魔術圈(PQ4880.T15N51 2000)

義大利心靈女作家蘇珊娜．塔瑪洛筆下的人物，每每透露出作者本身對自然生活的堅持。她於 1997 年出版的《Cara Mathilda》一書（中譯本《給親愛的瑪堤妲》，時報出版，1999 年 3 月），即勾勒出一幅理想人生的藍圖。對於教育方式、生命依傍、提升心靈素質，都有一套清晰的脈絡可循，「迫不及待地期望人類注重內在修為」更是她對全人類的殷切寄望。相較之下，《魔術圈》似乎也瀰漫著類似的理想元素──對自然和內在快樂的追求。故事架構簡單卻充滿張力，配合童話特有的敘事筆法，清新中蘊含豐富的生命真諦，相信「生命中總有一樣東西總是不變的，當兩個人彼此相愛，就彷彿身邊有一個小魔術圈圍繞、跟隨，其威力遠強過世間萬物。不會耗盡，不會斷裂，沒有任何外力可以破壞它，傷害它……」。童話的魅力之所以讓人無法抵擋，便在於故事背後所隱藏的寓意，讓不同年齡層的人各自獲得啟發。

故事以生長在魔術圈的「小狼」瑞克為主線，被母狼關蒂收養的他其實是個人類小孩，和動物們共同居住在快樂谷的魔術圈──流星隕落之地，展開一場自然與人文的激烈對抗。毋庸置疑，塔瑪洛向來以溫馨敘事的功力見長，文中不時跳出的無厘頭式笑料，感性之餘也頗另人噴飯。書中一連串角色皆以有趣的諧音命名：商瑙金（兩層雙下巴、三圈肚皮，教人大傷腦筋的市民代表）、阮綿綿．闕德桂（一國首領竟然是個軟綿綿的缺德鬼）等等，穿插魔術圈裡的各種動物輪番上陣，製造出宛若美國動畫「獅子王」般的電影場景，更令人聯想到童話故事《綠野仙蹤》（The Wizard of OZ）的象徵意境，值得大家一同分析探討。除此之外，她對商業電視的拒斥，對資本主義機制齊一化教育的深惡痛絕，認為空洞的電視節目箝制人們靈動思考及自由創新的能力，彷彿「沒有泡沫的洗髮精」，正向人民進行一項可怕的洗腦活動。孩童們自小受此教育型塑，成為標準制度下的盲從者而不自知。

哲學家告訴我們：「越是努力探尋快樂真諦的人，越是無法得到真正的快樂。」小時候，故事書裡日日眉頭深鎖、從未體會過快樂滋味的國王，為此出發尋找全國最快樂的人，探詢快樂的原因。他找到了嗎？那位自稱很快樂的農夫的確給了我們回答。真正的快樂源自生活的本身，源自工作的本身，從來無需外求、無需太多刻意。生活在「魔術圈」裡的人物，也就像所有童話中的角色一樣，善良得那麼純粹，邪惡得腦滿腸肥──如此的性格鮮明。一直覺得蘇珊娜‧塔瑪洛的作品很適合驕傲的現代人閱讀，因為驕傲的人往往需要多一點反省。如果你覺得《精神世界》的故事太長，不適合陪你一起坐捷運，也對《依隨你心》老祖母的臨終告白不感興趣，更不幸你又是個道德感很強、絕不偷看別人日記的謙謙君子（《給親愛的瑪堤妲》），面對這麼挑剔的讀者，相信《魔術圈》應會滿足你難以討好的脾胃！

寫自己的壓力處方 (RA785.M42M12 2002)

壓力，是現實生活中每個人都會出現的症狀，是當你在面對威脅或機會時，所產生的心理狀態。壓力的出現有時是件好事，它可以激勵你有個機會突破現狀，壓出你的生命活力。
　　 本書全面探討壓力的本質、來源與影響，並教導讀者如何預防與紓解，是本人人必備的自助書。

　　 有人說台灣正準備進入五十年來最嚴峻的經濟寒冬，壓力正如影隨形鋪天蓋地而來。 而壓力不只會埋藏在內心深處，更常以身體傳達抗議的心聲。在美國，約有75～90％的人看病是和壓力有關。在台灣每四個人就有一個人因為壓力太大，顯現身體的問題，稱為「心身症」。壓力累積，沒有出口的結果，有人就鑽進絕路。根據衛生署的統計，去年自殺佔青年死因排名第三位，壯年排名第四位。加上愈來愈高的失業率，(九月份高達5.26％的失業率，甚至比日本四十八年來的最新高5％還要嚇人)。不只民間企業連以往被視為金飯碗的公務員也面臨民營化與裁員的巨大壓力。

　　 面對壓力，我們該如何減壓及抗壓？只要閱讀本書，您也可以為自己的身心靈開一帖壓力處方，輕鬆做一場『減壓SPA』。

　　 《寫自己的壓力處方》一書的基礎建立在近年來創新的壓力研究上，本書分兩大部份。第一部份的內容是要幫助讀者了解何為壓力，第二部份則是提供因應壓力及預防壓力的方法。坊間雖充斥許多壓力書籍，但討論的課題不是過於窄化，就是流於空泛不夠具體切合實際運用。而本書不但理論與實務兼具，且全面性的探討潛藏在生活各面向的壓力源，並提供大量的案例，大量的練習，讓你自己就可以寫一帖適合自己的壓力處方，比坊間的壓力書籍更周全、更深入。此書且具備心理自助練習本的特色。

