1001 stories 1-929132-92-1 Publisher's Weekly

The Plot: Cars. Crazy cars. Cars that should be made; but never will.


The Good: Cheetah comes over and asks, "where is the car book?" and an hour later she's still studying the intricate pictures, each a crazy car in a world of it's own, waiting to be explored and thought about in detail, with many questions.

These cars are very Caractacus Potts and Rube Goldberg-esque, full of details that are bizarre, impossible, and fun.

Cars include the Luxury Resortster, allowing you to have a holiday in your car. Includes white water rafting!

You may be tempted to ignore the text. Don't; the descriptions are delicious and snarky. For example, the King Fisher car changes into a fishing boat and one option is "waterproof joints, paints, and panels." Always nice to see waterproofing only an option with something made to go into the water!

One feature of the Park-O-Matic is the "advanced suspension, [so] you won't feel a bump why you hit the curb, a tank, or a mountain."

DAN'S ANGEL: A DETECTIVE'S GUIDE TO THE LANGUAGE OF PAINTINGS

1-929132-47-6

Publishers Weekly (Monday, September 22, 2003):

In Dan's Angel: A Detective's Guide to the Language of Paintings by Alexander Sturgis, illus. by Lauren Child, the angel steps out of Fra Angelico's The Annunciation (1432) to help an amateur detective named Dan unravel the mysteries of an art museum. Dan explores the meaning and symbolism in 12 great paintings by a wide variety of artists, from Rembrandt to Picasso. Child's cartoonlike illustrations accompany reproductions of the paintings, each clearly labeled with title, artist, date and source.

School Library Journal (Saturday, November 1, 2003):

Dan skateboards to a museum, and goes in to see paintings "full of strange and beautiful things." While he senses that some had stories to tell, he realizes, "You can't read paintings like you can read books." A voice tells him otherwise: it's Fra Angelico's Angel Gabriel, who flies out of The Annunciation and accompanies the boy through the galleries. From Sandro Botticelli (whose sleeping Mars and watchful Venus show the power of love over war) to Pablo Picasso (whose weeping woman mourns the tragedy of the Spanish Civil War) and beyond, they use their eyes and their common sense to deepen their appreciation of the artwork. A dozen paintings are reproduced (all but two are European), all set against colorful backgrounds and peopled by Child's distinctively wonderful cartoons of children, adults, and a black-and-white cat. The visuals work a bit better than the text, though, since the premise lacks the authentic feel that characterizes the best flights of fancy. Interest in introducing children to fine art in an accessible manner is high, and this fun book succeeds quite well.

Booklist (November 15, 2003):

Young Dan is an aspiring detective in search of a mystery--any mystery. It's the clues that he loves, and when he wanders into an art museum, he finds walls filled with mysterious stories to be solved. At first he is frustrated because he can't find clues to help him work out what's happening in each image. Then he gets a little help from an unlikely source: the angel Gabriel in Fra Angelico's The Annunciation, who steps out of the painting and begins to challenge Dan with questions about what's in the pictures. There's not much framework to this lighthearted art fantasy, and Dan is sometimes too precociously observant. But Sturgis, a curator at the National Gallery in London, writes in lively, clear language that will encourage children to find their own stories in the artworks. Child's bright illustrations, which combine her signature zany collages with reproductions of old masters, extend the sense that art is accessible and fun with images of Gabriel, who, despite his wings, prefers to browse the galleries on skateboard.

The Tampa Tribune (September 14, 2003):

Harry Potter started a trend – including paintings that have moving and talking characters – but this picture book puts the technique to even better use.

Hornbook Guide to Children (Thursday, January 1, 2004):

Fra Angelico's angel Gabriel acts as docent to aspiring detective Dan on a tour of his local art museum. Along the way, young Dan gets an introduction to iconography and symbolism in a dozen paintings (primarily biblical and mythical subjects). Reproductions of the paintings appear against the backdrop of brightly colored museum walls, alongside cheerful cartoon-style museum goers.

