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“…bouncy, rhyming verse and an innovative cast of characters give this counting book zip … Only after many rereadings will little ones get their fill.”
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“…a rollicking, counting rhyme…Perfect company for Hogrogian’s Always Room for One More and De Regniers’s May I Bring a Friend.”
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“This sprightly story in rhyme incorporates a counting lesson…The theme of hospitality closes the story on a warm, satisfying note.”
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“Everyone happily feasts on Dinner at the Panda Palace.”
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“Supporting social-emotional learning, this candidly reassuring book can be effectively used to encourage discussions about friendship, sadness, and sensitivity…Digs a little below the surface of most child-animal friendship books to explore deeper emotions.”
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“A celebration of dogs ... illustrations are eye-catching and cheery. A canine ode, ideal for poodle and doodle lovers.”
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Following counting-themed Dozens of Dachshunds, this celebrates poodles and doodles with rhyming couplets incorporating colors. ...Clever rhymes make this a fun read-aloud and a great way to build color knowledge for children.... cheery illustrations... Sure to be a popular book for dog lovers and a fresh addition for teachers to use when teaching about colors. ―School Library Journal
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“Dachshund Harry leads the youngest readers through every step of kid-meets-dog etiquette… The line-and-watercolor illustrations are as simple and patient as the text, placing the viewer in a straight-on and consistent position for Harry’s how-tos, reinforcing the way the “lessons” build on each other…What is perhaps most engaging about the book is the direct address from dog to child”
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“Harry is a cheerful and friendly long-haired dachshund who serves as the first-person narrator for this thoughtful look at the best way for a child to meet dogs… Children who are afraid of dogs, as well as those who love them, will find this volume useful and encouraging.”
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“A little boy learns from Harry, a dachshund, how to treat an unfamiliar dog safely and politely…friendly, gentle voice…positive, encouraging tone … Harry’s advice will certainly come in handy, and dogs will appreciate the safety and consideration shown by readers who put the techniques into practice.”
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“Calmenson’s ease with declarative sentences makes this the perfect book for the sidewalk dog stalker. The narration is from the point of view of Harry, a real long-haired, dappled Dachshund…Calmenson, the author of one of my all-time-favorite dog books for children, Rosie, A Visiting Dog’s Story, concludes with a roundup of practical tips…as well as some important advice: Remember, dogs have feelings too.”
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“Harry the dachshund narrates this explanation of safe kid-dog interaction, covering important aspects such as permission…safe approaches…and general philosophy…There’s a clear message that dogs and situations vary…This is a subject usually relegated to a page or two, at best, of dog books, and it’s useful to see it thoroughly explored as its own topic, since dog encounters are a big part of kids’ sidewalk travel…the book is clear and helpful…This will not only be a helpful lesson for heedlessly enthusiastic youngsters, it will provide more timid kids with useful tools that might make them feel more in control of inter-species encounters.”
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“Thank you very much for sending me a preview copy of Stephanie Calmenson’s engaging book “May I Pet Your Dog?” I found the book delightful, very well illustrated, and informative. It sets just the right tone to encourage children to interact with animals in the correct way. Bravo!”
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“What a good book…really, really smart!…It’s full of all the information you want to give a child….The safety rules are so explicit and yet so digestible…done in a way that children will want to absorb the information…[Harry] is so cute and adorable…we’ve read this book a zillion times!”
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“Required reading for every dog lover!”
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“Offering an excellent primer for youngsters on how to approach strange dogs, this iconographic-animated adaptation is based on the picture book written by Stephanie Calmenson and illustrated by Jan Ormerod… DVD extras includes “Sharing My Story” conversation with Calmenson, who talks about her life with her real pet Harry. Highly recommended.”
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“Dachshunds descend in a parade that celebrates their adorableness. A pack of delightful dachshunds (one of which informs readers dachshund is pronounced “DOX-hund”) dashes down the street on their way to a Dachshund Day celebration. ...The delightful doggos are dressed up for their big day in a wild variety of outfits ... The cartoon art portrays dachshunds in all their diverse glory, categorized in a helpful glossary at the end...The multitudinous types of dachshunds are not the only diversity in the book. There is nearly as much seen among the children who are taking part, including children of different races and a brown-skinned child in a wheelchair that appears more than once (that child’s dachshund is dressed up as a book). There’s also a doxie that uses wheels. A parade of charm.”
