The Quiltmaker’s Journey
By Jeff Brumbeau, illus. by Gail De Marcken
0-439-51219-0, $17.95, Orchard Books, Ages 3 and up

Sure to be embraced by old and new fans of The Quiltmaker’s Gift, this sumptuously illustrated prequel tells the story of the quiltmaker’s girlhood and the reasons behind her spirit of generosity and giving.

A RealRead Selection

Learn more about The Quiltmaker’s Journey

Also available:
The Quiltmaker’s Gift
0-439-30910-7, $17.95

Counting in the Garden
By Kim Parker
0-439-69452-3, $16.95, Orchard Books, Ages 4-8

From talented textile designer Kim Parker comes a gorgeous counting book, brimming with vibrant insects, animals, and flowers.

See more of the talent of Kim Parker

The Red Bird
By Astrid Lindgren, illus. by Marit Tornqvist
Translated from the Swedish by Patricia Crampton
0-439-62796-6, $16.95, Arthur A. Levine, Ages 4-8

From the beloved creator of Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lindgren, comes a Little Match Girl for our times, a book of surpassing compassion and beauty.

“Lindgren's imagistic text, written in Swedish in 1959, embellishes their suffering the way a good, romanticized orphan story should…Both the text and art excel at portraying mood through season.” –The Horn Book, March / April 2005

Chameleon, Chameleon
By Joy Cowley, photo-illus. by Nic Bishop
0-439-66653-8, $16.95, Scholastic Press, Ages 4-8

A stunning follow-up to Boston Globe/Horn Book winner and critics' favorite, Red-Eyed Tree Frog.

Youthful nature buffs will be entranced by the vivid photography, enticed into reading by the attractive brevity of the energetic text, and intrigued by the surprising facts about chameleons and the photographer’s methodology related in the informational pages at the end of the book.” –The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, April 2005, STARRED

“An informative, thoughtfully produced science book that will be popular with a wide range of animal lovers. Excellent for browsing as well as learning.”
–Booklist, February 15, 2005 STARRED

One Smart Goose
By Caroline Jayne Church
0-439-68765-9, $16.95, Orchard Books, Ages 4-8

This charming story will have readers cheering for a smart little goose who saves his gaggle from the fox.

“Visually appealing, this provides an excellent early introduction to the concept of camouflage in nature as well as a narrative worth repeat readings.” –Booklist, March 1, 2005

Also available by Caroline Jayne Church:
Do Your Ears Hang Low?
0-439-12871-4, $15.95

The Cry of the Icemark
By Stuart Hill
0-439-68626-1, $19.95, The Chicken House, Ages 12 and up

A coming-of-age tale and epic fantasy adventure, this dazzling debut heralds the arrival of a new kind of heroine.

A young warrior princess who has just lost her father in battle, thirteen-year-old Thirrin must take on the defense of her country by finding allies among traditional enemies and creating a flawless battle plan.

“…reminiscent of Philip Pullman…The influences of Tolkien are likewise evident”
–Booklist, February 15, 2005

“Thirrin’s vibrant story will be pounced upon and eagerly consumed by readers enthralled with Collins’ Gregor the Overlander or even Corder’s Lionboy.”
–The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, April 2005

This month’s From the Editor’s Desk features The Cry of the Icemark

Montmorency on the Rocks: Doctor, Aristocrat, Murderer?
By Garth Nix
By Eleanor Updale
0-439-70086-8, $15.95, Scholastic Press, Ages 9-12

Montmorency—the man leading a double life, torn between two worlds in Victorian England—returns in this gripping sequel to the historical thriller, Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman?

“The book delivers plenty of mystery and intrigue through a compellingly flawed character, an adult searching as desperately for a sense of self as any adolescent protagonist. That search creates a literary journey filled with unpredictable events, a fast-moving plot, and a fascinating visit to the Victorian era.” –The Horn Book, March/April 2005, STARRED

Also available:
Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman?
0-439-58035-8, $16.95 HC; 0-439-58036-6, $5.99 PB

The Kazillion Wish
By Nick Place, illus. by Ross Collins
0-439-69215-6, $15.95, The Chicken House, Ages 7-10

In the tradition of Daniel Pinkwater & Dav Pilkey, Nick Place really knows how to make kids laugh with a mix of zany humor and out-of-this world fantasy.

Illustrated throughout, perfect for the 7-10 age group. The theme of searching for the perfect step-mom will resonate with kids from single-parent families.

Aladdin and the Enchanted Lamp
By Philip Pullman, illus. by Sophy Williams
0-439-69255-5, $16.95, Arthur A. Levine, Ages 7-10

Philip Pullman garnered every accolade around with the breathtaking His Dark Materials trilogy. Now he turns his storytelling gifts to one of the most famous of the Arabian Nights tales. Pullman tells the tale with his trademark crisp writing and fast-paced action, while Sophy Williams's pastels shimmer with the heat and beauty of the Far East. Terrific for reading aloud!