THE DELIVERANCE OF DANCING BEARS

1-929132-41-7

School Library Journal (Sunday, June 1, 2003):

Australian Picture Book of the Year honor winner. In this thought-provoking and sincere story, Stanley presents the plight of the dancing bears of Turkey and Greece whom she first witnessed in 1979. Constructing a "contemporary fable" from her experience, the author tells the story of a captive bear whose dreams of freedom sustain her, even while being forced to perform in a Turkish marketplace by a cruel and angry keeper. During the quiet hours when she is confined to her cage, the bear imagines a different life in which she is free to wander through mountain streams and sleep lazily with her cubs. The degradation continues until the day an old peasant with a generous and empathetic spirit offers to buy her, releasing her from her chains. The somber and meaningful tone of the text underscores the author's purposeful intent without over-sentimentalizing. Large-scale, highly textured illustrations in a rich palette of purples, blues, red, and gold effectively convey the bear's hardships as well as her dreams. An author's note explains that the animals are now protected; even so, this book provides a compelling springboard toward many important topics including cruelty to animals, freedom versus captivity, and the sustaining power of dreams.

Booklist (May 1, 2003):

In Turkey, a large brown bear is forced to dance in the marketplace by her cruel keeper Haluk. One day, an old man, Yusuf, buys the bear and takes her home to live in the large forest next to his cottage. Months later, Yusuf returns to the market to find Haluk abusing another bear--a young cub. Yusuf buys the cub, introducing it to the first bear in the forest, and he praises the villagers when they finally spurn Haluk's actions. The language is mostly simple and well paced, with a few sophisticated exceptions, and the detailed, colorful pastel drawings, printed across double-page spreads, will show well to a crowd, although the lengthy text may limit read-aloud potential. The story's heavy messages may also encourage children to reflect on other ways animals in contemporary society are exploited for entertainment. In the postscript, Stanley shares her own experiences with mistreated dancing bears and gives contact information for the World Society for the Protection of Animals. Karen Hutt

Kirkus Reviews (February 1, 2003):

An unusual story based on fact carries a richly satisfying message … Illustrations … capture the scenes of a Turkish market and its denizens. A postscript … provides information on how to join the activism for saving the dancing bear and other abused animals.

Green Teacher (Winter 2004-2005):

In a Turkish marketplace, a captive, brown bear dreams of life in the wilderness, the smell of the forest and the taste of freshly caught fish; and along comes a poor peasant from the countryside who spends all his savings in order to deliver the bear from her torture, humiliation, and suffering. Although the practice of exhibiting “dancing” bears is now outlawed in Turkey and Greece, it was the author’s painful memory of seeing that spectacle during her travels in Greece that inspired this moving story. The emotional power of the text and expressive illustrations make this a book that would be an effective start to any child’s research into animal abuse, and a springboard to discussions about our relationships with and responsibilities to other creatures.

Hornbook Guide to Children (Tuesday, July 1, 2003):

A captive dancing bear in Turkey dreams of the wild until a kindly old man purchases her freedom from her cruel master. After he does the same for her replacement, universal opprobrium shuts down the bear master. Long-winded and heavy-handed, the bathetic treatment overwhelms the subject's natural pathos. The large-scale art resembling pastel crayons on a textured surface is a tad garish.

DINOSAURS

1-929132-86-7

TDMONTHLY.COM (September 2005):

What Is It?

It’s a book about dinosaurs… with a hole in it. That’s right, a hole. A hole to put a face in (either a kid’s or an adult’s). Inside there are dinosaurs who (in one easy to read—except the names—line) tell what they like to eat. From the fern-loving Diplodocus to the dino-loving T-Rex, each page gives the name and eating habits of another animal. The hole? That’s right where the dinosaur’s face is, so you look pretty silly and have a lot of fun.

What We Thought

Sometimes dinosaurs frighten the very smallest children, so having their faces look out from the book, or better yet, having an adult’s is very un-frightening. With my nephew, it worked like a charm. I read the line, did the sound effects of eating, and even ran after him as if I were a Tyrannosaurus. He laughed so hard he got the hiccups. Then he tried it for the rest of the day, running after his older sister, his mom and his dad. Granted, he and I are both hams, so we took to it like a Plesiosaurus to water (one dino that isn’t in the book). Still, it’s a hoot, and lots of fun. My only comment: I’m a dinosaur fan, so I knew the pronunciation of all the names, but a handy-dandy phonetic guide might be a good addition, though it’s a minor point.

Why They’ll Want It

Hey, it’s dinosaurs—which are timeless (or at least 65 million years old—the end of the Cretaceous era). Also, it’s got a hole in the book, a novelty right there. It’s fun to play with, and a unique way of demystifying a potentially frightening subject. All in all: two thumbs up.

