2004 Notable Children’s Books Committee: Marion Rutsch, Chair, Our Lady of Lourdes School Library, Bethesda, Md.; Carolyn R. Angus, George Stone Center for Children’s Books, Claremont, Calif.; Jerene D. Battisti, Renton (Wash.) Public Library; Peg W. Ciszek, Niles (Ill.) Public Library; Elizabeth Guldseth, Arlington, Va.; Susan Link, Colony Bend Elementary School, Sugar Land, Texas; Elizabeth Long, New York; Micki Nevett, Westmere Elementary School, Albany, N.Y.; Maria Salvadore, Washington, D.C.; Victoria J. Smith, McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Maine; and Maureen White, University of Houston at Clear Lake School Library.
younger readers
chodos-irvine, margaret. she sarah gets dressed. illus. harcourt. (0-15-216413-8)
You are reading: List of 2004 children’s literature books
in “she sarah gets dressed” a young woman stands in front of her wardrobe to select her outfit and makes her own fashion statement. elegant in its simplicity, this perfect illustrated book uses a “variety of engraving techniques”. bold, cheerful colors outlined in white emphasize ella sarah’s freedom and confidence. a 2004 caldecott honor book .
cobb, vicki. I face the wind illus. by julia gorton hapercollines. (0-688-17840-5)
i face the wind, a science playbook by vicki cobb, asks youngsters to think like scientists as she guides them through experiments and observations about the wind. Cobb’s simple text and Gorton’s dynamic illustrations invite engagement. a sibert honor book from 2004.
davies, nicola. amazing sharks. illus. by james croft pabilo. (0-7636-2185-4)
Bright colors, large print, and playful writing distinguish this brief introduction to the great white shark, the pygmy lantern, the sand tiger, and other amazing creatures.
Fuck, brian. the racing alphabet. athenaeum. (0-689-85091-3)
compelling alliterative text and large, lush watercolors capture the thrill of driving a race car, starting with a 1901 ford and continuing through the alphabet to a 2001 ferrari.
french, jackie. diary of a wombat illus. by bruce whatley. clarion. (0-618-38136-8)
An endearing hilarious story about Australia’s most endangered mammal. a wombat keeps a diary of its daily activities, often no more than “sleeping” or “eating grass.” when human neighbors arrive, he dedicates himself to training them to meet his demands.
james, simon. small step. candlewick. (0-7636-2070-x)
Three ducklings lost in the woods encourage the little ones to take “a step” until they find their mother. illustrations in soft gold tones clearly enhance the sentiments expressed in the text.
jenkins, steve & page, robin. what do you do with a tail like that? illus. houghton mifflin. (0-618-25628-8)
what do you do with a tail like this? is an innovative puzzle book that offers a fun and playful science lesson on the body parts of 30 animals: ears, eyes, mouth, nose, legs and tail. the artist uses an exquisite collage of cut-out paper to detail basic shapes combined with clever placement of excess text to create an interactive visual display. a 2004 caldecott honor book .
long, melinda. how i became a pirate illus. by david shannon. harcount, inc. (0-15-201848-4)
In this hilarious pirate tale, young Jeremy joins a pirate crew and happily discovers that no toilets or vegetables are required, but sadly finds that there is no one to tuck him in or read him a goodnight story. Shannon’s illustrations and long story team make this a great read aloud for little ones.
morales, yuyi. Just a Minute: A Cheater’s Tale and a Telling Book. illus. chronicle books. (0-8118-3758-0)
Morales’ energetic and playful illustrations capture the essence of Mexican culture with bold, humorous motifs that illuminate the vitality of Grandma Beetle and the expressiveness of Mr. Skull. the book of medals by belpré illustrator 2004.
regards, helen. my name is yoon. illus. By Gabi Swiatkowska. farrar straus and giroux. (0-374-35114-7)
Unusual perspectives and playful details capture yoon’s transition from a shy newcomer to a happy schoolgirl who is finally ready to write the American version of her beloved Korean name.
Sayre, Abril Pulley and Sayre, Jeff. one is a snail ten is a crab: a counting book by feet. illus. by randy cecil pabilo. (0-7636-1406-8)
Count the feet of a variety of creatures as they ride bikes, limbo, and play volleyball on the beach. Discover the basics of counting, addition, and multiplication using colorful, textured illustrations and simple text.
willems, month. Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus! hyperion. (078681988-x)
In Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, a persistent pigeon questions, pleads, cajoles, cajoles, colludes, negotiates, demands, and uses emotional blackmail in an attempt to get behind the wheel. Pigeon won’t take no for an answer, and puts the reader on the spot, using a series of ever-increasing tactics. Perfectly paced, every line and blank space in the deceptively simple illustrations is essential. a 2004 caldecott honor book .
