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BIG BEAR'S NEWSLETTER is the e-source for everything from
late-breaking book news and reviews to tour information and interviews with the
authors and illustrators who make our books special. We e-mail this free
newsletter monthly--or whenever we have news that we can't "bear" not to share. |
sample newsletter
CANDLEWICK'S E-NEWSLETTER
CANDLEWICK'S E-NEWSLETTER is our e-source for everything from late-breaking
book news and reviews to awards and appearances by the authors and illustrators
who make Candlewick Press books special. We e-mail this newsletter monthly--or
whenever we have news we can't bear not to share.
In August:
** Look What's New! Highlights of the Biggest Season Ever
** Middle-Grade & Older: Vibrant Verse, Vital Nonfiction
** A Wealth of Picture Book Pleasures
** New in Novelty: Maisy & More
** Brand New Readers & Other Back-to-School Essentials
*** Look What's New! Highlights of the Biggest Season Ever ***
If it's August, it must be the official start of our Fall 2003 season--and we
have so many extraordinary books on the roster we can offer just a taste of
them here. Don't miss our special JUDY MOODY TEACHERS CONTEST (below), and be
sure to visit the Candlewick website for an in-depth sampling of all our new
titles!
http://www.candlewick.com/
THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
(ages 7-12)
First, some very exciting news: The new book by beloved best-selling author
Kate DiCamillo (BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE; THE TIGER RISING) is coming out soon!
Available August 25, THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX: BEING THE STORY OF A MOUSE, A
PRINCESS, SOME SOUP, AND A SPOOL OF THREAD has already inspired four starred
reviews. Starring "a diminutive mouse who . . . is one of the most endearing of
his ilk ever to appear in children's books" [SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL], this
enchanting story is "a tale with twists and turns . . . and all the ingredients
of an old-fashioned drama" [KIRKUS REVIEWS]. "Forgiveness, light, love, and
soup . . . combine into a tale that is as soul stirring as it is delicious"
[BOOKLIST]. We'll have more to say about this sure-to-be classic in our
September newsletter, but don't miss a chance to see what all the critics are
raving about in the meantime. Just click on the link below to take a sneak
peek--and listen to the author read her first chapter. "Reader . . . I must
tell you, you are in for a treat" [PUBLISHERS WEEKLY].
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763617229&pix=n
JUDY MOODY PREDICTS THE FUTURE / THE JUDY MOODY MOOD JOURNAL by Megan McDonald,
illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds (age 6 and up)
More good news: August means it's time for a new Judy Moody episode! When a
mood ring drops out of Judy's cereal box, the determined third-grader suspects
she's onto something--and soon enough, with the help of a Magic 8 Ball and a
little intuition, "Madame M" (for Moody) is sure she can predict the future.
Our amazing powers of prediction tell us this latest adventure will put Judy's
fans in a "Joyful, On Top of the World" mood. Rare! [Note to teachers: Don't
miss details on the JUDY MOODY CONTEST below.]
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=title&mode=book&isbn=076361792x
Young readers will be tickled to record their own moods in THE JUDY MOODY MOOD
JOURNAL, filled with prompts and sprinkled with illustrations and quotes from
the Judy Moody books. Is your mood "Rare" or "Roar"? What's the funniest thing
that ever happened to you? The worst? From the holographic "Dial-a-Mood Meter"
on the cover to the enticing blank pages inside, this "toadly awesome" journal
invites kids to explore what makes them unique.
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?mode=book&isbn=0763622362&browse=Title
------->>> For Teachers Only: Enter THE JUDY MOODY CONTEST!
<<<-------
Now calling all teachers: Could there a JUDY MOODY CONTEST in your future? Are
you in the mood to win? (Signs point to yes!) Just tell us about a student
you've had who reminds you of Judy Moody--a student who has a mood for every
occasion, yes, but who's also funny, independent-minded, and ready to take on a
challenge with originality and spirit. The three teachers who tell the best
"Judy Moody" story from their own teaching experience will receive some great
prizes, including complete sets of books autographed by author and illustrator,
a Judy Moody T-shirt, and even a Magic 8 Ball. The contest closes December 31,
but isn't August the perfect time to pick up your non-Grouchy pencil and get
creative before the school year is back in full swing? Click below for more
details and a downloadable entry form.
