Synopses & Reviews
Soonie's great-grandma was just seven years old when she was sold to a big plantation without her ma and pa, and with only some fabric and needles to call her own. She pieced together bright patches with names like North Star and Crossroads, patches with secret meanings made into quilts called Show Ways -- maps for slaves to follow to freedom. When she grew up and had a little girl, she passed on this knowledge. And generations later, Soonie -- who was born free -- taught her own daughter how to sew beautiful quilts to be sold at market and how to read.
From slavery to freedom, through segregation, freedom marches and the fight for literacy, the tradition they called Show Way has been passed down by the women in Jacqueline Woodson's family as a way to remember the past and celebrate the possibilities of the future. Beautifully rendered in Hudson Talbott's luminous art, this moving, lyrical account pays tribute to women whose strength and knowledge illuminate their daughters' lives.
Review
"One of the most remarkable books of the year."
-Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Show Way is a sophisticated book that introduces readers to the passage of time, family traditions, and the significance of quilts and their patterns in African-American history. The gorgeous, multimedia art includes chalk, watercolors, and muslin. An outstanding tribute, perfectly executed in terms of text, design, and illustration." -School Library Journal, starred review
Review
"Anyone who has ever been owned by a cat will connect with all the behaviors described and enjoy recognizing their own pets as they laugh at Buddy's antics. . . . Illustrations are crisp and lively and add to the humor." School Library Journal, starred review
Review
"Cat lovers will recognize their favorite feline attributes (as well as those they're less fond of) in this amusing 'cat'-alog. . . . Pokes fun at peoples' foibles and extols the virtues of cats. . . . Feline fanciers will lap this up and look forward to repeat servings." Kirkus Reviews
Review
* “Will draw readers right in. Who doesn’t love cats? Well, even if you don’t love ’em, you’ll have learned a lot about them—delightfully—after turning the last page of this clever picture book. . . . Funny and furious . . . a wonderful mélange of “catitude.” Booklist, starred review
Review
“The affable older-and-wiser cat is an amusing narrator, and cat lovers will happily recognize both the delights and occasional drawbacks of cat ownership. . . . The cats are capably and endearingly rendered; the big-eyed kittens in particular are sure to elicit some ‘Awws. . . . Sassy Buddy will sashay his way into many a kids heart.” The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Synopsis
The Hudson River has been a source of inspiration and a means of livelihood to all who have lived along its shores. It played a key role in the settling of the New World and the outcome of the Revolutionary War, and was the birthplace of the environmental movement. Now Hudson Talbott pays homage to the river that shares his name in a gorgeously illustrated, fascinating account of the river?s history.
Each appealing spread sheds exciting light on the river?s strategic, economic and cultural signifi cance. Packed with facts, timelines and maps, this is a wonderful introduction to a wide range of topics including the Age of Exploration, the Erie Canal, the Industrial Age, American arts and literature and the environment. River of Dreams is truly a book with something for everyone.
Synopsis
A hilarious tribute to state birds!
Welcome to the United Tweets Pageant! This colorful parade of state birds competing to be Top Tweet will have readers of all ages laughing aloud. From Alabama?s Yellowhammer to Wyoming?s Western Meadowlark, each bird is a winner?and each bird loves to show off the state it calls home. Hudson Talbott has created an inspired introduction to states and their birds. His vibrant, detailed illustrations infuse the birds? interactions with energy and humor, making this a great way to spark kids? interest in United States history, geography, and, of course, wildlife!
Synopsis
"A scintillating sliver of history. . . . An inventive introduction to the Renaissance and one of its masters." (
Publishers Weekly, starred review)
"An unusual and surprisingly touching story . . . . An offbeat and intriguing read." (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review)
"At times sad, silly, and telling, this is a wholly entertaining book." (School Library Journal, starred review)
"Filled with engaging details of Leonardo and his world. . . . Illustrations which range from utterly recognizable scenes of Florence to the ghostly horses at Leonardo's deathbed. . . . An unusual biography for young people, and one well worth poring over . . . . A unique way of picturing a unique world . . . . An extraordinary tribute." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)
Synopsis
The perfect gift for cat lovers!
Cats rule! And this funny, endearing look at cat culture shows how they've mastered the art of charming humans. Do you ever wonder how cats achieve the perfect blend of catitude and cuteness; how they can be both mild and wild? Here all the tricks of their trade are revealed as an alpha cat passes his wisdom to a new generation. Entertaining lessons abound, including a crash course on what to eat (mouse=do, gerbil=don't) and the importance of purr therapy to keep the humans calm.
Hudson Talbott's spot-on humor celebrates everything we love about our fabulous feline friends, as well as the little things we put up with because we love them.
About the Author
Jean Fritz, the Newbery Honor-winning author of Homesick, is best known for her engaging and enlightening nonfiction for young readers, including What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin?, And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?, and Shh! We're Writing the Constitution. She was honored with the Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature by the New York State Library Association, and won the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for her career contribution to American children's literature.