intermediate readers
avi. silent movie illus. by c.b. mordan anne schwartz/athéneum. (0-689-84145-0)
Warm up the organ, break out the popcorn, and watch this melodramatic story unfold. the dramatic black-and-white illustrations and brief, caption-like text effectively reveal the rags-to-riches story of one immigrant family. like watching an old movie.
brown, gift. mack made movies. roaring stream press. (0-7613-1538-1)
From his first role as a horse’s butt to filming the first pie in the face, Mack Sennett had a lasting impact on the film industry. Brown tells his story in sepia-toned text and illustrations, using flowing lines to convey a sense of humor and movement.
brown, anthony. the play of forms farrar straus and giroux. (0-374-36764-7)
The celebrated illustrator recalls his unlikely introduction to fine art when his working-class family visits an art museum for the first time. Just as his mother helped the family find a way to get involved in the paintings, the artist offers the reader fun illustrations to explore.
chandra, deborah and comora, madeleine. george washington’s teeth illus. by brock cole. farrar straus and giroux. (0-374-32534-0)
The sad saga of Washington’s terrible dental problems is told through lively poetry and playful pastel illustrations. amid the fun, the reader painlessly learns other interesting facts about colonial life.
christelow, eileen. vote! clarion. (0-618-24754-8)
From rallies to recounts, animated cartoons and lucid text explain the ins and outs of the electoral process using a fictional mayoral race as a model.
creech, sharon. Grandma torrelli makes soup. illus. by chris raschka. joanna cotler/ harpercollins books (0-06-029290-3)
When Rosie and her best friend Bailey get into a fight, it is the warmth and wisdom of Abuela Torrelli’s kitchen that provides the ingredients for understanding and growth until tutto va bene, all is well!
d’adamo, francesco. iqbal: a novel. translated by ann leonori. Athenaeum books for young readers. (0-689-85445-5)
Translated from Italian, this is a gripping fictional story of Iqbal Masih, who is forced into child labor weaving rugs to pay off his family’s debts. a perfect translation, which shows that a single person can make a difference.
dicamillo, kate. The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread. illus. by timothy basil ering. candlewick. (0-7636-1722-9)
The story of Despereaux takes the reader into an enchanting tale of an undersized mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. This little hero faints at the loud noises, but musters up the courage to fulfill his dreams. the 2004 newbery medal book.
duprau, jeanne. the city of brazil random house. (0-375-82273-9)
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the city of embers is dying: the gigantic underground generators that provide its only light are slowly falling apart. Lina and Doon are the only ones with the key to escape, but will they be able to persuade their fellow citizens to follow them into the unknown?
fenner, carol. snowy with granny silk. illus. by amanda harvey tick. (0-8037-2857-3)
In this early chapter book that boasts large print, humor, and a setting kids can appreciate, Ruddy and his grandmother learn how to be best friends when a surprise storm leaves them stranded with no power or phone.
hamilton, virginia. bruh rabbit and tar girl. illus. by James E. ransome bluesky press/scholastic. (0-590-47376-x)
In Hamilton’s retelling of a Gullah version of the beloved Baby Tar story, the rabbit once again outsmarts the unlucky wolf. Ransome’s vibrant watercolor illustrations and Hamilton’s vivid language will make this picture book an exceptional read aloud.
horse hooves and chicken feet: Mexican folk tales. selected by neil philip. illus. by jacqueline mair. clarion books. (0-618-19463-0)
Family themes take on the flavor of Mexico and the Southwest in these smooth narratives curated by a seasoned anthologist. suitable for counting or reading aloud.
krull, kathleen. reaping hope: the story of cesar chavez. illus. by yuyi morales. harcourt. (0-15-201437-3)
In Harvesting Hope: The Cesar Chavez Story, Morales uses brightly colored acrylics, handmade stamps, and computer-generated cutouts to depict the life of this civil rights leader. The earth-toned gold colors and broad, flowing brushstrokes bring depth and honesty to the story and struggle of migrant farmworkers in California. a book of honor by illustrator belpré from 2004.
lasky, kathryn. the man who made time travel. illus. by kevin hawkes. melanie kroupa/farrar straus and giroux. (0-374-34788-3)
The well-researched and accessible biography of John Harrison, the brilliant 17th-century inventor of the marine chronometer, is backed by Hawkes’ equally well-researched intriguing paintings.
levine, karen. hana’s suitcase: a true story alberto whitman (0-8075-3148-0)
A child’s suitcase on display in a museum leads a teacher and her class to investigate and discover the life of a child trapped in the holocaust. Told in alternating chapters, Hana’s story is gradually revealed, giving the story immediacy.
