Children's World History Books

100 FACTS: WARRIORS
by John Malam. Beautiful color photos, movie stills, drawings with a few B&W era photos. Condition: NEW 2010 MIles Kelly (UK) large soft cover, first printing. Content: March into battle and discover incredible facts about the greatest fighters of all time. Famous warriors throughout history are brilliantly portrayed through one hundred facts, fantastic images, and fun cartoons. Find out why knights took part in tournaments, learn about Alexander the Great's most important battle, and discover which warriors fought on elephants. Contains projects, quizzes, fun facts, and a few cartoons. Excellent! Junior High and up. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 4.50 + $ 3.19 media shipping. International shipping available.

A 16th CENTURY MOSQUE (An Inside Story book)
by Fiona Macdonald. Detailed, historically accurate color illustrations by Mark Bergin. Condition: NEW 1994 Simon & Schuster hardcover (pictorial boards - no DJ issued), no printing given. Content: Detailed colour illustrations by Mark Bergin accompany another title from the "Inside Story" series, introducing the Islamic world - the beliefs and way of life, through an exploration of the activities associated with a 16th-century mosque. Reviewer: "MacDonald is interested in the construction techniques used in building mosques. But what separates her book from Macaulay's is that she interested in the broader subject of Islam and the role that mosques play in Muslim life. It is this interest in larger topics which makes this book a good read for children. Finally, Mark Bergin the illustrator, is one of the best artists working in children's non-fiction." Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 10.50 + $ 3.19 media shipping. International shipping available.

ANTARCTICA: Journey to the South Pole
by Walter Dean Myers. B&W era photos and drawings illustrate. Condition: NEW 2004 Scholastic hardcover (pictorial boards - no DJ issued), first printing. Content: Science and geography play a big role in this exciting overview of the discovery and exploration of Antarctica, "the last unexplored landmass on Earth." What drives the narrative is the personal adventures of those who raced to reach the South Pole first, especially the fierce rivalry between Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen (he got there first) and Britain's Robert Scott, whose entire party died. The writing is not always as strong as it was in Myers' Malcolm X (1993), but the book design is highly appealing, with archival photos and prints, and boxed insets with fascinating information about such topics as latitude and longitude, seals, scurvy, and magnetic and geographical poles. Although Myers doesn't include source notes, his extensive bibliography references personal accounts as well as the technology, and he has put together a useful fact summary and time line. Best of all are the quotes from primary documents that appear throughout the book; some are drawn from the journals of the explorers-- those who returned and those who didn't. Myers makes failure a part of heroism. Excellent homeschooling book. Grades 6 - 9. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 4.79 + $ 3.19 media shipping.

THE ARABS IN THE GOLDEN AGE (Peoples of the Past series)
by Mokhtar Moktefi and Veronique Ageorges. Translated by Mary Kae LaRose. Wonderful, detailed color illustrations by Ageorges. Condition: NEW c. 1998 Milbrook Press soft cover, third printing. Tiny tiny edge wear. Content: Describes that period when the Arabs spread their religion, art, architecture, and great knowledge of the ancient world throughout the Middle East and North Africa. The "trivia" insert boxes add to history and interest of the book. Excellent! Ages 9 - 12. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 4.50 + $ 3.19 media shipping. International shipping available.

AROUND THE WORLD IN A HUNDRED YEARS: From Henry the Navigator to Magellan
by Jean Fritz. Clever B&W illustrations by Anthony Bacon Venti. Condition: NEW 1994 Putnam's hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. End pages decorated with world map with each explorer's route noted. Content: Brings to life the accomplishments of ten extraordinary explorers--including Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, John Cabot, and Ferdinand Magellan--who braved the unknown to discover uncharted lands and to find their way around the world. Fritz offers a wickedly funny look at 10 explorers who, between 1421 and 1522, ventured into what contemporaneous mapmakers called the Unknown. While presenting the salient facts, Fritz approaches them with playful irreverence; accordingly, the frequently traveled material can seem refreshingly new. Discussing Amerigo Vespucci, she writes, "Some give him credit for recognizing a continent when he saw one. Others call him an out-and-out faker." This tone proves especially effective when Fritz addresses such problematic issues as the treatment of native people and the often accidental nature of many of the discoveries. Reflecting the humor of Fritz's text, Venti's lighthearted black-and-white drawings use subtle strokes, as in a picture of Balboa, heavily in debt, stowed away on a ship and peering out from the barrel he'd hidden inside. Readable, attractive maps begin each chapter, providing useful visual references for each voyager's route. Ages 7-11. Perfect for homeschoolers. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 4.00 + $ 3.40 media shipping. International shipping available.

