Books

T is for TORTILLA: A Southwestern Alphabet Book Winner of the 2007 BRONZE AWARD MOONBEAM CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD The Moonbeam Children's Book Awards are designed to honor the year's best children's books, authors and illustrators, and to support childhood literacy and life-long reading.

T is for TORTILLA Written by Jody Alpers & illustrated by Celeste Johnson T is for Tortilla welcomes the reader to the Southwest. It is an authentic no-imitations-here, regional alphabet book. From A is for adobe to Z is for Zozobra, each letter introduces the reader to a new aspect of the many rich cultures in New Mexico. Native American, Cowboy, and Spanish-American artifacts fill the pages. Detailed descriptions and illustrations show the reader a few facets of life in the Southwest. Pronunciation guide included. Would you like to read this book? "In T is for Tortilla, Jody Alpers helps kids learn the Alphabet - and lots of other cool stuff. I like this alphabet book because it teaches me about different things in New Mexico. I learned that there is a house made of mud called adobe, and I learned that a mother sheep is called a ewe. In New Mexico a party is called a fiesta. Isn't that cool? "This book teaches important stuff about New Mexico, and here is more stuff that I learned: A jackrabbit's ears are 6 or 7 inches long! Uno in Spanish means one. The Southwest is known for its beautiful sunsets. Luminarias are Christmas decorations of rows of brown paper sacks filled with sand and a lit candle. In the northern part of the state, they are called farolitos. A mesa is amountain with a flat top and steep sides. "Those are the reasons I love this book so much. - Brianne Barker just completed the second grade. ABQ Sunday Journal, May 27, 2007. "Alphabet books are valuable learning tools for beginning readers, and T is for Tortilla adds to a youngster's knowledge of the Southwest also. For example, this book explains how adobe bricks are made, what defines a desert or a windmill, and who Zozobra is and why he's important in Santa Fe." - Barbara Harrelson, Sunday, The New Mexican magazine, November 12-18, 2006 "Here is a wonderful children's alphabet book that effectively uses Spanish words for some letters....for preschool to adult. Illustrations by Celeste Johnson offer delightful pictures to represent each word. In addition, the illustrations help the learner to visualize part of the Spanish culture." - Michelle P Dilworth, BOOKS PLUS "Mothers, fathers, and guardians will probably read this book aloud many times before the proud moment when toddlers begin to chime in. In this regionally based alphabet book, every letter introduces an aspect of Southwestern culture. There's also a pronunciation guide and charming illustrations." - Soledad Santiago, Pasatiempo, Santa Fe New Mexican, November 17, 2006 ISBN 1-929115-14-8 · Hardcover · 32 pp · $15.95 Ages preschool to adult Published in 2006 Click below to order

AVAILABLE NOW! PANCHO FINDS A HOME Written by Karen Cogan Illustrated by Blanche Davidson Pancho was a little brown dog who did not have a home. One day he arrived in a small village where everyone was preparing for St Anthony's feast day, especially the animals who worked very hard. The burro had helped plow the field where the corn was grown; the hen who laid the eggs used to make the bread; and the goat who gave the milk from which the cheese for the feast was made. Pancho set about making a feast for the animals. At the end of the day, when everyone was gathered for the Blessing of the Animals, a little girl and her family found Pancho sitting alone and adopted him. ISBN 978-1-929115-16-7 32 pp · 7x9 · Hardcover · $19.95 For young children Published in 2007 Click below to order

AVAILABLE NOW! LOCO DOG AND THE DUSTDEVIL IN THE RAILYARD Written by Marcy Heller Illustrated by Nancy Poes Once upon a time, in a small, dusty Southwestern town, in the middle of a busy railyard, lived a large, black dog. His name was Loco, short for locomotive. The railyard bustled with people who came from all over to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at the weekly farmer's market. The railyard was alway gritty, and sometimes dust devils swirled through. One wild and windy evening, a huge, powerful dust devil swept through and changed the lives of everyone who loved Loco. This is a mystical tale that takes place in a mystical place - the City Different. And the railyard depicted is the old one before its recent improvements. ISBN 978-1-929115-17-4 Hardcover · 32 pages · For children ages 5 to 14 and all the adults who remember the old railyard in Santa Fe Published in 2007 Click below to order

