a marvellous presentation of the traditional Japanese tale ``The lady who loved insects''. It has an admirable protagonist in the title character who is sensible and strong, able to think for herself, who resists the pressures to conform. ... Read more

Book Description

On hot summer nights in New Orleans, a boy named Louis Armstrong would peek under the big swinging doors of Economy Hall and listen to the jazz band. The best night was Friday, when Bunk Johnson would blow his cornet till the roof trembled. At moments like those, Louis could feel his toes tingle. He wanted to be like Bunk Johnson; aim his horn straight up at the night sky and set the stars spinning.

One day Louis saw a horn in a pawnshop window--a real brass cornet. The cardboard sign said $5. How could he ever come up with that much money?Every day Louis did what he could to earn that five dollars, and every day he practiced blowing his imaginary horn. It was a dream he would never give up.

The vibrant, swinging world of New Orleans jazz seems to bounce off the pages in this tribute to an extraordinary young man. Louis Armstrong's dynamic personality and amazing trumpet playing would cast a spell on millions of people around the world, to whom he will always be the one and only Satchmo, the Ambassador of Jazz. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great resource
Beautiful tape of music to introduce to your children. Some songs are instrumental. Includes songs such as "Miss Mary Mack," "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud," "Lift Every Voice," "Kumbaya," etc. The book has the words with wonderful illustration of Black children. No sheet music, but a few arrangements are included. ... Read more

Book Description

From the ancient kingdom of Kush, whose black pharaohs ruled Egypt for nearly a century, to the sixteenth-century empire of the Kongo, whose emperor was so powerful he was able to halt the trade in slaves for a number of years, the African continent rang with a series of glorious civilizations that have had a lasting impact on the world's history, and on American culture. James Haskins and Floyd Cooper have won numerous awards for their books for young people, including several Coretta Scott King Honor awards. This groundbreaking book is their first collaboration. Index. Bibliography. All ages.

Consultants on this book were Dr. John Henrik Clarke, noted scholar of black history, and Dr. Enid Schildkrout, curator of anthropology, The American Museum of Natural History. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

African Beginnings
This book was very informative and full of wonderfully painted pictures. It has much information on many of the main countries in Africa including music, religion, etc... Great book for reports for the kids in school. ... Read more

Book Description

This spirited collection of poems introduces young readers to Danitra Brown, the most splendiferous girl in town, and her best friend, Zuri Jackson. "The poignant text and lovely pictures are an excellent collaboration, resulting in a look at touching moments of universal appeal."--School Library Journal. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Absolutely Wonderful Meet Danitra Brown
As a teacher for many years I have read and shared hundreds of books with students. This one is exceptional. Last year, desperate to really reach my third grade, low-achieving, inner city students, I looked through some books that I had put away. MEET DANITRA BROWN was among them, but for some reason I never read it before that moment. I took it to school the next day, hoping the children would enjoy the book, but not daring to hope for more. This powerfully poignant book elicited dialogue from my students as well as written responses that I didn't know was possible. What a motivator! Just because I taught third graders, please do not doubt the power of the text to transcend any age. The older a person the more they will be able to bring to the text. I would love to use this book with a group of inner city high school students. The rhythm and punch of the poetry(no turn-off to boys or girls at all)pulls the listener/reader in. The illustrations are icing on the (tough) cake of life. The lessons and morals within Nikki Grimes' language are unforgettable. I cannot say enough about the quality of this book except this: Fabulous! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Be Good to Eddie Lee ~ Virginia Fleming
This is a great book on teaching kids about differences. Everyone is different in their own ways, some people just show their differences more. Eddie Lee is treated wrongfully in this book becuase of his appearance. We hav eot learn to except people for who they are, not what they look like. Eddie Lee just wants to be the same as everyone else and fit in. Sometimes people get fed up with him though, and do not want to hang out with him. These are the tiems we have to be there for these people.