戰爭心理學 (U22.3.L56L74 1995)

愛因斯坦曾經問佛洛依德：「為什麼戰爭？」這各問題不但佛洛依德答不出，別人也沒有辦法作答。打從人類有歷史以來，戰爭就一直困惑著每一個人。

過去，不管是本能、想法還是經濟因素驅動人捲入戰爭，總之，到今天這個後核子時代，戰爭對人類可能造成的破壞，只有增加而不會減少。值得關注的是，既然戰爭威脅性這麼大，為什麼他還會繼續存在？還有，我們能做些什麼以防戰爭發生？

在本書中，作者勞倫斯‧雷山﹝Lawrence LeShan﹞展現了數百年來不同文化、歷史學者、思想家對戰爭的看法，以及戰爭對人類無可抗拒的吸引力。他對「戰爭心理」的剖析說明了戰爭確實能滿足人類的基本需求。

儘管代價慘痛，人類還是對戰爭「情有獨鍾」，因為，戰爭不但能讓人們覺得他是團體中的一份子，同時也能充分滿足個人獨立存在的感受。有了這層了解之後，雷山相信我們就能找出根除戰爭的途徑。

許醫師抗憂鬱處方 (RC537.Hs85W18 2005)

你常感到憂鬱嗎？吃不下，睡不著，什麼事都做不好，提不起勁兒，同時有深深的無力感？針對以上症狀，許添盛醫師竟然說：「那我們來看《鹿鼎記》吧，它是金庸小說中最出神入化的一部，主角韋小寶，一位不學無術的小無賴，既不憑藉高深的武功，又不是特出的英雄豪傑，卻能闖盪江湖、得意官場。韋小寶的諸般醜態、性格弱點，也許為你我所不齒，但是他所展現出的機巧靈活、真情流露，以及豁達的人生觀，卻也令我們更能貼近人性的真實面。」

　　但，韋小寶就是韋小寶，與心理治療何干？

　　許多人僅看見韋小寶的滑頭、詭計多端及機變百出，甚至將「小寶神功」，視為適應現代社會的「孫子兵法」；但身為專業心理治療師的許添盛醫師，所見遠不止此－－韋小寶的許多思維方式及應變技巧，不只蘊含著人性本能，其實更是每個人類生而具有、發乎內心的「心靈本能」。

　　在這本《許醫師抗憂鬱處方》中，許醫師提出了深具創意而實用的處方：以韋小寶的故事為引，融合了醫學專業及新時代 （New Age）理念，帶出心理治療的味道，提供現代人面對憂鬱情緒困擾、不藥而癒的良方。韋小寶是位不比你我讀過更多書、擁有更多人生經驗及智慧的人物，但憑藉著心靈的共通性，許醫師巧妙地看出韋小寶的心靈本能，對許多有精神困擾的現代人，尤其是憂鬱症患者──有莫大的助益！

 

 

居禮們 (QD22.B73Ch42)

1934年7月4日的早晨，太陽升起，光華充滿整個房間時，瑪麗‧居禮的心臟停止跳動。她全身蒼白，白髮散亂在額頭上，面容平靜，像穿著盔甲的騎士般莊嚴和勇敢，那一瞬間，她是世界上最高貴、最美麗的靈魂。

傳奇故事並未隨著瑪麗‧居禮一同消逝，在那科學發現最豐碩的年代，世界經歷了兩次大戰，自居禮夫人開始，她生命中最重要的人，都注定會寫下不平凡的故事……

無視名利的法國物理學家，皮耶‧居禮，與來自波蘭的瑪麗共同追尋科學美夢。身在異國的瑪麗，堅持在充斥著男性沙文主義的科學領域中實現她的理想；而就在一切逐漸順遂的時候，皮耶卻在一個寒冷的雨天車禍身亡。

深得父母親科學天分的伊雷娜，居禮夫婦的大女兒，與沒有名校文憑的實驗室助理朱利歐相戀、結為眷屬。他們屢獲超前的實驗結果，卻幾度與榮耀擦身而過，幸好終究在人工放射性的研究競賽中拔得頭籌。他們不只活躍於科學界，二次世界大戰期間，朱利歐毅然加入地下抗德組織，戰後兩人攜手一同為和平運動奔走。居禮家的二女兒伊芙，以無比的勇氣走向不同於居禮家族其他成員的路。她活躍於藝文界，擔任戰地記者，後來與美國外交官結婚。直到百歲高齡，仍持續為貧困兒童的福祉而奉獻……

《居禮們》述說的，正是這個傳奇家族，為自己的理念奮鬥不懈的故事。

英倫玫瑰 (PZ7.M26F95 2003)

