Featured books by Candace Fleming
Candace Fleming writes novels, picture books, and biography, demonstrating a sense of humor, affection for food and history as well as the ability to see people as a individuals. Meet real and imagined characters who have lived in times past, perhaps next door to you today, or maybe not at all. But each is fresh and fun and sure to absorb readers.
A Big Cheese for the White House: The True Tale of a Tremendous Cheddar
President Thomas Jefferson is given a gift of a fine, quite large cheese to serve White House guests by the people of a small Massachusetts town. This humorous tale was inspired by actual events, documented in an author's note.
Boxes for Katje
Like most other places, Katje's small Dutch town has little since the end of the war. But a box has been sent by a girl from Indiana as part of a larger relief effort for post-war Europe. Inspired by real events, this unusual story of friendship is handsomely illustrated.
Clever Jack Takes the Cake
Jack is invited to the princess' birthday party but is too poor to buy a worthy gift so instead bakes a cake. It never gets delivered, however, but the clever boy gives the most lasting gift of all: an engaging story. Lively language and humorous illustrations are used in the original story told in the tradition of a folktale.
Gator Gumbo
Poor Gator has gotten so old that he lives on vegetables only, teased mercilessly by local animals. Gator's gumbo intrigues possum, skunk, and otter — with very zesty results. This satisfying parody is spiced up with local Cajun color and language.
Giant Squid
Dramatic illustrations and an equally dramatic narration combine to present the giant squid. Just as quickly as the squid emerges from its dark world to feed, it is gone. The stunning images and rich language move this intriguing book quickly, swimmingly along.
Go Sleep in Your Own Bed!
It’s nighttime on the farm and everyone is ready to snuggle in. But when Pig plops into his sty, he hears a MOOO! It seems no one wants to sleep in their own place. One by one, however, each displaces the interloper until sleep can really happen. Comic illustrations accompany the vivacious tale to its satisfying, sleepy conclusion.
Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera
Apis Mellifera, the worker honeybee, does a lot during its short life. Poetic language and highly detailed illustrations provide an up-close look at the bee, its hive, and expansive travels, cleverly seen in a double gatefold. Backmatter and further reading conclude this stunning book.
Imogene's Last Stand
Imogene's town has abandoned the building which she makes into a museum. Can feisty Imogene save the museum from destruction in the name of progress? She finds a letter (George Washington slept there!), protests, and puts herself in a stockade until the building is saved. This book is fast, funny, and rich with an appreciation for history.
Lowji Discovers America
Nine-year old Lowji Sanjana and his family move from a high-rise apartment in India to a garden-style apartment in suburban Illinois. Though lonely before school begins, Lowji befriends the landlady and a menagerie of animals as he adjusts to his new home.
Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!
Try as he might, Mr. McGreely cannot outwit three clever and hungry rabbits as they feast on his vegetable garden — muncha, muncha, muncha! But there's always something to be grateful for as both the gardener and the rabbits learn in this funny, alliterative tale.
Oh, No!
Ribbit-oops! Frog falls into a deep hole, followed by other animals who try to help. Oh, no! Stalked by a hungry tiger, saved by a gentle elephant the drama of the story is enhanced by richly hued illustrations and lots of playful patterns of sounds and language sure to be repeated.
Our Eleanor: A Scrapbook Look at Eleanor Roosevelt's Life
The life and times of Eleanor Roosevelt are presented chronologically as though one is examining a scrapbook. Much like the approach the author uses for other historical figures, this look at Eleanor is almost intimate, certainly thorough, and compelling.
Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen
How, Etzel, a German shepherd trained to be a fierce police dog came to be the much-loved and talented silent movie star is dramatically presented in this fictionalized account. Black and white illustrations create a sense of the time in which Strongheart lived and worked. Based on actual people and events, Strongheart’s story is sure to appeal to a new generation.
Sunny Boy! The Life & Times of a Tortoise
The life of a tortoise who wanted only to live his long life quietly is grabbed up to become the main ingredient in soup. When spared from this fate, Sunny Boy resides with three successive, unique generations of Pimplewhites in this rollicking tale.
The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School
No one wants to take on the 4th grade class at Aesop Elementary: that is until Mr. Jupiter appears on the scene. The new teacher captivates his students while helping them learn a few lessons (remember the school's name!) along the way.
The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Mary and Abraham Lincoln
The lives and times of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln are presented through written and pictorial information in a scrapbook-like format. A well developed, tragic portrait of Mary Lincoln emerges as her life is presented beyond the assassination of the President.
This Is the Baby
In a familiar cadence, meet the baby that hates to get dressed and the ever-patient mom who cajoles, tickles, and coax the baby into clothing. Bright illustrations and lively, repetitive language make this a fun book to share with the youngest child.
Tippy-Tippy-Tippy, Hide!
As Mr. McGreely prepares for winter, so do the three pesky, persistent rabbits first introduced in Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! But this time, they want to share Mr. Greely's house. Told and illustrated with verve and humor, this alliterative tale is sure to please.
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