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“How do you combine counting, dachshunds, and adorableness in one book? You do it with vivid illustrations, rhyming language, and a parade of costumed pups... The rhythm of the story’s rhyming couplets adds to the upbeat nature of this work, and the descriptive language offers youngsters opportunities to make meaningful connections between the text and illustrations. By the time kids reach the story’s end, they’ll want to sing along with the closing song... Delightful dachshund facts round things off in the back matter.”
From the “Our Principal” series
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“This four-chapter, laugh-out-loud riff on The Frog Prince will trigger children’s imaginations…Calmenson’s simple narrative and ample dialogue combine with Blecha’s delightfully expressive black-and-white illustrations to present children with a supportive reading experience. This book includes a characters list, a word list with definitions, and a set of critical-thinking questions.”
From the “Our Principal” series
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“Short chapters, large font text and plentiful illustrations make this twist on Little Red Riding Hood a good choice for readers moving up from early readers… Emerging readers will enjoy this fun twist on the classic tale. The book includes a Cast of Characters, Word List with pronunciation guide, and follow-up Questions about the story.”
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“Humorous, detailed illustrations and text that relies on short rhyming sentences, questions, and exclamations create a fun, fast-paced romp… Proof that good things happen when you breathe, slowly count to 10, and stomp for fun instead of frustration. (Early reader. 5-8) ”
Junior Library Guild Selection
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“Humorous, detailed illustrations and text that relies on short rhyming sentences, questions, and exclamations create a fun, fast-paced romp… Proof that good things happen when you breathe, slowly count to 10, and stomp for fun instead of frustration. (Early reader. 5-8) ”
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“An interactive look at a young boy’s school day teaches those new to school about routines and manners. Calmenson, a former kindergarten teacher, savvily encourages the youngest listeners to chime in and be part of the reading process, inviting them in from the very first page… Readers are sure to catch the pattern and relish shouting out the answers… after they finish giggling at the silly scenarios…. Will this be a popular and raucous first-day-of-school favorite? YES”
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“…Who is more intrigued by school than a preschooler? And who loves silliness more than a preschooler? This call-and-response book should appeal mightily to young readers as it’s pretty much a dress rehearsal for getting ready for school and then behaving once there. … Besides being fun, this book subtly but clearly introduces playground and classroom etiquette, making it a good choice for both home and the classroom.”
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“Kids love answering silly questions, but the questions in Ollie’s School Day: A YES-and-NO Book aren’t silly for silly’s sake — they’ll help kids to learn about social skills and positive classroom behavior in a fun way! Stephanie Calmenson’s humorous call-and-response text and Abby Carter’s zany illustrations are impossible to resist. This wacky read-aloud covers it all without sounding the least bit preachy. Kids will have a blast figuring out everything from what to wear to school (certainly not a bathing suit or a police officer’s uniform!) and what to eat for breakfast to how to greet a classmate in the morning (barking is definitely not recommended!) and what to do when the teacher asks a question.”
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“Madcap cartoons embellish a series of questions about a young boy’s day at school….Calmenson cleverly ends the day with Ollie being met at home by “someone who loves him,” accommodating an audience’s variety of after-school greeters. Carter’s watercolors play with the text and add hilarity with wee portraits like a fish wearing boots and a squirrel lounging under a beach umbrella. This gentle tutorial in school behavior effectively employs call-and-response to engage listeners.”
Children’s Book-of-the-Month Club Selection
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“As a read-aloud choice, it’s hard to beat a picture book with funny Q&A text, particularly when it sets up forward momentum that keeps kids from getting sidetracked for too long. With its built-in bits of practical info, this rollicking picture book is highly recommended before a class trip but great fun for reading aloud any old time.”
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“This is an interactive book so very good for reading outloud – multiple times! Kids will join in the responses. It is an exuberant story about a class trip with even more exuberant illustrations!”
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“Identical in style to Ollie’s School Day…this useful picture book explores the details of Ollie’s class field trip to the aquarium through a highly interactive yes/no format… the large pages make this a great choice for classroom carpet sharing. There’s also plenty of field-trip etiquette rolled into the simple story…making this a requisite choice for prepping early elementary classrooms for the first fall field trip.”
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“It’s easy to imagine the participation this will spark…a good choice to share with classes before a field trip.”