BEYOND THE GREAT MOUNTAINS: A Visual Poem About China
written & illustrated by Ed Young. Beautiful bright color illustrations. Condition: NEW 2005 Chronicle hardcover & DJ - a mylar jacket would not be appropriate for this book, IMHO), third printing. Content: Grade 3 Up–A stunning and uniquely designed picture book. Described as a visual poem about China, the book is comprised of 14 lines, each of which is accompanied by its own double-page illustration, done in cut- and torn-paper collage. Young also provides the ancient characters for the images he presents. Readers are able to read the entire poem from the title page since the pages are of graduated lengths, from short to longer, with a line of poetry appearing on the bottom of each page, overlapping just enough to allow for the text to show. Designed to be read vertically, each page is flipped up to reveal the accompanying illustration. In this way, the entire book becomes a piece of art, a visual treat of sublime colors and textures that joins with text and characters to describe the vastness and beauty of China. A chart shows the ancient characters that appear in the book, along with their modern-day equivalents. While the poetry, along with the illustrations and Chinese characters, may provide a creative experience that children can appreciate and enjoy, Young's rather abstract concept of visual verse, as explained in the author's note, will challenge most youngsters. Certainly, adults would find the explanation interesting, and would also appreciate the reflective poetry and images. An excellent choice for libraries looking for China-themed picture books. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 3.89 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

THE BIRD MAIDEN: A Serbian Legend (Legends of the World series)
retold by Jan Mike. Color illustrations by Dave Albers. Condition: NEW 1996 Troll soft cover, first printing. Content: Unhappy with the choice of wives that his father's advisors present to him, Prince Velimer sets off to find the kind and beautiful Princess Yevrossima, who has been enchanted by an old witch. Reviewer: "It is time for Prince Velimer to find a bride, but the princesses brought to him by the king's advisors... ouch! "Princess Militza (who never bathed and couldn't add the simplest sums) was followed by Princess Iconia (who couldn't read and made her servants carry her everywhere), then Princess Elena (who never stopped talking and blew her nose on her sleeve)." Then Prince Velimer hears about Princess Yevrossima, who disappeared while collecting medicinal herbs for her servants. He is intrigued, and goes out in search for her. What will he find? What adventures will he have? You'll have to read this book!" Ages 9 - 12. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 3.39 + $ 3.19 media shipping. International shipping available.

BURIED IN ICE: The Mystery of a Lost Arctic Expedition
by Owen Beattie and John Geiger. B&W era drawings and color photos and illustrations. Condition: UNREAD, but not perfect, 1992 Scholastic large soft cover, 7th printing. Light edge wear with a name inside front cover. Content: In 1845, Sir John Franklin and his two ships, Erebus and Terror , sailed from England to begin a search in icy Arctic waters for the fabled Northwest Passage. It was one of the most well-planned, well-supplied, and well-commanded expeditions of all times; yet it ended in disaster. Not one man returned alive. For almost a century and a half, no one could explain their mysterious deaths. In this compelling, contemporary account, anthropologist Beattie and journalist Geiger describe how they solved the 147-year-old mystery. The narrative is interspersed with an imaginative section that relates the story of the expedition from the point of view of 19-year-old Luke, a member of the crew. While the text is exciting, the book's greatest strength is its superb illustrations: drawings, paintings, and historic and present day photographs are used to enrich each page. Probably the most intriguing photographs are those of the actual exhumation of three sailors whose graves had been discovered in 1857. Because of the cold, the bodies remained frozen and appeared almost exactly as they did at the time of interment. Another fine entry in an excellent series. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 3.39 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL: Songs of the West Indies
by Irving Burgie. Beautiful vibrant color illustrations by Frane Lessac. Afterword by Rosa Gary. Condition: NEW 1992 Tambourine hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket), first edition, first printing. Content: Thirteen popular calypso songs are featured in this colorful collection. Traditional chants and ballads from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Haiti, and elsewhere as well as Burgie's original compositions, which were popularized by singer Harry Belafonte, appear. Such selections as ``Day-O,'' ``Michael Row the Boat,'' ``Yellow Bird,'' and ``Que bonita bandera'' are included. The lyrics of the latter have been translated into English at the bottom of the page. Accompanying the arrangements are full- or double-page paintings and a title bar in Lessac's characteristic, primitive style. Her bright colors and lively scenes will attract young readers to the work, and she does a good job of showing the multiethnic heritage--African, Indian, European-- of the residents of the region. An informative afterword by Rosa Guy, which is written for adults but may be read and understood by older children, traces the origins of the songs in African tradition and in the experience of African-descended peoples in the West Indies. Words & "sheet" music. Ages 4+. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 5.00 + $ 3.19 media shipping.

CATHEDRALS: Stone upon Stone
by Brigitte Gandiol-Coppin. Dominique Thibault illustrations. Condition: UNREAD 1989 Young Discovery Library hardcover (pictorial boards) first thus, first printing. Content: I can't say enough good things about this little book (7" x 4.5"). Beautiful color illustrations appropriate to the era, "blueprint" of cathedral interior, and interesting and accurate history - not only of cathedrals, but of the era in which so many were built. Simply excellent!
$ 2.50 + $ 2.94 media shipping.

