Order When the Shadbush Blooms (and other fine children's books with Native American themes) from Oyate.
-- 2008 Children's Choice Book Award finalist
-- 2008 IRA/CBC Children's Choice
-- 2008 Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book
-- 2008 NCTE Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts
-- CCBC Choices 2008
-- 2008 Skipping Stones Honor Award
-- Featured in Kirkus Reviews' BEA/ALA Big Book Guide
-- Recommended on National Public Radio's "Tell Me More"
-- Recommended by the National Museum of the American Indian, Education
E-Newsletter
And here's what reviewers have said:
"A terrific - absolutely terrific - children's book....a many-layered treasure." -- Debbie Reese, American Indians in Children's Literature
"A delightful book, beautifully written and illustrated." -- Native Peoples Magazine
"Hands-down the best, most beautiful, and most historically accurate children's book about the Eastern Woodland Native Americans that I have ever seen." -- Ellen Seagraves, Education Coordinator, Historical Society of Frederick County
"When the Shadbush Blooms is a beautiful volume, one that's a delight to read. It speaks, with great eloquence and accuracy, of the Lenni Lenape, those first nations people who lived and still remain in parts of the northeast. Both text and pictures invite you in, not as a stranger viewing a different culture, but as a welcome guest....When the Shadbush Blooms is one of those rarest of volumes in children's literature, a picture book that's not just about American Indians, but is a true sharing and celebration from and of a vibrant people. It's a book that deserves to be in every school and every library." -- Joseph Bruchac, Abenaki storyteller and writer
"When the Shadbush Blooms is a unique book, rooted in actual lives of the past and present...This sensitively written, exquisitely illustrated, well-conceived and executed book explores universal themes of continuity and change while depicting the rich and sustaining life of a Lenape family." -- Lyn Miller-Lachmann, MultiCultural Review
"Over and against the plethora of 'multicultural' writing for young children, this is the one I would choose to show them our pre-conquest lives: the balance of life, the belonging to the land and to each other, and how, for the fortunate among us, it is still that way. The traditions live, we adapt; what sustained us then sustains now." -- Doris Seale, editor/author of Through Indian Eyes
"With quiet dignity, [this book] transmits strong thoughts. The language is crystalline, pure and sparkling, nothing wasted; nothing more needed. When the Shadbush Blooms is a delightful way to introduce a young reader to the lives and ways of American Indians." -- Karen Coody Cooper, National Museum of the American Indian
"While the beautiful illustrations may first attract you to Where the Shadbush Blooms, the words that describe the feeling of joy that children take in their families now, and took long ago - and the simple pleasures that hold families together - will hold you and any child. Kids will be fascinated by the historical differences in clothing and tools, and interested in similarities over time. They will ask you to read and reread the story...While it describes the Original People, it applies to all people and to the strength of families everywhere. It deserves to win the Caldecott." -- Susan Gilbert Beck, librarian and teacher
"Across double-page illustrations, two Lenape Indian families engage in similar activities - an informational juxtaposing of the activities of a family from years past as they fish, garden, harvest, and play alongside their contemporary counterparts. As the book moves from season to season, one narrative functions as the description for both side-by-side illustrations - an effective visual comparison...informative and useful, a gentle introduction to the fact that Native Americans are an important part of our history - and of our present." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Teachers will be thrilled with the authority the author brings to the story and the wealth of information contained in a short picture book...[The book] shares a full year in the life of both a historical Lenape family and a contemporary Lenape family...seamless illustrations move from one page to another with similar scenes in the two eras. This book will find a great deal of use." -- Peggy Dilner, University of Delaware
"A beautiful story of seasonal and generational change." -- Curriculum Resource Center
"The design is effective, and images in the gutter creatively link the two eras together. [The authors] poetically tell the story and Fadden uses lush hues in his sensitive acryllic illustrations...Share this book with children of all backgrounds during celebrations of families, traditions, and seasons." -- Shawn Brommer, School Library Journal
"The authors and illustrator have done a very good job here of showing how the Lenni Lenape have maintained their traditions even as they live in the modern world. It's obvious how useful When the Shadbush Blooms would be in an educational setting for instruction on Native Americans. But I found this also to be a very sweet story about families who have deeply cared about each other through the generations." -- Colleen Mondor, eclectica.org
"Each spread in this beautiful picture book has two texts: one in Lenape and one in English; one historical, one modern...The merits of this book are twofold: children will learn about an ancient way of life and at the same time consider their own lives." -- Jada Bradley, ForewardMagazine.com
"In this picture book, you will see the traditional way of life alongside the contemporary one. There is a constant tie between the two, but each is unique and lovely in its own way. Highly recommended." -- Tasha Saecker, Kids Lit
"Wonderful picture book that links a cultural past to a contemporary cultural identity still very much alive." -- Goodreads.com
"When a Lenape girl goes to the stream to fish for shad, she knows that another girl did the same thing generations before. She knows that, through the circle of the seasons, things change and things remain the same, as they always have...When the Shadbush Blooms is a poem, a song, a prayer for Earth and her inhabitants." -- oyate.org
Order When the Shadbush Blooms (and other fine children's books with Native American themes) from Oyate, a Native organization working to see that their lives and histories are portrayed honestly.
