Rosemary Wells
Rosemary Wells is a prolific creator of picture books with more than sixty to her credit. At a meeting late last year, she spoke about picture books and what makes certain ones great. Foremost, she believes, the author must have a voice and the voice must be for children, not adults. In her opinion, only 30 of today's authors have that voice, and one that has stood the test of time is Margaret Wise Brown with Good Night Moon.
Wells stated that ideas come to her full blown, "they write and draw themselves." She also believes that ideas exist in a cosmos on their own, and if she doesn't get them down quickly, then they will go to someone else. At the time she spoke, Wells had twenty-three books waiting to be finished.
Inspiration comes to her from her childhood and also from observing the interactions of her children. "Simple incidents from childhood are universal," according to Wells. "The dynamics between older and younger siblings are common to all families." Max and Ruby, two of her more lovable characters, have rock solid agendas going in opposite directions. One of their recent adventure is deliciously recounted in Bunny Cakes.
As to her formal training, Wells studied art at the Museum School in Boston, and she worked for several years as a book designer and illustrator for a major New York publisher. In 1993, she published her second book, Noisy Nora, which was a big success. Twenty-four years later, it was reissued with fresh new art (1997, Dial, Ages 3 up, $14.99). Wells discovered a new artist inside herself after creating the illustrations for My Very First Mother Goose, a collection of nursery rhymes selected by Iona Opie (1996, Candlewick, Ages 2 to 6, $19.99). It was a pinnacle in her illustrating career, and Wells claims that she is a better fine artist today, and that she intends to redo several of her books.
Having grown up in a house full of books, and with a grandmother who was a librarian, Wells has donated her talents to literacy campaigns. She believes that each of us should give back something. Recently, she donated artwork which appears with the tag line "Take Twenty, Read to Your Bunny" to the campaign to encourage parents and caregivers to read aloud to children.
For more information on Rosemary Wells, visit her website at www.rosemarywells.com.
For a Q&A with this author, click here.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
Reviews
The Bear Went Over the Mountain
Rosemary Wells
The familiar song has been given new treatment in a board book format by Rosemary Wells. Her recognizable style has a perky little bear heading out after a kiss from Mom. What happens after his great expedition? Not a whole lot, but he does arrive home with a lovely basket of flowers for his waiting mother. 1998, Scholastic, Ages 9 mo. to 3, $4.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-590-02910-X
Bingo
Rosemary Wells
Even if you aren't real good at carrying a tune, this childrens' song is pretty easy to handle. It does scan well and if you have a singing voice so much the better. Kids will catch on fast and by singing the song they will feel like they are reading, and that is the idea behind this new series of "Bunny Reads Back" board books. Bingo is a comical black and white doggy-one that should appeal to the board book crowd. 1999, Scholastic, Ages 18 mo. to 4, $4.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-590-02913-4
Bunny Cakes
Rosemary Wells
Popular characters Max and Ruby, adorable, jeweled-eyed rabbits, possess that uncanny ability to make everyday activities an adventure. In this bunny tale, they spend a day concocting a couple of birthday cakes for Grandma. This merry book can enhance skills such as communicating, counting, sharing, organization, as well as cooking. 1997, Dial, Ages 3 to 7, $13.99 and $13.89. Reviewer: Deborah Zink Roffino
ISBN: 0-8037-2143-9
ISBN: 0-8037-2144-7
Bunny Money
Rosemary Wells
Bunny Money is a very funny story about the value of money, told as only Ruby and her little brother Max can tell it. Ruby has dollars to spend on Grandma's birthday present, but she also needs to pay bus fare. Then Max wants lemonade, but buys oozing cherry vampire teeth instead. So Ruby has to pay for soap, the washer, and the dryer-and LUNCH! "'Money down the drain,' says Ruby." They finally get Grandma her present, but the only money they have left is Max's lucky quarter-just enough to call Grandma to come and get them! Comes with bunny money to cut out and pretend to spend. 1997, Dial Books Young, Ages 3 to 5, $14.89. Reviewer: Judy Silverman
ISBN: 0-8037-2146-3
The Fisherman and His Wife
Rosemary Wells
Pictures by Eleanor Hubbard