CELEBRATIONS! (Children Just Like Me series - Unicef)
by Barnabas and Anaabel Kindersley. Foreword by Harry Belafonte. Wonderful color photos illustrate. Condition: UNREAD, but not perfect, 1997 DK publishing large hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jackaet), third printing. DJ shows light shelf wear top edge with gift inscription loose endpage. Content: A rich, multicultural look at holidays around the world. The celebrations are arranged by season and include: Christmas in Germany, Halloween in Canada, Hanukkah in the U.S., Diwali in India, Hina Matsuri in Japan, and Egemenlik Bayrami in Turkey. Each holiday is shown on a two-page spread with a large photograph of a featured child or children and many smaller captioned photographs of the festivities and the culture. A preface by Harry Belafonte in his role as Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF opens the book. It is a superb addition to country/cultural teaching units, and also makes a wonderful lead-in to writing, art, and creative-drama activities used to teach holidays. An enjoyable visual experience. Questions welcome. [1 copy available.]
$ 4.50 + $ 3.39 media shipping.

CLEVER KARLIS: A Latvian Legend (Legends of the World series)
retold by Jan Mike. Neat color illustrations by Charles Reasoner. Condition: UNREAD 1998 Troll soft cover, second printing. Perfect. Content: A picture book retelling of a Latvian legend. Will Karlis be able to rescue a woman who is being forced to marry a man she does not love? Questions welcome. [2 copies available.]
$ 3.50 + $ 3.19 media shipping. International shipping available.

CLOTHING: Garments, Styles, and Uses
text and color illustrations by Piero Ventura. Condition: Gently pre-read to page 10, 1993 Houghton Mifflin hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Very light edgfe wear to top DJ edge. Interior clean & tight. Content: An overview of the development and use of clothing throughout history. Ventura begins with prehistoric times and proceeds through the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans to the barbarians and on into European civilization. The text is rather slight, and written with an eye toward entertainment. The whys and wherefores of particular styles are touched upon, and the author does a good job of putting clothes within their cultural context. Every page is host to brightly colored drawings that enhance the printed information with rich detail. The 1900s are covered in a two-page spread, the text of which refers to the "Great War," leaving readers to guess which war is meant. Ventura neatly balances clear and concise text, painstakingly explicit drawings and copious captions to show how clothing has evolved since prehistoric times. Due to its subject, Clothing is the more visually varied and colorful of the books, as Ventura chronicles the function and symbolism of clothes through the ages, delving into such details as the connotations of various fabrics, colors and styles; the processes of leather tanning and wool weaving; and the social and political forces behind certain fashion trends. Ages 9 - 12 and up. Questions welcome. [1 copy available.]
$ 5.00 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

THE EASTER RISING (Revolution! series)
by Richard Killeen. B&W maps and era photos illustrate. Condition: NEW 1995 Thomason Learning hardcover (pictorial boards), no printing given. Content: Ages 9 - 12. In this fascinating history of the beginnings of the Irish Republic, you'll meet men and women, like James Connolly and Countess Markievic, sho led the Irish to freedom from British rule. You'll also learn about the long historyh of Irish resistance, from unsuccessful revolts to the victory of the Easter Rising. Then you'll discover just how disorganized the resistance was, and why, through a series of accidents, they succeeded in winning independence. The book uses first-person accounts, documents, and photos. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 5.49 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

THE EMPEROR AND THE KITE
by Jane Yolen. Neat color illustrations by Ed Young. Condition: UNREAD 1988 McGraw Hill soft cover (stapled wraps), 2nd printing. Content: Reviewer: "This book shows us that even (seemingly) small, insignificant individuals can accomplish great deeds and challenges us not to underestimate anyone's capabilities. The story, by Jane Yolen, takes place in ancient China and tells of a tiny princess, not much thought of by her family, who uses her intellect, creativity, and skill to save her father, the emperor, held hostage by kidnappers. The text of the story is lengthy (many pages have ten or more lines of text) and more explanatory than descriptive. The illustrations, done in multi-colored paper cuts, bring the text to life, depicting the most dramatic moments of the story. The illustrations stretch across both pages and often bleed off the edge. Despite their exquisite detail, the illustrations are flat and float in the white space of the page, without any sense of depth or context." Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 3.49 + $ 3.09 media shipping. Priority shipping available.

EXPLORERS (Adventure, Discovery, Research, Navigation)
by Philip Wilkinson. Wonderful detailed color illustrations and maps. Condition: NEW 2002 Kingfisher large hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Content:: This fascinating book slips down the Silk Road with Marco Polo, joins David Livingstone in Africa trekking along the Nile, and braves the icy reaches of the polar regions. The full gamut of exploration is covered from the pioneering, westward trailblazing of Lewis and Clark to deep-sea diving with Jacques Cousteau. Children will explore mapping techniques and discover how past explorers have made their mark. Whether it's a simple survey of one's own street or an adventurous round-the-world expedition, this is the perfect reference for any would-be explorer. Special Features: An illustrated timeline places each exploration in its historical context; Section on preparing for an expedition—choosing tools and equipment; and Glossary and index. Excellent overview of world history. Excellent for homeschooling or public school teachers. Ages 4 - 8. Questions welcome. [1 copy available.]
$ 3.59 + $ 3.39 media shipping.