-- Oprah's Book Club recommendation for kids, ages 6-9
-- New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
-- 2 X 2 Awards reading list, Texas Library Association
-- 2008-2009 Alabama Children's Choice Book Award nominee
-- 2009 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award nominee
Listen to "Peeps, Squeaks, and an AWOL Cavy," a chat about Oh, Theodore! on Just One More Book!! Click the play button (">") on the "Listen Now" icon.
To read comments about Theodore and other cute guinea pigs, visit "Writing the World for Kids" blog by author, Laura Salas.
And here's what other reviewers have said:
"Will cause all readers to laugh aloud from delight." -- Daniel R. Beach, Library Media Connection
"The sweet story of a boy's slow winning-over of his new, very frightened guinea pig...keen observations of guinea pig behavior with well-chosen words...Like Katz, Schuett spent time watching a family guinea pig, and she manages to capture all its moods and fuzzy appeal." -- The Horn Book
"Short poems, accessible to primary grade readers, detail [Theodore's] slow acclimation to household life. As the Latino narrator gains Theodore's trust by gently inuring him to being handled and petted, Katz deftly reveals how caring for a pet helps children become empathetic and capable. Schuett's warm-toned paintings charmingly extend the text, exuding child appeal. Whether readers tend pets or only pine for them, this collaboration is sure to satisfy. A nice addition for classrooms and libraries." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Through a series of simple, warmhearted poems, this book introduces readers to a boy and his new pet....The delightful pictures complement the poems well. Patience, responsibility, humor, and love are found in full measure in this book that children will enjoy." -- Lee Bock, School Library Journal
"Snickerdoodle, the guinea pig who shares my office, finds this book to be the best that has come across our desks in awhile and rates cuddly Theodore quite fetching, finding him almost as appealing as lettuce." -- Monica Young, Journal Book Reviewer
"The guinea pig on the cover of Oh, Theodore! is so adorable it just invites you to open the book. If you do, you won't be disappointed. The poems by Susan Katz are as charming as Stacey Schuett's illustrations." -- Maya Spector, Palo Alto City Library
"A delight. Children of all ages will love Theodore." -- Lisa Langsdorf, Kenosha Public Library
"Young readers ages 3 to 7 will enjoy this fun-to-read-aloud picture book. But beware! Even adults might be enticed to take a trip to the pet store." -- Lisa Thalhimer, Richmond Parents Monthly
"These humorous poems about Theodore, a chubby guinea pig with a big appetite are sure to be a hit with little animal lovers." -- Holly Whistler, Salt Lake County Library
"A sweetie of a book about a dear guinea pig. This is a must-read for any classroom with a pet." -- Eleisa Trampler, JacketFlap
"Captures one child's experience [with a guinea pig] to a tee. Look for this book." -- Maria Salvadore, Reading Rockets blog
"Adorable collection of poetry that comes together as a story (and a mildly suspenseful one with a happy ending at that!) Cute! Cute! Cute!" -- goodreads.com
"A good resource for classrooms with guinea pigs or for a unit on pets." -- Blog From the Windowsill
"Through short poems readers get to know Theodore ("soft, plump, fuzzy brown - like a teddy bear"). Most of the verses make a clever point, and the Latino mother and son, along with Theodore, are attractively portrayed, with the guinea pig's expressive face bordering on anthropomorphic." --Booklist
"With his big personality and an equally big appetite, Theodore is more than happy to explain how best to tend and care for him in this charming picture book about a very personable pet who has quite a lot to say to anyone who will listen." -- online reader review
![[Looking for Jaguar cover]](jaguarcover.jpg)
-- Featured in Time for Kids, News Scoop, April 8,
2005
-- Missouri State Teachers Association Reading Circle
program
-- Horace Mann Modern Classics Reading List
Here's what reviewers have said:
"In the most compelling tour for younger children since Jane Yolen's Welcome to the Green House (1993), Katz presents 19 wonderfully evocative glimpses of rain-forest flora and fauna...essential reading for every child." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review.
