Mary Quattlebaum

Ben is only 11 but in his 8th foster home. There, Ben allows himself to feel deeply for another foster child, a baby named for a Sesame Street character and abandoned by his mother much like Ben was. Ben and the other characters and their evolution are plausible, poignant, and positive.

Could the rose bush clipping culled from a cemetery be responsible for the mysterious goings-on? Jackson and his friends think it might be in this adventure with likeable characters engaged in fast-paced, believable action.

Jackson works to turn a community garden plot into a working business so he can buy the basketball he wanted for his 10th birthday. The fast-paced plot unfolds through Jackson's lively, often humorous voice through to its satisfying conclusion.

In this version of a familiar tune, Jo MacDonald (the old farmer's granddaughter) and her cousin plant a Spring garden, watch it grow, observe what visits it, gather its bounty before the cycle ends only to begin again. Engaging illustrations suggest ways to dramatize the yearly cycle, and suggested activities conclude the book.

Jo, granddaughter of Old MacDonald (of farm fame), visits a pond and observes the teeming life in and around it. The familiar alphabetic refrain and playful language make this a joyful introduction to science all around. Additional information and activities are included.

When Bad Bart who was the "biggest, burliest pirate this side of the Atlantic" meets Mean Mo, "maddest, mightiest pirate this side of the Pacific," an unwinnable competition ensues that ends in romance. The rollicking pirate adventures are told with verve and humor.