Book Description

Top Secret

Sshhh!!! Don't tell...

Eat your vegetables -- they're good for you.
Don't jump on the bad or it will break.
And don't play with your food!

Parents are always spouting these rules. Do they really care about nutrients and mattresses, or are they hiding something? Luckily, one fearless grown-up will risk his neck and his dignity to find out. Disguised as everything from a chocolate milk scuba diver to a giant nose, this counterspy uncovers the disturbing truth. And what he learns will shock you like nothing before. Startling suckface emergencies! Dangerous digit gangs! Powerful sumo cells! Those are just some of the secrets revealed in this book by Caldecott medalist David Wisniewski. But don't let anyone catch you reading it-especially grown-ups. Who knows what could happen if they knew that you knew?

Reviews (18)

The Real Reasons Behind All Those Rules.....
Have you ever wondered why your parents are always telling you to eat your vegetables or comb your hair? Is there really a sensible reason why you shouldn't blow bubbles in your milk, jump on your bed or bite your fingernails? David Wisniewski has gone undercover and after years of investigating has discovered the terrible truths to these and other age-old directives kids have blown off as just "parents being parents". Now the terrifying explanations are all here for the entire world to see and life as we know it, will never be the same..... With the clever look of a confidential, classified, top secret folder, Mr Wisniewski has written a zany, entertaining, over the top dossier that will have youngsters laughing out loud and rolling in the aisles. The hilarious, text, told in hip, kid-speak language is full of jokes and puns and complemented by bright, bold, wacky artwork. Kids will really love poring over these amazing, detailed illustrations. Perfect for youngsters 8-12, The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups is just pure fun and a book you don't want to miss.

The Secret Knowledge Of Grown-Ups
This book was a great book if you want some excitement and laughter. Of course it isn't true, although I had to question myself about that at first. The rules David Wisniewski (author) talks about in this book are rules you've probably heard your parents say a million times. Now, (if you read the book), you'll know the reasons why parents say these rules. The reasons David Wisniewski makes up are funny and seem so real. They'll make you laugh. The exciting part is that these reasons are parts of secret files that haven't ever been shown to kids before. Also, the illustrations are lively and colorful. They are interesting and the fun to look at. You won't be able to put this book down, and you'll never get tired of reading it. Every time I read it, it makes me laugh. (The author, David Wisniewski, is a Caldecott Medal winner.)

A Visit From the Truth Fairie by garrie keyman
At last the truth has been revealed thanks to David Wisniewski, winner of the 1997 Caldecott Medal for excellence in children's literature. I knew there had to be a better reason than "because I told you so!" In the clever vehicle of a top-secret file (even the cover is designed to look like one of those yellow intra-office manila folders), Wisniewski drives home his points with wry humor and fantastic photography of his cut-paper illustrations.

Peruse the pages of this wildly creative take on the hidden truth behind the rules grown-ups impose on children and you will find the answers to such conundrums as why kids are always being told to eat their vegetables (millions of years ago man-eating vegetables ruled the earth and eating them became a necessary means of preventing vegetables from regaining power) and to drink their milk (doing so in fact stops atomic cows from exploding - read book for fascinating details!).

Other truths finally revealed include why kids are told not to blow bubbles in their milk, not to play with their food, not to jump on beds and not to bite their fingernails. A great addition to your home library (or one you can borrow from your local public variety) if you have anyone under ninety-nine living in your house who has an imagination and likes to laugh.

When you're through reading Wisniewski's uncovered truths, you might want to do a little sleuthing of your own (and feel free to send me your discoveries). After all, I'm still waiting to have a few things explained to me, like why everyone constantly worries kids will spoil their appetite when they're always hungry anyway, and why picking up toys is so important since they just wind up right back on the floor the following day? And what about that washing-behind-the-ears thing? Who looks behind other people's ears? And how about eating the crust of your bread, and then how about -- well, you get the idea.