Ragnar and his wife Ulla live a happy, simple life. Ragnar fishes for a living and Ulla keeps house. When Ragnar catches a magic fish, he is granted a wish. Ragnar first wishes for some lobster. Then Ulla needs a large pot to cook the lobster and the fish grants this second wish. Each time the fish grants a wish, Ulla discovers a new need. Eventually Ulla and Ragnar move to a mansion and throw parties for royalty, but this does not make them happy. Then they decide to return to their simple life. Colorful pictures in which the characters are depicted as cats support the well-written text. 1998, Dial Books for Young Readers, Ages 6 to 9, $15.99 and $15.89. Reviewer: Karen Porter
ISBN: 0-8037-1850-0
ISBN: 0-8037-1851-9
Fritz and the Messy Fairy
Rosemary Wells
Fritz drives his family crazy because he is so messy about everything he does. When his mother asks him to do the dishes one evening, he suddenly realizes his science project is due. The project is unsuccessful and Fritz goes to bed leaving a big mess everywhere. While he sleeps, a fairy appears from the science project. She wakes up Fritz and begins making an even bigger mess all over the house. Fritz finally realizes that being messy is not a good way to live and vows to live a neater life. A silly lesson on neatness. 1991, Dial, Ages 6 to 8, $14.00, $13.89 and $4.99. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger
ISBN: 0-8037-0981-1
ISBN: 0-8037-0983-8
ISBN: 0-14-055681-8
Humpty Dumpty
Iona Opie
Illustrated by Rosemary Wells
One of the most important books in a baby's collection is a volume of Mother Goose. I've heard that many of the rhythms and rhymes echo a mother's heartbeat. That would explain why these verses can soothe a seemingly inconsolable infant into sleep, or bring smiles and giggles to a bored baby. Choosing a particular volume depends on personal taste. Recently Rosemary Wells collaborated with Iona Opie to create a wonderful new book, My Very First Mother Goose. It has since been divided up into four board books - Wee Willie Winkie, Humpty Dumpty, Little Boy Blue, and Pussycat, Pussycat. 1997, Candlewick, Ages 3 mo. to 4, $6.99. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
ISBN: 0-7636-0353-8
Jack and the Beanstalk
Rosemary Wells
Illustrations by Norman Messenger
Our old favorite, Jack, is showcased in a large print book with marvelous detailed drawings guaranteed to send a shiver down the spine of delighted youngsters. The retelling flows smoothly as it proceeds to its well-known end, and I like the specifics of "three hundred pancakes" for the giant's breakfast and "marigold seeds and rose petals" that Jack's mother gratefully fed the magic hen after the giant met his doom. Note the bargain price, too. 1997, DK Publishing, Ages 3 to 7, $8.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-7894-1170-9
The Language of Doves
Rosemary Wells
Illustrated by Greg Shed
During the First World War, long before modern communications, it was not uncommon to use homing pigeons-doves-to send messages to and from the front lines. The young narrator in this beautiful story tells of her Italian grandfather and his very special abilities with those doves. Dreamy, burnished pictures, infused with sunlight, recall the memories of a granddaughter who received two great gifts from her Grandfather, her first dove and a knack for training the birds, the language of doves. 1996, Dial, Ages 6 to 9, $14.99 and $14.89. Reviewer: Deborah Zink Roffino
ISBN: 0-8037-1471-8
ISBN: 0-8037-1472-6
Lassie Come Home
Rosemary Wells
Illustrated by Susan Jeffers
This classic tale is enriched like never before in this magnificent picture book format. Once, a young boy had to watch as his father sold his prize-winning collie to a wealthy landowner. The dog, unlike his TV counterpart, had no extraordinary powers. Yet, three times Lassie runs away to come home to the boy. There's an appealing old-fashioned quality about this book. The soft, yet arresting illustrations are by the artist who created Brother Eagle, Sister Sky, and stir a range of emotions: longing, fear, comfort, security. From Yorkshire to Scotland, the lush landscapes provide breathtaking background for this story of love, bravery and victory. 1995, Henry Holt, Ages 6 to 11, $16.95. Reviewer: Deborah Zink Roffino
ISBN: 0-8050-3794-2
Little Boy Blue
Iona Opie
Illustrations by Rosemary Wells