Through the Looking Glass Children’s Book Review (October 2006):

We are going to meet a veritable herd of very hungry dinosaurs. Diplodocus loves to eat ferns as does his friend Stegosaurus. Compsognathus on the other hand is a meat eater; little lizards are his meal of choice. Then Triceratops gets in on the discussion insisting that plant foods are so much better. Pteranodon meanwhile thinks that fish are the best kind of food. Then Tyrannosaurus arrives on the scene and we all know what he likes to eat!

Little dinosaur fans will greatly enjoy learning about what their favorite dinosaur species like to eat. Better still, because this board book has a large hole in the middle, they can become each of the six dinosaurs in turn, putting their face through the hole to roar and growl in proper dinosaur fashion. Large brightly colored illustrations perfectly compliment the simple and engaging conversation style text.

DOG DEN MYSTERY

1-933605-18-9

KidsBookshelf.com:

Meet Jack Russell, Dog Detective. He's a Jack Russell terrier with a nose for crime, and solving it. Jack and his human landlord, Sarge, have moved to the neighborhood of Doggeroo, and Jack finds himself in the middle of a mystery right away! Someone has stolen Jack's squeaker bone, his blanket, his food dish and his new friend's ball. Can Jack nose out the thief and put an end to the stealings? A fun story that young readers will enjoy while trying to solve the mystery with Jack.

Jen Robinson’s Book Page (December 2, 2006):

Dog Den Mystery (Jack Russell, Dog Detective) is the first in a new series of early chapter books by Darrel & Sally Odgers. It was originally published by Scholastic Press in Australia in 2005, and was recently republished in America by Kane/Miller. I only noticed one Australian term that may puzzle American kids. There are a couple of references to "biscuits", which in Australia are cookies, not what we think of as biscuits. Otherwise, the text is quite universal.
Jack Russell is, not surprisingly, a Jack Russell terrier. He lives with a man named Sarge, who is a police detective. Apparently, the detecting idea has rubbed off, because Jack sets out to solve a mystery. Jack and Sarge move into a new neighborhood at the start of the book, and Jack is astonished to find that someone is stealing his things (blanket, squeak-toy, etc.). He is able to use his keen sense of smell to track them down, of course, but suspects that his possessions are being used as part of a kidnapping plot.
Jack has some unusual ideas that I think kids will find funny. He makes "nose maps", with which he stores information collected by his nose (e.g. "strange dog sat here"). The nose maps are a hoot. He also has a series of "Jack's Facts", which vary in their accuracy. For example:
"Jack Russells (and other dogs) like to hide underneath blankets.

If we can't see you, you can't see us.

This is a fact."
I found most of the facts entertaining, though I started finding the phrase "This is a fact" annoying fairly quickly. Jack also has his own special vocabulary, with words bolded in the text, and defined at the end of each chapter. For instance: "Terrier-tory: The ground or land claimed by a terrier." That one made me laugh. Jack is a solid character for early grade school kids to enjoy, determined and resourceful, with the interests that one would expect from a small dog.
The black and white illustrations, especially those of the nose maps, are simple and kid-friendly. There are paw-prints sprinkled regularly through the text, and both large and small illustrations. I think that Jack Russell will appeal to kids who love dogs, and kids who love mysteries. The second book in the series, The Phantom Mudder, is now available, with two others expected out in the US in March.


Jelly Mom (February 5, 2007):

Fun. Young dog lovers will enjoy this mystery, solved by dog sleuth Jack, a Jack Russell terrier. When things go missing, especially Jack's favorite squeaker-bone, he must solve the case. Loved the "Jack's Facts" (facts about this breed of terrier) that are included. A great first book of a very promising series, especially for young detective-minded readers. The suggested reading level is age 9 - 12, but avid younger readers who read above level will also enjoy this book.

DOUGAL THE GARBAGE DUMP BEAR

1-929132-78-6

Kirkus Reviews (September 15, 2005):

In this quirky tale about a tattered teddy’s second chance, readers follow the travails of Dougal, rescued at the dump by a truck operator. Soon, a stuffed bee named Bumble joins the forlorn bear. Silly, tongue-in-cheek outings for the pair are documented in a photojournalistic style. When the rescued toys reach 45 in number, the “big boss” puts an end to their idyllic days spent pond side. The toys ultimately find a new home by the sea – with their rescuer. Dray’s remarkably expressive photographs are arranged collage style on the pages. His sense of the absurd is underscored by the deadpan delivery of the commentary, which has a certain Australian panache: references to vegemite sandwiches, as well as exclamations of “blimey” and “bloomin” abound throughout the text. The juxtaposition of Dray’s wry narrative with his quixotic and uniquely compelling snapshots proves engaging across the generations. A heartfelt message at tale’s end regarding triumphing over adversity proves that this odd duckling of a story is truly a swan.