THE FANTASTIC FLYING JOURNEY: An Adventure in Natural History
by Gerald Durrell. Wonderful color illustrations by Graham Percy. Condition: UNREAD, BUT NOT PERFECT, 1987 Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers large paperback, second printing. It has been lightly perused on the shelf and has (due to its size) shelf wear problems: Pale diagonal crease bottom front cover corner; bumps to cover edges. Content: Introduces young kids to new countries and their animals. If your kids liked the movie "Up", they should love this book. If Around the World in 80 Days were fused with Dr. Dolittle's ability to talk to the animals, the results might be this book. Great-Uncle Lancelot lands his balloon ship in the Dollybutt children's yard and offers to take them along with him while he searches the world over for his brother Perceval. Emma and her twin brothers, Conrad and Ivan, gladly join the search; Lancelot sprinkles powder on them so that they can communicate with animals and therefore learn something from the journey. Ages 7+. Questions welcome. [1 copy only]
$ 4.79 + $ 3.40 media shipping. International shipping available.

THE GENIUS OF LEONARDO (Da Vinci)
by Guido Visconti. Beautiful color illustrations by Bimba Landmann. Condition: UNREAD, BUT NOT PERFECT, 2000 Barefoot hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Gift inscription loose end page (can be covered by a blank bookplate) and shelf wear to DJ edges. Interior perfect - clean & tight. Content: The Author uses "quotations, some abridged, from the notebooks" of Da Vinci. Landmann s richly colored iconographic illustrations both illuminate this stunning life of Leonardo and create an air of mystery around this far-reaching genius. At once instructive and entertaining, the story is told by ten-year-old Giacomo, who comes to respect, love, and learn from Leonardo, his wise and eccentric master. The many facets of this towering genius of Renaissance Italy are explored in a book that will inspire everyone to search for their own greatness within. Grade 2 and up. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 5.00 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

GOOD QUEEN BESS; The Story of Elizabeth I of England
written by Diane Stanley & Peter Vennema. Lovely, historically accurate color illustrations by Diane Stanley. Condition: NEW 1992 Four Winds hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket), third printing. Content: Grade 5 Up-- That most wise and wily queen of England, Elizabeth I, is the subject of this picture biography. The handsome illustrations, exemplified by the visualization of those small English boats set afire and launched to face the Spanish Armada, are worthy of their subject. Although the format suggests a picture-book audience, this biography needs to be introduced to older readers who have the background to appreciate and understand this woman who dominated and named an age, and of whom the authors write, "When it came to a clash of wills, the two houses of Parliament and all her councillors were no match for Elizabeth." The text is clearly written, explaining the main events and key decisions of Elizabeth's life and reign (1533 - 1603). For readers wanting more depth, a short bibliography of mostly adult titles ends the book. With their attention to period detail--most strikingly the elaborate Elizabethan dress, jewels and palace furnishings--Stanley's paintings transport readers back to an intriguing era. A wonderful book! [1 copy available]
$ 5.59 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

GOOD QUEEN BESS; The Story of Elizabeth I of England
written by Diane Stanley & Peter Vennema. Lovely, historically accurate color illustrations by Diane Stanley. Condition: NEW 2001 HarperCollins hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket), first thus, first printing. Content: Grade 5 Up-- This is not a new edition, but basically a "reprint" by another publisher with a new DJ and cover. That most wise and wily queen of England, Elizabeth I, is the subject of this picture biography. The handsome illustrations, exemplified by the visualization of those small English boats set afire and launched to face the Spanish Armada, are worthy of their subject. Although the format suggests a picture-book audience, this biography needs to be introduced to older readers who have the background to appreciate and understand this woman who dominated and named an age, and of whom the authors write, "When it came to a clash of wills, the two houses of Parliament and all her councillors were no match for Elizabeth." The text is clearly written, explaining the main events and key decisions of Elizabeth's life and reign (1533 - 1603). For readers wanting more depth, a short bibliography of mostly adult titles ends the book. With their attention to period detail--most strikingly the elaborate Elizabethan dress, jewels and palace furnishings--Stanley's paintings transport readers back to an intriguing era. A wonderful book! [1 copy available]
$ 6.49 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