My favorite character in this book is Eddie. He just wants to be like everyone else and fit in. It is hard for him to make friends because sometimes people jsut don't want to hang out with him. It is hard for people to understand him, and he just wants to make friends. Thsi is one of my favorite childrens books. IT teaches a lot about children and how they think.

Be Good To Eddie Lee ~ Virginia Fleming
Be Good to Eddie Lee is a great book for children. I appreciate this book because most people treat Eddie Lee the way JimBob treats him. Eddie is special in his own ways. No one realizes that he is a good person at heart because they get the wrong impression. People these days just need to respect everyone. We are all different in our own ways, and we all have our unique qualities.

This a book that shows how certian people are treated. Eddie Lee is a great person at heart yet no one notices it. No matter what, everyone in life si different. We just need to realiize that. This story shows how great some people really are. We just have to look a little deeper to realize the simularities. People have difficult lives yet, we can all be friends in some way or another.

Poor Eddie Lee!
Although many seem to think that this is a delightful book, it is full of stereotyped information about people with Down syndrome that is outdated and offensive. Portraying Eddie as not caring that the children make fun of him, gives readers the idea that people with Down syndrome aren't bright enough to know when they are being made fun of. Always happy, always laughing--certainly not the real picture of people who have feelings, hopes and dreams just like you and I do. The illustrations, although lovely, exaggerate the physical characteristics some people with Down syndrome have in common. Instead of pointing out that people are more alike than different, this book points out differences. If you are looking for a book to educate readers about disability issues or Down syndrome, there are many better choices.

Sensitive read-aloud book
We used this book as spring board for our 2nd grade class Quaker meeting focusing on kindness and times when we've found that what matters is what's in the heart, not on the outside. All of us-- kids and teachers-- were moved to tears and the kids' responses were incredible. Well done book. Lots of applications. Luminous illustrations.

A gentle, atmospheric story with beautiful illustrations.
My children and I very much enjoyed this book. The descriptive writing beautifully depicts a summer day in the South. The story gently makes a point about a Downs Syndrome child and how other children view him and treat him, without cruelty or hitting the reader with a hammer. A lovely book to read and discuss with your child, with beautiful illustrations. ... Read more

Book Description

Every evening, old Miz Berlin walks around Mary Louise's long block, talking to herself. One day, the girl follows Miz Berlin, and finds that she's telling stories. And they're wonderful stories-about feathers falling from the sky, hurricanes of years past, and even her own birth. Every evening, Mary Louise walks with Miz Berlin, absorbing her tales. And when Miz Berlin can no longer walk, she leaves the girl stuffed full of stories to tell.

"This poignant book conveys through simple words the power of stories to build bridges between two very different people."-Booklist

"Yolen is pitch-perfect in her delivery of this tender tale."-Publishers Weekly ... Read more

Reviews (2)

heart and soul
Miz Berlin Walks is a favorite of mine and my tender-hearted young son, who, it seems, will never tire of reading this story and running his hands across the gorgeous illustrations that Floyd Cooper created to accompany it. Jane Yolen proves here once again that she is a writer who can engage children in stories that are not full of dancing bears and obvious lessons. What I appreciate so much about the way that Yolen approaches stories for young children is that she does not talk down to kids, nor does she assume that they see the world through rose-colored glasses. This story, in particular, deals with death and loss, and is sure to snag your voice up at the end when you read it out loud, but Yolen accomplishes a tender framework that makes the pain so very worthwhile. In addition, the book has a subtext that presents loving friendship between two people of different generatons and races -- what a lovely gift of perspective to give to your child!

Enjoyable for all generations
An evening stroll engenders an unexpected friendship between an elderly woman, and a young girl. The elderly lady (Miz Berlin) recounts her childhood through beautifully creative stories which capture the imagination of the young girl and further ignites her curiosity about her elderly friend. The book's soft and poignant illustrations reveal the innocent spirit of the young girl's imaginings and gently draws the reader into the fantasy.