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“A young boy out with his father is certain that he will spot a moose. So is the moose. After their ferry docks on a small Maine island, the boy tries very hard to convince his father that a moose is nearby in the woods. The father, his nose planted firmly in a guidebook, says no. They see many animals, fish and insects as they walk about. The smiling moose is quite chatty and offers frequent clues in speech bubbles (“What am I? A mouse?”). Finally, he poses in full double-spread splendor… Calmenson writes in quatrains with a humorous point of view…the story is entertaining and would serve as a good introduction to family outings. A valuable reminder to enjoy the outdoors and keep an eye out for possibilities! (Meet the Moose facts, author’s note)”
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“…rhyming text and gentle color illustrations spin a charming story about enjoying the beautiful outdoors, enhanced at the end with a handful of fun facts about moose!”
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“For a rhyming, boisterous read aloud for the very young, one can’t miss with Stephanie Calmenson. Calmenson, author of the classic Dinner at Panda Palace, (Harper, 1991) brings us delightful wordplay and onomatopoeia as Stego and Rex “vroom” and “screech” through inner city traffic…Antongionata Ferrari’s exhuberant cartoon ink and water color illustrations capture the cacophony of the urban landscape as the “honks” of the cars and the “WOO,WOO WOO, WEE OOO, WEEE, EEEOOOEEEOOO” of the sirens dance across the page….the dinosaurs aren’t gendered, a welcome respite from the overwhelming maleness of children’s book protagonists.”
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“Ferrari’s exuberant illustrations fill the pages, capturing the energy and bustle of busy city streets crammed with cars…the text, with its controlled vocabulary, is ideal for emergent readers…VERDICT A great, funny read-aloud.”
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“Rex’s charm and Stego’s worrywart concerns battle it out for dominion in the hearts of child readers…..the simple wordplay allows this to double as both a read-aloud and a text for emerging readers….Put pedal to the metal and read this as fast as wheels will allow.”
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“Mouse’s birthday party is at The Panda Palace, and all her friends are attending, each bringing a special gift…with a rhyming guessing game for each….Rhyming clues and answers appear on alternating pages, allowing children to listen carefully and solve the riddle before turning the page to confirm their response…the combination of a popular theme and winning ending emphasizing a friendship’s reunion in a jovial zoo-like setting will encourage repeated readings with gleeful shouts at the appropriate time.”
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“…Mr. Panda is throwing a bash at his restaurant with many of the same animals first seen in Dinner at the Panda Palace (HarperCollins, 1991). Each guest gives Mouse a gift – described on one page in bouncy rhyme and revealed as readers turn the page and shout out the last word to complete the quatrain…. Cushman’s bright and cheery illustrations echo the lively rhymes… All in all, a fun party.”
Click here to read about Rosie in the New York Times.
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“Rosie’s real-life adventures make for one of the outstanding nonfiction titles of the year.”
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“Author of such popular books as The Principal’s New Clothes, Calmenson here tells the story of her own dog, Rosie … succinct yet sensitive descriptions…This is a close-up, valuable, and charming look at the contributions made by working dogs like Rosie.”
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Dog lovers will delight in this photo essay about a pet with an unusual occupation …
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“Rosie…will satisfy readers of all ages.”
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“… well-known author, Stephanie Calmenson, shares Rosie’s successes in a true story that is touching and delightful.”
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“… an appealing read … if the irresistible bundle of black-and-white fur were human, she’d be Jay Leno.”
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“… snappy four-line rhymes reflect a joy in and love of dogs as they spotlight more than 20 canine breeds…Calmenson follows up with brief, sound advice for choosing the right dog for your lifestyle and deciding whether you are right for a dog…Her carefully considered words will help encourage responsible, committed dog ownership.”
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“…warm story of acceptance, mistakes and all.”
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“…engaging glimpse of puppy-training reality…Puppy’s hopes, fears, frustrations, and joys make up most of the simple text, which will sensitize youngsters to be understanding, patient trainers for their soon-to-be perfect puppies.”
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“…heart-warming story told from the dog’s perspective. Anyone who has ever had a pet or strived for perfection without success will enjoy Puppy’s amusing tale.”
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“Frequent collaborators Calmenson and Cole begin the Ready Set, Dogs! series with a peppy story that takes the notion of dog-loving kids to the extreme. … Good-natured banter and silliness move the story along at a brisk pace.”
