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Jul. 24--AS the summer heats up, back-to-school books start rolling in, but other picture books also are competing for shelf space. Here's a look at some new titles.
1. Hippo! No, Rhino
By Jeff Newman
Little, Brown, $15.99
Ages 4 and older
After a careless zookeeper points the "hippo" sign toward a rhinoceros, the indignant rhino spends the rest of the day trying to correct the error.
Newman doesn't need many words to convey the exasperation of the blue rhino, who snorts, stomps and roars to no avail.
Finally, a boy dressed in yellow corrects the problem, but the helpful kid misses the wayward sign pointed toward the hippo that says "porcupine-o."
2. Mermaid Dreams
By Mark Sperring, illustrated by Liz and Kate Pope
The Chicken House, $16.99
Ages 3 and older
While reluctantly getting ready for bed, wild-haired Meriam tells a tale of basking on the beach, diving deep beneath the waves, playing with dolphins, dancing with octopuses and collecting a pearl for her mother.
Meriam's story sounds fishy until the reader discovers that Meriam really is fishy.
The Pope twins' colorful illustrations give readers plenty to study on repeat readings.
3. First Grade Stinks!
By Mary Ann Rodman, illustrated by Beth Spiegel
Peachtree, $15.95
Ages 4 and older
On the first day of school, big-kid Haley proudly passes the little kids holding their parents' hands and marches to her new first-grade class.
But it's a jolt to discover that the room isn't as gaily decorated as her kindergarten class, writing ABCs is hard work, and first-graders only get one recess. Haley also is not pleased to learn her buddy Ryan and others seem to like first grade.
After a dismal lunch (the kindergartners ate all the chocolate ice cream) and a story-time cliffhanger (chapter books take more than one day to finish), Haley blows up: First grade stinks!
Haley's patient teacher explains the payoff for Haley's hard work, and Haley decides that first-graders are special.
Haley concludes:
Poor kindergartners.
They can't read.
They take naps.
Their books don't have chapters.
Kindergarten stinks.
4. A Place Called Kindergarten
By Jessica Harper, illustrations by G. Brian Karas
G.P. Putnam's Sons, $15.99
Ages 4 and older
When Tommy doesn't make his morning visit, the animals in the barn become concerned.
"Where can he be?" asked the horse.
"I can't imagine," said the sheep.
"He always comes," whined the hen.
"Where on earth is he?" wondered the cow.
The dog, which knows what's happening in the big house, tells the barn animals that Tommy went to kindergarten, but none of the animals know what that means.
Finally, Tommy arrives home and stops by the barn.
"I've been to KINDERGARTEN!" he announced.
"And I learned LOTS!"
The horse, sheep, hen and cow are quite pleased to hear about Tommy's day and can't wait for him to return the next day to tell them what comes after "H" in the alphabet.
Harper and Karas, who teamed for I Like Where I Am, offer a reassuring story for kids heading off to kindergarten and the younger ones they leave behind.
5. How to Make Friends With a Giant
By Gennifer Choldenko, illustrations by Amy Walrod
G.P. Putnam's Sons, $16.99
Ages 5 and older
Choldenko, who wrote the Newbery Honor book Al Capone Does My Shirts, returns with another intriguing title.
It's the tale of Jacomo, a new kid at school who really stands out because he's a giant he can't even fit on the bus.
But fellow first-grader Jake, who happens to be the shortest student in his class, finds a way to make Jacomo feel welcome.
Walrod's whimsical illustrations add a light touch to the images of the giant-headed kid with the trembling lips and his small, compassionate pal.
6. Roar of a Snore
By Marsha Diane Arnold, illustrations by Pierre Pratt
Dial Books for Young
Readers, $16.99
Ages 4 and older
Sleepless Jack goes searching for the source of a booming snore. Jack awakens his dog, Blue, and eventually everyone in the house, but:
The snore still ROARED.
So Blue and Jack and Mama Gwyn and Baby Sue and Papa Ben and Josie Jo and Jennie Lynn
and Sheep and Goat and Cow and Hens went searching.
The hunt takes them to the barn where they find a homeless kitten with a surprising snore.
The rhyming bedtime story gets a warm touch with Pratt's nighttime scenes.
lana.berkowitz@chron.com
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Copyright (c) 2006, Houston Chronicle
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.
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