July 2003

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Upcoming Events for Children's Librarians

NEWS AND NOTES

ACL Elections: The annual election of the ACL Officers will be held at the August meeting. The slate of officers nominated to serve alongside current Vice President/President Elect Elizabeth Overmyer includes:
Vice President: Bill Coolidge.
Secretary: Martha Shogren.
Treasurer: Sherry Kumler.

2002 CARNEGIE AND GREENAWAY AWARDS ANNOUNCED IN UK

Sharon Creech was named the Carnegie Award winner for her novel Ruby Holler, given to the best in children's literature in the United Kingdom. Creech is the first Carnegie Medal winner to have also won a Newbery Award. Creech received the Newbery for Walk Two Moons in 1995.

Creech had been short-listed for the Carnegie for the past three years, but this is her first win. The Carnegie is awarded by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), and was begun nearly 70 years ago. Arthur Ransome was its first recipient. Creech, an American, has lived in England since 1979.

The CILIP also named the Greenaway Award winner for children's book illustration. Bob Graham, and Australian author/illustrator, was awarded the Greenaway for Jethro Byrde - Fairy Child. This is also Graham's third year to be short-listed by the committee.

The CILIP also named one Carnegie "Highly Commended" book, Anne Fine's Up On Cloud Nine, and one Greenaway "Commended" book, Lauren Child's That Pesky Rat.

Caldecott Winner Robert McCloskey Dies at 88

Author/illustrator Robert McCloskey died on June 30th, at the age of 88, at his home in Maine. Perhaps best known for Make Way For Ducklings, which was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1942, McCloskey was born in Ohio, but studied art in Boston before settling in Maine, where many of his books were set.

McCloskey wrote and illustrated eight children's books, although he started as an artist and only wrote as a way to be a working artist. His first book was Lentil. He won a second Caldecott for Time of Wonder in 1958, and Caldecott Honors for Blueberries for Sal in 1949, One Morning in Maine in 1953, and Journey Cake, Ho! in 1954. Most of his books were autobiographical - Sal is based on his daughter, Sally. He had another daughter Jane, and both are features in Time of Wonder. McCloskey also wrote two popular, humorous novels for ages 8-12, Homer Price and Centerburg Tales.

Author Joan Lowery Nixon Dies at age 76

Author of several novels for young people, including the "Orphan Train" series, Joan Lowery Nixon died on June 28th in Houston at age 76. Nixon also wrote many mystery novels for ages 9-14, and won four Edgar Allen Poe Awards for The Kidnapping of Christina Lattimore, The Seance, The Other Side of Dark, and The Name of the Game Was Murder.
Nixon was a native of Los Angeles and a graduate of University of Southern California. Her autobiography, Making of a Writer, published in 2002, describes her Hollywood childhood.

MEDIA WATCH
Video and CD's for Kids

Daffy Dave's Tree Fort. Video, 60 minutes, Color, $14.95, www.daffydave.com

Bay Area children's performer Daffy Dave Mampel offers a one-hour video from his TV show, seen on a Peninsula local cable television channel. But this is more polished than "Wayne's World," the "Saturday Night Live" spoof of cable access television. Daffy Dave combines retro elements of Captain Kangaroo and Mayor Art with the creativity and originality of PeeWee Herman. In fact, Daffy Dave looks ready to move onto the national level - his show deserves the bigger budget and the bigger exposure of Nickelodeon or another children's cable network.

Dave's show is set in a colorful studio, dressed like a wood-paneled tree fort. Kids in the audience interact with Dave, performing comedy, magic, charades, and music from Dave's live act, which is seen in many libraries in the Bay Area. Parents enjoy the G rated comedy as much as kids. Dave's original songs and musical spoofs are the highlight of the video, like a kids' version of Weird Al Yankovic.

The live performance is intercut with film of Dave walking in the woods, offering the viewer advice on how kids can help preserve our environment by not littering, etc. These "educational" portions are fun and are a nice break from the high energy live portions. Supporting characters include cowboy sidekick Dusty Buckles, Lizzy Bee who works with the kids in the studio, and saxophone-playing Mom substitute Dolly Pop.

The camera work and sound are first rate. Only the lighting needs improvement; at times it is so bright it washes out some of the filming. Daffy Dave has the imagination and creativity to move onto the national television scene. Libraries who host his live shows will want this for patrons who want to re-live the experience of seeing him in person.

James K. "Good Morning Sun Goodnight Moon." CD $15. Rivertown Records, 2002. www.jamesk.com

Petaluma, California resident James K has a new music CD to accompany his 1998 Parents' Choice Honor recording, "A Giggle Can Wiggle Its Way Through a Wall." All eleven cuts on his new album were written by James, but in the style of contemporary folk music that will really please a wide age range of listeners. These are the kind of songs that will find the whole family singing along when played in the car, and teachers will find them just right for the classroom.