本書是流行天后瑪丹娜的第一本兒童書，也是她計劃推出5本兒童書的第一本。內容談到孩子間的小團體、忌妒、友誼，甚至還有神仙婆婆。除了瑪丹娜吸引人的文字外，並搭配國際知名插畫家色彩繽紛的插圖，相信必會引起國際間的注目。

3顆許願的貓餅乾(PZ10.3.N32A1 2004)

如果悲傷有用的話，我願意比全世界的人都悲傷。一個十歲的小女孩，和爸爸媽媽及唯一的哥哥住在一個擁有一大片橘樹的山上，那裡有她十歲以前的幸福。一場意外，帶走了她的哥哥、帶走了她的幸福與和樂，也同時將她帶離了那個只剩孤單的家。小女孩的流浪旅程裡出現了一隻貓，這隻貓讓她的孤單得到了出口，她不再寂寞。而一位老婆婆的出現，不但讓她得到實現願望的滿足，也同時讓她找回了愛和關懷。帶著悲傷離家的小女孩回家了，帶著在旅途中感受到的愛和關懷，以及學會的分享回到了家中，重新的擁有了幸福。這本繪本，是繪者阿文與他的音樂老師何真真及納萊的首度合作，前後花了整整一年的時間所完成的作品，生動且色彩豐富的圖搭配上動人的文字，創造出整個故事更大的想像空間。文字的部分，不但生動，且極富想像空間，而繪者阿文的圖，不論是在色彩的運用上，以及構圖上，均可與幾米相提並論。

沒有愛情的日子(PL2877.L61M47 1999)

沒有愛情的日子能作些什麼？只好再寫一本書吧！沒有愛情的日子還剩什麼呢？大概只剩下友情吧！於是李中便在這本書中翔實的描述了他和七個來自不同高中和高職的朋友之間的友誼故事。無釐頭的嬉鬧喧嘩，永遠講不完的電話，沒有所謂的承諾與責任，聚聚散散，自由自在，輕鬆劃下屬於Y世代的青春版圖。

有機心生活(TD930.L74 2005)

除了以ㄆㄨㄣ製作有機肥料，栽植健康取向的有機蔬菜，劉力學更以「有機」作為新生活的目標，教你如何灌溉心靈與家庭，從飲食、居家、婚姻與教育出發，讓你滋養出無負擔的幸福人生。

解讀社會政策(HN390.Al1Er8 2006)

本書涵括社會政策研究大部分的主題和議題，內容介紹學生認識當前的理論與意識型態論辯、服務領域、重要議題。所有作者的撰述，深有洞見，並按照大學生程度編寫，旨在讓學生熟習社會政策研究這門學科，在大學期間提供學習社會政策的學生實用性的幫助。而各章簡要的進階讀物導讀，更指出進一步深入研究該章討論議題的文獻。

七重山(BX4705.M55F21 2002)

當代最震撼人心的宗教經典，風行全球半個世紀。
超過二十種譯本，數百萬人深受感動，
被譽為二十世紀的聖奧斯定《懺悔錄》。

單國璽主教
張春申神父 推薦
雷敦龢神父

仁慈的天主容許我盡可能遠走高飛，遠離祂的愛。但是祂成竹在胸，待我最終沈淪到深淵底部、自以為天高皇帝遠時，再與我對質……我永遠要因犯罪而受罰……在我自己的腐敗意志造成的地獄中潰爛，直到受不了極端的悲慘，終於放棄自作主張的意志。

不生病的生活：全美首席腸胃科醫師的健康秘訣(RA601.Hs85L74 2007)

2006年日本生活健康類冠軍暢銷書，突破125萬冊

改變習慣，從現在開始仍不嫌晚

　 本書由全美胃腸內視鏡外科權威　新谷弘實所撰寫，教你健康長壽的正確飲食生活法。新谷醫師執業至今已診療超過三十多萬名病人的腸胃，其中不乏名人，如搖滾歌手、國際時尚設計師、好萊塢巨星，是受到許多政治家和企業家寄予絕對信賴的「傳說中的外科醫師」，所自創的「新谷飲食健康法」更是受到各界一致推崇。


新谷醫師根據四十多年的胃腸外科經驗，整理出一套真正有效的「不生病生活法」，許多病人聽從他的建議，健康都獲得明顯改善，甚至初期腫瘤患者在接受手術治療，並確實實踐「新谷飲食健康法」之後，也沒有出現復發或轉移的例子。新谷醫師以淺顯易懂的文字，先從破除流傳的健康迷思開始，例如每天喝牛奶可補充鈣質預防骨質疏鬆、攝取高蛋白低熱量飲食可保持體力又可瘦身、天天喝優酪乳可治療便秘做好體內環保……等，這些似是而非的說法。並引用實際的臨床數據告訴讀者正確的健康常識，彙整出理想的飲食生活，即刻改寫家族由來已久的生活習慣基因。

