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Book Reviews
Spotlighting Marla Frazee's Picture Books

by Terry Miller Shannon
I love Marla Frazee's illustrations with a wild "I'll buy the book before I ever even see it" passion. I've recently reviewed/praised her Mrs. Biddlebox and The Seven Silly Eaters. Here are more books featuring Frazee's genius:

Hush, Little Baby
Folk Song, illustrated by Marla Frazee
ISBN: 0152014292

We all know this song, but Frazee adds another dimension: the tale of a big sister waking the baby, and the lengths she goes to to put her back to sleep. Witty pictures bring the family to life in a humorous and endearing way.

Harriet, You'll Drive Me WILD!
By Mem Fox, illustrated by Marla Frazee
ISBN: 0152019774

Oops! Harriet doesn't mean to be pesky. But, well . . . she is. Juice spills, jam smears, paint drips, while her mother holds her patience. Finally, there's a last straw, a little maternal hollering, followed by apologies and achingly sweet tenderness. As always, the illustrations are full of charming true-to-real-life-yet-better detail.

Everywhere Babies
By Susan Meyers, illustrated by Marla Frazee
ISBN: 0152022260

Oh, my. There's so much to love about this book that I don't know where to begin. The cutest babies ever (thanks to Frazee) star in an adorable rhyming story in which they're kissed and hugged and fed, and (most of all) loved. As always, I can pore over the old-fashioned, with a twist of modern, pictures for hours. Uh, did I mention that the story is adorable? If I had to choose a favorite Marla Frazee-illustrated book (thank goodness I don't have to!!), this would definitely be a contender.

Roller Coaster
Marla Frazee
ISBN: 0152045546

Here we're treated to a double delight, since Frazee illustrates her own story. The tale is of one roller coaster ride, and the riders--particularly one person who's new to roller coasters. Frazee pulls her usual sleight of hand, feeding us the story the words tell plus one told through her incredible illustrations. Check out who thrills to the ride, and who doesn't--busting many a stereotype. A ride to remember!

On the Morn of Mayfest
By Erica Silverman, illustrated by Marla Frazee
ISBN: 0689806744

This is a delightful story told in cumulative rhyme, such as The House That Jack Built. The adventures begin when a little girl walks in her sleep on the morning of the festival to celebrate the month of May. Many characters follow her in what becomes a fantastic May Day parade, gloriously illustrated by Frazee. The energy in the art delights me on every page.

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Terry Miller Shannon and her son, Tim Warner, wrote a funny, rhyming picture book. Tim's three-year-old bath-loving son inspired TUB TOYS (Tricycle Press, 2002), which MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW says is "..greatly recommended..whimsical and fun." Check it out at Tub Toys



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