THE GREAT ADVENTURE OF CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS: A Pop-up Book
by Jean Fritz. Illustrated by Tomie dePaola. Paper engineering by James Diaz. Full color pop-ups. Condition: Gently pre-read, but not perfect, 1992 Putnam hardcover (pictorial boards - no DJ issued), first printing. Problem: Shelf wear in the vorm of bumbs to the bottom corners with frayed top spine with a short tear under that. The interior, however, is ezcellent. All Pop-ups work. Content: This collaborative work deserves consideration in spite of being a pop-up. The readable text, printed on fold-over extensions to each page, provides a good brief summary of the reasons Columbus attempted his voyage, a short description of his cargo, the journey, landfall, and his return to Spain. Fritz does not delve into any of the darker aspects of the explorations or their aftermath, but presents the trip as the ``great adventure.'' DePaola's illustrations include a view of the Orient, the royal Spanish court, the ocean voyage and landing, the shipwreck of the Santa Maria, and Columbus's triumphant procession through Barcelona. The paintings are done in deep pastel shades that evoke both the splendor of the court and the natural richness of the New World. The people have the flat, serious-looking faces characteristic of much of the artist's work. Diaz's paper engineering, which is less complicated than that of some of the genre, will provide enough movement to satisfy most readers as they make the ships bob through the waves and Columbus bow to Ferdinand and Isabella. Wonderful! Ages 7+. [1 copy available]
$ 9.49 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

THE HAPPIEST ENDING
Yoshiko Uchida. Cover art by the great Kinuko Craft. Condition: UNREAD 1993 Macmillian soft cover, second printing. School supplemental reading book. Content: Rinko Tsujimura is a 12-year-old Japanese-American girl. When forced by her mother to take Japanese language lessons from Mrs. Sugino, she meets Mrs. Sugino's three boarders, one of whom is to marry Teru, an American-born girl of 19 who has been raised in Japan. Rinko is outraged by Teru's arranged marriage with a stranger and promptly finds a more handsome and youthful bridegroom. The Japanese community in Oakland, California, is a closely-knit one of mutual support and assistance, and when Mrs. Sugino's irresponsible husband loses the money that a boarder had given him to invest, her friends contribute their help and support. Most important, Rinko learns a valuable lesson in growing up and redefines her expectations regarding personal relationships. Rinko is an attractive heroinebright, active and caught between the divergent cultures of Japan and America. Young readers may be confused by the attitudes expressed and the vocational and educational restrictions imposed upon the Japanese-Americans, for the fact that the story takes place in 1936 is not well integrated into the story. However, this is a good, comforting rite-of-passage story which will be particularly appealing to those who have read the previous two books about Rinko: A Jar of Dreams and The Best Bad Thing. Grades 4 - 6. [1 copy available]
$ 3.59 + $ 3.09 media shipping. International shipping by arrangement - email us.

THE HARMONICA
by Tony Johnsontl. Color illustrations by Ron Mazellan. Condition: NEW 2004 Charlesbridge hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Tiny edge wear to top spine of DJ. Content: Based on a true survivor story, this powerful picture book is yet another astonishing Holocaust account for discussion. A Polish Jewish child, blissfully happy with his loving parents, gets a harmonica from his coal-miner father and learns to play Schubert while his parents dance. The realistic mixed-media, double-page illustrations contrast that glowing warmth of home with the darkness that comes when Nazi soldiers break down the door, separate the boy from his family, and send him to the camps. His harmonica becomes his solace. The commandant hears about the child's playing. He orders the boy to play Schubert and throws him bread. In the end, however, the music does nothing to humanize the brutal Nazis. In fact, one unforgettable picture shows the commandant blissfully listening to the music, one hand over his heart and the other holding a whip. The home memories are idyllic, but there's absolutely no sentimentality about the child's survival. Johnston gives children and grown-ups lots to talk about here--for example, Can a person be both sensitive and cruel? The mixed-media illustrations change from a warm to cold palette to underscore the move from home to camp. While the story is set in World War II, the theme is broader, and makes a case for the power of music/art to support and sustain humanity. There is an appended note about the life of Henryk Rosmaryn. (Ages 3 to 7). [1 copy available]
$ 7.59 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

HIROSHIMA: The Story of the First Atom Bomb
by Clive Lawton. B&W and color era photos illustrate. . Condition: NEW 2004 Candlewick hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Content: A large, profusely illustrated account of the development and use of the atomic bomb. Lawton presents the basics of the nuclear theory behind it; the Manhattan Project; the progress of World War II and V-E Day; Truman's decision to use the bomb; the mission of the Enola Gay and the results of the Hiroshima explosion; and the subsequent use of the bomb on Nagasaki. The book also looks at the aftermath, including the surrender of Japan, the survivors, the rebirth of Hiroshima, and the continuing influence of nuclear weapons on the world. The text is clearly written though superficial in places, especially the passage on the complexities of the decision to use this weapon. Brief biographical entries on the primary characters and a chronology enhance the text, while outstanding black-and-white and full-color photos and drawings convey as much of the story as the text. Questions welcome. [1 copy left]
$ 5.89 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