"In many of her 19 sharply honed poems, Katz writes in formal verse that elegantly reflects the overarching design that governs the seemingly chaotic rhythms of the rainforest; in all, she speaks directly to her audience through child-friendly metaphor, affable humor, and plenty of mind-boggling facts." -- Booklist, starred review.
"Young readers will learn about the great variety in the world's rainforests, not only in the poems, which are a delight, but in the added notes that provide more factual information....Enjoy this armchair tropical adventure." -- Marilyn Courtot, childlit
"Katz develops divine imagery, natural flowing rhythm, and cunning figurative language. The excellent quality of Katz's literary elements as well as the enhancement of Christiansen's illustrations creates this informative yet imaginative children's poetry book, useful for teaching as well as pleasure." -- Oneota Reading Journal
"Readers can stroll through the astonishing rain forests of the world with this inviting and educational collection of poems that features the awesome animals and plants that reside there." -- libreria universitaria.
"An abundance of exotic, exciting rain forest animals and plant life is playfully explored in 19 lyrical poems." -- Schwartz bookseller reviews
"A compelling collection of poems about the awesome and often endangered animals, birds, insects, fish, reptiles, and plants found only in the rain forest." -- just-for-kids.com
"Will send imaginations soaring...sure to be interesting to children and will fit perfectly with a unit about rain forests." Highly recommended -- Cassie Palmer, Arkansas State University,
![[A Revolutionary Field Trip cover]](revcover.jpg)
-- Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book
-- Best of 2004 List, Sterling Book Connection
-- Recommended by School Library Journal's Curriculum Connections
for use in Social Studies classes
Here's what reviewers have said:
"Linked by Alley's amiably humorous scenes of a small class, led by a Ms. Frizzle-like teacher, trooping through a reconstructed colonial village... [the poems] open windows on daily life in those olden days....pleasingly varied in tempo and tone, these 20 poems form a hard-to-resist invitation to 'taste a spoonful of gooseberry fool/Hundreds of years away from school.'" -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review.
"Mrs. Brown, the wonderful teacher who takes her class on field trips, is back....Primary grade children will enjoy the humorous touches while they learn about life in the colonies. This is a fun way to introduce children to American history." -- Children's Literature, Sharon Salluzzo.
"Perfect for a fifth grade American history class...the book captures what life was like for a child of Revolutionary times." -- Curriculum Connections, a Supplement to School Library Journal, Alexa L. Sandmann, Associate Professor of Literacy.
"Mrs. Brown's class learns a lot and has a wonderful time during its field trip to a replica of a colonial village. You will too!" -- Bank Street College of Education, children's book committee
"Young readers will absorb much of the characters' excitement about history from this worthwhile offering." -- School Library Journal, Lee Bock.
"Susan Katz has cooked up a dandy field trip for her beloved schoolteacher, Mrs. Brown, and an attentive class that is eager to learn some history while having lots of fun....[The poems] entertain with as much color and gusto as they instruct. R.W. Alley's lively watercolors have an agreeable, serendipitous quality." -- Pittsburgh Tribune.