schyffert, bea uusma. The Man Who Went to the Far Side of the Moon: The Story of Apollo 11 Astronaut Michael Collins. translated by emi guner. chronicle books. (0-8118-4007-7)
Schyffert’s seamless integration of text, illustrations, graphics, and photos draws readers into this incredible story of the astronaut who kept Apollo 11 circling the moon while his colleagues took a giant step for humanity. the 2004 batchelder honor book.
woodson, jacqueline. locomotion. putnam. (0-399-23115-3)
Written in conversational free verse, Woodson tells the emotional story of a young boy as he settles into his adoptive home. lonnie misses his parents who died in a fire and his sister who was adopted. lonnie is a character that is hard to let go.
older readers
cameron, ana. hummingbird frances foster books/farrar straus giroux. (0-374-371-31519-1)
Twelve-year-old Rosa’s gripping story unfolds as she regains her identity and confidence. Her fascinating history is steeped in the culture, traditions and popular beliefs of modern Guatemala.
cooper, ilene. Jack: The Early Years Of John F. kennedy dutton children’s books (0-525-46923-0)
the exciting story of john f. Kennedy’s childhood and adolescence provide hitherto unknown details. a fascinating array of photographs and letters enliven the text.
fleming, candace. Ben Franklin’s Almanac: Being a true account of the life of the good gentleman. anne schwartz/atheneum books for young readers. (0-689-83549-3)
Laid out in the style of Franklin’s own original almanac, Fleming’s fascinating biography is packed with information that makes the story jump off the page.
freedman, russell. In Defense of Liberty: The Story of the United States Bill of Rights. holiday House. (0-8234-1585-6)
in his eminently clear and careful text freedman explains why and how the first ten amendments to the u. yes constitution came to be written and what they mean. timely and valuable commentary on our freedoms.
funke, cornelia. heart of ink translated by anthea bell. the chicken coop/school (0-439-53164-0)
When meggie’s dad reads aloud, the characters jump right out of the book and into the real world. funke creates an action-packed fantasy adventure populated with memorable characters and chilling villains.
henkes, kevin. olive ocean. green willow books (0-06-053543-1)
Martha, 12, receives a page from the journal of a classmate, olive, who has died in an accident. Olive’s entry about wanting to be Martha’s friend, see the ocean, and become a writer propels Martha on a journey from childhood to the brink of adolescence. a newbery honor book from 2004.
holt, kimberly willis. night watchman henry holt (0-8050-6561-7)
Set against the lush beauty of Guam, exquisitely crafted present-tense text snapshots follow thirteen-year-old Isabel as she struggles to preserve her family and realize her own independence in the wake of her mother’s suicide.
jones, diana wynne. the green willow merlin conspiracy (0-06-052318-2)
Told alternately by Roddy and Nick, this complex and fascinating fantasy moves quickly forward as the characters combine their new magical powers and learn that actions in one world can have far-reaching effects in other worlds.
kraft, betsy harvey. theodore roosevelt: champion of the american spirit. clarion. (0-618-14264-9)
kraft draws on many sources for this comprehensive biography of the reforming president “who erected his own monument.” the writing is as alive as the irrepressible theme itself.
macaulay, david. mosque. houghtonmifflin. (0-618-24034-9)
Meticulous pen and ink drawings and judicious application of color combine with infectiously enthusiastic text to document the construction of a mosque and its role in the community. the spiritual and the architectural are inextricably intertwined and clearly explained.
mccaughrean, geraldine. stop the train! hapercollines. (0-06-050749-7)
in 1893, the future of newly settled florence, oklahoma and its rowdy inhabitants hinges on the red river railroad making a local stop. colorful and eccentric characters, hair-raising escapades and strong humor bring an unforgettable period of us. story to life.
murphy, jim. An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793. Bugler. (0-395-77608-2)
murphy draws material from primary sources, such as private journals, newspapers, and books, to provide insight into the political, social, and cultural challenges of the yellow fever epidemic. the compelling narrative draws readers into the crisis, illuminates community responses, and showcases the best and worst of humanity. the 2004 sibert medal book and a 2004 newbery honor book.
nelson, teresa. electric ruby. athenaeum. (0-689-83852-2)
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ruby deals with her real life problems by visualizing screen sequences in her head. Full of humor and drama, Ruby’s voice crackles with electricity.
orlev, uri. run boy Run. translated by hillel halkin. houghton mifflin. (0-618-16465-0)
At the age of eight, Srulik is left alone in the Warsaw ghetto and must fend for himself, even forgetting his name, in order to survive the holocaust. the 2004 batchelder award book.
