Books by Juanita Havill

 

I Heard It from Alice Zucchini : Poems About the Garden
by Juanita Havill, Christine Davenier (Illustrator), 2006, Chronicla Books.

"Kindergarten-Grade 6 - A bountiful harvest of lyrical poems that expresses delight in the world of nature. It is hard to resist singing such selections as Dainty Doily Dill Weed: Dainty Doily Dill Weed/dances in the breeze,/waving yellow blossoms,/calling to the peas. The poems are easily committed to memory due to their flawless rhythms and storytelling narratives. In Nursery Rhyme, the King of the Beetles and his queen, both wearing armor of golden green, will lose their home when the Rhubarb forest is baked in a pie. In another poem, a sweet but short marriage is arranged between a bee and Sweet Cicely, who laments, 'I flower in May,/in June, go away./How could we have enough time?' Havill knows how to craft a lullaby, a lyric to be sung, and a rhyme that begs chanting. Well suited to the charm of the verse, Davenier's pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations transport readers to the ground level of the garden alongside mice, snails, crickets, and a busy young fairy. The book's arrangement reflects the cyclical movement from season to season. A table of contents offers 20 poems ripe for the picking from this first-choice book."
Teresa Pfeifer, Alfred Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, Springfield, MA

 

Jamaica's Find (Reading Rainbow)
by Juanita Havill, Anne Sibley O'Brien (Illustrator), 1987, Houghton Mifflin.

"There are happy endings all around when Jamaica finds an old stuffed animal and has the satisfaction of returning it to the grateful owner. Ages 4-8."
Publisher's Weekly

 

Jamaica and Brianna
by Juanita Havill, Anne Sibley O'Brien (Illustrator), 1996, Houghton Mifflin.

"Peer approval and the need for good communication are the themes of this quietly appealing story. Like many younger siblings, Jamaica is often stuck wearing hand-me-downs, in this case, her big brother's "old gray boots." After her friend Brianna makes fun of Jamaica for wearing "boy boots," the resourceful heroine enlarges a hole in the toe of one of the offending galoshes, thus speeding up the need for a trip to the shoe store. When Jamaica returns to school, resplendent in a brand-new pair of cowboy boots, Brianna is once again ready with a put-down. Hurt, Jamaica retaliates with a remark about Brianna's own footwear. As in her previous Jamaica books, Havill displays a clear grasp of what matters to children. The simple, direct prose finds its complement in O'Brien's cozy, realistic watercolors. The pictures of Jamaica and Brianna are convincing; an additional pleasure are the vividly rendered bit players (Jamaica's classmates and family) who grace the background of nearly every page. Ages 4-8."
Publisher's Weekly

 

Jamaica's Blue Marker
by Juanita Havill, Anne Sibley O'Brien (Illustrator), 2003, Houghton Mifflin.

"PreSchool-Grade 2 - Jamaica is not thrilled about having to share her blue marker with Russell. He never has the supplies he needs, and this time he takes the marker and draws all over her picture. The next day, she discovers that he is moving. With the help of her father, she begins to understand that her classmate is mean because he is unhappy about leaving and gives him her blue marker to remember her by. Havill once again captures important events in the lives of young children through the kind and thoughtful Jamaica. Through an everyday occurrence, she learns a strong lesson about feelings?her own as well as others'. O'Brien's full-page watercolor illustrations feature a multiethnic classroom and beautifully reflect the expressions and moods of the main characters."
Publisher's Weekly

 

Eyes Like Willy's
by Juanita Havill, David Johnson (Illustrator), 2004, HarperCollins.