I think adults and children - young girls especially - will enjoy reading Miz Berlin Walks. It is a tender, touching story that should be shared amongst all generations. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

On Mardi Gras Day
This is a lovely story depicting the fun and celebration of a New Orleans family during Mardi Gras. It draws on the cultural traditions of an African-American family as the author, Fatima Shaik, tells the story from her childhood memories. From rising early to dress in costumes for a day of street parties, watching Mardi Gras Indians in their beautiful newly hand-made suits, watching parades from Nanan's balcony, time at home with family and friends, and finally when night falls, walking to Canal Street with Papa to see the final parade, the special joy and celebration of Mardi Gras is shared by family and friends. Illustrations are beautiful and allow the reader an even more in depth understanding of the Mardis Gras celebration.

Note to teachers: This book is a must as you strive to teach diversity in your classroom. As many children will never be able to attend Mardi Gras, they will enjoy learning about this well-known celebration through this wonderful book. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

When Africa Was Home
My parents gave me this book for Christmas a few years ago, and, although I am a grown man, and I left Africa 15 years ago now, this book makes me cry, and want to return home. Like Peter, I'm a white African, although I'm a Kenyan. I miss Kenya, and even if I never get a chance to return, it will always be Home.

This book is a great gift for "third culture" kids, as well as for those trying to understand what it's like for kids to leave home and move far away.

The most wonderful children's book about Africa I have found
My daughter and I were simply delighted with this book, and we are voracious readers of tales from foreign lands. For the protagonist, a little American boy born in Africa, Africa is not another place, a foreign country, but the home that he knows and loves, described poignantly through the eyes of a child. It is the USA that is foreign and strange to him, although he acclimates with a sort of resigned acceptance. I won't spoil it by telling the end; I can only say that I hope you and your children enjoy it as much as we did. ... Read more

Book Description

Jolie has a lot to be scared about since the new Freedom School teacher, Annie, came to town. Bricks thrown through windows in the dead of night, notes filled with hate, and now a fire has burnt down the church where Annie was supposed to start teaching tomorrow! Without the church, how can she possibly teach Jolie and the other townspeople about black poets and artists, historians and inventors? Unless the people themselves fight back.

In this triumphant story based on the 1964 Mississippi Freedom School Summer Project, Amy Littlesugar and Floyd Cooper come together to celebrate the strength of a people, and the bravery of one young girl who didn't let being scared get in her way. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Beautiful Book
The eye-catching illustrations and the beautiful use of language makes this book a 'must have' for every classroom in America.

This story is about a young girl named Jolie who lived during the Civil Rights Era. Her town's battle to educate their children is a touching story that emphasizes the value of education.

For teachers, this book presents a social studies lesson about why education was so important to Jolie's town and how the experience connects to the educational opportunities students have today.

This book is a very valuable resource for all grades. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The King Lives!
I orginally purchased this book for my Mom who is a real huge Elvis Presley fan. She was delighted to add this book to her evergrowing collection of Elvis thins. One day, while listening to an Elvis CD - my four year old started asking questions about Elvis. Talk about coincidence! We pulled out the book and Grandma read the story based on Elvis's beginnings. She had tears in her eyes remembering how Elvis came from nothing and rose to such awesomeness. My four year old loved the book too. A great gift for an Elvis fan or for reading and teaching a young child about his life. Nicely written for children to understand and beatuifully illustrated. A must have!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Little David Earl always knows what day of the week it is. He can tell by the clean, snappy-fresh apron Ma Dear is wearing -- a different color for every day. Monday means washing, with Ma Dear scrubbing at her tub in a blue apron. Tuesday is ironing, in a sunshine yellow apron that brightens Ma's spirits. And so it goes until Sunday, when Ma Dear doesn't have to wear an apron and they can set aside some special no-work time, just for themselves.

