Awards, reviews, other editions, in reverse chronological order
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:
This captivating tale beautifully demonstrates that differences are a great and good thing, while also providing information about Galápagos creatures, and includes a mention of the real Galápagos tortoise named Harriet.
BOOKLIST:
...a story of enjoying life at your own pace...serene... beautiful large-scale vistas perfect for group sharing.
KIRKUS:
Slowing down and taking time to appreciate everything around you is precisely the value this simple story reflects. A journey of self-discovery in a unique environment.
TAKE YOUR TIME
coauthored with Eva Furrow
illustrated by Laurel Molk
2017 Henry Holt and Company
ISBN 978-0-8050-9521-0
HANDS & HEARTS
illustrated by Amy Bates
2014 Abrams
ISBN 978-1-4197-1022-3
KIRKUS:
This mother-daughter beach outing features an added layer: Throughout the day, they use American Sign Language to communicate... delightfully descriptive simplicity... will lead youngsters to imagine the feelings of a soft sea breeze and the sun on their faces...emphasizes the loving bond between the two.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:
...profound calm and quiet joy... poetic summertime story...
From childrensbooks.com: This is a beautiful and important book that introduces a child to ASL through a beautiful and accessible story.
READING TODAY ONLINE (International Reading Association): ...utter joy and delight of a beach outing ... touching story about the special bond between mother and daughter.
THE CROSSING
illustrated by Jim Madsen
2011 Simon & Schuster
ISBN 978-1-4169-9474-9
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starred review PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: ...poetic descriptions of the landscape and journey... a refreshing new angle ...
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: ...the sights, sounds, and smells of his incredible journey...a beautiful, atmospheric narrative that explores the possibilities of that momentous expedition [Lewis and Clark].
NEW YORK TIMES:
..poetic text and lush artwork tell an evocative story...
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
...this resonant book from the creators of Albert follows a grain of sand’s metamorphosis into a pearl. Napoli’s lyrical narrative imbues the tiny grain with emotions.
BOOKLIST:
... story of discovering self-worth...a thoughtful reminder that everything matters.
A SINGLE PEARL
illustrated by Jim LaMarche
2013 Hyperion
ISBN 978-142314557-8
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published in Spanish (Ediciones Obelisco, Barcelona, ISBN 978-84-16117-01-7)
MAMA MITI: WANGARI MAATHAI
AND THE TREES OF KENYA
illustrated by Kadir Nelson
2010 Simon & Schuster
ISBN 978-1-41693-505-6
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winner of the Anne Izard's Storytellers' Choice Award
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winner of the Frances and Wesley Bock Book Award
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Black-Eyed Susan Book Award list, Maryland Association of School Librarians
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Elementary California Readers list for 2013
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starred reviews KIRKUS & PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
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nominated for the NAACP Image Award
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Best Books of the Year list ESSENCE magazine
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Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
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Amelia Bloomer Project Recommended List
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used as the focal point for the Maryland Artist/Teacher Institute, summer 2013
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part of the Pearson MyView 2017 K-5 Reading Program
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25 Children’s Books to Nourish Curiosity by Food Tank
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in Chinese (Chang-Tang Int. Publishing Co., Taichung, Taiwan ISBN 978-986-6347-25-2)
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published in Japanese (Suzuki, Tokyo ISBN 978-4-7902-5223-8)
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to be in Spanish (Pearson)
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
breathtaking … a vivid portrait of the community from which Maathai's tree-planting mission grows.
From KIRKUS: …. This is, in a word, stunning
To hear the author reading the book, click here.
Above is a photo of children in Cura Orphanage (outside Nairobi) in Kenya, reading MAMA MITI. The orphanage (in 2011) cares for 50 children who have lost their parents to AIDS, providing safety, health, and a new family, full of hope.
THE EARTH SHOOK:
A PERSIAN TALE
illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska
2009 Hyperion Books
ISBN 978-1-4231-0448-3
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selected for the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show 2009
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW:
... beautiful modern children's fable ... a mystical quest to discover, or to remember what it means to be human. ...unforgettable experience for all the children lucky enough to read or have it read to them.
KIRKUS:
... A gorgeous , discussion-provoking read-aloud.
reviews more reviews another review
For a description of Donna Jo's visit to Iran in 2005, click here.
Product description: ... a bilingual, fun approach to help beginning readers, deaf and hearing, improve their comprehension of both English and American Sign Language ... the perfect bilingual book for teaching children to read and sign.