HOW TO SURVIVE IN ANTARCTICA
by Lucy Jane Bledsoe. B&W photos by the Author. Line drawings & maps also. Condition: NEW 2006 Holiday hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), first edition, first printing. Content: Antarctica is drier than the Sahara Desert, so how come an ice sheet, three miles thick in places, covers 98 percent of the continent? Bledsoe, who has made three trips to study Antarctica, bases her informal, chatty narrative on her thrilling adventure, bringing close the amazing science and geography as well as the gritty facts of human survival in the frigid environment (all human waste is collected and taken to the U.S. so that Antarctica does not get contaminated). The information is exciting enough without all the exclamatory punctuation, but Bledsoe's tone never seems condescending or self-important. The open book design features lots of boxes with information about the historic explorers and their daily challenges, and Bledsoe's own black-and-white photos showing wildlife close up and scientists at work will grab students across the curriculum. Her first-person narrative adds excitement to the already interesting adventure, and her enthusiasm for the continent comes through on every page. Clear and informative maps and line drawings appear throughout. Grades 7+. Questions encouraged. [1 copy available]
$ 5.69 + $ 3.29 media shipping. nternational shipping available. .

IN THE TIME OF KNIGHTS: The real-life story of history's greatest knight
(an I Was There Book)
by Shelley Tanaka. Wonderful color illustrations by Greg Ruhl. Diagrams & maps by Jack McMaster. Condition: Gently pre-read, IF AT ALL, 2000 Hyperion/Madison large hardcover (pictorial boards - no DJ), third printing. I actually don't believe this book has been read. Content: A fictionalized account of one of history's greatest knights. The book opens as six-year-old William Marshal, the youngest son of an English lord, is taken captive by King Stephen in 1152. The ruler threatens to kill the child if the father does not surrender all his wealth. When the man refuses to pay the ransom, the young boy understands how society measures those who are not firstborn. From that moment on, William realizes he must learn to stand on his own and he does; first as a knight's apprentice, and then as a true and loyal knight to some of the most important rulers of the time. Tanaka weaves a fascinating tale filled with plenty of historical detail on life during this oftentimes brutal world. She draws on documents, maps, period reproductions, and other primary sources. Clear, colorful photos of sites and artifacts and original art complement the story line. Excellent organization is an added plus. Grades 4 - 7. [1 copy available]
$ 5.50 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

JOAN OF ARC
by Diane Stanley. Beautiful color illustrations by the Author. Condition: UNREAD 1999 Scholastic large soft cover, first printing. Tiny edge wear. Content: Reviewer: "Once again, Diane Stanley has brought intriguing facts and interesting tidbits to a book about a well known character, Joan of Arc, which makes the reader interested and excited about the subject, no matter what age he or she might be. Joan was born an illiterate, peasant daughter of a leader in a French village during the time of the Hundred Years War between France and England. She was highly disciplined in Catholicism, and was often teased about it by her friends. At the age of thirteen, Joan began having visions, while in the family garden, of various Catholic Saints giving her distressing messages and that she needed to act in order to save the French Kingdom. Joan was so convinced and moved by these visions that she took on a life long task of saving the French kingdom, although a woman doing this would have been unheard of at the time. She was eventually captured by the Burgundies that occupied Northern France and handed over to the English for a ransom. She was put on trial by the church for dressing in men's clothing and for acting on her voices and visitations which should have only been heard by members of the clergy. She was found guilty, although she gave clever testimony and was not easily disrupted by tricky questioning, and eventually burned at the stake. Charles, the ruler that Joan help restore to the crown, made it his personal mission to have Joan's trial declared a mistrial sixteen years after her death. This act fueled by his guilt for not negotiating for her release from prison helped her to be declared a saint five hundred years later. This book helps the reader realize that although Joan my have appeared unstable with her visions in modern times, she brought hope and life to a battle that was hopeless leaving many French residents in despair. A note at the end of the book indicates that there have been three theories behind Joan's visions, depending on where one's personal beliefs lie. Included within the book are pronunciations of French names and places and a map, so the reader can follow the path taken by Joan. This book provides interesting and understandable information for readers of all ages, including adults that want a short but informative look into Joan of Arc's life." Questions welcome. [1 copy left.]
$ 3.39 + $ 3.19 media shipping.

THE JOINING TREE
by Clarence Cameron. Condition: NEW 2002 1st Books hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), revised, first printing. Wonderful cover art but no credit given. Content: Who cares about the rain forest? One boy does, and he works to save it with magic.After a disastrous attempt to scare the Outsiders from the rain forest, the animals seek help from Yoiweta, an old medicine man or Shaman. Approaching manhood, Yoiweta's grandson, Abado, and the animals are sent on a journey to a secret mountain. Guided by a magic emerald and helped by the animals, Abado hopes to find the Wise One, an omnipotent being who grants a unique power to all new Shamans. Abado may ask for any power but only wants a way to save the rainforest. The Joining Tree combines action, danger, romance, and supernatural powers with compassion for the native people and animals of the rain forest. Although written for the young adult, the story would appeal to younger, sophisticated readers and adults, too. 12 and up. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 10.49 + $ 2.94 media shipping.