Parents Always Tell You To Read Because You'll Grow Up Smart
But the REAL reason is to keep hillarious books like this from literally JUMPING OFF THE SHELVES. Yes, it's true. Researchers have discovered from the secret files of adults that unless books constantly have the ink read off of them by studious kids, ink build-up on pages leads to inkblot concentrations that cause special smudge protons (SPs) to destabilize (and Rorshack test-givers to completely whack out,) thus making books highly projectile. A copy of Roberts Rules of Order, having been unread for about 60 years, once flew off the shelves of a library in Shelbyville, Indiana, travelled thousands of miles, leaving a plume of library dust over 5 western states and landed in the swimming pool of a Hollywood film producer, leaving the movie maker so shocked he had to discontinue production of a screen adaptation of Huckleberry Finn starring cute computer generated alien creatures and a giant green bean.

So kids, if you don't want your overhyped PG movies delayed or you don't want to wear helmets in study hall...READ THIS AND MANY OTHER BOOKS!

The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups
I think The Secret Knowledge Of Grown-Ups is hilarious. The reasons make some sense, and sometimes it is hard to tell whether he is telling the truth or not. (Although the book is found in the fiction section). I think the book is great for laughs and after his reasons you might want to follow those rules. I got the book in nineteen ninety eight and probably did not read it until the year two thousand. Once I read the book I could not stop reading it until I memorized the basic reasons. Overall I think it is a great book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Golem is the Hebrew word for shapeless man. According to Jewish legend, the renowned scholar and teacher Rabbi Loew used his powers to create a Golem from clay in order to protect his people from persecution in the ghettos of 16th-century Prague. (This was the time of the Blood Lie, when hostile gentiles claimed that Jews were mixing the blood of Christian children with the flour and water of matzo.) David Wisniewski's cut-paper collage illustrations--which earned him the Caldecott Medal in 1997--are the ideal medium for portraying the stark black-and-white forces of good and evil, pride and prejudice, as well as the gray area that emerges when the tormented clay giant loses control of his anger. Echoing the tension and mood of Frankenstein, Wisniewski sends the tragic giant back to the blood red earth that birthed him. The historical note on the last page offers a broader context for the legend, ultimately comparing the creation of Golem to the emergence of Israel. (Ages 8 and older) --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Read with Care: Golem is Wonderful but *Disturbing*
Golem is a gorgeously illustrated, well-written, and educational tale, with deep connections to Jewish tradition and faith. However, the story is also very sad and distressing, especially for those who are impressionable or sensitive. I suggest that parents review this book carefully, looking through their children's eyes, before sharing it even with teenagers; likewise, I suggest they be prepared for some nearly unanswerable questions.

The book retells the legend of Rabbi Leow and the Golem he created from clay to protect the Jews of Prague during a time of danger for them. Anti-semitic factions within the city were spreading rumors that Passover matzoh was made with the blood of Christian children; this rumor, called the Blood Lie, led to attacks and abuses of the defenseless Jews. Already, the story is a deeply distressing one, too upsetting for the average child. It gets worse, though - the Golem, who calls Rabbi Leow 'Father,' protects and saves the Jews, and then begs the Rabbi not to kill him. Leow does anyway. While the message here is one about the wise use of power, it was mostly lost on our family, since at that point everyone was crying too hard to think at all.

There's no doubt that the book is well presented. It's beautiful, with cut-paper illustrations that seem to spring off the page. However, even these gorgeous pictures cast a pall; they are grim in tone and appearance, at times giving a hellish cast to a story that needed no further embroidering in that department. The novel medium - photographs of cut paper - and the success with which it is used do merit the Caldecott Medal.

However, unlike most Caldecott books, this one is not for casual or entertainment reading, nor is it for children. I can't emphasize this enough. I would never read this book with children younger than 12, or ones unfamiliar with Jewish history; even as it is, I more than half regret sharing it, despite its beauty, depth, and educational value. It provoked some painful questions (in particular, about the cruelty of all people, including Rabbi Leow) and left us all depressed.

