selected reviews
Picture Books
Boo Cow (Charlesbridge) In this humorous and sweet but rarely scary ghost story, Mr. and Mrs. Noodleman realize their dream of being farmers by restoring a derelict farm, purchasing 552 chickens, and opening the Chicken Noodle Farm. The only problem is that the farm is haunted by a ghost cow that seems to frighten the chickens so much they refuse to lay. . . With a text chock-full of action and playful words, this offbeat story will be popular for storytimes. (Booklist) Smithsonian 2010 Notable Book for Children
To purchase: https://www.charlesbridge.com/products/boo-cow
School Isn’t Fair! (Four Winds Press/ Aladdin Paperbacks/ Troll) Four-year-old Edward discovers that life is not fair when he encounters a bully in nursery school. . . Told in the words of a small boy, this chronicle of all that goes wrong in school on a particular day rings true. Young children will sympathize with Edward and recognize themselves and their schoolmates in this funny and touching account. (School Library Journal) Notable 1989 Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
Mouse In the House (Holiday House) . . . A good read-aloud lauding life’s simple pleasures. (School Library Journal)
Young Adult
Falling Scales (Morrow) This novel should strike a chord of recognition with every young musician—Baehr’s story is electric. . . The novel’s texture is complex, richly depicting family and school situations, with a compelling protagonist whose story will not soon be forgotten. (Publishers Weekly)
. . . Thea, taking her first steps toward adult awareness, also finds out that she is stronger than she thought, and discovers a new closeness with and unexpected support from her father. Despite the subject, this is a quiet rather than a sensational story. Thea is a well-drawn character; Baehr’s portrayal of her as a dedicated musician is especially convincing. Readers will find much to identify with as Thea takes a long look at the world around her. (School Library Journal)
. . . the characters are believable, nonstereotypical, and well-drawn, the action taut. . . many readers will recognize this world and perhaps take courage from Thea’s gentle persistence. (Kirkus)
Middle Grade
The Search for Happily-Ever-After (BridgeWater Books) The book’s title brings to mind a fairy tale, and in this case several fairy tales are stirred up into quite a pleasant concoction for well-read (or read to) youngsters. . . A delight. (School Library Journal)
Summer of the Dodo (Four Winds Press) Self-consciously tall Dorothy, nicknamed Dodo by her younger brother Arley, looks forward to a relaxing summer at the beach . . . and relief from her concerns about entering sixth grade in the fall and making friends with the popular girls of the Big Three. But complications arise when one of the three appears and wants to be included in her secret summer project, teaching survival skills to a newly hatched dodo. (School Library Journal) 1990 Pick of the List
Short Stories
“MEETING MR. BARNUM” Cricket Magazine (March 2007)
“BLIZZARD” Cricket Magazine (December 2002, January 2003, reprinted January/February 2014) 2003 International Reading Association Paul A. Witty Short Story Award
“COSMIC JUNK” Cricket Magazine (April 2002)
“CHER AMI AND THE LOST BATTALION” Cricket Magazine (November 2006)