Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China
By: Ed Young
Medal Winner
NOT REVIEWED
Long, long ago, a good woman lived contentedly with her three daughters—Shang, Tao, and Paotze—in the countryside of northern China. But one day she had to leave to visit their granny, so she warned her children to close the door tight and latch it.
Soon after, to their surprise, there was a knock at the door and a voice saying it was their granny, their Po Po. What could the children do but let her in? But what a low voice she had, what thorny hands, and what a hairy face!
The Chinese tale of Lon Po Po, Granny Wolf, like the European tale of Little Red Riding Hood, comes from an ancient oral tradition and is thought to be over a thousand years old. It is a favorite tale of Ed Young, who translated and illustrated this version. Using a dramatic style that combines techniques used in ancient Chinese panel art with a powerful contemporary palette of watercolors and pastels, Mr. Young has created a book of classic beauty and charm.
From the dust jacket
Bill Peet: An Autobiography
By: Bill Peet
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
What a success story Bill Peet's life has been! From early boyhood in Indiana, his love for drawing was much more than a hobby; every day he drew secretly in his school books during classes.
After art school Peet went on to win prizes for his paintings. Then he went to work for Disney Studios, where he gained Walt Disney's respect and friendship and progressed to top writer-illustrator on such well-loved films as Dumbo, Fantasia, Cinderella, Song of the South, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, The Sword in the Stone, and One Hundred and One Dalmatians.
While still at Disney, Peet began writing children's stories, and his popularity soared. Now his picture books—more than thirty of them—are read by kids the world over.
In this handsome autobiography, Bill Peet tells in words and pictures the fascinating tale of his life.
From the dust jacket
Color Zoo
By: Lois Ehlert
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
By: Eric A. Kimmel
Illustrated by: Trina Schart Hyman
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
It is the first night of Hanukkah, Hershel of Ostropol is walking down the road. Tired and hungry, he is looking forward to reaching the next village. He is sure that bright candles, merry songs, and platters of potato latkes will be waiting for him. But when he reaches the village, Hershel discovers that the villagers aren't celebrating Hanukkah. They're too scared of the goblins that haunt the old synagogue at the top of the hill. Hershel wants to help the village people. "If I can't outwit a few goblins," Hershel tells the rabbi, "then my name isn't Hershel of Ostropol."
Hershel comes up with several ingenious ideas for tricking the goblins in this original Hanukkah tale.
From the dust jacket
The Talking Eggs: A Folktale from the American South
By: Robert D. San Souci
Illustrated by: Jerry Pinkney
Honor
Reviewed by: Lara Lleverino
Recommended age: 6 - 12 years of age
This is a wonderful story. Reminded me of a mashup between Uncle Remus and Brothers Grimm. The illustrations are exquisite. A story that affirms the universal benefits of an obedient and loving heart over a jealous and grasping heart while at the same time elevating the cultural beauty of the Creole south.