http://www.candlewick.com/judymoodycontest/
-----------------------------------------------------
THE EARTH, MY BUTT, AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS by Carolyn Mackler (age 14 and
up)
Older readers are in for a treat this month as well, with the release of a
funny, thought-provoking new novel from the author of the acclaimed LOVE AND
OTHER FOUR-LETTER WORDS. Fifteen-year-old Virginia Shreves has a
larger-than-average body and a plus-size inferiority complex, and it doesn't
help that she comes from a (thin) family of overachievers. In accordance with
her own "Fat Girl Code of Conduct," she's even convinced that the boy with whom
she's having weekly make-out sessions would never want to be seen with her in
public. But then Virginia's star-student older brother has a shocking fall from
grace--and everything changes. Every teen who struggles with family
expectations will relate to this endearingly blunt heroine, whose
"transformation into someone who finds her own style and speaks her own mind is
believable--and worthy of applause" [PUBLISHERS WEEKLY]. As a special bonus,
author Carolyn Mackler has contributed to a lively discussion guide, available
at the link below.
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763619582&pix=n
*** Middle-Grade & Older: Vibrant Verse, Vital Nonfiction ***
What's new in poetry? Or nonfiction? Compelling aspects of the contemporary
world come into sharp focus in three outstanding new titles--each one very
different, each one mesmerizing, and each one a sure draw for both reluctant
and proficient readers.
HOOP QUEENS by Charles R. Smith Jr. (age 8 and up)
"Hoops Poet Laureate" Charles R. Smith Jr. captures the unique playing styles
of 12 of the top women in pro basketball in "poems that crackle with the beat,
wordplay, and compulsive chant-along appeal of rap" [BOOKLIST]. What English
teacher could resist using HOOP QUEENS to teach the use of metaphor, with
dynamic verses likening athletes to a "Fly Swatter," a "Fire Starter," or a
"Hurricane"? The book's arresting design features photos of the players in
action.
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=076361422x&pix=n
SEPTEMBER 11, 2001: ATTACK ON NEW YORK CITY by Wilborn Hampton, illustrated
with black-and-white photographs (age 12 and up)
"There are many, perhaps too many, books about 9/11 written for young people,
but this is one of the best," says BOOKLIST of this stunning collection of
accounts by several individuals who witnessed the event firsthand. In clear,
compassionate prose, the award-winning reporter who brought us KENNEDY
ASSASSINATED! recounts one horrifying day in history through the eyes of a
blind man and his dog who escaped down 71 floors of the burning North Tower, a
company of firefighters who risked their lives, an ordinary citizen turned
rescue worker, and others, including Mayor Giuliani and the author himself. An
intimate portrait of life and loss sure to leave readers with a deeper
understanding of that tragic day.
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763619493&pix=n
NIGHT IS GONE, DAY IS STILL COMING: STORIES AND POEMS BY AMERICAN INDIAN TEENS
AND YOUNG ADULTS edited by Annette Pina Ochoa, Betsy Franco, and Traci L.
Gourdine (age 12 and up)
Open this anthology of poetry, prose, and memoir and hear the voices of today's
young American Indians, ages 11 to 22, from many nations across the county. One
young man pines for his "fry bread queen" in a comical take on unrequited love.
Another recalls the "carbonation dance" he and his grandfather perform on
returnable Coke cans. Some express typical teenage angst, some share glimpses
of their culture's traditions and beliefs, and many tell of culture clash in
this honest, revealing, and powerful collection.
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763615188&pix=n
Be sure to look for more new middle-grade and young-adult titles--including the
utterly charming sequel to LADY LOLLIPOP, from BABE, THE GALLANT PIG author
Dick King-Smith--by clicking the link below.
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=title&page=2&bkshlvid=18&mode=bkshlv&bkview=p&pix=n
*** A Wealth of Picture Book Pleasures ***
The wonderful thing about a picture book is that it has the ability to both
reassure and delight. Here are three that unquestionably fit the bill!
DO YOU STILL LOVE ME? by Charlotte Middleton (ages 2-6)
You may have seen this bright charmer in a recent issue of PEOPLE magazine,
spotlighted as a great read-aloud for children with a new sibling. Dudley is
one happy dog until Anna brings home a baby chameleon who does everything
better than he does: Pequito catches his own breakfast, is (naturally) better
at hide-and-seek, and otherwise makes Dudley feel that nobody cares about him
anymore. "Although the ending may be as familiar as the premise, Middleton's
high sense of style gives the story a fresh, understated sweetness," says
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY in a starred review.
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763622540&pix=n
WHAT DO YOU DREAM? by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, illustrated by Joung Un Kim (ages
3-6)
"Child, tell me, of what do you dream?" A child dreams of flowers, flowers
dream of butterflies, and butterflies dream as well in this serene story that
circles back to a satisfying ending. Richly colored paintings and lulling,
rhythmic language make this a truly soothing choice for bedtime.
