The Perfect Bear

There once was a bear who was very fine. He was so polished and clean and proud. And that made him the Do Not Touch bear. As time passed, he become worn and gray and much less fine. But he was also loved by a little girl. And that made him the Perfect Bear.

Black Stars In A White Night Sky

Black Stars in a White Night Sky, Lawson’s second book of poetry for children, includes fractonyms, concretes, as well as short lyrics and poems that don’t rhyme. Lawson stretches the boundaries of what is normally thought of as children’s poetry, but not at the expense of the books entertainment value or clarity. The poems are written within hearing of both children and adults; philosophy and tomfoolery are equally at home in this exemplary new tome.

Hatshepsut, His Majesty, Herself

This is an informative picturebook biography of Egypt’s only successful female pharaoh. Hatshepsut gained Egypt’s throne when all her male siblings — including the half brother whom she married — died. Originally named regent to her nephew, Tuthmosis III, Hatshepsut gradually assumed more and more power, and eventually had herself crowned pharaoh. Since no word existed for a female ruler, Hatshepsut used the male title. She also wore men’s clothing and a beard, and referred to herself as “he” as well as “she.”

Hatshepsut’s reign was a peaceful and prosperous one. She sent an expedition to explore Punt, an exotic land of riches, and built beautiful monuments, including a magnificent temple on which she had artists carve and paint scenes from her life and reign. Following her death, Tuthmosis III tried to erase evidence of Hatshepsut’s reign to make it seem as though he had succeeded his father directly.

Catherine M. Andronik explains how, despite this vandalism, archaeologists have been able to piece together the story of this unconventional pharaoh’s life.

The Gate In The Wall

Pressed into service as a canal woman, 10-year-old Emma finds ways to utilize her artistic gifts. Although it is a better existence than her strenuous job in the English silk mill, she feels guilty over the sister she left behind. Authentic details make this an engaging story–one that reveals the hardships of the mid-1800s when life for the poor in England was unrelentingly cruel. It is also a liberating tale as Emma draws on her inner strength to find her true calling.

City of Time

CATI, THE BOLD Watcher readers met in The Navigator, returns from the shadows of time to summon Owen and Dr. Diamond, for time is literally running out. The moon is coming closer to the earth, causing havoc with weather, tides, and other natural cycles; people fear the world will end. To discover what’s gone wrong, Cati, Owen, and the Doctor must take an astonishing journey to the City of Time, where time is bought and sold. There, Owen begins to understand his great responsibility and power as the Navigator.

It is the second book of the Navigator Trilogy. The Navigator is McNamee’s first novel for young readers.

Sierra Leone

This book provides a comprehensive look at the country of Sierra Leone, which gained independence in 1961. Located in western Africa, bordered by Guinea and Liberia, Sierra Leone is recovering from a lengthy civil war that left the country with many challenges. The text offers chapters on the geography, the history, the formation of its new government and its structure, the economy, the environment, the people of Siera Leone, their religion and culture. The book is illustrated with color photography.

How the Sea Began

The gourd containing the bow and arrow of the great departed hunter, Yayael, produces a torrent of water that becomes the world’s ocean.