人人都可以從現在開始身體力行，創造不生病、健康長壽的美好人生。



一個看過30萬人的胃腸實況，做過9萬例息肉切除術
19歲起沒再生過病，從醫以來不曾開過死亡診斷書的世界權威醫師
告訴你，不生病的祕密！

美國總統、日本首相、奧斯卡影帝、國際時尚設計師、搖滾歌手、好萊塢巨星……無數名人指定


披露確實有效的健康長壽祕訣！

醫學不斷進步，為什麼生病的人仍不斷增加？
受到美、日許多政治家和企業家寄予絕對信賴的「傳說中的醫師」，「挑戰人類壽命極限」的珍貴紀錄──不生病的生活。

鋼鐵風雲：王鍾渝的中鋼歲月(HC430.5.L74 2002)

中鋼，在民營化之前（1995年）一直是國營事業的模範生，民營化後，中鋼的成長表現更加亮麗，不但榮登台灣第一大民營製造業的寶座，也成為全球最賺錢的鋼鐵公司，但這一切都在王鍾渝離開中鋼後成為歷史。
王鍾渝本是中鋼有史以來最年輕的董事長，但2001年5月31日，政治病毒入侵原本被稱為「政治潔淨室」的中鋼，在新政府強力介入中鋼董事長人事案的情況下，毫無任何理由地，王鍾渝被迫離開了中鋼。
本書從「董事長換人事件」談起，記述王鍾渝三十年的中鋼經驗。讀者將可在書中看到王鍾渝是如何由工頭爬升成為董事長、成為鋼鐵界國際級的領袖，以及為何會成為「被開除的模範生」這段經過。
這本王鍾渝目前唯一接受採訪後所撰寫的著作，將帶領讀者深入了解中鋼，認識王鍾渝其人其事。

創投之逆轉：新興的創投機會與成功模式(HG4507.L61Ch42 2004)

「將本求利」是創投的最高原則，如何適時適地、恰如其分地扶持創業者，並藉此獲利，這才是創投的價值所在。當「獲利了結」的機會難尋，當「好的案源」越來越少，當「購併」的盛況不再，創投形同繳了械，進了死巷。唯有另闢蹊徑，徹底改變經營結構，從TARF(重整基金)與NPAM(不良資產管理)著手，創投或許還有逆轉的機會。

布赫迪厄論電視(PN4784.B66L63 2005)

「畢竟，在這所謂媒體的年代，知識政治的一個主要戰場，不正就是聲光俱全的電視，或者，報紙？」　

　　 1988年10月，法國數以百計的藝文人士帶領，得到二十萬人簽名，要求電視戲劇在播放中不能插播廣告，要求公共頻道完全不能播放廣告，經費全部取自執照費與徵收自私營頻道的廣告收入。這個活動的發起人之一，就是布赫迪厄。　

　　 這位法國乃至於全球人文社會學科的泰斗認為，哲學與社會科學的文化生產場域，現在已經由新聞場域取代，而執行這場轉換的，主要是透過身跨兩個場域的人。他們的身影並不確定，錯落在新聞場域與專業場域之間。他們利用雙重身分的優勢，避開兩界的特定要求，但是卻將取諸兩界的或多或少的權力，引進彼此。　

　　 此書一出，法國新聞工作者群起「口誅筆伐這位法國最具分量知識分子」，但是，布赫迪厄自己對本書是這麼定位的：「我仍希望這些分析提供工具或武器，給所有為了如下理想而奮鬥影像從業人員：讓媒體成為一種民主公器，而不是成為形象符號的壓迫手段。」　

　　 回看台灣，較諸法國，應該是更為嚴重。《布赫迪厄論電視》這本書是適時的一本短論，關切電視民主化前途的人，何不一讀？

在生命寂靜的山巔：隱修士多瑪斯‧牟敦的文學日記(BX4705.M55H25 2002)

一九四一年，一個前程似錦、倜儻瀟灑的年輕人決定放棄他在紐約如日中天的文學生涯，到肯塔基的隱修院裡去。他就是二十世紀最有影響力的作家之一，他的《七重山》也成為世界文學經典作品。其後他也陸續發表膾炙人口的文學日記。《隱修士的文學日記》是他長達七卷的文學日記的選集，使讀者在含英咀華當中，和多瑪斯‧牟敦共同走過他二十九年的隱修生活，他謙卑而充滿智慧地回顧他的信入和懷疑、他在修院裡的生活點滴、和其他宗教的交流、甚至他的反戰立場。這是他對其屬靈生活的「告解和見證」。我們看到的是虔誠而熱切的心靈如何終其一生地追求意義、平靜和愛。
多瑪斯‧牟敦曾說：「我最好的作品就是我的日記。」

 

從莊子到安隆：A+公司治理(HD2741.L74 2002)

