FEATURED BOOKS

Pandas' Earthquake Escape will be published by Sylvan Dell in February 2010.

It Happened in Rocky Mountain National Park was published in February 2008 by Globe/Pequot and in March 2008,Images of America--Rocky Mountain National Park was published by Arcadia Publishing. Both books are for adults.

The Fribble Mouse Library Mystery Series consists of four books: Mr. Crumb's Secret, The Secret of the Silver Key, The Secrets of the Rock and The Secrets of the Sea Chest (Upstart Books/Highsmith Press). Each paperback book is a 95-110 page mystery in ten chapters written for children aged 6-10. Featured in each story is a mouse named Fribble and his little brother, Scamper, who work together to solve mysteries.

While working on clues to solve these mysteries, Fribble uses the resources of the school library and the public library. He learns how to use computerized catalogues, dictionaries, encyclopedias, The Readers' Guide, The Guinness Book of World Records, special encyclopedias, nonfiction books, Dewey Decimals, and more. Each book is available with a separate set of ten reproducible library research skill sheets directly related to each chapter of the mystery, along with a set of teacher directions. These research skill sheets can be duplicated by the teacher or media specialist for use with students. The books may be read independently by students or used as read-alouds.

The Case of the Hidden Masterpiece (Upstart Books/ Highsmith Press, 2006) is the first book in a new WHAM Agency Library Mystery series. It features Wink, Aaron, and Dynamike and their friends, Jo, Allison, and little Mary Margaret. Aimed at readers in grades 4, 5, and 6, the mystery's solution requires the use of library research skills. While the mystery can be enjoyed on its own, a separate teacher's book is available with reproducible research skills lessons. The second book in this series, The Case of the Three-Legged Buffalo is due out in Spring 2006.

A Kid's Look at Colorado (Fulcrum Publishing, 2005)is an exciting history of the Centennial State. Each chapter combines factual information with real stories. For example, the chapter on National Parks in Colorado includes the tale of Rocky Mountain Jim and Lady Isabella Bird. The chapter on Rivers of Colorado includes tales of the ways many of these rivers got their names, and the chapter on Mining contains the story of the Ludlow Massacre. Over 100 contemporary photographs taken by the author's photographer husband, David Perry, enliven the text.

Keeping the Traditions: A Multicultural Resouce(Fulcrum Publishing) gives detailed information about twenty countries of the world whose immigrants have contributed so much to the language, foods, arts, and traditions in the United States. After each chapter, there are suggested individual, small group, and large group activities which the teacher or media specialist may use in working with students. These activities involve reading, writing, vocabulary building, math, social studies, geography, music, art, drama/movement, dress, cooking (with recipes), and a culminating activity.

Sounds Around Us: Poems to Tickle Kids' Ears(Infinity Press, 2005) contains a group of thirty poems for elementary school-aged children. There are five sections to the book (sounds around home, town, nature, weather, seasons & celebrations), and each section contains six poems. Thirty full-page illustrations done by English artist, Mary Kendall, illumine the text.