Freddy to the Rescue: Book Three in the Golden Hamster Saga
By Kate Klise
By Dietlof Reiche, illus. by Joe Cepeda
Translated from the German by John Brownjohn
0-439-53157-8, $16.95, Scholastic Press, Ages 7-10

In the spirit of Carl Hiaasen's Hoot, with subtle messages about animal and land preservation, Freddy's escapades and witty, distinctive voice will appeal to reluctant readers.

Also available:
I, Freddy: Book One in the Golden Hamster Saga
0-439-28356-6, $16.95 HC; 0-439-28357-4, $4.99
Freddy in Peril: Book Two in the Golden Hamster Saga
0-439-53155-1, $16.95 HC

Hitler Youth: Growing Up In Hitler’s Shadow
By Susan Campbell Bartoletti
0-439-35379-3, $19.95, Scholastic Nonfiction, Ages 12 and up

Susan Campbell Bartoletti, winner of the Robert F. Sibert Medal, is a master at explaining how young people participated in key moments in history. In this riveting book, she explores the story of Germany’s Hitler Youth, addressing the question “How could such things happen?”

With its many photographs, meticulously annotated research, and inviting layout and design, this book compels readers to understand this period of history in a more detailed and realistic way than ever before, and challenges them to think about how they would have reacted faced with such extraordinary choices.

Maia of Thebes, 1463 B.C.
By Ann Turner
0-439-65223-5, $10.95, The Life and Times, Ages 9-12

Explore ancient times in these third person novels filled with action, adventure, and glory!

Ancient Egypt is one of the most heavily focused-on civilizations in middle-grade classrooms. In the time of the Pharoah Hatshepsut's rule, Maia’s story is filled with all the intrigue and mysticism of life in ancient Egypt.

Also available:
Atticus of Rome, 30 B.C.
by Barry Denenberg
0-439-52453-9, $10.95
Pandora of Athens, 399 B.C.
by Barry Denenberg
0-439-64982-X, $10.95

Anacaona, Golden Flower, Haiti, 1490
By Edwidge Danticat
0-439-49906-2, $10.95, The Royal Diaries, Ages 9-12

Edwidge Danticat, the award-winning, bestselling author of The Dew Breaker and Krik? Krak!, offers a powerful addition to The Royal Diaries series with the story of Haiti’s heroic Queen Anacaona.

Other recently published Royal Diaries titles:
Kazunomiya: Prisoner of Heaven, Japan, 1858 by Kathryn Lasky
0-439-16485-0, $10.95
Lady of Palenque, Flower of Bacal, Mesoamerica, A.D. 749 by Anna Kirwan
0-439-40971-3, $10.95
Weetamoo, Chief of the Pocassets, Massachusetts to Rhode Island, 1653 by Patricia Clark Smith; 0-439-12910-9, $10.95

On the Run #1: Chasing the Falconers
By Gordon Korman
0-439-65136-0, $5.99, Scholastic Paperbacks, Ages 9-12

The debut of Gordon Korman’s most exciting trilogy yet! It's The Fugitive for kids — with all the action, adventure, and sibling dynamic of Spy Kids.

Two kids break out of a juvenile detention center and become fugitives in order to clear their convicted parents’ names in this heart-stopping series from kid-read master Gordon Korman.

Look for Gordon Korman’s other popular adventure trilogies—Dive, Everest, and Island.
The first titles in each trilogy are:
Dive Book One: The Discovery
0-439-50722-7, $4.99
Everest Book One: The Contest
0-439-40139-9, $4.99
Island Book One: Shipwreck
0-439-16456-7, $4.99

The Year of Secret Assignments
By Jaclyn Moriarty
0-439-49882-1, $6.99, Scholastic Paperbacks, Ages 12 and up

“The novel--written entirely in letters, diary entries, e-mails, etc.—is fast and funny but not frothy. Moriarty's story is complex, original, and unpredictable enough that it's much more than a guilty-pleasure read.” –The Horn Book, March 2004 STARRED

Also available:
The Year of Secret Assignments (hardcover)
0-439-49881-3, $16.95

Splintering
By Eireann Corrigan
0-439-48992-X, $6.99, PUSH, Ages 12 and up

“Teens will be drawn to the terrifying premise and the characters' searing intensity.”
– Booklist, April 2004

Also available:
Splintering (hardcover)
0-439-53597-2, $16.95
You Remind Me of You
0-439-29771-0, $6.99

First Person Fiction
Finding My Hat
By John Son
0-439-43539-0, $6.99, Scholastic Paperbacks, Ages 12 and up

“The book liberally uses Korean words and phrases and includes a brief glossary, which adds another pinch of flavor to an already inviting and warm story.” –Publishers Weekly, November 10, 2003, STARRED

Also available:
Finding My Hat (hardcover)
0-439-43538-2, $16.95

First Person Fiction
The Stone Goddess
By Minfong Ho
0-439-38198-3, $6.99, Scholastic Paperbacks, Ages 9-12

“Ho communicates heartbreakingly how, halfway around the world in Philadelphia, hearing Cambodian music and once again performing the familiar dance steps gradually gives Nakri back her sister and the sweetness of her lost childhood...” –The Horn Book, May / June 2003

Also available:
The Stone Goddess (hardcover)
0-439-38197-5, $16.95

Keeping you informed about major highlights of the author visit program in the school and library markets.

