Freelance
LARRY COX
contactlarrycox@aol.com
‘Blue Ribbon Gator’
By Suzanne McGovern with illustrations by Donna Bizjak (Hatch Ideas, $13.99)
In this story, based on a real horse from Dutchess County, N.Y., Gator decides to visit the county fair. He arrives ready to enter the big horse show but is amazed to see horses of every color, shape and size. Each horse, he soon realizes, is special in its own way. When Gator flashes his best smile at the judges, he wins a blue ribbon. This colorful, reaffirming story provides sage advice and encouragement. (Ages 3-9)
‘Ooooh! Picasso’
By Jeanyves Verdu and Mil Niepold (Tricycle Press, $14.95)
The innovative artwork from one of the most important artists of the 20th century is the main attraction of this creative new book. Bright and playful close-ups of Picasso’s sculptures include Guitar (made from sheet metal and wire), Girl Skipping (crafted from wood, ceramic, iron, and plaster) and Baboon and Young (bronze from found objects). The splashy illustrations are certain to inspire many kids to create their own masterpieces from everyday items. (Ages 4-9)
‘A Carousel Tale’
By Elisa Kleven (Tricycle Press, $15.99)
When the tail of a wooden dog comes loose just before winter, Ernst, the carousel keeper, takes it to his workshop. Since it looks sad sitting on the shelf, he carves it into the figure of a bird before realizing that the wooden dog will no longer have anything to wag. This beautifully written new book is by the California-based award-winning author and illustrator Elisa Kleven. (Ages 5-9)
‘The Yankee at the Seder’
By Elka Weber with illustrations by Adan Gustavson (Tricycle Press, $16.99)
In this based-on-a-true-story tale, 10-year-old Jacob wants to show the Yankees that not all Confederates are ready to surrender. He sees a Yankee soldier walking down the street on leave for Passover and is surprised when he is asked for a piece of his matzo. When the soldier is invited to join Jacob’s family for seder, everyone discovers that faith can help heal the wounds of war. (Ages 5-9)
Tucsonan Larry Cox’s “Shelf Life” reviews of fiction and nonfiction books and his “Treasures and Trends” antiques column run Thursdays in Calendar Plus.
For more, go to tucsoncitizen.com/calendar. E-mail: contactlarrycox@aol.com