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
... a top pick for young readers
HANDY STORIES TO READ AND SIGN
coauthored with Doreen DeLuca
illustrated by Maureen Klusza
2009 Gallaudet University Press
ISBN 978-1-56368-407-4
accompanying DVD by Adrian Blue and Janiah Mitchell
ISBN 978-1-56368-433-3
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:
. .. endearing creatures ...engaging cast of neighborhood children, messy party decorations, the pig dressed up in bows, and the parrot causing chaos.
CORKSCREW COUNTS: A STORY ABOUT MULTIPLICATION (mathematics tale)
coauthored with Richard Tchen
illustrated by Anna Currey
2008 Henry Holt Books for Young Readers
ISBN 0-8050-7664-6
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
... decorative dots and swirls of indigenous Australian art... A useful introduction to a radically different culture...
READY TO DREAM
coauthored with Elena Furrow
illustrated by Bronwyn Bancroft
2009 Bloomsbury USA
ISBN 978-1-59990-049-0
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:
... illustrations dance across the pages as Bobby swings and frolics. .. well-written ... about acceptance and being true to oneself ...should find a home on most library shelves
To see the ASL signs used in this book, visit this dictionary.
BOBBY THE BOLD
coauthored with Eva Furrow
illustrated by Ard Hoyt
2006 Dial Books for Young Readers
ISBN 0-8037-2990-1
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:
... realistic story about fractions. ... The mix of magic and math is irresistible. ... librarians will want the pleasure of reading it aloud and exploring the possibilities the author provides ...
THE WISHING CLUB: A STORY ABOUT FRACTIONS (mathematics tale)
illustrated by Anna Currey
2007 Henry Holt Books for Young Readers
ISBN-13: 978-0-8050-7665-3
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in Korean (Gimm-Young Publishers, Seoul , Korea ISBN 978 89 349 3972 6)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:
... playful chaos ... fun-filled cartoons depict perfectly anthropomorphized animals...
HOTEL JUNGLE
coauthored with Shelagh Johnston
illustrated by Kenneth Spengler
2004 Mondo Publishing
ISBN 1-59336-002-9
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:
... a brother and sister who refreshingly exude a real warmth for one another. ...
PINK MAGIC
illustrated by Chad Cameron
2005 Clarion Books
ISBN 0-618-15985-1
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in Portuguese (PRESENTE MAGICO Caramelo, Sao Paulo, Brazil ISBN 85-7340-440-X)
BOOKLIST:
...energetic story... Exaggerated facial expressions and body language are used to great effect, enabling preschoolers to "read" this delightful tale on their own.
for a bimodal-bilingual versions of this book in many sign languages click here.
ROCKY THE CAT WHO BARKS
coauthored with Marie Kane
illustrated by Tamara Petrosino
2002 Dutton
ISBN 0-525-46544-8
FLAMINGO DREAM
illustrated by Cathie Felstead
2002 Greenwillow
ISBN 0-688-16796-9
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Bank Street College Best Books of the Year
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Zooba.com recommended for parenting about grief
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Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Book
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Renaissance Learning recommended list
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:
... aesthetically appealing and emotionally affecting ...simple and straightforward... depicts the stages of grief in an accessible and age-appropriate manner. ....
ALBERT
Illustrated by Jim LaMarche
2001 Harcourt
ISBN 0-15-201572-8
(pb 2005)
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Kentucky Bluegrass Award winner
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American Booksellers Association Pick of the Lists
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Children’s Book Sense 76 List
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SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Best Books
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Los Angeles Times Best Book
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St. Louis Post-Dispatch Best Children's Book
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starred review PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
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starred review SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
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boxed review BOOKLIST
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New York Public Library Children’s Books 2001
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New York Times Ten Best Illustrated Books 2001
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Bookbuilders West annual award
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nominated Arizona Young Readers Award
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nominated South Dakota Prairie Bud Award
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Hicklebee’s Selection
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Renaissance Learning recommended list
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in Korean (2005 Jakeunchaekbang ISBN 89-89773-36-9)
reviews and more reviews
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
... flawless prose… A magical marriage of art and text.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:
... a charming story of friendship, it also serves as an introduction to simple division. … humorous and realistic...
HOW HUNGRY ARE YOU? (mathematics tale)
coauthored with Richard Tchen
illustrated by Amy Walrod
2001 Simon& Schuster
ISBN 068983389X
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starred review PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
Teased by the other children because of his tremendous size, Nico saves the town against an invading army.
THE HERO OF BARLETTA
illustrated by Dana Gustafson
1988 Carolrhoda Books
ISBN 0-87614-277-3
(pb 1992 Dell)
WE ARE STARLINGS
co-authored with Robert Furrow
illustrated by Marc Martin
2022 Random House
ISBN 9780593381632
COMING SOON!
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a Junior Library Guild selection