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=076361338x&pix=n
CRAZY HAIR DAY by Barney Saltzberg (ages 5-8)
Every child who has ever had a bad day will smile in recognition at poor
Stanley's plight. He's outdone himself with a wild hairdo for Crazy Hair Day at
school, only to find out that Crazy Hair Day is . . . next week. Even more
embarrassing, today is School Picture Day! But Stanley's worst day ever takes a
surprising turn when his classmates concoct a creative show of kindness and
solidarity.
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=076361954X&pix=n
*** New in Novelty: Maisy & More ***
Playful preschoolers who like hands-on fun are in luck this month. . . .
I AM HAPPY: A TOUCH-AND-FEEL BOOK OF FEELINGS by Steve Light (ages 3-6)
Did you know that August is the official "Admit You're Happy Month"? We can't
think of a better way to celebrate than with this tactile book that invites
young children to feel their feelings--in more ways than one. Each boldly
designed spread offers textures to touch that cleverly correspond with a
feeling, from scratchy for "angry" to soft and fuzzy for "love."
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=title&mode=book&isbn=0763617539
MAISY LIKES DANCING / MAISY'S NOISY DAY by Lucy Cousins (ages 3-5)
What's that sound? Two shaped board books--with visible noisemakers--invite
little ones to investigate the world of sounds with Maisy. Shake the book MAISY
LIKES DANCING to hear a "jingle-jingle" you can dance to, while MAISY'S NOISY
DAY will make a "rattle-rattle" sound.
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763619167&pix=n
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763619175&pix=n
WHAT ARE YOU DOING, MAISY? / WHERE ARE YOU GOING, MAISY? by Lucy Cousins (ages
2-5)
Everyone knows that Maisy is a busy little mouse. But what does Maisy like to
do? Where does she like to go? These lift-the-flap surprise books let readers
look at clues to help them guess--then life a flap to find out for sure.
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763621714&pix=n
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763621714&pix=n
*** Brand New Readers & Other Back-to-School Essentials ***
And finally--as we move into August, a new school year beckons just around the
corner. For all those emerging readers out there (along with their teachers and
parents) we're delighted to introduce our brand-new, bonus-packed Brand New
Readers Boxed Sets, as well as two new books sure to find a niche both at home
and in the classroom.
BRAND NEW READERS BOXED SETS by various authors and illustrators (age 4 and up)
In two boxed sets of 10 books each, we've taken our most popular Brand New
Reader titles and added loads of extras! Each set includes a poster with
stickers inviting kids to track the books they've read, a make-your-own Brand
New Reader book (because brand-new readers can be brand-new writers), a
certificate of achievement, and an easy-to-follow parent / teacher guide. Our
Brand New Readers are short, funny stories written by award-winning authors,
full of bright, colorful artwork by illustrators kids know and love--and now
it's easier than ever to follow favorite characters such as Piggy, Worm,
Monkey, Mouse, and Tabby Cat from story to story. With these alluring sets
offering so much in each package, what could be a better time to join the more
than one million children who are already Brand New Readers?
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763620610&pix=n
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763620629&pix=n
GRANDMA ELEPHANT'S IN CHARGE by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Ivan Bates (age
5 and up)
Elephants are the biggest animals on land, and they live in big families, too.
Who can possibly keep them all in line? Grandma! After all, she's been around
long enough to know where all the best watering holes are or how to sniff out
danger. Told in lively prose interspersed with fun facts and illustrated with
expressive naturalism, this in an entertaining, educational look at the
everyday life of a family of elephants, who never forget who's in charge.
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763620742&pix=n
THE BLOOD-HUNGRY SPLEEN AND OTHER POEMS ABOUT OUR PARTS by Allan Wolf,
illustrated by Greg Clarke (age 8 and up)
Have you ever wondered just exactly what some of your body parts do? How many
times a year your heart beats? Which of your muscles looks most like a slug?
This unique, humorous, and anatomically correct book uses poetry to explore the
amazing workings of our bodies with great verve and enthusiasm--and plenty of
outrageous illustrations. Science class will never be the same!
http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=076361565x&pix=n
CANDLEWICK'S E-NEWSLETTER
As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions. Send them to
bigbear@candlewick.com. For information about author/illustrator appearances
and events, contact authorinfo@candlewick.com. To schedule an interview,
contact publicity@candlewick.com. If you decide our newsletter isn't for you,
send an e-mail to listserver@candlewick.com with "unsubscribe
bigbearnewsletter" (without the quotes) in the body of the message.
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