Another outstanding health-related title by the author of I’m Tougher Than Asthma (not reviewed). Here the author explores the daily routines and challenges of three appealing school-age children with cerebral palsy. Emily, Nic, and Tanner, ach speak with a clear, personal voice. Engaging color photographs and the concise text capture the courage and a positive spirit of each of the children “working hard at simple things.” The book begins with an introduction written by Dr. Rebecca Campbell, who describes the three most common types of CP: spasticity (extreme stiffness of muscles and tendons); choreoathetosis (uncontrolled flinging) and hypotonia (floppiness)—and discusses current research on the causes and management of cerebral palsy. Sources of information are provided, including organizations, Web sites, magazines, and books. Emily has the most common type of CP, stiffness of tendons and muscles. As her father helps her exercise, she growls, “Sassafras!” “Rhubarb!” It hurts to stretch, but Emily says it helps her move better. Other photographs show her with her physical therapist, at play with her sister, and greeting friends at school. Nic spends most of his time in a wheelchair. He is shown practicing simple words with his speech therapist, communicating through his laptop computer, riding the school bus, bowling from his wheelchair, and struggling with his walker. Tanner, the least affected by CP, has a slight limp and weakness in one arm. It doesn't stop him from sharing in class or playing football with his brother. Emily concludes with a message to all kids: “Sometimes people are scared or shy because we move or talk funny. But you don't have to be. We like the same things you like.” An important book for sharing. (Nonfiction. 8-10)
Pub Date: April 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-8075-7637-9
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Whitman
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2000
Miranda’s book counts the monsters gathering at a birthday party, while a simple rhyming text keeps the tally and surveys the action: “Seven starved monsters are licking the dishes./Eight blow out candles and make birthday wishes.” The counting proceeds to ten, then by tens to fifty, then gradually returns to one, which makes the monster’s mother, a purple pin-headed octopus, very happy. The book is surprisingly effective due to Powell’s artwork; the color has texture and density, as if it were poured onto the page, but the real attention-getter is the singularity of every monster attendee. They are highly individual and, therefore, eminently countable. As the numbers start crawling upward, it is both fun and a challenge to try to recognize monsters who have appeared in previous pages, or to attempt to stay focused when counting the swirling or bunched creatures. The story has glints of humor, and in combination with the illustrations is a grand addition to the counting shelf. (Picture book. 3-8)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-15-201835-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1999
Baker (Big Fat Hen, 1994, etc.) engages in more number play, posing ducklings in every combination of groups, e.g., “Splashing as they leap and dive/7 ducklings, 2 plus 5.” Using a great array of streaked and dappled papers, Baker creates a series of leafy collage scenes for the noisy, exuberant ducklings to fill, tucking in an occasional ladybug or other small creature for sharp-eyed pre-readers to spot. Children will regretfully wave goodbye as the ducks fly off in neat formation at the end of this brief, painless introduction to several basic math concepts. (Picture book. 4-6)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-15-292858-8
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1999
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