Elaine Pease

Run Through Fire was a half-white and half Cheyenne twelve-year-old. He was the only one of his tribe who hadn't yet killed a buffalo. Until he did this one task he would not be looked upon as a hunter or warrior. Determined to succeed, he sets out on his own. One night on his hunt he was surprised when a spirit visited him and took him back to the time of the Sand Creek Massacre. He had survived along with others of his tribe. The spirit tells him that he is destined to survive another attack.

Run Through Fire's entire tribe was later captured by General Custer's men. As a result, Run Through Fire was forced to say good-bye to his mother and the other survivors of his tribe to go on a journey with Buffalo Bill to Fort Dodge. Run Through Fire's only thought was to escape to freedom. He would find just the right moment to escape, to blend in, especially since he could pass for white. Once he acquired his freedom he would return to his land and free his people. Run Through Fire would begin his long journey to becoming a man.

Pease has done an excellent job of bringing true life events from the late 1800's to life. Young readers will recognize familiar historical people such as General Custer, and Buffalo Bill. Boys and girls alike will want to read up on The Washita River Massacre and Sand Creek Massacre, to learn more details about these true events. Pease adds a fictitious character, Run Through Fire, to engage readers and to give them a special person they can relate to and cheer for. This easy to read tale would be an excellent addition for any home library or classroom.… (meer)

Spring has come and Little Leaf finally can uncurl herself and soak up the warm nourishing sun. Mother tree swayed and was happy with all of her little leaves. Little Leaf chatted with a momma bird and learned about nests, eggs, baby birds and how some day the little birds would grow and leave the nest. “Not me, said Little Leaf. I'll never leave.” Little Leaf grew and admired her surroundings as she nourished Mother tree. Soon the wind blew chilled air and the sun was not as warm as it once was. The rain had turned to ice and the birds were gone. One by one Little Leaf's sisters and brothers let go and flew away with the wind. Little Leaf hung on for as long as she could. Finally the wind took her for a ride to join the other leaves. She was now ready for the next part of her life.

Pease has created an excellent story that teaches young readers about trees, leaves and photosynthesis. Bright colored illustrations, fun facts and activities will have kids, parents and teachers placing this book on the top of their list.… (meer)

Did you know you are 52 times more likely to be bitten by a hamster than a shark? There are lots more fun facts about sharks and other creatures in this friendly tale of Hammy the hammerhead shark. Hammy is a lonely shark because he has no friends. Some of the other hammerhead sharks in the sea make fun of Hammy. They call him a whale or submarine. For fun, Hammy collects items he finds at the bottom of the sea and stashes them in a secret cave. It wasn't until Hammy met Gloompa, a sea urchin, did he realize he could possibly have a friend.

Pease does a great job of sharing a story about friendship. The back of the book has fun facts about sharks and other sea creatures. There is also a coded math game and an activity for kids to make their very own Gloompa. Fun and colorful paper cut illustrations will have young readers enthused about making their own sea world. Parents and Teachers will love this activity filled book for kids.… (meer)