Selected Children's Picture Books

PAPA'S LATKES
By Michelle Edwards
Candlewick, 2004
ISBN #A0-7636-0779-7

"Three plates, Selma reminded herself. Just three plates this Chanukah."

For Selma and her little sister, Dora, this is their first Chanukah without Mama. When Papa comes home carrying a big bag of potatoes and all the ingredients for latkes, Selma is worried. Mama always made the Chanukah latkes. Can they make them without her?

In Michelle Edwards's poignant story illustrated with Stacey Schuett's warmly glowing artwork, Selma comes to realize that Chanukah-and especially latkes-will never be the same without Mama. But Selma can still remember her and still celebrate.

ALEX AND THE WEDNESDAY CHESS CLUB
By Janet Wong, Illustrated by Stacey Schuett
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2004
ISBN #978-689-85890

Alex first learned to play chess when he was four years old. He loved it. He loved the pieces, the challenge, and the sweet taste that winning left in his mouth. He loved it until he played a chess game with moldy old Uncle Hooya ... and lost. Then Alex decided to give up chess for good.

Now in third grade Alex wants to give chess another try. He joins the chess club and discovers that chess is fuii again. He plays his friends, he listens to the coach, and he practices at school, at home, and on the computer. Alex is a chess maniac! All of this practice is leading up to the big tournament, where Alex finds himself face-to-face with Little Cousin Hooya. Memories of his earlier defeat return, but now is his chance to finally beat a Hooya. Is Alex up to the challenge?

Janet Wong's lyrical text, complemented by Stacey Schuett's bright illustrations, will inspire chess players of all ages to practice,
practice, practice--and to avoid moldy old Uncle Hooya!

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE
Adapted by Raffi, illustrated by Stacey Schuett
Random House, 2004
ISBN #0-375-82871-0

"This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine..."

Kids will love to read and sing along with one of their favorite songs, now become a wonderful story that celebrates the importance of both individuality and community.