In their first collaboration, Newbery Honor author Patricia McKissack and award-winninng illustrator Floyd Cooper lovingly recreate a slice of turn-of-the-century Southern life as it was for a single African-American mother and her son. ... Read more

Book Description

‘A cycle of a dozen lyrical poems exploring issues of African-American identity through delicately interwoven images. . . . Laden with meaning, the poetry is significant and lovely. Cooper's paintings, with vibrant, unsentimentalized characters in earth tone illumined with gold, are warm, contemplative'a beautiful complement to Thomas's eloquence. A must.' 'K. ‘Poems rooted in home, family, and the African-American experience…. Highly readable and attractive.' 'BL.

1994 Coretta Scott King Award Honor Book for Nonfiction
1994 Coretta Scott King Award Honor Book for Illustration
1994 Teachers' Choices (IRA)
Notable 1994 Childrens' Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)
1994 Notable Trade Books in the Language Arts (NCTE)
100 Books for Reading and Sharing (NY Public Library)

1993 "Pick of the Lists" (ABA) ... Read more

Book Description

"Cumbayah" is an enduring campfire song for children and a source of inspiration for adults. Though its roots are in the African-American tradition, it speaks to people of many different cultures, ages, and religious. With power and grace, Floyd Cooper depicts scenes from everyday life that emphasize how people all over the world are united in spirit. Here is an uplifting book that, with its simple lyrics, can also help teach children to read and sing. A historical note and a musical arrangement are included. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Beautiful People for a Beautiful Song
Floyd Cooper's luscious illustrations compliment the classic llulaby/campfire song that we all know from our childhood. Cooper's portraits of children and adults from all parts of the world emphasize the true meaning of the song - that we are all human. Cooper, A Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Illustrators winner, uses his talent at portraiture to foster cross-cultural understanding, and this book is a superb example! End pages have the music for piano and guitar. This book would be perfect for schools, scout troops, or your own family campfire!

stunning
Realism and beauty make this a truly magnificent mulitcultural addition to anyone's library -- child or adult. The words are simple for children, and familiar for adults. It inspires us to explore who we are as a people, both collectively and individually. It is a great book for launching important dialogue with children.

Cumbayah
This is one of the most beautifully illustrated books. It really encompasses the hymn that we have known all of our lives. Its multi-cultural theme makes it so relevant for children today. A must have for your child's collection.

beautiful illustrations of children from all over the world
After checking this book out from the library several times for my daughter, I have decided it would be a beautiful addition to our home library. Cooper illustrates children & adults from all over the world singing, sleeping, working, hurting, laughing, crying, and more. He gives a history of the song and word, cumbayah. We love music & singing and we love this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A storybook biography of Nelson Mandela, written and illustrated by Cooper. The pictures convey Mandela's character as he progresses from childhood--he is the son of an African chief--through the struggle to get a good education in apartheid-ridden South Africa, to his days as an activist for the African National Congress, and then as the most famous prisoner in the world, ending with his election as the first president of the new South Africa. Small children will not understand some of the historical references in the text, so help from teacher or parent will be required to add context for the child. The book offers an ideal story for such interaction. ... Read more

Book Description

Featured on the Dr. Laura show, Candy Boyd's simple, compelling words and the emotionally driven art of Floyd Cooper reveal the important relationships between children and their fathers in all their joy, vulnerability, and possibility."Lyrical prose pleads, in the voices of children, for fathers to show up for the little and big events in their lives, to share stories, to be constant and loving, to hold the family together in tough times, and to see life through their eyes....Compelling."-- School Library Journal"Boyd's poetic plea strikes deep notes that will ring true for many children and parents, and may be useful as a starting point for needed dialogue."-- Publishers Weekly ... Read more

Book Description

This lyrical celebration of the miracle of Christmas is now just the right size for little hands!Margaret Wise Brown's simple, poetic language brought to life by Floyd Cooper's spectacular paintings offer a fresh perspective on the Holy Family and the miraculous birth of Christ. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A true delight
I ran across this book when looking for Christmas books to read to my son. This is a wonderful book that tells the story of Christ's birth with vivid illustration that reflect us as African-Americans. Easy read for the young reader and reading aloud (as we did before we opened gifts). With delightful illustration for everyone as well.

