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Whole World
Sung by Fred Penner, illustrated by Christopher Corr
Reviewed by Joyce Rice
Did you know that millions of years ago, mountains and valley were created by pressure from deep below the earth's
surface? The pressure forced large sections of land to be pushed up, thus creating a mountain. The lowlands below the
mountains were called valleys. Valleys are home to many billions of living things because of the rich soil that abides
there. Communities will develop around these valleys because the people can grow crops in the rich soil and thus feed
their families and neighbors.
Trees, flowers, birds, fish and humans will all be affected by how future generations care
for the land. Through the use of the song "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands," readers will learn that they also have
"the world in their hands." Bright, colorful illustrations and backgrounds will entice young readers to follow along.
The accompanying CD provides music for the song in two tracks—one with lyrics and one without. The music and lyrics are
also written in the book. Throughout the text, readers are reminded of their ecological responsibilities. Supplemental
pages give ways that everybody can help to reduce waste and protect the environment.
My Dog is as Smelly as Dirty Socks and Other Funny Family Portraits
by Hanoch Piven
Reviewed by Emily Beeson, Whimsy Books
My Dog is as Smelly as Dirty Socks and Other Funny Family Portraits, by Hanoch Piven, is definitely a quirky
picture book. When a little girl is asked to draw a picture of her family, she does, but she isn't satisfied with it. She
doesn't like it because it doesn't show that her daddy is as jumpy as a spring, her mommy is as bright as a light, her
brother is as strong as a baseball bat, the baby is as loud as an alarm clock, and...you guessed it...the dog is as smelly
as dirty socks.
Piven's illustrations—collage photographs—are extremely creative, making this book an excellent prompt for an
art project and/or a discussion on character development.
The Best Eid Ever
by Asma Mobin-Uddin, illustrated by Laura Jacobsen
Reviewed by Julie M. Prince
Eid, the biggest holiday of the Muslim year has finally arrived. Aneesa just knows things won't be the same this year,
though, because her parents are far away in Saudi Arabia. To cheer her up, Aneesa's grandmother gives her beautiful new
Eid clothing and even makes her favorite dinner, lamb korma.
Nonni's surprises brighten Aneesa's day, but when she meets two girls who have lost everything they own, she loses a
little of her joy. The determined and big-hearted Aneesa comes up with a plan that will salvage the spirit of Eid.
This is a culturally diverse story full of heart and human spirit. Jacobsen's brilliant illustrations match the moods of
the text and introduce new objects, while bringing new life to familiar objects at the same time.
A gorgeous picture book that would look perfect on any child's bookshelf!
Harry and the Dinosaurs Go to School
by Ian Whybrow, illustrated by Adrian Reynolds
Reviewed by Emily Beeson, Whimsy Books
Harry and the Dinosaurs Go to School is a cute picture book about a boy who brings his bucket of dinosaurs to his
first day of school.
Harry is brave, but Stegosaurus feels nervous because he might not be allowed to "Raaah" at school.
One of the boys in Harry's class is frightened, too. He doesn't say a word. Harry befriends the boy, and everyone ends up
having a good experience at school.
This book is probably more appropriate for those entering preschool than kindergarten. The story and illustrations have a
young feel. However, if your child loves dinosaurs and is starting school, Harry and the Dinosaurs Go to School
is a great match.
Books Reviewed:
Whole World,sung by Fred Penner, illustrated by Christopher Corr. Barefoot Books, 2007.
ISBN: 1-8468-6043-0.
My Dog is As Smelly As Dirty Socks: And Other Funny Family Portraits, by Hanoch Piven.
Schwartz & Wade, 2007.ISBN: 0-3758-4052-4.
The Best Eid Ever, by Asma Mobin-Uddin, illustrated by Laura Jacobsen. Boyds Mills Press, 2007.
ISBN: 1-5907-8431-6.
Harry and the Dinosaurs Go to School, by Ian Whybrow, illustrated by Adrian Reynolds.
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2007. ISBN: 0-3758-4180-6.
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