Part of the "My Very First Mother Goose" series, the selections in this board book are taken from the larger book by the compiler and illustrator. The book is sturdy and filled with bright, cheery pictures for each of the eight rhymes. Among the better known selections are the title rhyme; Hickory, Dickory Dock; Shoo Fly; Crooked Man; and Baa, Baa, Black Sheep. The latter features a male bunny and Wibbleton to Wobbleton's trains and waiting passengers are sheer delight. Once you have seen one, you will want the three other titles (Wee Willie Winkie, Humpty Dumpty, and Pussycat Pussycat). 1997, Candlewick, Ages 1 up, $6.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-7636-0354-6
The Little Lame Prince
Rosemary Wells
Wells adapts one her favorite childhood tales into picture book form in The Little Lame Prince. Young Prince Francisco has lost his parents and the use of his legs and has been deposed by his despotic uncle. Happily, his fairy godmother aids him in overcoming his cruel relative only Francisco fears that he can not rule because of his useless legs. "No one cares about your legs when your head is wise and your heart is kind," his fairy godmother tells him and of course Francisco fulfills her truth. How wonderful to see a children's fairy tale book finally give us a wheelchair protagonist! 1990, Dial, Ages 4 to 8, $12.95. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
ISBN: 0-8037-0788-6
Mary on Horseback: Three Mountain Stories
Rosemary Wells
Mary Breckinridge trained as a nurse in WWI after losing two husbands and two children. She organized a team of nurses to help the poor and underserved in the mountains of Kentucky. The book is divided into three stories relating people's views of how they were influenced by Breckinridge's work. Two children are lifted from poverty and hopelessness, and a fellow nurse learns to trust her intuitions and interpret signs of need from people who are not always forthcoming with feelings and information. The power of this novel comes from the stories themselves, from Wells' genius at turning history into story and from giving a biography the beauty of words and voice that help its compassion touch others, just as Breckinridge's actions did long ago. Wells has proved herself an outstanding creator of picture books. Here, she shows her versatility as she brings creativity and word mastery into a longer work. This is a fabulous family read aloud. 1998, Dial, Ages 9 up, $16.99 and $16.89. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
ISBN: 0-8037-2154-4
ISBN: 0-8037-2155-2
Max and Ruby's Midas: Another Greek Myth
Rosemary Wells
"Back they go, Max," said Ruby. "One more of these and you'll turn into a cupcake." A favorite hero, Max the rabbit, is back, this time in an uproariously funny version of the Midas legend. Proper sister Ruby tries to curb Max's sweet tooth, with results that would have had King M himself in stitches. In a market flooded with anthropomorphic animals that are hard to swallow, Max somehow is eminently appealing. In the end, we're left comforted with the thought that he's completely incorrigible, and so we can perhaps await further volumes containing Ruby's untiring efforts to reform him. And if "escalarium" sounds a tad more Roman than Greek, is such a minor point really worth the quibble? 1995, Dial, Ages 3 to 6, $12.99. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami
ISBN: 0-8037-1782-2
Max's Bedtime
Rosemary Wells
Most kids will understand Max's dilemma. He can't get to sleep without his red elephant. Sister Ruby offers her bear, pig and duck as substitutes, but they just won't do. Finally the red elephant is found and Max is ready for a good night's sleep. Reissued with new artwork, the story resonates and the pictures will charm. 1998, Dial Books, Ages 2 up, $5.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8037-2267-2
Max's Birthday
Rosemary Wells
Max gets a wind-up lobster for his birthday, but he doesn't seem too happy about this unusual gift. It starts crawling around the room and sister Ruby tries to make it go away. But the lobster keeps returning and they keep chasing it until it stops right on top of Max. Of course, that ends up being great fun, and he wants to do it all over again. A cheery and all too true scene with bright new drawings by Wells. The series of Max board books includes Max's Bath, Max's Bedtime, Max's Birthday, Max's Breakfast, Max's First Word, Max's New Suit, Max's Ride, and Max's Toys. 1998 (orig. 1985), Dial, Ages 1 to 4, $5.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8037-2268-0
Max's Breakfast
Rosemary Wells
Max doesn't want to eat his egg- "Bad Egg" he says. You can't have any strawberries until you finish your egg declares Ruby, his sometimes overbearing older sister. But she outsmarts herself and ends up eating the egg, much to Max's delight. Now the egg is "all gone," and Max can have some delicious strawberries. An amusing and all too true scene with bright new drawings by Wells. The series of Max board books includes Max's Bath, Max's Bedtime, Max's Birthday, Max's Breakfast, Max's First Word, Max's New Suit, Max's Ride and Max's Toys. 1998 (orig. 1985), Dial, Ages 1 to 4, $5.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8037-2273-7