CACTUS CRITTER BASH Written & illustrated by Sid Hausman Cactus Critter Bash, written and illustrated by singing cowboy Sid Hausman, is a howl of a book. Desert creatures join the cactus folk in a toe-tapping bru-ha-ha beneath the starry sky. El Saguaro leads the jamming Desert Quintet, accompanied by a whole hooting, rattling, waltzing choir. A detailed glossary describes Southwest animals and plants. Sheet music allows anyone who can pick out a tune to play along. A swinging CD of Sid playing guitar and singing encourages some real down home foot stomping. "I can't imagine a child who wouldn't be delighted by Cactus Critter Bash. It's funny; the illustrations are great; and best of all it teaches children about the insects, beasts, and plants which thrive in the West's high dry deserts. Troubadour Sid Hausman's music is frosting on this colorful cake." - Tony Hillerman "For many years at Great Expectations Academy, we have had the pleasure of working with Sid Hausman as he awakens the Muse in our students. In Sid's Songwriting Workshops our children learn to find something that they are interested in writing about, compose a poem and then put the poem to music with Sid's help.. It has always been great fun to watch their pride of accomplishment as they perform their new songs. The students have followed Sid's publishing career with great interest. They were quite sure that he wrote his previous children's book, One Bullfrog, just for them, since it is one of their favorite songs in his repertoire. They are excited about the publication of Cactus Critter Bash, another of their favorites, because it is all about our beautiful desert home. The illustrations of our desert creatures and plants are at once technically accurate and fun of fun! It is probably impossible to read this book without grinning! Teachers and students alike are looking forward to having our own Publishing Celebration for this new book with our favorite author/illustrator and songwriter on his very next visit!" - Beth Phillips, Director Great Expectations Academy Sahuarita, Arizona "This book tells what happens in the desert during the wee hours. The story provides a peek into the Sonoran Desert telling where the Elf Owl do-si-doed with the Western Spadefoot Toad. Fanciful illustrations bring this desert to life with a Gila monster, kangaroo rat, and, well, you will have to find out. They party to music played by the organ pipe cacti. A glossary teaches kids about desert plants and animals. Sheet music and a CD are included so that kids can join the party." - Soledad Santiago The New Mexican · November 17, 2006 Cactus Critter Bash is Sid Hausman's newest book, following his ever popular ONE BULLFROG (see below). ISBN 1-929115-15-6 · ISBN 13: 978-1-929115-15-0 Hardcover · 32 pages · 8 1/2 x 11 · $21.95 Ages 2 & older Sheet music, glossary & CD included Published in 2006 Click below to order

 

CUTE AS A BUTTON Story by Jeff della Penna Pictures by Nicole Blau After being pinched on the cheek by way too many relatives, an Alice-in-Wonderland moment occurs to Little Marcello. He grows to a giant-sized child, and now it is his turn to look down on all his tiny relatives, way down there, who look... well, just sooo cute! Set in a charming Italian town where pinching is clearly the number one way to greet your family. "Santa Fe author Jeff della Penna might know the Italian phrase for Cute As A Button, but he did not include it in this amusing book for growing youngsters who, like the Italian hero in the story, do not like to get their cheeks pinched... "With engaging watercolors by Nicole Blau, the story features Marcello, who lives in Florence. Aided by a touch of magic, Marcello manages to stop all the cheek-pinching and get his relatives to appreciate that he is growing up - in a neat trick that pre-schoolers will enjoy." - Barbara Harrelson, Sunday, The New Mexican magazine, November 12-18, 2006 ISBN 1-929115-09-1 32 pp · Hardcover · $19.95 Ages 4 to 8 Published in 2006 Click below to order

 

NEXT WEEK WHEN I'M BIG Words by Jaenet Guggenheim Pictures by Suana Verelst When exactly IS next week? This picture book for young children is brilliantly illustrated by the young Canadian artist, Suana Verelst. It is a glimpse into the mind of a child for whom time holds only the promise of a wonderful day. Soon - by next week - she will be big enough to do everything she thinks is important, such as sorting the M&Ms. A book to read with a smile. "Next Week When I'm Big details a 4-year-old's fantastical future and is intended to be read aloud. Jaenet Guggenheim has captured that imagination." - Jane E Swofford, BOOKS PLUS ISBN 1-929115-13-X · Hardcover 32 pages · 10 x 10 · $19.95 Ages 2 to 5 Published in 2005 "...unique and whimsical tale." - Midwest Book Review Click below to order