歷經二十一世紀末的泡沫經濟之後，以往被認為在公司治理領域領先全球的美國，爆發了安隆公司等一連串弊案，涉及Worldcom（世界通訊）、Global Crossing（全球網通）、Tyco（泰科）、全錄（Xerox）、Adelphia通訊、默克藥廠（Merck）等知名公司，以及安達信（Anthur Andersen）會計師事務所。
美國發生這些弊案，不免讓人覺得，最會爬樹的猴子也從樹上掉下來了。英文裡也出現「安隆症候群」（Enronitis，指公司治理弊端重重）、「安隆化」（Enronize，指掏空、做假帳）等新名詞。
公司治理（corporate governance）是一九六○年代就出現的名詞，但直到最近十幾年，才成為較為人知的重要議題。其重要性與日俱增，原因很簡單：市場愈全球化，就愈容易比較制度的差異。所以，把亞洲的公司治理水準低落，做為亞洲金融危機的原因之一，已經是「通說」。此外，公司治理雖然是一個繞口的術語，在新聞媒體上出現的頻率，卻愈來愈高。
更重要的是，雖然這個議題在過去十多年變得更熱門，卻不能說全世界公司治理的水平有所提升，反而是進入了黑暗時代。因為在「安隆案」之後，涉案公司的市值已狂瀉了七五％左右。所以，就算股市小民未必了解它的學術定義，但從切身的慘痛經驗之中，已更深切了解公司治理的迫切重要。
公司治理其實是老問題，這從「公司」這個名稱就可看出。「公司」一詞並非舶來品。它的出處，則有一段鮮為人知的典故：崇尚無為、舉態狂狷的莊子居然是「公司」一詞的創作者，這也不符合一般人對莊子的印象。
本書對公司治理的實務與理論，有詳盡的闡釋與探討。不過一般投資人選股時，如果也把公司治理視為重要因素，應該注意的講求紀律、透明度、獨立性、可歸責性、責任追究與公平性，就是公司治理的核心。
二○○二年下旬，財政部證管會責成台灣證交所暨櫃檯買賣中心，共同制訂「上市上櫃公司治理實務守則」，開始對所有上市上櫃公司要求強化公司治理。因此，二○○三年可說是台灣的「公司治理改革元年」。
從莊子到安隆，從古早到今日，由於人性的因素，公司治理的種種問題，必須從體制面尋求長期可行的解決方案。台灣要提升國家競爭力，提升公司治理水平已是刻不容緩。

提筆為時代：余紀忠(PN5370.3.Ch36 2002)

台北市的大里街，尋常的巷弄，卻佇立著一則高大的傳奇。巍峨如山的，是中時報系參差起落的大樓，同樣巍峨如山的，是一手包創辦《時報》王國的大家長余紀忠。在台灣，余紀忠與時報，是同一則傳奇。

持著《時報》這枝筆，余紀忠與時代相互書寫。他不僅是一位民主改革的推手，不斷在觀鍵時刻發揮強大的驅動力量，並以宏觀視野，緊緊掌握時代的脈動，兼具中國與台灣情，為斯土斯民，銘鑄永久傳頌的故事。

余紀忠領航時報的故事，也是台灣走過時代的故事。

I spy school days: a book of picture riddles (GV1507.W63 1995)

Synopsis

With more than 2.5 million copies sold of the first five books in the series, I Spy has proven itself a winner. The best and brightest yet, I Spy School Days is filled with glorious, color, two-page photographic spreads which feature brainteasers to solve in a blackboard scene, hundreds of tiny objects to ponder in a classification puzzle, Rube Goldberg contraptions to figure out, and more.

Publishers Weekly

Fans of the elegantly energetic I Spy picture-puzzle series may wonder how Wick could top the lavish sets he created for I Spy Funhouse and I Spy Mystery. Here, however, he and Marzollo surpass their previous achievements-by reversing direction. While they stick to the same formula (under a full-bleed photo of artistically arrayed objects, verse challenges the reader to find various objects), this time they eschew special effects and razzle-dazzle compositions in favor of sunny spreads showcasing, for the most part, common items. Most sets are basic, from a classroom blackboard to a playground floor to a homemade puppet theater. But each apparently simple spread wordlessly and playfully reinforces learning skills. In a spread featuring plastic numerals from one to 12, for example, each number is surrounded by related objects; a building block emblazoned with "X" and a toy clown wagging the splayed fingers on his hands are among the items illustrating the number 10. The puppet theater is hung with cardboard cutouts of figures and props from classic fairy tales. Other sets teach such concepts as sets and patterns, cleverly integrating items seen on previous spreads. By stressing the value of everyday objects, this ingenious volume will encourage readers to look closely at not just the pictures, but at their own surroundings. Ages 3-8. (Sept.)

Let's explore inside the Bible(BS618.W17M83 1994)

Synopsis

This book takes you inside the Bible and shows you what it was like to live in a tent, how the walls of Jericho fell down, how water was changed into wine, and many more interesting facts and curiiosities.

 

The midwife's apprentice (PZ7.C95b 1996)

Synopsis

 

On a frosty morning sometime in the fourteenth century, in a village somewhere in England, a gift known only as Brat was sleeping in a dung heap.

"You, girl. Are you alive or dead?"

When she opened her eyes, she saw an important-looking woman with a sharp glance and a sharp nose and a wimple starched into sharp pleats. This woman was Jane the Midwife, and she needed a helper...

The Midwife's Apprentice by the author of Catherine, Called Birdy

Thus begins the funny, wise, compassionate story of the homeless waif who became the midwife's apprentice -- a person with a name and a place in the world.

