Geo Librarian

IT'S A SMALL WORLD words and music by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman illustrations by Joey Chou Disney Press, 2011 ISBN: 978-142314689-6 32 p. Grades PreK-1 Reviewed from personal copy. Originally created for the 1964 World's Fair, the song "it's a Small World" quickly worked its way into the hearts of millions.  Nearly half a century later, its simple and poignant message still rings true.   Joey Chou's bright, colorful illustrations accompany the words, taking us on an international tour from the mountains of China and Russia to the plains of Africa and the Americas and more.  Plus there's a CD that features a wonderful recording of the song.  Through its poetic text, charming illustrations, and bonus CD, this book reminds us that it really is a small world, after all.  This book is adorable with it's childlike simplicity.  I  loved the bright colors and energetic design.  I found lots of things in the book to talk about wh...

For the Love of Music: The Remarkable Story of Maria Anna Mozart written by Elizabeth Rusch paintings by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher Tricycle Press, 2011 ISBN: 978-1-58246-326-1 Grades 1 and up Reviewed from book borrowed from public library. Reviewed for Beehive Book Awards BLURB : By the time she was 12, she was considered one of the finest pianists in Europe, but today few people know her name. Maria Mozart, like her famous brother Wolfgang, was a musical prodigy. The talented siblings toured Europe, playing before kings and empresses, were showered with gifts and favors, and lived in a whirlwind life of music and travel. They were best friends, collaborators, and confidantes. As they grew older, Wolfgang was encouraged to pursue his musical ambitions, while Maria was told she must stop performing and, ultimately, marry. But she was determined to continue playing the piano every day, for the love of music . . . . I'll say up front that I loved this book, s...