KING PUCK
story & color illustrations by Michael Garland. Beautiful & fun color illustrations by the Author. Condition: NEW 2007 HarperCollins hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Content: Set against the backdrop of Ireland's oldest and most unusual fair, this book is a jig-reeling, kid-appealing tale of friendship and fun. Farmer Seamus and his goat, Finny, live on the most beautiful mountain in Ireland, where each night he reads the stories of Finn MacCool (the only book he has). Life is simple and Seamus is content, but he wishes for someone to talk to. Fortunately, the fairies overhear him, and magically Finny begins to speak. When the two discover a handbill inviting everyone to the King Puck Festival where a lucky goat will be crowned king for one day, they make their way to Killorglin, and, predictably, Finny is chosen. The ending has a nice touch for book lovers: in answer to Finny's wish for more books, a librarian delivers new ones every week. An author's note explains the origin of the story. Garland's trademark illustrations feature a rotund, traditionally dressed Farmer Seamus, a sprightly, wide-eyed goat, and fairies set against authentic Irish landscapes. K - 3rd Grade. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 6.49 + $ 3.39 media shipping.

KINGS & QUEENS OF ANCIENT BRITAIN
by Charles Phillips. Consultant: Dr. John Haywood. Wonderful color photos, maps, and era art reproductions. Condition: NEW 2007 Southwater (London) large soft cover [11.6 x 9.1 x 0.4 (96 pages)], first impression. Content: A magnificent chronicle of the first rulers of the British Isles, from the time of Boudicca and King Arthur to the Wars of the Roses, the Crusades and the reign of Richard III. Britain's royal history is brought to life with over 200 contemporary and historical illustrations, maps, heraldic shields and family trees tracing the line of succession. Excellent for homeschooling older kids. Questions welcome [1 copy available]
$ 5.50 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

KUN-MAN-GUR: The Rainbow Serpent (From Australia)
by James Cowan. Wonderful color illustrations by Bronwyn Bancroft. Condition: Gently pre-read, if at all, 1994 Barefoot Books hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. While the book is in excellent condition, the DJ shows some edgewear. Content: In this retelling of an Aboriginal creation myth, the Rainbow Serpent, Kun-man-gur, finds a home and food for the flying foxes after he punishes a bat for saying that they smelled bad. Includes a foreword explaining the background and importance of the myth. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 3.50 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

LET'S CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK'S DAY: A Book of Drawing Fun
story and pictures by Pamela Johnson. Condition: NEW 1988 Watermill Press soft cover, no printing given. Content: This is a really neat little book - a topic, typically Irish, has a history and detailed "how-to" instructions on how to draw the subject. Covers the Irish Country Cottage, Lepechauns, the Shamrock, the Shillelagh, the Fairy Harp, etc. Educational and fun. Questions welcome. [1copy available]
$ 3.89 + $ 3.09 media shipping.

LOST WORLDS
by John Howe. Text and spectacular color illustrations by the Author. Condition: NEW 2009 Kingfisher hardcover (pictorial boards - no DJ issued), first printing. Content: This is just visually spectacular - from the decorated end pages to the artwork for each "lost world." Don't buy into the Lord of the Rings connection - this is really history & myth woven together for some entries (King Arthur) to real archaeological sites (Troy). Fabulous! A large, clear lens embedded in the front cover of this far-ranging browsing title invites readers to step through to a series of quick stops at over two dozen vanished cultures. In no particular order and freely mixing history with myth, Howe slips from the Garden of Eden to Pompeii, Atlantis to Cahokia, Babylon to Faerie, pausing for one to three pages of general remarks about what each was or might have been like, then moving on. He closes with a section of even shorter notes on 35 more real or storied sites. Bringing his experience as a concept artist for the filmed Lord of the Rings (Gandalf—er, Ian McKellan even provides an introduction) to bear, he depicts each featured locale at its height with handsome, dramatic painted tableaux and expert pencil sketches. The new world entries are Cahokia, Cibola, Rapa Nui, and TeotihuacanGrade school to Adults will love this book. [2 copies available]
$ 10.00 + $ 3.49 media shipping. International shipping available upon arrangement - email us for details.

MAGIC IN THE MARGINS: A Medieval Tale of Bookmaking
by W. Nikola-Lisa. Beautiful, ornate color illustrations by Bonnie Christensen. Condition: Gently pre-read or just perused on shelf 2007 Houghton Mifflin hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Lightly perused on shelf. Content: Simon, a young orphan in the Middle Ages, is an apprentice in a monastery's scriptorium, where books are written. He learns to prepare parchment, grind pigments, and write, but he dreams of illustrating illuminated manuscripts. The monastery's Father instructs Simon to practice by capturing mice. "Study them, get to know them . . and use your imagination." Simon begins by setting traps, but he eventually understands the figurative use of language, and his fanciful drawings of mice earn him a job in the scriptorium at last. Younger children may struggle with the play on the word capture and the messages about what an artist does. Many kids, though, will be drawn in by the appealing story of a child's empowerment and the glimpse of the medieval world. Christensen extends the story with strong, clear scenes, bordered by botanical patterns and executed in ink and egg-tempura pigments, just like the monks used. A final word about the time period closes this solid title. Ages 5 - 8. [1 copy available]
$ 5.49 + $ 3.19 media shipping.