Fable of Jewish Self-Defense Against Persecution
This book won the Caldecott Medal in 1997 for being the best illustrated children's book of that year. The book is filled with powerful two-page spreads that highlight the struggle between good and evil, love and hatred, and spiritual forces against human ones. The images are built from cut-outs turned into complex collages featuring primary colors that give a sense of the images racing across the page. You will feel like you are looking at an animated cartoon rather than an illustrated book.

The golem is "a giant of living clay animated by Cabala (mystical teachings of spiritual power)" performed by Judah Loew ben Bezalel, chief rabbi of Prague, in 1580. Jews were under attack by their neighbors because of a false rumor (called the "Blood Lie") that during Passover the unleavened matzoh of flour and water was being mixed with the blood of Christian children. With the help of the powerful golem, the emperor sues for peace, and promises the security of the Jews. The golem is turned back into unanimated clay.

This book is a pretty heavy duty look at how humans can be inhuman to other humans. Most children will not be comfortable with the message in this book until after they have learned about the Holocaust. Sensitive children will probably always feel uncomfortable with the story.

When was the last time you learned a lot from a children's book? Personally, I was fascinated by the story. I knew a little about golems from having attended art exhibitions about them. I also have a number of golems in my collection. But this book taught me more about golems that everything I knew before I read it.

There is an excellent note at the end that helps explain what the rabbi did in the fable in terms of its religious significance. For example, I would have thought that it was against Jewish law to animate clay (no images). The book explains that there is an exception available that was followed here. I also did not know that Frankenstein was inspired, in part, by this fable. I would have liked to know more about that.

The story raises many interesting ethical questions. For example, why didn't the emperor protect his Jewish neighbors until his subjects were threatened by the golem? Why could the rabbi take life away from the golem, when the golem wanted to continue to live? What responsibility did the rabbi have when the golem lost control? Why did the rabbi observe Kaddish for the golem? A great use of this story would be to discuss some of these points with a rabbi available to help clarify the fable's meaning in terms of the Jewish religion.

After you finish thinking about the story, I suggest that you extend your consideration to include ways that misunderstandings can be avoided that create violence. If this situation were to occur during Passover in Prague in 2002, what would good things be to do?

Open your eyes, your ears, your heart, and your soul to love God and your fellow humans!

Excellent Book
I am a student at West Virginia State College. I am working on a bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I read this book for a Children's Literature class because it was a Caldecott winner. My professor is Mr. Roger Samples and he is an excellent teacher and has taught us to love literature.
With saying that, I loved this book. The cut-paper illustrations are beautiful. It could be used to open a lesson about the culture and history of the Jewish people. It will be an excellent tool for me to use when I become a teacher.
Angel R. Gurski

Kevin's Review of Golem
This is definitely a great book and story that was well put together as far as pictures and writing. This book tells of a time when Jews were under heavy persecution, and one rabbi raised a creature called a "golem" to see if that problem could be solved. This book is one to be read over and over again for child and adult. For one in, or studying the Jewish faith, this bookis an excellent book to read, giving a classic Jewish story, giving a detailed report to explain the ideas and powers behind what a golem would be, and more. This book even has enough action in it to keep even the more high-key reader happy for a long while. Absolutely worth a read, and absolutely worth five stars.

A Wondrous Tale of Redemption and Sorrow
GOLEM is a beautiful book. A children's retelling of the Jewish legend of Rabbi Judah Loew and the creature he created to save the Jews of Prague from destruction in 1580, the tale is simply and poignantly told, with lavish cut-paper illustrations in dynamic colors and shapes. This book is a Caldecott Medal Winner, and well-deservedly.

A word of caution, though---the illustrations can be dark and frightening for younger children, and the morality of the tale is complex and disturbing, even for adults.

For those who are not familiar with the legend, it concerns the "Blood Libel," that fantastical tale that the Jews had used Christian blood in the baking of Passover matzohs, and Rabbi Loew's attempts to stave off a resultant pogrom (riot) in Prague by creating a Frankenstein's monster which "does it's work almost too well." Upon saving the Jews, Rabbi Loew returns the Golem to the earth from which it came.

