Panorama: A Foldout Book
Europe
Materials from Europe
Built by Angels
As legend tells it, the Old-New Synagogue in Prague was built by angels, and later was home to a golem who remains locked away in the building to this day. In lyrical prose, Mark Podwal shares the story of the world’s oldest active synagogue, which was completed in 1270. Throughout the years, this sacred place of prayer and celebration has endured plagues, wars, and the Nazi regime. Its story is part legend, part history, and one that stands as a testament to the perseverance of the Jewish people.
Dog Biscuit
Hungry Bridget ate a biscuit . . . a dog biscuit! It tasted good – salty and sweet at the same time – but dog biscuits are meant for dogs, not people. Bridget starts to worry. Are her ears getting bigger? Is she growing a tail? Could she be turning into a dog? In the middle of the night, Bridget is swept off on a joyous romp with a wild dog pack. She has so much fun – until she thinks about leaving her family behind, which makes her so sad that she wakes up immediately, safe and sound in her mother’s arms, and human once again. Bursting with wild doggy energy, Helen Cooper’s vibrant illustrations make this one of the most original picture books she has created yet. A recipe for Human-Being Treats is included!
Surtsey: The Newest Place on Earth
This story describes the formation, naming, and colonization of the twenty-seven-year-old volcanic island Surtsey and how the first animals and plants became established there.
Wise Guy: The Life and Philosophy of Socrates
A biography of Socrates, a philosopher and teacher in ancient Greece who held that wisdom comes from questioning ideas and values rather than simply accepting what is passed on by parents and teachers.
The Hinky Pink
Summoned to the Great Castle of Firenze to create a special dress for Princess Isabella Caramella Gorgonzola, Anabel, a talented seamstress, is at first delighted but then increasingly despairing as time passes and her efforts are continually subverted by an unseen sprite.
Indigo’s Star
It’s back to school for the start of a new term, and the eccentric Cassons are up to their old tricks! Indigo, having just recovered from a bout of mononucleosis, must return to school after missing an entire semester. Only his younger sister and loyal sidekick, Rose, knows why he’s dreading it so much. As it turns out, the school bullies are eagerly awaiting Indigo’s return so that they can pick up where they left off — flushing his head in the toilet. But Indigo hasn’t counted on meeting Tom, an American student who is staying with his grandmother in England for the year. With his couldn’t-care-less attitude and rock-and-roll lifestyle, Tom becomes Indigo’s ally, and together they work to take back the school. Meanwhile, eight-year-old Rose is desperately trying to avoid wearing horrible glasses, nineteen-year-old Caddy is agonizing over her many suitors, Saffy is working overtime with her best friend, Sarah, to protect Indigo from the gang, and with their father, Bill, in London at his art studio, their mother, Eve, is just trying to stay on top of it all! In this hilarious, heartwarming companion to her award-winning Saffy’s Angel, Hilary McKay shows us a new side of the Cassons and reminds us that nothing is stronger than the bonds of family.
The Time Tree
The summer after their last year of elementary school brings changes in the friendship of Rachel and Joanna, as past and present worlds seem to merge and a mysterious girl dressed in old-fashioned clothing appears and disappears at their secret place under an old tree.
Dog Friday
Meeting the four Robinson children next door, 10-year-old Robin Brogan joins in the merry mayhem that always accompanies the Robinsons and rescues an abandoned dog that he hopes he will be able to adopt.
Ways to Live Forever
1. My name is Sam. 2. I am eleven years old. 3. I collect stories and fantastic facts. 4. I have leukemia. 5. By the time you read this, I will probably be dead. Living through the final stages of leukemia, Sam collects stories, questions, lists, and pictures that create a profoundly moving portrait of how a boy lives when he knows his time is almost up.