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48 pp.
| Holiday
| March, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8234-2135-0$18.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Eric Brace.
A brief explanation of idioms, metaphors, similes, and proverbs introduces fifteen sections starting at the top of the body ("Heads Up!") and ending at the feet. Each section explores a theme (parade, circus, zoo) and is loaded with comical characters enacting the saying literally (e.g., a strongman pulls a wagon of teeth: "It's like pulling teeth!"). Lots to look at and laugh about. Ind.
97 pp.
| Holiday
| December, 2006
|
TradeISBN 0-8234-1932-0$16.95
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Eric Brace.
Challenged to collectively fill a notebook with anything they choose, Ms. Wurtz's students happily enter poems, drawings, and stories both factual and made-up, until they begin arguing about the notebook's rules. Presented as rotating entries with varied handwriting and funky black-and-white illustrations, the notebook highlights each student's personality as the classmates debate the rules and finally learn to work together.
160 pp.
| Scholastic
| March, 2005
|
TradeISBN 0-439-45895-1$18.95
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Keith Kasnot
&
Eric Brace.
In accessible prose that moves sensibly from the big picture to details, Newquist explains current understanding of the human brain, from components and their functions to pathologies and memory enhancers. Numerous visuals extend the text, including color-coded chapters, photos, state-of-the-art images, and occasional cartoons. Refreshing strengths of this traditional presentation include its thoroughness, clarity, and freedom from gimmickry. Websites. Ind.
32 pp.
| Putnam
| October, 2003
|
TradeISBN 0-399-23582-5$$15.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Eric Brace.
Encouraged by her termite pal Tara, an unpopular stinkbug named Louise becomes excited about entering the upcoming ice-skating contest. Then a big, bullying cockroach named Kiki tries to scare her out of competing. Luckily, Tara won't let Louise quit and coaches her for the big showdown. The colorful and quirky cartoon illustrations add lots of personality to this simple, humorous rhyming story.
152 pp.
| Avon
| April, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-380-97546-7$$15.00
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Eric Brace.
Once again, Ozymandias the cat narrates the adventures of his wacky human family members, each of whom has a magical ability or characteristic. As Auntie Varvara, the vegetarian vampire, prepares to marry a wealthy werewolf, the rest of the Fantoras grapple with their own problems in unique ways. Although some of the humor is geared toward adults, the family's outrageous antics are sure to please.
135 pp.
| Avon
| September, 1998
|
TradeISBN 0-380-97547-5$$14.00
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Eric Brace.
Ozymandias the cat narrates a lighthearted novel about the family he lives with, who each have unique traits that get them in and out of difficulties. Grandma Filomena, for example, tells the future in the fabric she knits. In two amusing episodes, Marco, who can turn invisible, and Bianca, who can bring inanimate objects to life, deal out vengeance to the school bullies and have fun at the art museum.
(4)
4-6
Termites, rotten fish, and opossum stew are just a few of the odd items gobbled down at different points in history, according to this chaotic yet entertainingly informative compendium of international food lore. The crazed-looking cartoon illustrations help all the random snippets fit together reasonably well, with the exception of the author's gratuitous food-related poems, which are printed in small, hard-to-read type. Bib., ind.