Max's Christmas
Rosemary Wells
The charming story of Max and his desire to see Santa is now available in a large format board book. The text and illustrations are the same as in the earlier versions, although the cover is different, with Max wearing rather than holding his Santa hat. The colors on the cover are more muted than the original-the hat looks brown instead of red. Never mind, the story is terrific and kids, especially those with older siblings, will delight in Max's success and triumph over his sister Ruby. 1998 (orig. 1986), Dial, Ages 2 to 5, $12.99, $9.89, $8.99, and $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8037-0289-2
ISBN: 0-8037-0290-6
ISBN: 0-8037-2353-9
ISBN: 0-14-054563-8
Max's Toys
Rosemary Wells
The grass always looks greener on the other side of the road for Max. He keeps eyeing Ruby's doll Emily, but she is the one thing he can't have. Max pulls out all of his toys and counts three soldiers, four bears and goes all the way up to a ten-car train. Finally Ruby decides that Max can have Emily, but it will cost him all of his toys. It is a very real story with delightful new illustrations by Rosemary Wells. 1998, Dial Books, Ages 2 up, $5.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8037-2271-0
McDuff and the Baby
Rosemary Wells
Illustrated by Susan Jeffers
McDuff had been the center of attention at Lucy and Fred's house. They shared the daily comics, took long walks and listened to the radio together. Suddenly things changed. A baby arrived on the scene and took most of Fred and Lucy's time. Poor McDuff loses his appetite and finally Fred and Lucy realize that he needs attention too. It all ends on a happy note. The story has plenty of appeal, especially through Jeffers' wonderful illustrations. McDuff may not be able to talk but his expressions and body language speak for him. A nice selection for kids with new siblings in the house. 1997, Hyperion, Ages 2 to 5, $12.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-7868-0316-9
McDuff Moves In
Rosemary Wells
Illustrated by Susan Jeffers
One rainy night in a quiet, sleeping town, a little white dog bounced out of the back of the dogcatcher's truck to find that he was quite lost and very hungry. So began McDuff's adventure, the one that led him to a place he didn't know he was looking for... a home. Award winners Wells and Jeffers have combined to make McDuff a lovable character that will warm the hearts of youngsters. If you enjoy McDuff Moves In, be sure to check out another collaboration between these two, McDuff Comes Home. 1997, Hyperion, Ages 3 to 6, $12.95 and $4.95. Reviewer: Trina Heidt
ISBN: 0-7868-2257-0
ISBN: 0-7868-1190-0
McDuff's New Friend
Rosemary Wells
Illustrated by Susan Jeffers
It is Christmas Eve and McDuff and his human family are getting ready for Santa's arrival. After turning in on this snowy night, McDuff hears a thump and wakes Fred. Not too happily, Fred proceeds to dig a dog tunnel in the snow so that McDuff can go out. It happens again and again, until Fred in disgust lets McDuff dig his own tunnel. Then he realizes that something is amiss and when Fred finally reaches the garage, he discovers that Santa and his sleigh are stuck. Lucy, Fred and McDuff all help out until the wee hours of the night. Then on Christmas morn, they open their gifts and proceed to fall into an exhausted sleep. A new character, a black kitten, is introduced as McDuff's Christmas present and doubtless will be appearing in future stories about this cute Westie and his family. 1998, Hyperion, Ages 2 to 5, $12.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-7868-0386-X
ISBN: 0-7868-2337-2
Morris's Disappearing Bag
Rosemary Wells
Morris's brother Victor receives a hockey outfit for Christmas and his sisters Rose and Betty get a beauty kit and chemistry set, respectively. Then they all play with one another's gifts. All except for Morris. He's too young, say his siblings. He would get hurt, blow up the house, and waste the lipstick. But when Morris opens the last present, he discovers-a disappearing bag! And Victor, Rose, and Betty are so busy playing with it that Morris is left to enjoy the hockey outfit, the chemistry set, and the beauty kit! Wells has written and illustrated Morris's Disappearing Bag with her characteristic warm sense of humor. Her rhythmical sentence structure, surprise ending, and expressive characters will entrance readers of all ages. 1992, Puffin, Ages 4 to 8, $17.99, $9.95, and $4.99. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum
ISBN: 0-8037-0839-4
ISBN: 0-8037-5441-8
ISBN: 0-14-054664-2
My Very First Mother Goose
Edited by Iona Opie
Illustrated by Rosemary Wells
Why do the words of Mother Goose endure? These rhythms and rhymes have soothed babies for generations for their moods can either evoke play or sleep. They have comforted toddlers through transitions ("Jack and Jill", for example, has a tremendous healing power for a 2 year old who's just had a bad spill). They live in all our memories and are an important first step towards cultural literacy. Now there's a wonderful new volume, edited by Iona Opie who has spent her life collecting children's rhythms and games. The illustrations are by Rosemary Wells whose small bunnies are often some of the first pictures babies discover. Opie has done well selecting the poems with baby-appeal and Wells' bright, clear, tender illustrations make this a volume that will be treasured forever. 1996, Candlewick, Ages 2 to 6, $19.99. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
ISBN: 1-56402-620-5
Night Sounds, Morning Colors
Rosemary Wells
Illustrated by David McPhail
Moving through the days and seasons of a child's year, Wells invites readers to open all their senses. With her vivid text to unlock them for you, it's an easy task. Exquisite imagery dances across the pages, starting with "When I Wake Up." McPhail's acrylic paintings glimmer as if they were backlit. His captivating use of light on a muted palette underscores the joyfulness of the senses, the tenderness of relationships, and the love of one another. Night Sounds, Morning Colors invites young readers to explore a big world filled with small delights. Likewise it reminds us adults that small delights surround us if we take the moments to experience them. 1994, Dial, Ages 5 up, $14.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Bagel
ISBN: 0-8037-1301-0
Noisy Nora
Rosemary Wells
Many fans will welcome the re-birth of Rosemary Wells' classic story Noisy Nora. The book is now in a larger size and has all new full color illustrations to tell the story of a middle child who refuses to be ignored! 1997, Dial, Ages 3 to 6, $14.99. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
ISBN: 0-8037-1835-7
Pussycat Pussycat
Iona Opie
Illustrations by Rosemary Wells
Part of the "My Very First Mother Goose" series, the selections in this board book are taken from the larger book by the compiler and illustrator. The book is sturdy and filled with bright, cheery pictures for each of the eight rhymes. Among the better known selections are the title rhyme, To Market, To Market which features a fancy red sports car; Hey Diddle Diddle, which shows a little dish with feet and spoon resting on top running away and fiddling cats surrounding the text; and Sing a Song of Sixpence in which sweet mice and bunnies fill the pages. The pictures are sure to delight observant kids. Once you have seen one, you will want the three other titles (Wee Willie Winkie, Humpty Dumpty, and Little Boy Blue). 1997, Candlewick, Ages 1 up, $6.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-7636-0355-4
Read to Your Bunny
Rosemary Wells
Why read to a child often? Is it really worth the time and effort? This well-known children's author/illustrator addresses this issue well in just nine illustrations and forty words in her small, colorful picture book. On the left-hand side of the page, the phrase, "It's twenty minutes of..." is accompanied by an illustration of an adult rabbit and a bunny reading a book together-and it's not only for bedtime. Be they an older, grandfatherly-looking rabbit with a boy bunny or a mommy rabbit with a girl bunny, be they a white rabbit and bunny, or tan, black, brown, or gray, all illustrate variety of cultures and adventures while reading. Bunnies fly a plane, take a bath, cook, ice skate, and sun themselves on the beach, all while reading a book together. The use of blocked and bordered illustrations and text seems to echo the message that short, meaningful blocks of time here and there can achieve the goal of getting kids to love reading. The book closes with a final "Hooray! for reading to a child" by telling and showing that ultimately, the child will read to the adult. 1997, Scholastic Press, Ages 2 to 4, $7.95. Reviewer: Patricia Timbrook
ISBN: 0-590-30284-1
Streets of Gold
Rosemary Wells
Illustrations by Dan Andreasen