Sensitive and inquiring children (and adults) will be filled with questions, particularly as to why the Golem, who is both mindlessly, childishly destructive and sweetly childlike in his appreciation of flowers and sunsets, is rewarded by his creator with death after completing his appointed task.

These are saddening, unanswerable questions, but make GOLEM a true parable of human life. Children and parents may weep together over the injustices described here.

Definitely not for unsophisticated youngsters,or for adults faint of heart or spirit, this book should be shared and discussed at length and in depth. ... Read more

Book Description

In the thirteenth century, Sundiata overcame physical handicaps, social disgrace, and strong opposition to rule the West African trading empire of Mali. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Okay, but how do people view Sologon as extraordinary?
This book was basically like a prophecy to be filledand I didn'y like how Sologon nad to be drugged to become pregnant by her husband. Marriage doesn't mean controlling someone's body or mind. Marriage is vows and commitment.

Cheers for the Real Lion King
Anyone who wants to introduce a child (or even someone who is not so young) to the REAL glories of ancient Africa could do a lot worse than start with this book.

Beautifully illustrated, and simply written it retells the life of the great culture hero Sunjata (variously spelled Sundiata, Son-Jara or other ways depending on the language and inclination of the translator).

According to the story, Sunjata defeated the sorcerer-king Suma'oro Kante and liberated the Manding people (of modern day Guinea, Mali, plus parts of Senegal, Gambia, Cote D'Ivoire and Burkina Faso) wielding them together into a great empire in the mid 13th century. To modern Manding poeple, Sunjata is roughly equivalent in stature to Abraham Lincoln, Moses or the first Qin Emperor.

This version is very close to the original tale as told by the griots of west Africa (check out D.T. Niane's "Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali" for a traditional telling of the story or, for the really adventurous, D.W. Johnson and Fa-Digi Cissoko's scholarly rendition "Son-Jara: An African Epic"). A sung version of part of the Sunjata fassa (epic praise poem) can be found on the CD "An Be Kelen (We are One): Griot Music from Mali" also available on Amazon.

Sunjata's story includes sorcery, prodigious battles, and the triumph of nobility over gossip and envy. For modern readers, an especially powerful feature is the famous story of Sunjata overcoming childhood disability (he is crippled and -in some versions, unable to talk) to become the leader of the Malian people.

One final critical point: While Wisniewski's version is fairly faithful to the original, it should be pointed out that key secondary figures (such as Sunjata's mother Sogolon Keju, his sister Nana Triban, Fran Camara (the king of the Blacksmith clan), and above all, Sunjata's griot Bala Fasseke Kouyate) are given little mention. Thus it replicates a western emphasis on key individuals rather than stressing the importance of each of the various segments of Manding society (men, women, siblings, parents, warriors, traders, sorcerers, griots, blacksmiths, farmers)which was an essential point in the original story.

This is a beautiful, skillfully-rendered book on an exciting topic. Sunjata belongs with the Viking Sagas and the Knights of the Round Table as a key example of world literature. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. ... Read more

Book Description

The ancient Mayan belief that the future was divinely decreed and could not be changed is the basis for this original tale of a boy who must defeat the Rain God in a ball game to save his people from disaster. Mayan art and architecture were the inspiration for the spectacular cut-paper artwork. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Story for MesoAmerican/Mayan Study Units.
The Rain Player By Caldecott Award Winner, David Wisniewski is one more example of his fantastic story telling ability across many cultures. This book makes an excellent Read Aloud for use in ancient mesoamerican (particularly Mayan) studies. The author did research the culture before writing. ... Read more

Book Description

Sam Spade, move over! In his years on the force, Tough Cookie Busted the Ginger Snaps and broke up the Macaroons. Now living as a private eye at the bottom of the cookie jar, he learns that Fingers has gotten his old partner, Chips. With his best girl, Pecan Sandy, at his side, Tough Cookie sets out to put Fingers away, for keeps! This hilarious spoof will have readers rolling in the aisles.

