Wisniewski, David

The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups

"Don't jump on your bed!" "Don't bite your nails!" Parents sure seem to have a lot of rules. To make matters worse, the reasons behind the rules often don't seem to make any sense. Could there be other, secret purposes behind these perpetual parental pleadings? Such is the premise of David Wisniewski's The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups, which has the look of a top secret, classified folder. A radical departure from his Caldecott Award-winning Golem, this book is pure wackiness. Inside, kids will find the "real" reasons behind their parents' rules. And, as Wisniewski reveals, grown-ups have more information than they let on--information pertaining to national security--that makes these admonitions essential.

Wisniewski's illustrations are bright paper cut-outs, featuring crumpled, torn "Security Clearance Required" documents that look freshly pilfered from a government dumpster. Although the conspiracy theories may be over a few young readers' heads, many kids will love the sense of getting an inside scoop. Suspicious youngsters will be delighted to find out, for example, that when parents tell you to eat your vegetables, it's actually to prevent vegetables from regaining world domination. Parents may roll their eyes and say, "Nonsense," but then again, they would say that, wouldn't they? (Ages 6 to 10)

Parents are always spouting these rules. Do they really care about nutrients and mattresses, or are they hiding something? Luckily, one fearless grown–up will risk his neck and his dignity to find out. Disguised as everything from a chocolate milk scuba diver to a giant nose, this counterspy uncovers the disturbing truth. And what he learns will shock you like nothing before. Startling suckface emergencies! Dangerous digit gangs! Powerful sumo cells! Those are just some of the secrets revealed in this book by Caldecott medalist David Wisniewski. But don't let anyone catch you reading it–especially grown–ups. Who knows what could happen if they knew that you knew?

Golem

Golem is the Hebrew word for shapeless man. According to Jewish legend, the renowned scholar and teacher Rabbi Loew used his powers to create a Golem from clay in order to protect his people from persecution in the ghettos of 16th-century Prague. (This was the time of the Blood Lie, when hostile gentiles claimed that Jews were mixing the blood of Christian children with the flour and water of matzo.) David Wisniewski's cut-paper collage illustrations--which earned him the Caldecott Medal in 1997--are the ideal medium for portraying the stark black-and-white forces of good and evil, pride and prejudice, as well as the gray area that emerges when the tormented clay giant loses control of his anger. Echoing the tension and mood of Frankenstein, Wisniewski sends the tragic giant back to the blood red earth that birthed him. The historical note on the last page offers a broader context for the legend, ultimately comparing the creation of Golem to the emergence of Israel. (Ages 8 and older) --Gail Hudson

Retold from traditional sources and accompanied by David Wisniewski's unique cut-paper illustrations, Golem is a dramatic tale of supernatural forces invoked to save an oppressed people. It also offers a thought-provoking look at the consequences of unleashing power beyond human control. The afterword discusses the legend of the golem and its roots in the history of the Jews. A Caldecott Medal Book, an ALA Notable Children's Book, An ALA Booklist Editors' Choice, A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year, and A Notable Book for a Global Society.

Tough Cookie

Sam Spade, move over! In his years on the force, Tough Cookie Busted the Ginger Snaps and broke up the Macaroons. Now living as a private eye at the bottom of the cookie jar, he learns that Fingers has gotten his old partner, Chips. With his best girl, Pecan Sandy, at his side, Tough Cookie sets out to put Fingers away, for keeps! This hilarious spoof will have readers rolling in the aisles.

00-01 Keystone to Reading Book Award Masterlist

Sundiata: Lion King of Mali

In the thirteenth century, Sundiata overcame physical handicaps, social disgrace, and strong opposition to rule the West African trading empire of Mali.

Rain Player

The ancient Mayan belief that the future was divinely decreed and could not be changed is the basis for this original tale of a boy who must defeat the Rain God in a ball game to save his people from disaster. Mayan art and architecture were the inspiration for the spectacular cut-paper artwork.

Ducky

When a violent ocean storm causes a crate holding assorted plastic tub toys -- including one resilient little duck -- to wash overboard, the course of Ducky's life alters drastically. This engaging story based on a real event includes an author's note.

Workshop

The dazzling cut-paper artistry of Caldecott medalist David Wisniewski combines with Andrew Clements's free-verse celebration of woodworking tools to tell the story of a surprise in the making. The evocative description of each workshop tool-ruler, axe, saw, hammer, and the rest-is accompanied by a vivid, dramatically composed illustration showing how it is used in the step-by-step construction of an ornate, old-fashioned carousel. An eager young apprentice assists one craftsman after another as the project takes shape and is rewarded with a toolbox of his won. Young wood-working enthusiasts will enjoy the affectionate and knowledgeable portraits of familiar tools as well as an acclaimed artist's vision of the magic simple tools can do.

The Warrior and the Wise Man

The emperor sets a nearly impossible task to decide which of his two sons should next rule Japan. Is Tozaemon brave enough to seize the five eternal elements from the demons that guard them -- and is Toemon wise enough to know how to use the elements once he has them?

Master Man: A Tall Tale of Nigeria

"Once there was a man who was strong," begins this energetic, comic-strip style adaptation of a Nigerian tall tale. Bragging to his wife one day, Shadusa says "Just look at these muscles! I must be the strongest man in the world. From now on, just call me... Master Man!" His wife Shettu warns him against his foolish boasting: "No matter how strong you are, there will always be someone stronger. And watch out, or someday you may meet him." When he learns that a man from another village calls himself Master Man, too, Shadusa soon rues the day he talked so big. Imagine his surprise when he discovers that the other Master Man eats entire elephants at one sitting, after killing them with his bare hands! Trying to escape from him, Shadusa runs smack into yet another Master Man, who is soon locked in deadly combat with the elephant-eating one until "each gave a mighty leap, and together they rose into the air. Higher and higher they went, till they passed through a cloud and out of sight." To this day, the two giants still battle in the sky, making the noise that some people call thunder.

This traditional Nigerian story is one of many about fighting he-men, starring the stock character Mijin-Maza or Namji-Mijin-Maza, otherwise known as "A Man Among Men," "Manly Man," or "Superman." Caldecott Medal recipient David Wisniewski's playful cut-paper collages, set in comic-strip frames complete with speaking bubbles for dialogue, feature the colorful patterns and textures of Nigerian clothing and landscapes. With this unusual picture book, professional storyteller Aaron Shepherd spins a boisterous, action-packed read-aloud. The author's note in the back explains the story's origins with the Hausa, the largest ethnic group of northern Nigeria. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

Shadusa was STRONG. When he gathered firewood, he hauled twice as much as anyone else. When he hunted, he carried home two antelopes at once.

One day he said to his wife, Shettu, "Just look at these muscles. I must be the STRONGEST man in the world. From now on, just call me Master Man...

"Quit your foolish boasting," Shettu replied. "No matter how strong you are, there will always be someone stronger. And someday you may meet him!"

In this traditional Hausa tale of superheroes, Shadusa must learn a lesson harder than his own muscles. Is he the ultimate Master Man?

The Wave of the Sea-Wolf

Intricate cut-paper illustrations incorporating Pacific Northwest motifs accompany this original story of the Tlingit princess Kchokeen, who is rescued from drowning by a guardian spirit that later enables her to summon a great wave and save her people from hostile strangers.