January 2004

Coming this spring: two new titles plus a story in an anthology!



MUNG-MUNG! A Fold-out Book of Animal Sounds, illustrated by Diane Bigda (Charlesbridge Books, January 2004)

What kind of animal says "Mung-mung"? Open the gatefold and find out! Kirkus Reviews says, "Bidga's lightly lined, pastel illustrations are beautiful and surprisingly lively"--I couldn't agree more. A guessing-game picture book for ages 1-7



THE FIREKEEPER'S SON, illustrated by Julie Downing (Clarion Books, March 2004)

In Korea in the early 1800s, news from the countryside reached the king by means of signal fires. On one mountaintop after another, a fire was lit when all was well. If the king did not see a fire, that meant trouble, and he would send out his army.

When his father is unable to light the fire one night, young Sang-hee must take his place. Sang-hee knows how important it is for the fire to be lit, but he wishes that he could see soldiers . . . just once.

Mountains, firelight and shadow, and Sang-hee's struggle with a hard choice are rendered in Julie Downing's radiant paintings. I'm so awed by her work! Picture book, ages 5-8.



ON HER WAY: Stories and Poems about Growing Up Girl, edited by Sandy Asher (Dutton, January 2004)

A collection of twenty-one stories and poems by writers like Donna Jo Napoli, Edwidge Danticat, and Angela Johnson. I'm delighted that my story, "The Apple," is in such good company! Ages 8-10.

Look for these books in your local bookstore, or order online.

Best wishes to all for a terrific 2004! --Linda Sue

Previous 'What's New' pages:

October, 2003	March 1st, 2002
August, 2003	January 28th, 2002
May, 2003	January, 2002
March, 2003	December, 2001
January, 2003	November, 2001
September, 2002	October, 2001
July, 2002	August, 2001
June, 2002
May, 2002
April, 2002