00-01 Keystone to Reading Book Award Masterlist

Reviews (6)

That's How the Cookie Crumbles
This book is hard to rate. If it were for adults, as a novelty, it would clearly be five stars. For teenagers who have discovered "hard-boiled" detective fiction, this book would also be five stars. I have to believe that most of the story and humor would blow past the 4-8 year old set, that is the book's ostensible audience.

The illustrations, on the other hand, fit the age grouping nicely. They are done by cutting vividly-colored paper, creating constructions with the cut-outs, and then photographing the results.

The whole story takes place in a cookie jar, from the perspective of the cookies who have been around for awhile (don't think of them as stale, think of them as experienced). As is usual, putting a new viewpoint in place creates the potential for interesting new ideas. How do you stop depredations against the other cookies?

I wish that the classic noir novels from the thirties had the humor of this book. "I kiss her. 'You're a smart cookie,' I say. 'Maybe being a tough cookie isn't enough.'"

Now, if you have a child with great imagination, and you explain humor well, it may work for a younger child. But be prepared for the difficulty of explaining a satire of something you child has not yet seen or read.

You should also think about ways that low lifes (crumbs) can make all of the difference in real life.

Look at life from a new angle to see its potential!

"You Play the Horses, Slim?"
Yeah, it's terse. Tough. Even cynical at times. But funny as all get out. It's probably no big trick to pull off a noirish children's book with a protagonist based on Bogart roles, but Wisniewski has just the right touch. It's clever/sassy for grownups ("A slap stings my cheek like a velvet bee." ) but colorful and funny for children.

Our hero, "Tough Cookie," aided by the smart and svelte Pecan Sandy, live in a cookie jar with assorted, uhhh, cookies (and crumbs). Tough Cookie and friends go after "Fingers," a ravenous foe who puts Cookie's former partner "Chips" in the cookie hospital: Like Sam Spade, Cookie goes after him (or her) "It's a long ride to the Top of the Jar. I begin to think maybe I'm a nutbar to do this. Then I think of Chips..." 29 pages of fun, it's an inventive twist on a proven formula.

Tough Cookie
Tough Cookie by David Wisniewski is a departure from his retelling of folktales from various cultures, which the illustrator has done in at least four of his previous books. His book, Golem, won for him a Caldecott award, which is a showcase for his cutwork art talent, however, this book shows his sense of humor and creativity. When reading this book the reader learns that Wisniewski is not only an award winning artist, but he also has a sense of humor too. What a wonderful combination! This book is a crime thriller in which Tough Cookie, a detective, and his girlfriend, Pecan Sandy, must solve the mystery of what is happening to the missing crumbs.It shows how rough life can be at the bottom of a cookie jar, especially when Fingers shows up. It's a must read for all ages, featuring Wisniewski's characteristic cutwork illustrations.

On My Top Five Favorite Children's Book List
I work in a children's library, and I read children's books all the time; this book stands out above and beyond many others. It's funny and cleverly illustrated with paper cut-outs, a specialty of the author. I've shared this book with all ages (including my co-workers) and it has been well received by all of them!

Creatively superb!
TOUGH COOKIE is one of the most creative and humorous books I have read. Because of its mix of adult humor with children's imagination, I think it is best suited for children ages 11 and up. What an excellent use of language and humor! ... Read more

Book Description

Intricate cut-paper illustrations incorporating Pacific Northwest motifs accompany this original story of the Tlingit princess Kchokeen, who is rescued from drowning by a guardian spirit that later enables her to summon a great wave and save her people from hostile strangers. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Children's story with a serious message.
The illustrations are all from cut out paper -- very intricate and visually interesting. The story includes danger (readers should be ready to deal with drowning, and attack on a village by cannons from a ship). Has a message about grieving the loss of a good, native, natural life to the influx of crass europeans. Beautiful imagery about a brave and wise young woman. Has a suggestion of hope and holding on through hard times for a better future for us all. ... Read more

Book Description

Awesome! That's the only word Amanda the raccoon can think of to describe the circus, and she's determined to join it as a clown. Her brother, Phillip, wants to join the circus, too. But the two raccoons don't know there's someone who plans to close the circus down -- and they're headed for a showdown in the center ring. ... Read more