Beautiful
My two year old son loves looking at the pictures in this book. The baby looks so real. I was pleased to find a book that is simple enough for a 2 year old to enjoy it and so beautiful that an adult will love reading it as well. My son especially likes the picture of the lovely mother gazing down at her child. Although the art work and Wise's poetry are what make the book enjoyable, the fact that the characters are people of color make this book a must have for our family. Because it seems very unlikely that Jesus was a blonde with blue eyes, I want to present images of a more colorful Jesus to my son. I also appreciate the depiction of many wise men from the East, not just 3.

Stunning illustrations
I borrowed this book from the public library and found that it took my breath away. Author Margaret Wise Brown has done many of what are now considered classics such as RUNAWAY BUNNY,LITTLE ISLAND and GOODNIGHT MOON has one more to add to her collection. The illustrations by Cooper are amazing. The realistic pictures of the newborn baby (which remind me so much of my own sons when they were that small)in the manger are very moving. Some narrow-minded people may be put off by the fact that the main characters are African American and the book "appears" to be depicting the Holy family, although Brown's text does not actually indicate this. I also find it ironic that two different online bookstores that I went to for this title do not actually have the cover displayed. The illustrations depicting angels are absolutely gorgeous. I took the book to work to share it with my co-workers who would appreciate it and they agreed with me. I was very reluctant to take it back because I knew I would not be able to have it over the Christmas holiday. I just have to have this book for my personal collection to share with my two sons. This book celebrates the miracle of life and the joy of two parents gazing upon their son with hopes for the future. I hope this book wins an ALA (Caldecott or Coretta Scott King) award or awards this year. ... Read more

Book Description

I have heard of a land
Where the imagination has no fences
Where what is dreamed one night
Is accomplished the next day

In the late 1880s, signs went up all around America - land was free in the Oklahoma territory. And it was free to everyone: Whites, Blacks, men and women alike. All one needed to stake a claim was hope and courage, strength and perseverance. Thousands of pioneers, many of them African-Americans newly freed from slavery, headed west to carve out a new life in the Oklahoma soil.

Drawing upon her own family history, National Book Award winner Joyce Carol Thomas has crafted an unforgettable anthem to these brave and determned people from America's past. Richly illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award honoree Floyd Cooper, I Have Heard of a Land is a glorious tribute to the Afrian-American pioneer spirit.

00-01 Sequoyah Children's Book Award Masterlist

Reviews (4)

A lyrical story about African-Amercian settling in the West
"I Have Heard of a Land" was inspired by the stories Joyce Carol Thomas heard about her great-grandparents harrowing journey to the Oklahoma Territory in the late 1800s. Thomas tells the story in lyrical terms which are matched by the glowing paintings of Floyd Cooper. What I love about this book is that if you took away the pictures of African-Americans building a homestead on their own land in Oklahoma, you would not know the people or place involved. Thomas has created a hymn to the American pioneer spirit that truly transcends race. No wonder "I Have Heard of a Land" received the Coretta Scott King Award. An Author's Note at the end of the book provides more personal notes on the settling of African-Americans in Oklahoma which teachers and students will find interesting as well.

I HAVE HEARD OF A LAND IS AN EXCELLENT BOOK
BECAUSE OF ITS BEAUTIFUL POETRY, I THINK I HAVE HEARD OF A LAND IS EXCELLENT READING FOR YOUNG AND OLDER PEOPLE

excellent story about midwest black heritage
Everyone should read this story.I HAVE HEARD OF A LAND is very informing and inspirational. I personally love the poetry along with the images.

This book is truly a work of art!
I Have Heard of a Land presents a colorful lesson in American history, in such a way that readers of all ages can enjoy. With an eloquent tone and beautiful illustrations, I Have Heard of a Land is sure to be cherished for time to come. Ms.Thomas has done it again! She has created yet another timeless work of art. ... Read more