This Newbery Honor-winning story, complete with an epilogue read by the author, and an extensive author interview, conducted by a young "fan," will usher young listeners into the middle of the fourteenth century.

Annotation

In medieval England, a nameless, homeless girl is taken in by a sharp-tempered midwife, and in spite of obstacles and hardship, eventually gains the three things she most wants: a full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world.

Publishers Weekly

Having focused on a well-born young heroine in her Newbery Honor debut novel, Catherine, Called Birdy, Cushman returns to a similar medieval English setting, this time to imagine how the other half lived. The strengths of this new, relatively brief novel match those of its predecessor: Cushman has an almost unrivaled ability to build atmosphere, and her evocation of a medieval village, if not scholarly in its authenticity, is supremely colorful and pungent. The protagonist here first appears asleep in a heap of dung; the ``rotting and moiling'' of the refuse give forth heat enough to compensate for the stench. Homeless and nameless, she can remember no time when she did not wander from village to village. She is rescued from the dung heap by a sharp-tongued local midwife, who feeds her in exchange for work. Gradually the girl forges an identity for herself and learns some timeless truths. Some of the characterizations lack consistency (particularly that of the midwife), the plot depends on a few too many conveniences and the development of the themes seems hurried-but no matter. The force of the ambience produces more than enough momentum to propel the reader from start to finish in a single happy sitting. Ages 12-up. (Mar.)

Biography

Karen Cushman has a long-standing interest in history. She says, "I grew tired of hearing about kings, princes, generals and presidents. I wanted to know what life was like for ordinary young people in other times." Research into medieval English history and culture led to the writing of Catherine Called Birdy,winner of the 1995 Newbery Honor Award, and The Midwife's Apprentice, winner of the 1996 Newbery Medal. Her research moved in a new diredtion as she learned about nineteenth century women and children for The Ballad of Lucy Whipple.

Ms. Cushman was born in Chicago, Illinois. She received an M.A. in Human Behavior and one in Museum Studies. She and her husband and daughter share their Oakland, California, home with two cats, a dog and a rabbit.

 

Borreguita and the coyote: a tale from Ayutla, Mexico (PZ8.1.Ar1M42 1994)

Synopsis

What's a little lamb to do about a fierce coyote that wants to eat her? Why, trick him, of course...and and trick him again...and trick him one more time! Here's a lively retelling of a Mexican folk tale by master story teller Verna Aardema, illustrated in bold, winning colors by Petra Mathers.

Annotation

A little lamb uses her clever wiles to keep a coyote from eating her up.

Publishers Weekly

The growing interest in multicultural themes, combined with the seemingly endless supply of folktales from all corners of the world, is a boon for readers, as many of these stories are translated and presented in picture-book form. This classic trickster tale from Ayutla, Mexico, pits a gullible coyote against a fetchingly fluffy lamb. The fluff is deceiving, however--resourceful Borreguita has nerves of steel and gleefully outmaneuvers the hungry coyote at every turn. Mathers ( Sophie and Lou; The Block Book ), one of the reigning queens of quirkiness, injects Aardema's (Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears ; Traveling to Tondo ) fluid, humorous text with her own deliciously skewed point of view, starting with the slyly subversive endpapers (complete with bogus hieroglyphs) that constitute a sparkling sendup of Southwestern art and ending with the final image of the defeated coyote literally slinking off the page. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)

Biography

* Verna Aardema grew up in New Era, Michigan as the third in a family of nine children.??A cedar swamp in the back of her house served as her inspiration and retreat as a young aspiring writer.
* At Michigan State College, Verna took many writing courses, but none that were aimed at writing for children.??She didn't think about the children's book field until many years later, when she had to make up stories to get her baby daughter to eat.
* Verna writes mostly African folktales because of her fascination with that infinitely diverse continent.??Out of its jungles, deserts, and great plains have come some of the most unusual and charming folktales in the world.
* As of today, Verna has published over 25 books and is still working on more.??Her books have been translated into French, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, Chinese and Afrikaans.??
* Verna lives in North Fort Myers, Florida, with her husband, Albert.

Mr. Putter and Tabby row the boat (PZ7.R98H83 1997)

Synopsis

 

It is HOT. Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, are sweating. Their neighbors Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog, Zeke, are sweating, too. Looks like the perfect day for a trip to the big pond!

Annotation

On a hot summer day, Mr. Putter, his cat, Tabby, their neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, and her dog, Zeke, go for a picnic and a rowboat ride.

Children's Literature

Mr. Putter and Tabby are hot as there seems to be no escape from the weather, but then Mr. Putter decides a trip to the lake might be quite refreshing. He invites his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry and her dog Zeke. They have a great time rowing to a shady spot and picnicking. But after a walk back home, they are just as hot as before. Mrs. Teaberry comes up with a cool, wet surprise. It's a delightful easy-to-read story that presents grandparent-aged characters in a positive light, having lots of fun.