Book Description

When a violent ocean storm causes a crate holding assorted plastic tub toys -- including one resilient little duck -- to wash overboard, the course of Ducky's life alters drastically. This engaging story based on a real event includes an author's note. ... Read more

Book Description

The young raccoon is going places -- even if it's in the wrong direction.When Amanda decides she wants to be a professional thief, it's up to her brother, Phillip, to keep her from a life of crime.To do so, he's going to need the help of every animal in town and a runaway train, too! ... Read more

Book Description

"Grrr!" growl the cats. "Eeek!" squeak the mice. So it goes in the battle between cat and mouse. But when feline crime hits Tokyo, an unlikely hero strikes back. He's not lean and mean. He's round and profound. He's Sumo Mouse! And he's ready to wrestle all wrongdoers. But can this champion of justice squash the sinister schemes of Dr. Claw? Or will evil pin Sumo Mouse to the mat? Caldecott-winning illustrator David Wisniewski has wrestled brightly colored papers into fun, comic book-inspired collages for this action-packed mouse tale. ... Read more

Book Description

The dazzling cut-paper artistry of Caldecott medalist David Wisniewski combines with Andrew Clements's free-verse celebration of woodworking tools to tell the story of a surprise in the making. The evocative description of each workshop tool-ruler, axe, saw, hammer, and the rest-is accompanied by a vivid, dramatically composed illustration showing how it is used in the step-by-step construction of an ornate, old-fashioned carousel. An eager young apprentice assists one craftsman after another as the project takes shape and is rewarded with a toolbox of his won. Young wood-working enthusiasts will enjoy the affectionate and knowledgeable portraits of familiar tools as well as an acclaimed artist's vision of the magic simple tools can do. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Once there was a man who was strong," begins this energetic,comic-strip style adaptation of a Nigerian tall tale. Bragging to his wife oneday, Shadusa says "Just look at these muscles! I must be the strongest man inthe world. From now on, just call me... Master Man!" His wife Shettu warns himagainst his foolish boasting: "No matter how strong you are, there will alwaysbe someone stronger. And watch out, or someday you may meet him." When he learnsthat a man from another village calls himself Master Man, too, Shadusa soon ruesthe day he talked so big. Imagine his surprise when he discovers that the otherMaster Man eats entire elephants at one sitting, after killing them with hisbare hands! Trying to escape from him, Shadusa runs smack into yetanother Master Man, who is soon locked in deadly combat with theelephant-eating one until "each gave a mighty leap, and together they rose intothe air. Higher and higher they went, till they passed through a cloud and outof sight." To this day, the two giants still battle in the sky, making the noisethat some people call thunder.

This traditional Nigerian story is one of many about fighting he-men, starringthe stock character Mijin-Maza or Namji-Mijin-Maza, otherwise known as "A ManAmong Men," "Manly Man," or "Superman." Caldecott Medal recipient DavidWisniewski's playful cut-paper collages, set in comic-strip frames complete withspeaking bubbles for dialogue, feature the colorful patterns and textures ofNigerian clothing and landscapes. With this unusual picture book, professionalstoryteller Aaron Shepherd spins a boisterous, action-packed read-aloud. Theauthor's note in the back explains the story's origins with the Hausa, thelargest ethnic group of northern Nigeria. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Book Description

