Steve Metzger

A fresh and heartwarming story about Abraham Lincoln and the young girl who inspired his signature beard.Abraham Lincoln is one of the most recognizable people, let alone presidents, in the history of the United States. Perhaps it's because his face can be seen everywhere from the $5 bill in your wallet and the penny in your pocket to national monuments across the country. Or maybe it's simply because of his signature beard. Could you ever picture Lincoln without it? I bet you would never show more guess that there is one little girl in particular to thank for Lincoln's beard.LINCOLN AND GRACE is the story of Grace Bedell--the eleven-year-old who got a President to listen to her advice. In addition to learning the fascinating true story behind Lincoln's beard, children will love it because it shows that one voice--even one as small as their own--can matter. show less

This is an informative story about Pluto begin renamed a dwarf planet, but is disguised as a fun story about Pluto taking a trip across the galaxy to visit Earth scientists to get them to change their minds about their decision. Along the way, Pluto speaks to all three of his moons, most of the planets and even some comets. When he arrives at Earth, the scientists explain why he is no longer considered a planet and has been reclassified as a dwarf planet. Although Pluto doesn't like no show more longer being one of the nine planets, he discovers that children still learn about him.
Media: I thought pen and ink and watercolors, but the book says Rapidograph pen and Luma dyes
Genre: Informational ("Planets should be much larger than their moons, Astronomer B added. You're not."), Modern fantasy; science fiction fantasy as it plays with fact but the plot includes magical aspects ("I'll go visit Earth and demand to be a planet again. And with a mighty thrust, Pluto left his orbit and zoomed toward Earth. He asked other planets to help him out along the way.") show less

At Bear's urging, the forest creatures prepare for a visit from Santa Claus in this sweet holiday picture-book. Bear believes with all his heart, and every step of the way he reassures his friends that Santa will find the tree they're decorating, and bring presents for them. Badger is a bit grumpy, and provides the skeptic of the group, but in the end Bear's faith is rewarded, and the holiday gift-giver does indeed arrive...

There really isn't much to Waiting for Santa, which explores show more territory (woodland creatures having adventures involving Santa Claus) already well-covered in other holiday picture-books. That said, the tale author Steve Metzger sets out is heartwarming, and his conclusion, in which Bear is rewarded by being allowed to assist Santa will undoubtedly provide satisfaction to young listeners eager to meet Santa themselves. The artwork by Alison Edgson is cute - Santa's hat and beard look particularly fluffy here - although a little flat at times. Recommended to anyone looking for Christmas picture-books featuring woodland creatures and/or the idea of waiting for Santa Claus. show less

Teddy Jones stopped dead in his tracks when he saw a new ice cream shoppe. He pleaded with his mom to take him to get a treat. While he decided the server put a gold paper crown on his head. It was then that Teddy became the Ice Cream King. He dreamed of his ice cream kingdom and all the things he would do. But he looks around at his kingdom to find that he is all alone. He wanted someone to share it with. He took off his crown and decided he would just share a banana split with his mom.
This show more beautifully illustrated book is a rhyming adventure for kids, parents and teachers too. The soft pastel colors bring Teddy's ice cream kingdom to life. Kids will enjoy having the vibrant words roll off their tongues as they read. show less