This month's books are all written in short, gifted rhyme.
Everyone knows that frogs and rabbits hop, but did you know cows hop? "No they don't!" quips author/illustrator Katie Davis, in her picture book debut, "Who Hops?". With brightly colored pages and simple entertaining text, Davis offers a playful first peek into the dos and don'ts of the animal world. Soon readers everywhere will start playing their own game of "Who Hops?"
Verla Kay's debut picture book strikes it rich with Gold Fever. The author brings new life to California history with her spirited "cryptic" rhyme, as we follow Jasper through the ups and downs of gold mining during the 1849 gold rush. S.D. Schindler's playful colored pencil illustrations delightfully depict the hardship and frustrations of the miners of 1849. Don't miss Ms. Kay's fun, yet informative picture book, which is sure to be the first of more to come.
Take a ride through the pages of Window Music, as Suen's simple, musical rhymes and Zahare's brilliant illustrations captivate the reader on a scenic train ride. Past banana trees, vineyards and snow peaks to the city lights, a girl and her mother eventually approach their destination, which shows a father waiting to greet his family. For nap time or anytime, this is a book that exquisitely depicts the beauty and rhythmic lure of a trains' passing scenery.
The reviews listed here are Copyright 1999 by Katie McAllaster Weaver. Please do not make unauthorized copies of this article.