COSMO: A Cautionary Tale Written by Alan Arkin Illustrated by Jon Richards Cosmo has lived on the island of Sonamba all of his life. As its self-appointed guardian, each day he patches the wall that keeps the sea out. He does this while reciting the following instructions: Hammer in a stick from the billabom bush, Then smear it with the tar from the ticamo tree. This works until the day the townspeople decide to honor him for his dedication. "Out of the mouths of children's stories' authors often come memorable lines, but rarely do these lines appear to have been ripped from the... headlines. 'Let's save the blaming for afterwards, why don't we? We have a serious problem on our hands.' This quote from Cosmo: A Cautionary Tale is the response of a governing official when his small island is being flooded because someone did not do his job of keeping the sea wall from leaking. Sound familiar? "In an uncannily prescient fable, author Alan Arkin tells a very funny story of a very old man named Cosmo whose life was devoted to keeping everyone safe and sound. Cosmo walks around the island looking for holes in the sea wall... His daily ritual concludes with hammering sticks into any holes he finds and smearing tree tar in top to secure the wall. "Cosmo is quite content with his life, full of purpose in his chosen occupation. It is only when the politicians and the local genius decide that 'this wise and wondrous man' must be celebrated that trouble begins. "Arkin, an actor and author, resides in Santa Fe, as does the illustrator of this book, Jon Richards. Richards is a movie critic, novelist, and editorial cartoonist. His zany illustrations of Cosmo and the cast of characters in this high-spirited tale strike just the right note. Adult readers will appreciate the irony and pointed humor in this life-imitates-art story, especially the hilarious ending." - Barbara Harrelson, Sunday, The New Mexica magazine, October 9, 2005 "Alan Arkin's COSMO is a fanciful fable of the wise wallkeeper who knew that small leaks could become big breaches in the security of the Island of Sonamba! Cosmo's cosmic vision was in knowing how to do only one (Very Important) thing. "Insights for all ages fly from this charming story about purpose, priorities, and ounces of sticks-and-tar prevention. But this book has merit beyond its Morals -- in its sly, humorous dialogue, and Jon Richard's delightful, antic illustrations that animate each scene. Finally it's a small boy who, as if seeing a naked emperor, sees the truth and has the last word. "This enchanting tale is almost too much fun to be a caution, and not to be missed!" - Anna Jane Hays, a former editorial director and child development specialist for The Children's Television Network "Alan Arkin the actor is an author too. Latest in his ventures is Cosmo, A Cautionary Tale with a subtle message well-hidden among the 40 pages. A CD includes a reading by Arkin. - Jane E Swofford, BOOKS PLUS ISBN 1-929115-12-1 40 pp · Hardcover · $19.95 All ages, from 7 to 107 CD included of the author reading the book Published in 2005 Click below to order

 

WHO WILL SAVE MR SQUEAKY? Written and illustrated by Terry Avery Meet Duke, a large dog who drools a little and growls a lot. He lives across the street from Joey and Katie and two kittens, two puppies, and two squirrels who play together. One of their games is to toss Mr Squeaky, a stuffed bear that used to have a squeaker, about and try to catch him. Duke is annoyed that they seem to be having so much fun when he so obviously is not! Duke decides to steal Mr Squeaky. Which he does. The children and puppies and kittens and squirrels must rescue Mr Squeaky! Off they race across the grass between the trees around the gate over the road where they stand eye to eye with Duke who drools a little and growls a lot! Ooops. Who does save Mr Squeaky? The answer will make you smile a little or perhaps a lot. Who Will Save Mr. Squeaky? is a picture book about sharing. Duke learns how to share from playmates Joey, Katie, the squirrels, kittens, and puppies. The illustrations are pure Santa Fe, from the Pueblo-style adobe house to the packed dirt yard. This is Terry Avery's second children's book; her first book, MOON RABBIT BUILDS A FINE HOUSE, is one of our favorites. ISBN 1-929115-11-3 32 pp · Hardcover · 8 x 10 · $19.95 Ages 3 to 6 Published in 2004 Click below to order

 

TOO MANY HANDS??? Written and illustrated by the second grade integrated class of the New Mexico School for the Deaf An imaginative adventure. What happens when a Deaf father wakes up with two extra arms? Is it two too many? Or just enough? In the Deaf world, is it possible to hug tightly and sign at the same time? The deaf parents in the story communicate and relate with their hearing children in the same ways that students, both hearing and deaf, in this school communicate and relate to each other. The illustrations were designed and painted by the students in a team effort. Some students drew characters while others painted backgrounds or clothes. It is filled with vividly colored pictures of the family. Well-known deaf artist Chuck Baird helped the children prepare the illustrations. This is the third book published by GREEN KNEES · Books BY Children ISBN 1-929115-10-5 32 pp ?? 10x8 ?? Hardcover ?? $16.95 Ages 4 to 8 Published in 2003 Click below to order

GROW, GROW, GROW Poem by Barbara Riley Pictures by Jaenet Guggenheim Grow Grow Grow is a picture book for young children brilliantly illustrated by Jaenet Guggenheim. She has illuminated the text with paper-collage images from her collection of art papers from all over the world. Through the seasons of a single year, the lovely story-poem by Barbara Riley follows a growing sunflower seed as it meets the world of caterpillars, dogs, and weather with the determination to grow. ISBN 1-929115-08-3 40 pp · 7x10 · Hardcover · $19.95 From young children to adults Published in 2002 Part of the royalties will be donated to UNICEF. Art Papers Used In Grow Grow Grow Click below to order