"Grade 5-9 Ð Childhood friends are separated by tragic world events in this thoughtful World War I tale. Guy and Sarah live in Paris and vacation with their parents in Austria in the summer of 1906. There they make a fast friend in Willy, who is Austrian. The three children become inseparable and spend every summer vacation together. However, as Europe is drawn into the political turmoil leading to World War I, Guy and Willy, now young men, find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict. Both become soldiers and fight for their countries, hoping to be reunited as friends someday. The story is told from Guy's point of view, from his childhood with Willy to his experiences as a soldier in the trenches. It follows a natural progression from the three characters' youthful innocence to a more mature, worldly wise voice. The pacing is quick and the depiction of war is not glossed over, but realistic and honest. The writing is spare; every word counts. Pair this memorable story with Theresa Breslin's Remembrance (2002) and Iain Lawrence's Lord of the Nutcracker Men (2003, both Delacorte) for different viewpoints of the era."
Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH

 

Brianna, Jamaica, and the Dance of Spring
by Juanita Havill, Anne Sibley O'Brien (Illustrator), 2001, Houghton Mifflin.

"Kindergarten-Grade 3 -- After a handful of books featuring Jamaica, the title of this story signals a shift of the limelight to Brianna. The two young friends are to dance in a ballet recital, cast as a sunflower and a bumblebee. Both girls admire and slightly envy Brianna's older sister, Nikki, who is featured as the butterfly queen. Somewhat predictably, Nikki falls ill and Brianna, who has learned the coveted role, is prepared to step in. But, in a surprise twist, she also comes down with the bug and the show goes on without either of them. The narration then turns to the two sick girls at home on the night of the recital. When they are well, they get together with Jamaica to perform for their families. This author/illustrator team works well together in portraying realistic children in an ethnically diverse setting. Each child in the ballet class has a distinct physical appearance that suggests an individual personality. The girls' families are supportive and involved. The watercolor-and-pastel illustrations of the various places, dance movements, and costumes are affectionately real-not slick or romanticized. Readers who have come to enjoy the earlier books for their calm and sensible approach to the everyday dilemmas that Jamaica faces will certainly want to read this one. Newcomers will, too."
Dorian Chong, San Jose State University, CA

 

Jamaica and the Substitute Teacher
by Juanita Havill, Anne Sibley O'Brien (Illustrator), 2001, Houghton Mifflin.

"Kindergarten-Grade 2 - Jamaica and her classmates have a substitute teacher for the week. Mrs. Duval is warm, encouraging, and fun, and the children are eager to please her. When it's time for the spelling test, Jamaica realizes that she's forgotten to study and copies from a friend. Troubled, she confesses to Mrs. Duval, who reassures her that she doesn't have to be perfect to be special in her class. The full-color artwork depicts a modern classroom with a diverse student body. O'Brien focuses her attention and detail on the two main characters, bringing them visually to the front of the illustrations. A delightful story with a gentle message."
Alice DiNizo, Plainfield Public Schools, NJ

 

Leroy and the Clock
by Juanita Havill, Janet Wentworth (Photographer), 1988, Houghton Mifflin.

"Visiting his grandfather all by himself for the first time, five-year-old Leroy has trouble getting used to the routine and the big loud clock that bongs every hour."

 

Treasure Nap
by Juanita Havill, Elivia Savadier (Illustrator), 1992, Houghton Mifflin.

"A favorite family story acts as a lullaby in this picture book. When Alicia complains that it is too hot to take a nap, her mother sets up a cooler place for them downstairs. As the fan blows across a bowl of ice cubes, Alicia and baby Ramon nod off as Mama tells the story of how their great-grandmother came to the U.S. from Mexico many years ago, carrying her treasure--a serape, a pito (flute-like instrument), and a wooden bird cage that is still valued in Alicia's family today. Havill's ( Jamaica Tag-Along ) unassuming text has a calming quality, perfect for bedtime reading. When paired with Savadier's bright palette, the story's images spring to life with ethnic flair. Unfortunately, several of Savadier's human figures are misshapen, but the warmth of the tale compensates for this shortcoming. Ages 4-8. "
Publisher's Weekly

 

Sato and the Elephants
by Juanita Havill, Jean Tseng, Mou-Sien Tseng, 1993, HarperCollins.