The lyrics and themes of his songs are not "kiddie," but great for the elementary age child. Topics include animals, trains, cowboys, the earth and sun, and food. The liner notes on the CD feature all the lyrics, so teachers could adapt these songs for school assemblies. Two standouts are "Mushrooms and Asparagus," which had a horn section, and "Ride That Train," which has a great harmonica solo.

James has a voice similar to that of James Taylor, and the background vocals by a children's chorus is quite professional. The musical accompaniment, all done with "real," not synthesized musical instruments, is outstanding. The guitars, drums, accordian, fiddle, harmonica, and other instruments give an authentic folk sound.

Many Bay Area libraries have hosted James for concerts, so his CD's will be in demand. "Good Morning Sun Goodnight Moon" has already received a Parents' Choice Recommended Award. To order his CD's or to contact James K about live appearances, contact 1-888-303-4600, [email protected], or www.jamesk.com.

Numeroff, Laura. If You Take A Mouse to School, illus. by Felicia Bond. HarperCollins, 2003, Book and Cassette, $11.99, ISBN 0-06-052958-X.

A miniature version of this popular picture book accompanies a cassette recording with some extras. Actress Joan Allen reads the book aloud, in two versions: one without "page turning" signals, and one with. The cassette also includes two songs, "My Lunch Box," and "Big Words" by Sarah Weeks.

The story isn't as circular as the original "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie," but it has humorous scenes of Mouse doing a science experiment, shooting baskets, and building a house of blocks. Allen's narration is great, with a matter of fact tone, but it is accompanied by a tinny synthesized piano. But Allen's tone is just right for the subtle humor of the story.
Weeks' soprano suits the two songs, which will appeal most to preschoolers, but that same tinny piano sound doesn't serve the songs. Still, fans of this book will appreciate this recording.

First Grade Rocks. "Smart Songs for Super Kids." CD $15. Curriculum Rocks, 2003. www.curriculumrocks.com

Thirteen original songs written and performed by San Mateo's Lauren Mayer have the unique capacity to both rock and be perfect for schools due to their lyrics and themes. With songs like "The Water Cycle" and "That's Matter," elementary age children can be introduced to science concepts. "The Freedom Three" celebrates Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Martin Luther King, Jr. All of the songs would be great for school assemblies, but even parents will enjoy them for car trips.
The musical accompaniment, by noted Bay Area musicians like Dick Bright of Big Bang Beat and John Hoy, who produced and mixed this album, is first rate. The children's chorus and background vocals are equally superior and professional. Lauren Mayer, as the principal vocalist, may remind you of Carole King with a bluesy swing to her belt. Some of the songs feature Scott Grinthal as the lead, or in duets with Mayer, and his pleasant voice make the lyrics clear. The overall style of the songs is pure pop, and many will get the kids up and dancing. "Habitat, Habitat" has some of the rhythms of the 1950's "Lollipop" and "Friends" has a calypso beat.

Sandi & Stevie. "Insect Songs." CD $15. Sandi & Stevie, 2003. www.insectsongs.com.

The duo of Sandi and Stevie perform 16 original songs, all themed for different insects. Sandi's beautiful soprano really stands out on this recording. Ideal for preschoolers, these songs have a nice variety of musical styles that will encourage children to sing along.

Sandi and Stevie are from Danville, California and perform throughout the Bay Area at libraries and other venues, including Children's Fairyland and the Oakland Zoo. To contact them for CD orders or for live concerts, call 925-743-9839 or visit their website at www.insectsongs.com.

Justin Roberts. "Not Naptime." CD$14.99. Hear Diagonally Records, 2003. www.heardiagonally.com or www.justinroberts.org

Chicago family musician and recording artist Justin Roberts may be familiar to California librarians because he tours here about three times each year. "Not Naptime," his most recent CD, received the 2003 Parents' Choice Gold Award. His previous CD, "Yellow Bus," was one of Amazon.com's Top 10 for Children and a Booklist Magazine's Editor's Choice. His original folk-pop songs will appeal to parents, not just to kids, who will all be singing along to his refreshingly energetic music.

The 12 original songs and Roberts' vocals have been compared to the work of James Taylor. The songs' themes are universal in most families: animals, food, being afraid of the dark, traveling in the car, etc. The songs are done in a variety of styles and tempos so the CD never becomes monotonous or repetitive. In fact, parents may want to listen to this even if the kids are not in the car!

Libraries interested in hosting a Justin Roberts Family Concert can call 1-877-345-4992, or check his website at www.justinroberts.org.