"Visiting historical sites this summer? This wonderfully instructive book of poems will be the perfect preparation for the young ones in your family and maybe even for you too!...you'll be smiling and learning about times long ago with Mrs. Brown's class. GREAT GLOSSARY TOO!" -- Doug Gruehn, Schwartz Bookseller Review
"A very creative teacher and her class go on a field trip to Colonial America. The book is very child-friendly...a wonderful addition to any Colonial American section." -- Mary Ryan, Beverly Public Library
"...particularly fun and attractive to young readers...[The poems] answer important questions kids always have about what life would have been like for them if they lived in the past....a wonderful introduction to colonial history." -- T.R.Brady, blether, the book review site
"Katz shows the lively possibilities of poems aimed at amusing and educating kids." -- Frank Lipsius, MetroKids
![[Mrs. Brown on Exhibit cover]](browncover.jpg)
-- New Jersey Garden State Nonfiction Book Award nominee
-- Recommended reading, Chicago Public Schools
-- Recommended reading, Missouri State Teachers Association Reading
Circle
Program
And here's what reviewers have said:
"At once remarkably precocious and realistically childlike...the words flow unrhymed, joyous, clear, and sharp....A totally delightful romp." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Whether lyrically crystallizing an observation or reporting on the antics of the class cut-ups, the poems convey the excitement of kids on an adventure." -- Publishers Weekly
"Katz brings the children's experiences to life as they explore, react, clown around, and learn a thing or two." -- Booklist
"...a series of rhyming or free verses filled with both vivid descriptions and humor. Butterflies and insects come to life, tornados and earthquakes astound, as the world and the minds of the students expand." -- Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz, Children's Literature
"Read the book aloud to encourage poetry writing, in anticipation of a visit to a museum, or just for fun." -- School Library Journal
"Highly recommended for pre-field trip reading. Many curriculum tie-in opportunities. A great teacher title." -- Cynthia Leitich Smith's Children's Literature Resources website.
"Mrs. Brown is the field trip queen!...A wide variety of poems introduces an amazing array of exhibits." -- Reading Today
"I'm especially excited about Susan Katz's new illustrated poetry collection starring the extraordinary Mrs. Brown....[the students'] fun observations will make you wish you could tag along with them!" -- Julia Durango's By the Book column, The Daily Times, Ottawa, IL
"A playful jaunt...[the] poems blend nicely into a lively narrative about a class...Intricate, brightly colored watercolors fill this spirited book, which is sure to have children begging to go to museums." -- Jennifer Galvin, Boston Herald, September 15, 2002
A "favorite recent offering...[The] humorous cartoony illustrations and humorous schoolkid-focused poems [are] Fun." -- Lisa Parsons, HippoPress.com
"Mrs. Brown is the coolest...The poems can be read aloud or silently and the rich, colorful illustrations are something even a younger child would enjoy." -- Grace Dove, Wyoming County Advance
"In every school, there is one teacher all the kids want. Mrs. Brown is that teacher...As they visit [museums], we catch the children's sense of wonder...Recommended." -- Pamela Schembri, K-12 Media Specialist, Library Media Connection
"An entertaining collection of whimsical poems...paired with hilarious illustrations...the poems excite the reader's imagination and teach valuable lessons at the same time." --Brandywine River Museum News
"This collection of poems and slyly humorous illustrations beautifully captures the nuttiness of class field trips and the wonder and delight of museums." -- Kids' Librarians' News
![[Book Cover]](cover.jpg)
-- 1999 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People
-- Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best list, 1998
-- Publishers Weekly "Flying Start" honor
-- named to the master list for the West Virginia Children's Book
Award
-- listed in Best Books for Children, 7th edition
-- nominated for Missouri's Mark Twain Award
-- "Facing Bonnie Lou,", an excerpt from Snowdrops for
Cousin Ruth, reprinted in the Best of American Girl special issues,
2000 and 2001
And here's what reviewers have said:
"A delicate story about love, grief and recovery from loss....With extraordinary sensitivity and poetic language, Katz deftly weaves a story of love and rejuvenation." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review.
"Beautifully written, thoughtful, and touching, this gem of a story addresses death, grieving, and healing very effectively and realistically." -- American Library Association's Booklist, starred review
"SNOWDROPS FOR COUSIN RUTH is a triumph of tenderness, a wise and warm book, exquisitely written. Give it to everyone you know of any age who has struggled with the loss of a loved one - this wonderful story will help them heal." -- Naomi Shihab Nye, poet and children's author
"A first novel suffused with tenderness and sorrow....Emotionally wrenching without sentimentality, the four-hanky climax will leave readers sad yet reassured in immeasurable ways." -- Kirkus Reviews
"In the believably sensitive and poetic voice of Jo, Katz tells the poignant story of this family's slow healing....Ancient Cousin Ruth will warm the saddened reader." -- The Horn Book Magazine
"A warm and cozy read for those longing for a few tears and a happy ending." -- School Library Journal
"A wonderful tearjerker, the book begins grimly but is soon enlivened by Cousin Ruth, who is an excellent example of living life to the fullest." -- Dr. Judy Rowen,Children's Literature
(Full versions of some of these reviews are posted on either barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.)
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