"Grade 2-4-A visually attractive book, created to help children understand one of the ugly realities of the world-the slaughter of African elephants for the ivory trade. The story is told from the perspective of a Japanese boy who learns the craft of ivory carving from his father, allowing readers to identity with someone whose proud way of life and livelihood are threatened by the world's ecological concerns. His painful decision to give up his hard-won skill in favor of carving in stone begins with his discovery of a bullet in a large piece of ivory. He then has a dream of being with the elephants on the African plain. The text is straightforward and contains interesting details, but the mood is developed largely through the fine watercolor illustrations. They primarily depict images of modern Japan, yet show the continuity of traditional ways. The pages are beautifully composed, using a variety of dominant colors to convey changing feelings, and are filled with the kind of detail that fascinates children. However, because the transition into the dream is so seamless, the book's message is likely to be confusing and unconvincing to readers. The approach here is creative, but the story's appeal and effectiveness are limited by its unclear dream sequence."
Loretta Kreider Andrews, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore

 

Jamaica Tag-Along
by Juanita Havill, Anne Sibley O'Brien (Illustrator), 1990, Museum of Zoology, Houghton Mifflin.

"Termed by PW "as sensitive and charming as its predecessor," this sequel to Jamaica's Find tells of Jamaica's hurt feelings when her older brother won't let her tag along with his friends. Ages 4-8."
Publisher's Weekly

 

It Always Happens to Leona
by Juanita Havill, 1991, Random House Books for Young Readers.

"Grade 3-6 -- It's tough being in the middle, as eight-year-old Leona knows. With a hip older sister and a younger brother who reminds people of a teddy bear, Leona is having a hard time being noticed, even when she jumps off the high diving board and gets stuck on the roof while rescuing her favorite purple purse. But when Uncle Rosco turns up for a family get-together, Leona thinks her day may finally have arrived. He knows stories about the naughty things her mother did as a child, doesn't mind if she shares his coffee, and takes her for a spin on his motorcycle. What she discovers, however, after a frightening tumble into Lake Michigan, is that she is loved after all and her parents are sympathetic to her feelings when she shares them. Leona is a feisty sort, and her constant involvement in messes, sometimes intentional, sometimes innocent, keeps the story moving at a fast pace, although the potential danger of some of her antics is unsettling. There is enough detail about the supporting characters for readers to know them, especially the easy-going, humorous Rosco. Leona's discussion with her parents at the conclusion gets across clearly, without belaboring the point, that people need to share their feelings and to understand that everything in life is not always equal. The simple illustrations and the "Annie"-look McCully gives Leona match well with the breezy style of the writing. A story even "non-middles" should enjoy.
Joanne Aswell, Long Valley Middle School, NJ
School Library Journal

 

Leona and Ike
by Juanita Havill, 1992, Random House Books for Young Readers.

"Grade 3-5 -- A wonderfully true-to-life story of two very different children who become friends through necessity and discover that they really like each other for, or maybe in spite of, their differences. Leona and her new neighbor Ike get off to a rocky start but are soon doing things together because they are both desperate for company. Ike's parents are divorced, he is an only child, and he has an enormous talent for playing the cello. Leona feels very ordinary by comparison; she has two loving parents, a brother and a sister, and no outstanding talents. When Ike's parents suddenly decide that he should leave town and live with his father, the children are devastated and immediately begin to plot his escape. Havill does not dwell on the divorce situation, but is realistic about the pain it causes the boy. The main characters are portrayed as real children; their concerns and reactions are typical of their age group. The pen-and-ink illustrations enhance the changing moods of the story. Sure to be a hit with young readers.
Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC"
School Library Journal

 

Kentucky Troll
by Juanita Havill, Bert Dodson (Illustrator), 1993, Lothrop Lee & Shepard.