Amazon.com Best Book of 2013 Scholastic Book Clubs Mondadori Edition, Italy
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“This companion to Good for You! Toddler Rhymes for Toddler Times (2001) offers very young children 33 short poems to match their unique perspective of the world. The poems and pictures mirror the physical and emotional development of children from birth to about 18 months… A fine alternative to board books and nursery rhymes.”
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“This adorable compendium of original rhymes begins with an infant’s birth… The selections are whimsical and lively and are sure to grab the attention of even the littlest listeners… A wonderful addition to any picture-book collection.”
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“A collection of original poems offers cheery readalouds for very young children… It all ends appropriately with a kiss goodnight.”
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“…wonderfully affirming collection. Joyously exuberant, Calmenson’s verses enlighten and entertain.”
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“Calmenson (Dinner at the Panda Palace) here offers 24 rhymes celebrating the milestones of toddlerhood… Calmenson and Sweet open the door to the world of poetry and the playfulness of language, and usher toddlers through it.”
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“A collection of original poems offers cheery readalouds for very young children… It all ends appropriately with a kiss goodnight.”
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“Calmenson’s short, interactive rhymes and riddles encourage toddlers to explore and expand on all the things that they are learning…an altogether buoyant book.”
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“…This winning collection can be used in storytimes or just for pleasurable times between parents and children.”
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“Calmenson, herself a former kindergarten teacher, explores that world in this collection of original poetry. The 18 short rhyming poems address common features of the classroom…and one of the last, a riff on the old “See you Later, Alligator” pattern, might just become a new playground classic with 19 ways to say good-bye…”
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“…highly interactive picture book… The book will hold up through repeated readings…. Calmenson’s bouncy words… create a positive, encouraging view of classroom activities.”
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“There’s lots to keep children interested in this snappy book …plenty of ideas to be found inside the covers, many of which will lead teachers to new ones of their own.”
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“…appealing collection of original rhymes…simple, interactive rhymes… provide a light, accessible introduction for new students…A lively and fun addition.”
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“Usually it’s the kids who are late for school. But here, it’s Mr. Bungles, a school teacher …who practically jumps off the pages…. His car won’t start, so he races for the train. “I missed the train. I won’t make a fuss. Down the street, I can catch the bus.” Or can he? …the vehicles get progressively more outrageous…. This laugh-and-a-half book gets its kick from well-structured rhyming text and fruit-colored, in-your-face pictures. Fun for children and teachers alike.”
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“This book will teach your child about different vehicles used for transportation; you’ll have fun helping your child spotting the clock in each illustration so they can see what time it is, and the cleverly written rhyming text will help your child guess the rhyming word before turning to the next page. This book gets a high five from me for fun, for learning, and for having the tables turned on a teacher for a change – every kids’ dream!”
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“…this fast-paced pleaser… shows that even teachers can learn a new lesson.”
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“…this book shouts MOTION and encourages listeners to fill in the rhyme with each turn of the page… A colorful selection for all libraries….stimulating choice for teachers presenting time and transportation or inspiration for young students as the school year resumes.”
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“Calmenson and Yoshikawa’s high-energy romp follows the hapless Mr. Bungles through another calamitous day (Late for School!, 2008)…Calmenson’s verses reflect Mr. Bungles’ breathless day. The clever format leaves the last rhyming word to the page-turn, allowing kids who are listening to shout out the answer…readers’ enjoyment practically guarantees that he will face yet another bad day sometime in the near future.”
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“The accident-prone teacher who first appeared in Late for School (Carolrhoda, 2008) is back. After getting soap in his eye and jam on his tie, Mr. Bungles knows that it’s going to be an “oopsy” day…. The full-color cartoon illustrations capture the nonstop action, while the rhyming text — placing the next important rhyming word on the following page — builds momentum… for breathless, laugh-filled storytimes.”
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“.. marvelous update of Andersen’s The Emperor’s New Clothes … Calmenson’s rendition of this beloved tale of self-aggrandizement is particularly fun because of its contemporary setting.”
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“..will have children giggling through to the very end.”
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“The whole school should chortle with glee over this one!”
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“…tried and true.”
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“…ribbit-tickling companion to The Principal’s New Clothes…Lucky is the school with a Principal like Mr. Bundy.”
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“…a rollicking, riotous sequel to The Principal’s New Clothes…” Instructor “…quirky humor and delightful situation. Brunkus’s … illustrations accentuate the hilarity of this spoof…Read aloud or alone, this book is sure to get its share of chuckles.”
