 |
|||||
| First Grade Stinks! | |||||
| Written by Mary Ann Rodman | |||||
| Illustrated by Beth Spiegel | |||||
| ISBN: 1-56145-377-3 | |||||
 |
|||||
| "The pacing of the first-person narration coupled with Spiegel's winsome watercolors keeps this lively tale on track... Rodman handles the turmoil of school transitions with realism and humor. A good jumping-off book for discussions about differences and change." | |||||
— Publishers Weekly (** starred review) |
|||||
|
|||||
"Perfect as a read-aloud... a spot-on depiction of teachers helping kids through rough patches. " — School Library Journal |
|||||
"...depicts with aptness, compassion, and humor a vivacious kid who's gone sour on a much-anticipated experience... nicely authentic...will elicit immediate audience understanding." |
|||||
— Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books |
|||||
"Rodman's witty take on the harsh realities of first grade, as perceived by those in the trenches, will tickle readers' funny bones... Spiegel's ink-and-watercolor, cartoon-style illustrations perfectly capture the quirky independence of young Haley, who refuses to go quietly into first grade. For young readers approaching this or any other significant transition with trepidation, Rodman's humorous tale serves as a gentle reminder to search for the silver lining." |
|||||
— Kirkus Reviews |
|||||
"The watercolor illustrations are amusing and provide all the picture clues an early reader will enjoy!" |
|||||
— childrenslit.com |
|||||
 |
|||||
| Rosa's Room | |||||
| Written by Barbara Bottner | |||||
| Illustrated by Beth Spiegel | |||||
| ISBN: 1-56145-377-3 | |||||
|
|||||
"Bottner offers a heartwarming story of a young girl moving to a new house and a too-empty room... Spiegel's softly colored watercolors are the perfect complement to the text, showing the transformation of both Rosa and her room... A welcome addition sure to calm the worries of youngsters facing a similar situation." |
|||||
— Kirkus Reviews |
|||||
"A reassuring read for girls anticipating a move." — Publishers Weekly
|
|||||
"Through simple language and age-appropriate details, Bottner does a good job of capturing a child's point of view. Done in watercolor, gouache, and India ink, the illustrations enhance the mood of the text. The image of Rosa's empty room, filled with only a few pieces of furniture and shaded with solid pastel washes, compares nicely to the final result, a space bursting with bright patterns, colorful clutter, and two friends jumping on the bed. There are many books about moving to a new house but few describe taking a space and making it one's own in such a positive and creative manner." |
|||||
— School Library Journal |
|||||
"This exploration of what makes a house a home is perfect for kids facing a move or feeling lost in a new situation. The text is understated, but the watercolor illustrations ably capture the upheaval of settling into a strange place... An optimistic, encouraging book that will help make a strange and scary situation less so." |
|||||
— Booklist |
|||||
| • Kansas State Reading Circle 2005 Recommended Reading List | |||||
 |
|||||
| Samantha Jane's Missing Smile | |||||
| Illustrated by Beth Spiegel | |||||
| To be released in 2006 | |||||
| Magination Press | |||||