"This diverting and unusual tale stars, of all things, a Swedish troll who journeys to frontier America. Endeavoring to make a life among the folks in his new Kentucky home, Young Troll disguises himself as a man, acquires material goods and pines for a wife. Narrated in a droll and gentle style that falls pleasantly on the ear, Havill's ( Jamaica's Find ) somewhat lengthy saga possesses many of the ingredients of a homespun folktale: the pretty country lass who catches Young Troll's eye, the magic powder that allows the hero to churn unsurpassed butter, the townsfolk who mass in search of the troll after his magic goes awry. These discrete elements, however, never build to a satisfying climax--instead, the thwarted protagonist simply withdraws from society, concluding that people and trolls were never intended to mix. Dodson's ( Supergrandpa ) illustrations portray a suitably ugly--and occasionally oddly appealing--title character, but ultimately, apart from a certain cuteness, lack a distinguishing style. Ages 5-up." Ages 7-11"
Publisher's Weekly

 

Saving Owen's Toad
by Juanita Havill, 1994, Hyperion.

"Grade 4-5 - Poor Owen is suffering from the proverbial "little brother syndrome." As the youngest of three children, he feels bullied, looked down upon, overwhelmed, and always slighted. This situation is amplified by the fact that he and his brother Richard are represented as two stereotypically opposite types. Owen is gentle, kind, and loves animals. Richard would rather shoot them, and is bossy and domineering. When he thinks up a money-making venture of catching and selling toads to the neighbors, Owen stands up to his brother and sabotages the enterprise. Richard's personality is transformed after he feels responsible for an accident that forces Owen to have stitches in his leg. His main motive seems not to be remorse but fear that Owen will tell on him. This is a light, fast-paced read, but the older boy's complete turnaround is somewhat implausible and makes for sketchy characterization."
Alexandra Marris, Rochester Public Library, NY
School Library Journal

 

Jennifer, Too
by Juanita Havill, 199?, Hyperion.

"Grade 2-3-In these three episodes, Jennifer is bored and wants to join her older brother, Matt, and his friend in their exciting escapades. And so, when she finds the boys wearing raincoats and pretending to be spies, she dresses in her own disguise - a pillowcase-and solves a mystery at a neighbor's house. Next, while the boys tell ghost stories in the attic, she and her cat unintentionally frighten them away. Lastly, she wants to be a knight, but is told that she must be either the queen or the wizard. However, when she creates majestic shields for them, the boys are impressed and anoint her "Sir Jennifer." This slight book cleverly makes the point that girls should demonstrate their capabilities to boys who treat them stereotypically. The large type, easy-reader format, and simple language make it appealing to beginning readers. While similar in format to the "Something Queer" series by Elizabeth Levy, the black-and-white sketches here are bland, and add little to the humorous, enjoyable plot. While not a surefire winner, this title does have merit and may appeal to reluctant readers.
Debra S. Gold, Parma Heights Library, Parma, OH
School Library Journal

 

The Magic Fort
by Juanita Havill, Linda Shute (Illustrator), 1991, Houghton Mifflin.

While playing in their "magic fort," an easily climbable tree, Kevin's brother Joseph breaks his arm, teaching both boys a lesson in responsibility and playing together.

 

Farmer Gus and the Very Big Sneeze
by Juanita Havill, Bill Hartman (Illustrator), 2000, Scott Foresman.

 

Aliens in Ancient Egypt
by Juanita Havill, Peter Ferguson (Illustrator), 2001, Addison-Wesley Education Pub.

Leveled Reader 179 B: scholastic book to improve vocabulary and critical thinking. Level: easy/average.

 

Shoebox Library Level 9
by Gay Su Binnell, Delores Johnson, Kevin Henkes, Tony Johnston, Tomie dePaola, Mike Thaler, Virginia Lee Burton, Juanita Havill, Aesop, Bernice Chardiet, 1996, Scholastic.

Set of 32 (4 copies of each title) paperback Level 9 Scholastic SHOEBOX LIBRARY books in matching storage box, with corresponding Shoebox Library folder. The folder includes a paperback Teacher's Guide (ISBN# 0-590-84308-7), sheet of Level 9 Shoebox Library stickers, and a packet of Shoebox Library Cards. The titles of books are: The Best Teacher in the World, City Mouse-Country Mouse, Jamaica's Find, Katy and the Big Snow, Pack 109, The Quilt Story, Sheila Rae the Brave, and What Kind of Baby Sitter is This?