osa, nancy. vat 15. delacorte press. (0-385-73021-7)
violet paz reluctantly prepares for her quinceañera, the traditional 15th birthday celebration for latinas. Her journey of self-discovery leads her to truly value and understand her Cuban heritage for the first time. a book of honor of author of belpré of 2004.
pattou, edith. East. harcourt. (0-15-204563-5)
a fascinating account of the east of the sun, west of the moon. rose saves her sister’s life by agreeing to live with the white bear. her curiosity condemns the bear to the slavery of the ice queen. Rose’s quest to rescue him is packed with heart-stopping action.
peck, richard. the river between us mark books. (0-8037-2735-6)
In an uneducated and wise voice, simple and ironic, the narrator tells a dramatic and moving story about family and racial identity, populated by unforgettable characters who fight in a context of civil war.
pratchett, terry. free little men hapercollines. (0-06-001236-6)
With the help of the nac mac feegle or wee free men, a surprisingly rude gang of 6-inch-tall blue men, young tiffany hurts leaves her family’s farm in chalky country to rescue her brother from the kingdom. of the fairies This original fantasy is both hilarious and terrifying.
preston, diana. remember the lusitania! walker & business. (0-8027-8846-7)
A fascinating account of the ocean liner’s last crossing of the Atlantic. Juxtaposed are chapters recounting the personal accounts of the passengers and the chilling plan of the captain and crew of the German submarine that stalks the great lusy.
reeve, felipe. deadly engines. eos/harper collins. (0-06-008207-0)
In this original, fast-paced sci-fi set in a post-apocalyptic future, the world’s cities move on tractor tracks, chasing and poking at each other.
rembert, winfred. don’t stop me: my life and my art. cricket/marcato book. (0-8126-2703-2)
African-American folk artist Winfred Rembert takes readers on a guided tour of her childhood and coming of age in the burgeoning civil rights movement. brilliantly composed embossed leather paintings are full of colour, movement and emotion.
rowling, j.k. harry potter and the order of the phoenix. arthur a. levine/scholastic. (0-439-35806-x)
Fifteen-year-old Harry experiences the anguish of being a teenager, including feelings of abandonment, helplessness, isolation, and grief. Budding romance, exciting humor, and a darker sensibility fill out this action-packed fifth title in the series.
yes, peter. The Tree of Life: A Book Describing the Life of Charles Darwin, Naturalist, Geologist, and Thinker. illus. Frances Foster/Farrar Straus and Giroux. (0-374-45628-3)
Darwin’s unique life and work is presented in a surprising, complex and engaging way that requires multiple readings.
troud, jonathan. the amulet of samarkand hyperion books for children (0-7868-1859-x)
bartimaeus. A powerful 5,000-year-old djinni with a sarcastic bent is summoned by an inexperienced wizard-in-training. the results are danger, death, and a heavy dose of comic relief.
all ages
blake, quentin. tell me a picture millbrook. (0-7613-2748-7)
In this innovative offering, comic book kids guide the reader through an art exhibit, introducing and offering commentary on twenty-six works while also providing opportunities for individual contemplation.
frazee, marla. roller coaster . harcourt. (0-15-204554-6)
text drifts, sinks, and scrolls through the pages along with roller coaster cars as a young girl enjoys her much-anticipated first ride and is ready to do it all over again.
gerstein, mordicai. the man who walked between the towers. illus. roaring stream press. (0-7613-1791-0)
This true story recounts the daring feat of an energetic young Frenchman who walked the tightrope between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974. The 2004 Caldecott Medal Book.
leedy, loreen and street, pat . there’s a frog in my throat! 440 animal sayings a little bird told me. holiday House. (0-8234-1774-3)
an energetic array of family sayings are cleverly defined by the jokes of lively collage animals described in idiomatic phrases.
morpurgo, miguel. the kingdom of school kensuke. (0-439-38202-5)
Eleven-year-old michael falls overboard on his family’s yacht and wakes up on what he thinks is a deserted island in the Pacific. In this captivating story of survival, Michael discovers that he is not alone.
myers, walter dean. blues trip. illus. by christopher myers. holiday House. (0-8234-1614-5)
poetry and art combine for a striking look at jazz as the book presents an overview of African-American history.
sauda, robert. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: An Emerging Adaptation of the Original Tale by Lewis Carroll. illus. little simon (0-689-84743-2)
an adaptation of lewis carroll’s story, illuminated with ingenious paper engineering.
seeger, laura vaccaro. the hidden alphabet a neal porter/roaring brook press. (0-7613-1941-7)
Each letter of the alphabet is introduced with a word and an eye-catching image. As the reader lifts the heavy black frame on each page, the small illustration transforms into a large, elegant capital letter. a beautifully designed toy book that allows the reader to peer through a keyhole and find a new way of looking at things.
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