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“…a natural choice for all those principals who routinely visit primary-grade classrooms for a quick read-aloud.”
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“…hilarious…A fine example of what an imaginative author and illustrator can bring to an old favorite.”
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“Calmenson engages readers’ attention through her use of repetition and the familiar setting…”
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“…could easily become a story-hour favorite.”
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“Calmenson and Roche have bravely taken the old folktale and transformed it into a true picture book… setting the story in a modern classroom, draws young readers immediately into the story.”
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“…a rainbow of sound…Calmenson and Degen have created a bright, syncopated jam session sure to please storytime audiences.”
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“…rhythmic text…a jazzy refrain…the music is represented as brightly colored ribbons and shapes…filled with whirling, dancing people, animals, and rainbows…swelling, rhythmic sound…”
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“This cheerful book about making one’s own music is full of color and sound… a spirited book … for a foot-tapping storytime.”
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“Calmenson once again shows her ability to connect with kids in this buoyant alphabet-cum-riddle book … the text’s basic vocabulary, bouncy rhythm and brief sentences are well suited to beginning readers.”
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“A clever new alphabet book in riddle form …”
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“a sure-to-be-successful experience… More interactive – and therefore more fun – than the usual “A is for apple” alphabet.”
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“…the child appeal of a riddle book combined with the practicality of an alphabet book … Preschoolers will delight in responding to “What is it?”
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“This small book is a gem.”
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“Stephanie Calmenson introduces turn-of-the-page suspense in What Am I?, a riddle book for very young children.”
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“The joy of riddles is given to the youngest readers in these simple, rhyming puzzles.”
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“Catchy, rhyming riddles about familiar objects will delight young audiences…”
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“Books that engage children, that ask for their participation, are among the most popular. It is a pleasure to be able to offer children this collection of riddles about everyday objects … children will be reading this book to themselves in no time at all.”
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“… a sweet way for small children to discover the fun of guessing games.”
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“Calmenson’s simple, breezy verse invites her audience’s participation; each stanza begins with the sound effects of a different vehicle, with the various vrooms, whirrs, toots and beeps joining at the end in a robust crescendo.”
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“This energetic story in rhyme … will provide a lively introduction to transportation for an age group already fascinated with things that zip, whiz, and zoom.”
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“This rendition of a traditional American children’s rhyme is a definite read-aloud. Kids, adults, animals and even a band are taking the train. But where are they all going? The simple storyline is well-complemented by the bold, colorful cartoon illustrations. Kids will find lots to look for and discuss. The rhyming verses will soon have even the youngest singing along.”
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“A rhyming verse follows the journey of a train as it picks up passengers, including a marching band and a number of farm animals, and eventually the destination is divulged…the passengers return home sleepy and satisfied, clutching all manner of ribbons, prizes and trophies.”
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“In the spirit of Minarik’s Little Bear … Calmenson brings in delicious details … An endearing introduction to someone who could become a real favorite.”
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“…just right for the intended audience … Marigold is a pleasure to spend time with.”
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“An all-around, year-round choice for one-on-one sharing or easy reading.”
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“This simple, sweet tale of a young bunny and her granny displays a genuine grasp of what children find funny.”
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“… lyrical text … The startling contrast between the steamy city and the … beach is wonderful.”
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“Sweet, funny, and right on the mark …”
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“This endearing tale of a steamy day’s romp at the beach radiates with the warmth of summertime.”
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“… delightful slice of city life … story of friendship and understanding between a child and her grandmother … just right to warm up a reader longing for summer days …”
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“Hare hilarity … The telling is delicious … Ralph and Alice are a pair to cherish.”
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“A warm, furry romance …”
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“… kids will delight in figuring out the truth … readers who may feel they are beyond picture books will appreciate the romance and subtle message about first impressions.”
The Gator Girls
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“A beginning chapter book…that will tickle children’s funny bones…A delightful story that’s fun and easy to read.”
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“Exuberant line drawings…portray the two winsome alligator heroines, who pledge friendship and togetherness “forever.” Brief chapters and large type will further delight newly autonomous readers.”
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“Adorable alligators, Amy and Allie, are best friends with big summer plans…This 60-page chapter book makes new readers feel accomplished…”
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“Cole and Calmenson’s collaboration rings true, addressing the closeness of friends and the possibilities of summer…”