Turn-of-the-century Russia under the Czar was an increasingly difficult place for Masha and her family, who are Jewish. When the police close her father's grocery store and do not allow him to work, he tells his family he is going to America and will send for them. Four months pass before they hear from him. All that time, Masha, her brother and their mother save what money they can for their passage. When they have just enough, they leave on the arduous journey from their homeland. In America Masha and her brother attend school, and are introduced to bananas and rocking chairs. Masha's poem about George Washington is even printed in the newspaper. Based on Mary Antin's memoir, The Promised Land, Wells has captured the loving bond between father and daughter. The golden-toned oil paintings depict various scenes from the text and help readers to gain a better sense of place and time. The father-daughter relationship is beautifully portrayed, and the immigrant experience is vividly depicted. 1999, Dial Books for Young Readers, Ages 6 to 12, $15.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-8037-2149-8
Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina
Maria Tallchief with Rosemary Wells
Illustrations by Gary Kelley
Beginning with her Osage Indian father and Scots-Irish mother, this inspiring, picture book biography tells how young Maria Tallchief developed her talent and love for music and dance, learning how "to be strong enough to dance for hours...," and "delicate enough to break the human heart." Told in the first person, from Maria's point of view, we follow her from her childhood in Oklahoma, guided by an amateur teacher, to her teen years in Los Angeles where she decided to devote her life to dance. Large, rather impressionistic illustrations evoke period and place as well as Maria's love for her art. An author's note is included. 1999, Viking, Ages 5 up, $15.95. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan
ISBN: 0-670-88756-0
Timothy Goes to School
Rosemary Wells
In Timothy, Wells has created a protagonist who echoes the child's fears about fitting into the new, strange school environment. Timothy's first excitement over going to school is dimmed as he discovers that he has worn the wrong clothes and the situation only worsens as "perfect" Claude draws all the positive attention from the teacher and classmates. Only when he meets a special friend who acknowledges her competitive feeling towards a fellow classmate does Timothy's unhappiness and sense of alienation subside. 1992 (orig. 1981), Dial, Ages 3 to 7, $15.99 and $5.99. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum
ISBN: 0-8037-8948-3
ISBN: 0-14-054715-0
Wee Willie Winkie
Iona Opie
Illustrated by Rosemary Wells
One of the most important books in a baby's collection is a volume of Mother Goose. I've heard that many of the rhythms and rhymes echo a mother's heartbeat. That would explain why these verses can soothe a seemingly inconsolable infant into sleep, or bring smiles and giggles to a bored baby. Choosing a particular volume depends on personal taste. Recently Rosemary Wells collaborated with Iona Opie to create a wonderful new book, My Very First Mother Goose. It has since been divided up into four board books - Wee Willie Winkie, Humpty Dumpty, Little Boy Blue, and Pussycat, Pussycat. 1997, Candlewick, Ages 3 mo. to 4, $6.99. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
ISBN: 0-7636-0356-2
Yoko
Rosemary Wells
Yoko's mother packs her "little cherry blossom" a lunch of seaweed, shrimp, cucumber, rice, tuna, and red bean ice cream to take to school. However, all the other children in Yoko's class (actually animals as depicted by Wells' illustrations) laugh at her unusual food. Yoko's teacher, a sweet natured fox named Mrs. Jenkins, decides to solve the problem by having an international day so everyone can try a bite of different foods. Valerie, the young rabbit, brings a plate of enchiladas. Timothy, the raccoon, brings coconut crisps to represent the Caribbean. Another raccoon brings potato knishes. Hazel, the young badger, brings Nigerian nut soup. Harry, the pig, brings Brazil nuts. Doris, the beaver, brings Irish stew. Monica, the rabbit, brings mongo smoothies. Fritz, the badger, brings spaghetti. A bull dog named Big Frank brings a pot of baked beans and Yoko's mother makes sushi, of course. Unfortunately, everyone refuses to try the sushi, except Timothy who is still hungry. Yoko shows him how to use chopsticks to eat the sushi and finds that he likes the taste very much. They become friends and decide to push their desks together. 1998, Hyperion, Ages 3 to 7, $14.95. Reviewer: Sally J. K. Davies
ISBN: 0-7868-0395-9
Added 1999
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