Biography

CYNTHIA RYLANT is the acclaimed author of many beloved books for young people, including the Mr. Putter & Tabby series, the novel Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and the Little Whistle series. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

ARTHUR HOWARD is best known as the illustrator of Cynthia Rylant's Mr. Putter & Tabby series. He is also the illustrator of Kathi Appelt's Bubba and Beau series and has written and illustrated three picture books of his own: Hoodwinked; When I Was Five, an ABA's Pick of the Lists and a Crayola Kids Best Book; and Cosmo Zooms, an IRA-CBC Children's Choice. He lives in New York City.

 

 

Howl's moving castle (PZ7.J71 2001)

Synopsis

 

In the land of Ingary, such things as spells, invisible cloaks, and seven-league boots were everyday things. The Witch of the Waste was another matter.

After fifty years of quiet, it was rumored that the Witch was about to terrorize the country again. So when a moving black castle, blowing dark smoke from its four thin turrets, appeared on the horizon, everyone thought it was the Witch. The castle, however, belonged to Wizard Howl, who, it was said, liked to suck the souls of young girls.

The Hatter sisters--Sophie, Lettie, and Martha--and all the other girls were warned not to venture into the streets alone. But that was only the beginning.

In this giant jigsaw puzzle of a fantasy, people and things are never quite what they seem. Destinies are intertwined, identities exchanged, lovers confused. The Witch has placed a spell on Howl. Does the clue to breaking it lie in a famous poem? And what will happen to Sophie Hatter when she enters Howl's castle?

Diana Wynne Jones's entrancing fantasy is filled with surprises at every turn, but when the final stormy duel between the Witch and the Wizard is finished, all the pieces fall magically into place.

Annotation

Eldest of three sisters in a land where it is considered to be a misfortune, Sophie is resigned to her fate as a hat shop apprentice until a witch turns her into an old woman and she finds herself in the castle of the greatly feared wizard Howl.

Children's Literature

In Wynne Jones' fantasy universe there is always odd magic cropping up. When the reluctant milliner Sophie talks to her hats, unfortunately they listen. It is unfortunate, because in unwittingly giving futures to her hats' purchasers, she brings down the wrath of the Witch of the Waste. A quick visit by the witch, a short spell, and seventeen-year-old Sophie is aged sixty years. Undaunted, Sophie hobbles off to seek her fortune as a cleaning woman in the moving castle of the young wizard Howl—and the fun begins. Shortly Sophie has the entire establishment well in hand, even the vain clothes-horse Howl. But finding an end to her spell is another matter. Wynne Jones' castle is a marvelous conceit—four doors open onto four different locations, and the whole is moved by Howl's talking fire demon, Calcifer. In this first of three interconnected stories (followed by Castle in the Air, 1990, and House of Many Ways, 2008), Wynne Jones creates the memorable characters who believably people her country of Ingary in an alternate, late Victorian-era world. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr

Biography

 

Diana Wynne Jones has been writing outstanding fantasy novels for more than twenty-five years and is one of the most distinguished writers in this field. With unlimited imagination, she combines dazzling plots, an effervescent sense of humor, and emotional truths in stories that delight readers of all ages.

Ms. Jones says, "Each time I write a book, I try to say something new, with the result that each book turns out differently from the ones before—which surprises, puzzles, and pleases me in about equal proportions." Her work spans from the epic novels of "The Dalemark Quartet" to the hilarious Chrestomanci books to the inventive Howl's Moving Castle (recently a major motion picture directed by Hayao Miyazaki) to individual gems such as The Merlin Conspiracy. Diana Wynne Jones lives in Bristol, England.

 

 

Otis Spofford (PZ7.C58D24a 1990)

Synopsis

"A really hilarious boy who is a classroom comedian, a show-off and a pest, but still very lovable."

Publishers Weekly

 

"Mrs. Cleary writes from a sure knowledge of the third grader's world. It all rings true."

The New York Times

 

Beverly Cleary is one of the world's most beloved authors of books for young people. Her books have earned her many prestigious awards, including the Newberry Medal and the American Library Association's Laura Wilder Award, presented in recognition of her lasting contribution to children's literature.

Annotation

Another lovable story from Newbery Medal-winner Beverly Cleary. Otis is the most irritating--and irresistible--troublemaker in school, and his string of misadventures will delight readers of ages.

The New York Times

Mrs. Cleary writes from a sure knowledge of the third grader's world. It all rings true.

Biography

New readers find a friend in Beverly Cleary, who displays an uncanny understanding of kid life in Ramona Quimby, Age 8, Henry Huggins, and other titles in her classic series of books about life on Klickitat Street -- books that hold up decade after decade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The summer of the swans (PZ7.B99 1996)

Synopsis

A teenage girl gains new insight into herself and her family when her mentally handicapped brother gets lost.

Annotation

A teenage girl gains new insight into herself and her family when her mentally handicapped brother gets lost.