THE MAGIC FEATHER: A Jamaican Legend (Legends of the World series)
retold by Lisa Rojany. Delightful color illustrations by Philip Kuznicki. Condition: UNREAD 1996 Troll soft cover, first preinting. Tiny shelf wear. Content: The evil Mancrow -- half bird, half human -- has stolen the light from the world. Now a young girl sets out to find the magic feather that holds Mancrow's power. Reviewer: "This volume finds us in Jamaica, spending time with Solidae, her Gran'mother, living a simple but fulfilling life gather the fruits of the forest and sea. As the story starts out, Solidae comes to her Gran and tells her that the once colorful fish are now brown and drab as the mud...all the color is gone. Gran'mother knows immediately that it is Mancrow and begins to tell Solidae his story, the only creature among man and beast who never chose one nature over the other and who had slunk away into the forest, with this dark and savage heart. With that Gran leaves for the village for a few days and advises Solidae to stay away from Mancrow and not to speak to him at all. Naturally, she does have an encounter with him and Iguana loses his colors as a result and Mancrow steals all the light and color from the world in his anger...Solidae goes home, but eventually Gran'mother returns and she confesses her part in the lasting darkness and decides that she must track down Mancrow and pluck his colored feather to set things right again. In the end, The Magic Feather is an interesting look at this folk story and we all enjoyed reading how Solidae worked with all the other animals in the end to pluck Mancrow's magic feather and bring back light and color to their island. The kids also picked up that storms must be something people living on Jamaica were worried about, and that's why they had the story to explain why storms happen and how Mancrow might one day return." Wonderful! [1 copy available]
$ 5.00 + $ 3.19 media shipping.

MAPS TO COLOR AND LEARN: Europe
by Kappa Books. B&W drawings suitable for coloring. Condition: NEW 2009 Kappa Activity Books soft cover, no printing given. Content: Perfect for home schooling. Maps of European countries for coloring plus mazes, city maps, and items particular to countries, i.e., clocks for Switzerland, etc. Neat! [1 copy available]
$ 3.00 + $ 3.19 media shipping.

MEDIEVAL JOUSTS AND TOURNAMENTS
text and B&W illustrations by John Green. Condition: NEW c. 1998 Dover soft cover (stapled wraps), no printing given. Content: All the thrills, spectacle, and excitement of medieval tournaments come to life in 43 carefully researched and realistically rendered illustrations, among them the mêlée, a free-for-all between two teams on an open battlefield, a dying knight receiving last rites, ladies of the court choosing a knight-of-honor, a lavish tournament banquet, and much more. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 3.69 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

MEDIEVAL LIFE
by John Guy. Wonderful color reproductions of medieval art. Color photos of artifacts. Condition: NEW 1995 Snapping Turtle (UK) Trade paperback, no printing given. Very light shelf wear. Content: The book colourfully illustrates life in medieval times, with contemporary paintings and striking photographs of surviving buildings and artefacts. It shows the everyday lives of the rich and poor from the humble peasant to the Lord of the Manor, the cruelty of warfare and the role of the church in society. John Guy has studied Medieval & Tudor history and is acknowledged as a leading authority on Castles. In his numerous books on historical subjects, he is passionate about bringing history alive and removing false ideas of the past. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 5.00 + $ 3.19 media shipping.

THE MIRACLE CHILD: A Story from Ethiopia
by Elizabeth Laird with Abba Aregawi Wolde Gabriel. Beautiful color illustrations from an 18th century Ethiopian manuscript. Condition: Gently pre-read 1985 Holt Rinehart hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket), first American edition, first printing. DJ price-clipped. Content: This is an Ethiopian story of a miracle child who fed the hungry and healed the sick during a time of great famine. Based on the life of Saint Tekla Haymanot, a 13th century monk, the story is one of the best-loved tales in Ethiopia's rich and ancient literature. In case you wondered about the co-author of the book, Gabriel is a priest of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in England. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 7.50 + $ 3.19 media shipping.

INDIAN ELEPHANTS BOOKPLATES
art by Irinavk. Condition: NEW package of 12 bookplates made by pacaritambo books. The peel-off label stock is heavier than most bookplate materials and is matte and not glossy. They are as perfect as possible, and we feel the subject matter is much different than you can get anywhere else. 3.0 wide x 4.0 high. Content: Representation of Indian art with black elephants on light gray background. We can personalize your bookplate (the font is CroissantD) - just email us the name. Any questions, click here to email us.
$ 4.00 + $ 2.85 first class shipping. International shipping available.