School Library Journal (November 1, 2005):

A once-loved but now well-worn stuffed bear is tossed out after being replaced by new, clean toys. Finding himself in the garbage dump, Bear makes friends with a stuffed bumblebee. Together they explore the area, rescue dozens of other discarded toys, and dodge garbage trucks and tractors. When the big boss says they must leave, kindly workers take them to a little house on the beach, where they spend the rest of their days at play. What begins as an appealing adventure soon turns into a long, rambling tale that becomes more maudlin and implausible with each new turn. Cutouts and collages of photos of stuffed animals create interesting artwork. However, the hand-printed text is difficult for beginning readers and too long to use as a read-aloud. The author's voice is intrusive, introducing an adult sensibility to an otherwise childlike concept. The book's design is more attractive than its content.

Education Oasis (February 5, 2006):

“Dougal was a shy little bear with a heart of gold." Unfortunately, he "never got to play with the other toys . . . because they were all new and clean and perfect and he was not." Dougal ends up in the garbage dump. Luckily, a kind man working at the dump saves the little bear. After a series of adventures, Dougal (along with many other "dumped" animals and toys) ends up at the man's house. There Dougal "realized that sometimes bad things happen so that good things can happen. You just had to make the best of it." Designed to look like a scrapbook, the book is clever and creative and a wonderful read-aloud.

SurLaLune Storytime (March 2006):

Author and photographer Matt Dray discovered Dougal the Bear when he worked at a dump in Australia. A clever book with a scrapbook design, readers follow Dougal's journey from a child's toy to a garbage dump reject where he makes new friends and begins a new life. With a few bittersweet moments, Dougal doesn't become real like the Velveteen Rabbit, but still enjoys a happy ending for his young readers. This whimsical book will delight anyone who has ever loved and lost a teddy bear.

Curled Up Kids (May 2006):

Who knew that working at a garbage dump could yield such treasures? Author and former garbage dump employee Matt Dray found a wonderful stuffed bear in 2002 while working at the local dump. He named it Dougal and created an absolutely delightful children’s book about his find that will touch the hearts of both kids and adults. Dray introduces us to Dougal, a shy little bear with a heart of gold. One day, Dougal gets tossed into the trash, as many toys eventually do, and thinks his life is over. But it really has just begun, for Dougal finds a special friend working at the dump who takes good care of him and introduces him to even more stuffed friends. Soon, Dougal is one of a whole collection of cuddly creatures that hang out at the dump, riding in the truck cabs, drinking ginger beer and having a grand old time. But even dumps must one day dump their trash somewhere, and soon Dougal and his friends are loaded up once again, fearing for their future…until they discover the best home of all in this heartwarming story that made this grown-up feel good all over. Oh, and my little boy loved it, too! Dray tells his story with humor and warmth, accompanying the true life tale with wonderful full color photographs of Dougal, the dump yard, and all the other amazing discoveries he found that eventually made up a whole new family. Dougal is unique and unforgettable and will have you thinking twice before you throw away your kids’ stuffed creatures. Then again, go ahead and toss them. Like Dougal, they may end up finding their true home with someone who will appreciate them long after your children have lost interest!

USA Weekend.com (July 30, 2006);

In this Aussie story, Dougal the teddy bear gets no respect. After his owner carelessly leaves him in the rain, Dougal is thrown away. At the dump, a landfill worker rescues him, and, when joined by other rescued toys, Dougal learns the importance of feeling valued.

Writer Mom (February 21, 2007):

Having been a serious collector of stuffed animals while growing up, this book hit a chord with me. My mother can attest to my ardent devotion to the amassing of more and more stuffed animals. By the time I finally outgrew this mammoth, life consuming passion, I probably had enough garbage bags full of stuffed animals to satisfy a small nation of stuffyless children.

Never would I have dreamed of outright disposing of my hoard of poly-filled wildlife. In this captivating picture book, Matt Dray proves to be one of my own ilk. This true story, well... mostly true... is written and illustrated by a true and literal stuffy junkie (pun intended).