Publishers Weekly

Play Day is approaching, but Cat Kinsey, the fastest runner at school, won't be participating in the races because her old-fashioned, bull-headed father won't allow her to wear pants even while playing sports. Cat is so busy being angry at her family that she doesn't have time to think about bigger problems-the Depression, for instance-until circumstances involve her with a family of ``Okies'' who work on a nearby farm. Cat's gripes seem small compared with the obstacles facing the Perkinses, who have lost both their land and their house to dust storms. Now, camping out in an old Studebaker, the Perkinses work long hours just to make enough money for food. Cat can offer the family little besides sympathy until the youngest Perkins, Samantha, catches pneumonia and Cat, running the most important race of her life, fetches a doctor in the nick of time. Snyder (The Egypt Game) gracefully demonstrates the strength and pride of the Perkins family. With equal skill, she relates how Cat's initial repugnance of ``Okies'' evolves into enormous compassion-which extends to her own family as well. This tender historical novel is as moving as it is insightful. Ages 8-12. (Nov.)

My teacher fried my brains (PZ7.C83P61 1991)

Synopsis

The first day of seventh grade is probably the worst day of Duncan Dougal's life. He knows that things are really bad when he finds an alien's hand in a Dumpster and then gets plugged into an alien brain fryer!

Can Duncan find out which of the four new teachers in his school is an alien before his brains get fried to a pulp -- or before the aliens try to fry the whole planet?

Annotation

Seventh-grader Duncan must find out which of the four new teachers in his school is an alien before his brains get fried to a pulp.

 

 

 

Old Ruff and life on the farm (PZ7.Se4M92 1993)

Synopsis

Written at first-,second-, and third-grade reading levels, On My Own books are all-important because

• Children can read them independently.
• Children not quite ready to read on their own gain valuable reading readiness skills as they follow along when the books are read aloud.
• Children want to read them because the stories and colorful pictures are fun!
• Children are reading books based on sound Christian values.

What does it take to become a great farm dog? Whatever it is, Janie is excited to teach Old Ruff all that he should know. She tries training him to come when he is called and to not chase the cows. But Janie quickly finds that being obedient is not always easy.

Annotation

With God's help, Janie trains Ruff to be a good dog and refrain from chasing the cows on her farm.

 

Rolling Harvey down the hill (PZ7.P91C42 1993)

Synopsis

 

Maybe you and the kids on your block are like Harvey and the kids on his block. Maybe you all live near a vacant lot. Maybe you all like to play ball. And maybe, just maybe, one of you has just eaten a worm.

Annotation

A collection of humorous poems about the narrator's four friends, one of whom is the obnoxious Harvey.

Biography

 

Jack Prelutsky is the nation's first Children's Poet Laureate. He has filled more than forty books of verse with his inventive wordplay, including the national bestsellers Scranimals and The New Kid on the Block. He lives in Washington State.

 

 

Out in the cold (PZ7.K63 1998)

Synopsis

Shannon didn't start skating until age twelve, but she is making up for lost time. The trouble is, her parents don't seem to realize how important skating is to her. To make matters worse, her best friends (Amy and Kristen) are preparing for a major competition for advanced skaters. Shannon's efforts to keep up with her friends land her in serious trouble! Only then does she learn to trust God with her problems.

Annotation

While trying to keep up with her friends in the field of competitive ice skating, Shannon struggles to trust God with her problems.

 

No more monsters for me (PZ7.P21Si5 1981)

Synopsis

 

Guess what's growing in the basement... A baby monster! Minneapolis Simpkin is hiding it down there. But a monster is a hard thing to keep secret, especially one that hiccups and cries, and gets bigger every hour.

Children's Choices for 1982 (IRA/CBC)
Children's Books of 1981 (Library of Congress)

Annotation

Minneapolis Simpkin is not allowed to have a pet, so she finds the most unusual replacement.

Biography

The late Peggy Parish, well known for her stories about Amelia Bedelia, wrote many popular books for children, including Dinosaur Time, illustrated by Arnold Lobel.

"I hate reading but your books are changing my opinion." This letter, from a young Peggy Parish fan, comes as no surprise to the teachers and librarians who have put her books in the hands of children over the years. Ms. Parish wrote nearly three dozen children's books-many of which include her most famous character, the literal-minded maid named Amelia Bedelia.

Peggy Parish knew what children like to read. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in English, she taught school in Oklahoma, Kentucky, and, for over 15 years, at the well-known, progressive Dalton School in New York City. It was at Dalton that she began to find ways to release her creative ideas and energy, Though she never took a writing course, "writing stories for children came naturally." Her first book, published in 1961, was followed with Let's Be Indians and in 1963 with her unforgettable Amelia Bedelia.

Always involved with education in some way, Peggy Parish did television pieces on preschool education and children's books, wrote children's-book review columns, and led numerous in-service training workshops for teachers. In discussing her ideas about education, she said, "Children's rights are taken away from them when they enter school. What I try to show teachers is that all the skills needed to read can be taught outside of textbooks. Today's children are not going to read what they are not interested in. And if a positive attitude toward reading is not developed during the firstthree years of school, it is virtually impossible to develop it later."

After living in New York for many years, Peggy Parish returned to her native South Carolina. She died in November, 1988. But Ameila Bedelia did not die. Peggy Parish's nephew, Herman Parish, has written Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia and Bravo, Amelia Bedelia!, published by Greenwillow Books in 1995 and 1997 respectively.