Gordon Korman
22nd Annual Great Books Celebration, Baltimore County Public Library, Baltimore (Towson), Maryland, April 5-6, 2005
Over 300 teachers, librarians, and fans will get to hear Gordon Korman when he speaks at the Shepard Pratt Convention Center and two branch libraries. They will be lined up for signed copies of Gordon’s latest series, On the Run, along with their other favorites from his Dive, Everest, and Island series.

Literacy Conference, University of Toronto, Canada, April 9, 2005
300 teachers will welcome their fellow Canadian Gordon Korman when he speaks at this annual conference. They will be lined up for signed copies of Gordon’s latest series, On the Run, along with their other favorites from his Dive, Everest, and Island series.

Ted and Betsy Lewin
Festival of Children’s Books, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, April 7, 2005
Ted and Betsy Lewin will be speaking to 500 teachers and librarians. Ted will be signing copies of his popular picture books, including A. Lincoln and Me, Just in Time for Christmas, The Doorman, and The Great Pumpkin Switch. Betsy will be signing copies of her Scholastic Reader titles, including the First Grade Friends series, Fraidy Cats, and My Tooth is About to Fall Out.

Children’s Literature Matters, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, April 8-9, 2005
Over 500 teachers and librarians will have the chance to attend presentations by two of their favorite authors, Karen Hesse and Walter Dean Myers. Karen will be signing copies of all her award-winning titles, including The Cats of Krasinski Square, Witness, Come on Rain!, The Music of Dolphins and the Newbery medalist Out of the Dust. Walter will be signing copies of critically acclaimed titles, including Antarctica, The Beast, The Greatest: Muhammad Ali, A Time to Love, Harlem and Fallen Angels and more.

Wendy Watson
Koret Jewish Book Award, Koret Foundation, San Francisco, California, April 11, 2005
Wendy Watson will be accepting the Koret Jewish Book Award in the category of Children’s Literature for The Cats of Krasinski Square. This is the first year there is a children’s category for this very distinguished award and Wendy will be accepting the award on behalf of herself and Karen Hesse.

Pam Muñoz Ryan
Title 1 conference, Ohio Department of Education, Columbus, Ohio, April 12, 2005
Over 1000 teachers will have the chance to see a presentation by Pam Muñoz Ryan. They will be patiently lined up to meet Pam and have her sign their copies of all their favorite titles: Becoming Naomi León, When Marian Sang, Esperanza Rising, Mice and Beans, Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride, and Riding Freedom.

Title 1 conference, Ohio Department of Education, Columbus, Ohio, April 30, 2005
400 educators will be attending Pam Muñoz Ryan’s keynote presentation. Pam will also be signing copies of all her critically acclaimed titles: Becoming Naomi León, When Marian Sang, Esperanza Rising, Mice and Beans, Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride, and Riding Freedom.

David Shannon
Wordstock 2005, Portland, Oregon, April 23, 2005
Over 500 children’s book enthusiasts will attend David Shannon’s presentation at this annual book festival. Lines will be long as people wait for their signed copies of the famous David! titles, including the latest Oh, David: A Diaper David Book and Oops!: A Diaper David Book as well as Alice the Fairy, Duck on a Bike, The Rain Came Down, and A Bad Case of Stripes.

Walter Wick
Spring Festival of Literature, Frostburg State University, Maryland, April 29-30, 2005
400 librarians and educators will see Walter Wick’s slide show and presentation. He will also be signing copies of the Can You See What I See books, including Can You See Seymour: A Juice Box Collection, Can You See What I See and Can You See What I See: Cool Collections, along with all of his best selling I Spy titles, which have been newly redesigned with holographic foil covers.

These authors and illustrators will be making school and library appearances in the month of April:

Debbie Dadey &     Marcia T. Jones Lisa Desimini Peter Lerangis Brian Selznick Greg Tang Rachel Vail Walter Wick

Bowling Green, FL Lynchburg, OH Elvira, NY Rochester, NY Howell, NJ Deer Park, NY East Brunswick, NJ Burlington, MA Spotswood, NJ Avon, CT

April 8, 2005 April 23, 2005 April 28, 2005 April 29, 2005 April 1, 2005 April 11, 2005 April 26, 2005 April 15, 2005 April 6, 2005 April 4, 2005

To find out about Scholastic authors and illustrators, please visit Authors & Books.

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Don't forget to look for the May BookUpdate. Until then, Happy Reading!