 

LUCY'S JOURNEY TO THE WILD WEST: A TRUE STORY By Charlotte Piepmeier Illustrated by Sally Blakemore Lucy, a chocolate Lab, moves (MOVES!!!) with her family from the coast of North Carolina to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Along the way, she visits several interesting places, including Graceland. When she arrives in Santa Fe, Lucy learns lessons about how to live on a high mountain plateau on the edge of the southwest a desert in the southwest. This book touches on the distress children feel about moving; the geography and history of the states through which they travel; and the difficulties and rewards of settling into a new place. It includes a bischochito recipe, thanks to the Santa Fe School of Cooking cookbook by Susan Curtis, published by Gibbs Smith Publisher. Sally Blakemore's watercolor drawings of Lucy are priceless! Anyone with a dog will recognize Lucy's attitudes and what they mean. The landscapes are true to life from the Luray Caverns, the Natural Bridge, and the Peabody of Memphis to the Great Plains and finally New Mexico. Maps by Marcy Heller. ISBN 1-929115-07-5 34 pp · 8x10 · Hardcover · $19.95 Ages 5 to 12 · Grades K - 6 Published in 2002 Click below to order

WHATCHA DOING? By Agatha Featherstone Illustrated by Nicole Blau ISBN 1-292115-04-0 32 pp · 8x8 · Hardcover · $17.95 Ages 2 to 5 Published in 2003 Click below to order

ONE BULLFROG Written and Illustrated by Sid Hausman One Bullfrog is an illustrated story and song for young and old alike. Starting with one bullfrog, we sing along with the western animals, delightfully drawn, as they all try to pile onto a log. How many will it take to break the log? Turn the pages to see. A glossary, sheet music, and an accompanying CD are all included. So open the page and sing along with Sid, your friends and family, or just solo, like One Bullfrog. Sid won the New Mexico Music Industry Coalition award for Best Musical Production in the category of Music for Children for One Bullfrog. ISBN 1-929115-05-9 · Hardcover 32 pages · 8 1/2 x 11 · $18.95 Ages 2 & older Sheet music, glossary, & CD included Published in 2001 Click below to order

RAVENS´ TALE Written & illustrated by the children of The Oz School This is the second book published by GREEN KNEES · Books BY Children ISBN 1-929115-06-7 24 pp · 9x6 · Hardcover Ages 3 to 10 $15.95 Click below to order

 

MOON RABBIT BUILDS A FINE HOUSE Written and illustrated by Terry Avery Author and illustrator Terry Avery has lived in the Rocky Mountain southwest for 44 years. She and J J Corgi-Dog now live in Santa Fe, NM. Once, not so long ago, she looked at the full moon above Chaco Canyon and was amazed to see not The Man in the Moon but a Rabbit in the Moon... and not just a cute little bunny rabbit but a lanky jackrabbit with long, wind-swept ears. "Moon Rabbit Builds A Fine House is a tale of gentle magic, told with singing words and the comforting colors of earth and sky. It's the perfect story to start a child dreaming even before they fall asleep." - Joe Hayes, Storyteller "Moon Rabbit illustrates the beaurty and precision of Old Pueblo Builders, incorporating their memory in the stones and connection to the sky." - Bill Neuwirth, Teacher and Guide "A cozy dreamlike bedtime tale, with imaginative, evocative paintings by the author. Sure to enchant even the youngest audience." - Ginny Boylls, Children's Librarian, San Diego, California, Public Library ISBN 1-929115-00-8 32 pp · Hardcover · $17.95 Ages 2 to 6 Published in 1999 Click below to order

A PERFECT PET OUT OF PRINT Written & illustrated by Madeline E Johnston ISBN 1-929115-03-2 24 pp · soft cover, saddle stitched · 3 to 8 $9.95 This was the first book published by GREEN KNEES ??? Books BY Children??

THOSE TOES OUT OF PRINT Written by Marie McLaughlin Illustrated by Roni Rohr ISBN 1-929115-01-6 32 pp · Hardcover · $15.95 Ages 2 to 5 Published in 2000

HERMAN AND POPPY GO SINGING IN THE HILLS OUT OF PRINT Written & illustrated by Jaenet Guggenheim ISBN 0-9660239-1-9 32pp · Hardcover · 2 to 7 $15.95

GUS COUNTS TO TEN OUT OF PRNT Written & illustrated by Galla Eisenhardt-Purwin Ten-page small coloring book suitable for taking to horse shows. Stapled. $3.00 books@azropress.com

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