Dougal was the sad and forgotten little remnant of a young girls overgrown toy collection that was accidentally left out in the harsh elements after a lonely tea party where he felt he was the brunt of a collective snub from all of the other party-goers. By and by Dougal found his way to the trash can, then to the dump truck and ultimately to the landfill with all of the other rubbish only to be rescued by a friendly garbage man who obviously has a great devotion to all things stuffed, no matter how tattered and apparently unloveable. Can I just, as a side note, say how much I love the use of the word rubbish in this book? This along with several other little peculiarities littered throughout the book reminds the reader a few times over that this book is written by an Aussie.

This book is unquestionably unique with regards to illustrations. The illustrations are actual photographs of outdoor tea parties, dump trucks, duck ponds and landfills. Children will likely see a number of things that connect with their own reality in these pictures such as the tiny Ikea chairs used at the ill-fated tea party. Adults will find plenty of surprises, both in picture and in the story itself, that will cause an unexpected bout of mildly uncontrollable laughter.

Our whole family, from the three year old all the way up to Mom and Dad, found Dougal The Garbage Dump Bear which is published by Kane/Miller to be thoroughly entertaining, well written, creatively illustrated and purely enjoyable. A sweet life lesson, that all people, adults and children need to remember when life doesn't seem its most pleasant, is woven into the story nicely without ever really making the reader feel like they are learning a lesson, so delighted are they with each turn of page.

The finale to Dougal's unexpected life-turn was sweet to this incurable stuffed animal lover, who though having given up her gargantuan stockpile of stuffies many years ago, has never been satisfied with the idea that any of these formerly loved-on personas might spend their eternity languishing at the bottom of a landfill.

**********************
My six year old has decided that he too would like to write or dictate a book review as often as I do so here, in true Reading Rainbow fashion, is what he has dictated to me with regards to his feelings about this book:


This book is called Dougal The Garbage Dump Bear by Matt Dray who actually found Dougal at the dump where he used to work.


I think this will be a popular kids book. It has really funny parts in it. My favorite part was when they found out that Shaggy Thing With One Eye was a really good surfer.

I like the pictures because they are very cute and colorful. The pictures are real photographs. I like how all the toys had real personalities even though they were just toys.

I think kids should read this because it's very funny and it teaches a lesson that sometimes bad things happen so that good things can happen.
DUCK’S KEY, WHERE CAN IT BE?

1-929132-72-7

Kirkus Reviews (Saturday, January 15, 2005):

Good lift-the-flap books provide a sense of discovery and the engaging pleasures of being a co-conspirator. This one from Alborough is a good one, exercising the bean while tickling the bone. It is a very simple affair: Duck, with his feather-fingered hands as big as Shaquille O'Neal and his cavernous orange beak, has lost the keys to his truck. But not so fast - they have actually been purloined by frog, who hides behind various features on the page and invites readers to join his game of hide-and-seek. Attentive kids will note a developing pattern and little clues. At 18 pages, the ruse won't be extended into cruelty, and the ending is a gift to the duck, who merrily drives off without his suitcase. The air of mischief is light and fun and the sturdy-paper construction should keep the flaps flapping for many a hard yank.

School Library Journal (March 1, 2005):

Duck is going on a trip but he cannot find the key to his big red truck. As he looks everywhere for it, a frog reveals to readers that he has it, but he says, "Don't tell Duck!" The vibrant primary colors make the story as much fun to follow as the search itself as children lift the flaps to see where the frog is hiding next. Dialogue bubbles in bold print serve as the only text and are terrifically engaging, and the large spreads are great for group viewing. A fun read-aloud.

Publisher's Weekly (Monday, January 17, 2005):

The web-footed fellow from Duck in the Truck drives his red pick-up through an interactive title in the paper-over-board Duck's Key: Where Can It Be? by Jez Alborough. As Duck searches the flowerpot, under the welcome mat and more, Frog hides behind a flap on each spread, holding the missing keys-until he can make his way to the ignition.

Looking Glass Review.com (October 2006):

Duck has lost the key for his truck and he begins to look all over the place for it. What he does not know is that Frog has the key and the mischievous little creature keeps putting the key in a new hiding place. First Frog is hiding in the flower pot but when Duck searches there Frog has already moved on and is now hiding under the door mat. It is easy to see that Frog is having great fun at the expense of his feathered friend. Poor duck! Is he ever going to be able to catch up with that wily frog?

Minimal text with simple rhymes, wonderful large format full page illustrations, and amusing characters make this a winning little story. Young children will love lifting the flaps to see what naughty frog has to say next and they will certainly enjoy the surprise ending.

DUCK IN THE TRUCK