FLIBBERTIGIBBETY WORDS YOUNG SHAKESPEARE CHASES INSPIRATION by Donna Guthrie; ILLUSTRATED by Åsa Gilland
“My words fly up, my thoughts remain below.”
Literally chasing inspiration, young William runs through the streets, gardens, waters, and woods of Elizabethan England, in search of the flibbertigibbety words that flew in through his window one day and then escaped, in this whimsical, metaphorical ode to the language and plays of Shakespeare. Each spread features well-known phrases from a play, as the lad’s future characters—a multiracial group, in a nod to diversity in modern casting—stand on a balcony, ride in a carriage, or stir a boiling pot, as appropriate to their roles. Playful and idiosyncratic illustrations are full of action and energy and evoke the sense of a European fairy tale as they portray the determined boy’s seemingly unsuccessful search. At a loss for words, William finally returns home and reveals his plight to a local peddler he passed earlier—who, in addition to pretty ribbons, also happens to sell paper and pens, which might be just what young William needs to capture his elusive target. This cheeky, kid-friendly tale is full of creativity and humor and will work for many age groups on many levels—and it answers the age-old question of where authors find ideas (and words). Both William and the peddler present white.
A comic introduction to the plays and words of Shakespeare that’s lighthearted and sure to please. (author’s note, quotations with sources, bibliography) (Picture book. 5-10) Kirkus Review 202
NOBIAH’S WELL
Ideals Publishing Company,1993
Guthrie’s tale depicts a young boy whose compassion helps him surpass his limits and expand his world. A Parents Prize Book. A Children’s Book-of-the-Month Club Selection.
THIS LITTLE PIG STAYED HOME
Price, Stern & Sloan, 1987
One little pig stayed home and outsmarted the Big Bad Wolf and in a whole new and appetizing way.
REAL WORLD MATH
Millbrook Press,1998
A guide outlining how math is used in everyday situations such as banking, using credit, and buying a car offers tips on ways to avoid problems with Money.
THE WITCH HAS AN ITCH
Simon and Schuster, 1993
Gromelda used to be the wickedest witch in all the land, but now when she tries her nasty spells, she starts to itch. Has her evil magic finally caught up with her? And is it too late for her to change her ways? Children will hoot with laughter at the outcome of this tale of misguided magic.
A ROSE FOR ABBY
Abingdon Press,1988
Abby was confused when she saw cold, hungry people living on her street. She wondered what she could do to help. Through her inspiration and work, the whole street became involved in caring for the homeless. This story will help children understand that they can make a real difference in our world. Ages 5-8
MISS GIGGLEBELLY IS COMING FOR TEA
Simon & Schuster, 1990
With her Mother’s help, ElizabethAnn sets up a tea party in the rose arbor just in time for her imaginary friend.
THE WITCH WHO LIVES DOWN THE HALL
Harcourt Brace 1986
There’s no other explanation for Ms. McWee’s mysterious knowledge. She can unlock a door with a magic key she pulls from her hair. And she chants eerie songs to her cat, Malcolm. There’s no doubt about it–Ms. McWee is a witch!
THE SECRET ADMIRER
Ideals Publishing,1996
Since Grams seems to be having trouble meeting her neighbor Dr. Chadwick, her great-granddaughter decides to play matchmaker on Valentine’s Day.
MR. & MRS. VANATOLI AND THE MAGIC PUMPKIN SEEDS
Amazon Books 2016
MR. AND MRS. VANATOLI AND THE MAGIC PUMPKIN SEEDS is a Halloween picture book for children age 2-7. Mr. Vanatoli is a practical man. When his loving wife asks him to plant some strange seeds, he replies, “Pigs and corn, corn and pigs, that’s what I know and that what I grow.” When the farm begins to grow twisting vines filled with big fat round pumpkins during the week, Mr. Vanatoli learns that there’s a special magic in learning new things.
ONE HUNDRED AND TWO STEPS
Cool Kids Press,1995
This warm, intergenerational story about a child’s relationship with her slightly eccentric aunt captures the loneliness of their separate lives and the special understanding they come to share one
GRANDPA DOESN’T KNOW ITS ME
Human Sciences Press,1986
Elizabeth observes her grandfather to become a victim of Alzheimer’s disease and describes its symptoms and effects
THE YOUNG AUTHOR’S DO IT YOURSELF BOOK
Millbrook Press,1993
How do you research and write a great report? How do you do it without copying or plagiarizing? What does “plagiarizing” mean, anyway? Find out in this fun reference book on information literacy for young readers and writers.
PUTTING ON A PLAY
Millbrook Press,1996
A step-by-step guide for the playwright including suggestions for finding a story, writing a script, producing a play, and performing it on stage. Includes sample plays.
The Young Journalist’s Book
2009
A step-by-step approach to newspaper-making and journalism. Examples, trivia, and humor are accompanied by lively illustrations.
HOW TO WRITE, RECITE AND DELIGHT IN ALL KINDS OF POETRY
Millbrook Press, 1996
Words waltz. Sounds sing. Poetry comes to life in this fun, hands-on guide to the tools and techniques of writing verse-featuring more than 70 original poems by kids ages 10-14 and illustrated with paintings and other well-known artwork.
COLLECT THIS! A Kid’s Guide To Collecting
Price Stern Sloan, 2001
COLLECT THIS! Presents factoids about collections and includes tips for the young collector on such topics as starting a collection, building a collection, and storing a collection.
NOT FOR BABIES
Simon & Schuster 1993
Enough! There are too much noise and too many babies in this house. So, to escape from his younger siblings’ commotion, Andrew decides to spend the night in a backyard tent. Sleeping alone under the stars is fun, but scary–and Andrew is very glad indeed to have breakfast with his entire noisy family the next morning.
FRANKIE MURPHY’S KISS LIST
Simon & Schuster,1993
Believable, endearing characters, snappy dialogue, and a good story make this latest from Guthrie (The Witch Who Lives down the Hall, 1985) an authentic, funny slice of pre-junior-high life. (Fiction. 9-12)