The emperor sets a nearly impossible task to decide which of his two sons should next rule Japan. Is Tozaemon brave enough to seize the five eternal elements from the demons that guard them -- and is Toemon wise enough to know how to use the elements once he has them? ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The story of how Elfwyn the Second-Sighted saved her clan
Gorm the Grim is outraged that the Hidden Folk have favored Analaf Haraldsson with the greenest valley in the North, so he carves hateful runes deep in a boulder overlooking the valley and lays a curse on Anlaf and all his line. Because of this curse, Elfwyn (a Celtic name meaning "beloved of elves"), the daughter of Anlaf and his wife, Gudrun, is born blind. But although she cannot see and the midwives believe it an ill omen to permit such a one to live, the lovely Elfwyn is blessed by the Hidden Folk with grace, knowledge, and the ability to "see" without sight. Until her tenth birthday Elfwyn lives a happy life, clearly beloved of the Hidden Folk ("huldufolk"). Then on Midsummer's Eve, Gorm the Grim comes uninvited to the great hall and presents Anlaf Haraldsson with a gift: a hyge crystal, clear and perfect, shinning with a light of its own. The blind Elfwyn touches the crystal and declares: "It is hard and cold, like the man who brought it." Her father is embarrassed by her curt remark, but Elfwyn is able to see what her father cannot: that this crystal is but another type of curse that is sowing seeds of discontent within their clan.

David Wisniewski has drawn this Icelandic history and legend to tell this tale of the eternal battle between good and evil. There is also a lesson here about the importance of being attentive to duty, which was a life-and-death matter in the Iceland of the 10th century in the age of the Vikings. After all, distraction from your duty could bring about disaster. Young readers might not be able to appreciate the lessons being taught by this ancient tale, but they will certainly appreciate the wonderfully intricate cut paper illustrations by Wisniewski (photographed by Lee Salsbery). The clouds, waves, and leaves on the trees are all stunningly displayed. Usually it is to be hoped that young readers will be inspired by such artwork to try and do something similar, but what Wisniewski has done here might be too intimidating (the process is explained in the back of the book and involved over one thousand blades in an X-Acto knife).

Older readers will want to check out the Author's Note in the back of the book where Wisniewski talks about the culture behind "Elfwyn's Saga." He explains the origin of the "huldufolk" as the descendants of the unwashed children of Eve, Gorm's mesmerizing crystal being loosely based on the legendary "sunstone," and how Gorm's distinctive helmet is of Swedish origin. These facts might be of more interest to teachers than students, but learning that the Iceland of Viking time had an abundance of birch trees, even though the country today is virtually treeless. But overall while the story is pretty good, it is the illustrations that make this a standout book for young readers.

Elfwyn's Saga
One fateful day, far to the north, two ships of the northmen are bound toward the greenest valley in the land. One contains Anlaf Haraldsson , his wife Gudrun, and his weary seamen. The other transports Gorm the Grim, a fierce and vengeful beserker and his crew of angry warriors. The hidden folk, those who live only in dreams aid the good Anlaf. But when they see Gorm mercilessly pursuing, they becalm his ship and hold him back. As Gorm frothed with rage that the hidden folk had aided Anlaf, he carved evil runes into a boulder overlooking the valley. The runes were meant to bring sorrow and blight to Anlaf and his kin. The child of Anlaf and Gudrun, Elfwyn, is born blind due to the corrupt influence of the runes. The hidden folk see her plight and bestow upon her a second sight. However, Gorm returns this time bringing a "Gift" of a giant crystal. As Anlaf and his tribe stare into it, they see visions of dreams unattainable and are filled with discontent. Under the power of the crystal the tribe grows foolish. Their only hope for salvation is young Elfwyn, protected from the crystal by her blindness. With time ticking down as Grom prepares to invade, Elfwyn must find a way to not only save herself, but all that she holds dear.

The illtrations are astounding, and this book will hold you firm ... Read more

Book Description

Get ready to shriek...with laughter!

Within these covers lurk five horror spoofs just waiting to tickle your funny bone. Can it survive the shaggy shenanigans of "Frankenstein's Hamster"? Can it endure the galactic giggles of "Attack of the Space Toupees"? Yes, you say...

Well, grab your popcorn! The lights are going down! The curtains are going up! It's time for the first showing of...

Halloweenies!

Book Description

The cut-paper artistry of Caldecott winner David Wisniewski is joined with Mary McKenna Siddals"s lyrical verse in this sweet and simple book about the joys of outdoor play. The sun, wind, clouds, rain, stars, and moon are waiting outside, inviting little ones to come and play with them. A multiethnic group of children is featured in this ideal read-aloud, in a small format perfect for little hands to hold. ... Read more