Wild About Harry?
Fifth "Harry Potter" Gets Mixed Reviews

The sales figures and hype over the fifth "Harry Potter" book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix have been all over the news. But the reviews of this unprecedented best-seller have been mixed; both the printed professional reviews, the "customer" reviews on Amazon.com, and discussions by librarians, like that seen on the CCBC listserv.
How do you see this new book in the popular series? I have to admit, I'm still "wild about Harry." I didn't mind that he was an angst-filled 15 year old who was on the whiny side. SPOILER ALERT: After all, he is an orphan, and has to spend the summers with the Dursleys, has a new headmaster out to get him in the form of Dolores Umbridge, has been kicked off the Quidditch team, and is nearly expelled from Hogwarts. I'd whine, too. Plus, if you have ever lived with a 15-year-old, you know that complaining and being sullen are part of the deal.
Some reviewers have found less action in this one; that is true. There is less Quidditch play, and the big fight scene occurs 700 pages into the book, although it is an exciting scene that helps move the plot, not just action for action's sake. Much of the time at Hogwarts involves the group studying for their OWL levels, which is comparable to the "O" levels that English teenagers need to pass to go onto college. So, it may not be as relevant to American readers, but it makes sense knowing that the author (and Harry) are English.
Some kids and most adults will find the political allegory, lightly handled, a fun and interesting commentary. Umbridge may remind some of Margaret Thatcher because of her ruthless nature, others will see the Ministry of Magic's media manipulation as similar to things that happened during Watergate, the Clinton years, and even more recently with George Bush II.
Lots of the publicity for HP5 discuss his "romance" with Cho, from Ravenclaw, but it is really a minor part of the book. Other female characters like Hermione and Ginny Weasley are far more interesting. We'll have to wait and see who Harry is taken with in the future books.
All of our favorite characters are back, and are true to their original characterizations. It was great to see more development of Nigel Longbottom, a character who is evolving nicely. I think that is what the strength of the series is - not the action, but the strong, distinctive characters and their interaction. The other strength is the original, logical world Rowling created; similar to Gene Roddenberry's creation of the "Star Trek" universe - the Hogwarts world draws on traditional myth but is so memorable and it all works together like a finely made timepiece.
Could the book have used some editing? Probably, because at times it is a little repetitious. But overall, I thought it was a great read. I didn't think it "bogged down," or slowed down, but like her previous books, picks up speed as you get into it. Some libraries decided to catalog HP 5 in Young Adult; I don't think it is any more intense of violent than HP 4, so I don't see the need to put it in YA - fans age 10 and up will certainly enjoy it.
HP 5 appears to be a "bridge" to 6 and 7, which may end up more Young Adult - the final chapter in HP5 indicates that future books will be more action packed, with a war brewing between Harry and Voldemort. All indications are that 6 and 7 have the potential to be even more intriguing than 5 - perhaps more on the level of 3 and 4, which really developed the characters and fleshed out the HP mythology. I can't wait!
For two other interesting reviews of HP5, see John Leonard's review in the July 13, 2003 issue of the New York Times Sunday Book Review, and Stephen King's review in the July 11, 2003 issue of Entertainment Weekly magazine.

Penny Peck,
San Leandro PL

No Roses for Harry

That Rowling has held her readers in such suspense for the next installment of Harry Potter attests to the fact that she is doing something right. But the latest installment may make readers ask: what, exactly, is she doing?

Harry gets a surprise head-start on his fifth year at Hogwarts when dementors visit him (and his cousin Dudley) on Privet Drive. Harry uses a Patronus charm to defeat them, and his unauthorized use of magic gets him a hearing with the ministry of magic. Before his hearing, he's picked up at his home by Mad-Eyed Moody, Professor Lupin, and the rest of the advance guard of the recently re-established "Order of the Phoenix," the secret organization of Wizards who, with Dumbledore, were the original combatants against Voldemort.

Dumbledore shows up at the hearing to clear Harry of all charges, but once at Hogwarts, Harry has almost no contact with Dumbledore. This becomes increasingly frustrating as the new Defense against the Dark Arts Teacher, a puppet from the Ministry, slowly but surely tries to take over the school. Hermione and Ron have been named Prefects, which means they're busy with stuff that doesn't involve Harry. Cho is even more alluring and confusing, and that darned scar keeps itching…

Rowling uses her same tried-and-true plot elements and narrative arc to keep readers engaged in the story and characters for nearly 900 pages. But though readers will be pleased to read about their friends again, they may find Harry's whiny angsting a bore-he has plenty to complain about, but we've all heard it before. The ending-completely unsurprising and ill-paced-does nothing really to extend the characters or the plot beyond where they were on page one. Voldemort does show his face in the Ministry, forcing the previously wishy-washy organization to admit that he's back. Harry gets kissed. Someone dies. But each "twist" seems somehow forced and gratuitous, as if Rowling has simply lost sight of where she wanted to take this epic tale. Readers may, in fact, identify with this episode of Harry's too closely-it is very much like listening to a good friend go on endlessly about something they just figured out, which has been brilliantly apparent to the rest of the world for ages.
Is it a page turner? Yes. Will everyone read it? Yes. Should every library purchase multiple copies? Yes. Then why can't Rowling deliver the goods, rather than simply taking us all for a ride? That question, this reviewer has no answer for.

Nina Lindsay, Oakland PL