Just One More Book!!

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Author: Kathleen T. Pelley
Illustrator: Michael Chesworth
Published: 2006 Farrar, Strauss and Giroux (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0374336067

Snappy storytelling and lively illustrations convey how disorder and diversions inspire an oasis of creativity while a sterile environment can be like a desert for an inventive mind.

Other books mentioned:

• Free Play: Improvisation in Life and Art
• Willow
• The Clay Ladies
• Cat Magic
• The Trouble with Tilly Trumble

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Author: Bjorn Sortland
Illustrator: Lars Elling
Published: 1995 CarolRhoda (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1575053756

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A swirling stew of settings, characters and literary greats drift between puzzling nested plots and enticing factual references to make this dramatically illustrated, dreamlike adventure an intriguing exploration of literature, censorship and the importance of storytelling and independent thought.

Other books mentioned:

• Pippi Longstocking

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Author: Doreen Rappaport
Illustrator: Matt Tavares
Published: 2008 Candlewick Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0763625302

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Stunningly warm, intimate illustrations and eleven candid first person accounts capture the crescendo of Lady Liberty’s creation, from idea to unveiling, and give us an enduring appreciation for the landmark, her creators and the many lives she has touched.

Other books mentioned:

• Taj Mahal
• Pier 21: Gateway of Hope

You can learn more about the process of illustrating this book here.

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Author: Josephine Nobisso
Illustrator: Eva Montanari
Published: 2001 Gingerbread House (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0940112132

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Push-button glass crashing, scratch-and-sniff scent and a cast of warmly illustrated and lovable animal characters disguise this palatable presentation of language arts pointers as a read-again storytime hit.

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Author: Robert Andrew Parker
Illustrator: Robert Andrew Parker
Published: 2008 Random House (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0375839658

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Breezy, evocative images and fondly recalled, first-person narrative provide an intimate — if imagined — look at the early life and loves of Jazz legend, Art Tatum.

You can learn more about Art Tatum here.

More music on JOMB:

• Ben’s Trumpet
• Jazz ABZ (An A to Z Collection of Jazz Portraits)
• The Bat Boy and His Violin
• Across the Alley
• The Philharmonic Gets Dressed

More books featuring visually impaired protagonists on JOMB:

• The Sound of Colors

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Author: Ben Galbraith
Illustrator: Ben Galbraith
Published: 2007 Hodder & Stoughton (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0340893427

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Stubble, nastiness, dead fish and debris transform foul fishing tactics into a riveting affair in this gloriously disagreeable cautionary tale.

You can learn more about the real Poverty Bay (home of author/illustrator, Ben Galbraith) and Bay of Plenty here and here.

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Author: Gloria Spielman
Illustrator: Matthew Archambault
Published: 2007 Kar-Ben Publishing (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0822570505

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Uncommonly rich illustrations and detailed, yet accessible, early reader text relay the haunting, true story of Janusz Korczak — doctor, writer, educator and champion of children’s rights.

You can read more about Janusz Korczak here.

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Author: Andrea Beaty (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Pascal Lemaitre
Published: 2008 Margaret K. McElderry (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1416928200

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Neither glares nor germs nor a principal’s rage can squelch the earnest examinations and ridiculous remedies of a well meaning young bear in this cheekily illustrated school yard lark.

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Author: Michael Bedard (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Les Tait (on JOMB)
Published: 1999 Tundra Books (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0887765734

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Thoughtful, unhurried narrative and rich, enveloping art capture the clutter and compassion of two celebrated sculptors, a fledgling robin’s rescue and the birth of a life-changing friendship.

You can learn more about sculptors Frances Loring and Florence Wyle here. Read about the recently published adult book, And Beauty Answers: The Life of Frances Loring and Florence Wyle, here.

Aha! I found a photo of their studio church on Glenrose Avenue!

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Author: Kathryn Lasky (on JOMB)
Illustrator: David Clark (on JOMB)
Published: 2006 Charlesbridge (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1570915954

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Surprisingly descriptive, thought-provoking text and a cast of goofy, grinning hooligans provide a peek into a career in nautical crime as a reflective rogue ponders pillaging — its logistical details, dangers and doldrums — and grapples with issues of greed, freedom, friendship and distrust.

Other books mentioned:

• Tough Boris

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Author: Bill Wise
Illustrator: Bill Farnsworth
Published: 2007 Lee & Low Books (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1584302690

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This riveting roller coaster of taunts, talent and tenterhooks relays a true story of suffering and success and invites us to examine the troubling shadow of racism and the resiliency of those who rise above it.

Check out the full list of non-fiction picture books nominated for the 2007 Cybils Awards here.

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Author: Simon James
Illustrator: Simon James
Published: 2004 Candlewick Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0763636827

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Hilariously understated body language and text tell a tale of in utero education gone wild in this entertaining poke at the modern, ambitious parent.

Other books mentioned:

• Jake Series
  
• My Friend Whale
• I’m Not a Baby!