New Releases by David Wisniewski

Retold from traditional sources and accompanied by David Wisniewski''s unique cut-paper illustrations, Golem is a dramatic tale of supernatural forces invoked to save an oppressed people. It also offers a thought-provoking look at the consequences of unleashing power beyond human control. The afterword discusses the legend of the golem and its roots in the history of the Jews. A Caldecott Medal Book.

Colorful cut-paper illustrations incorporating traditional Native American motifs from the Pacific Northwest complement the suspenseful story of Kchokeen, a young Tlingit woman, who saves her people from hostile strangers.

Grrr! growl the cats. Eeek! squeak the mice. So it has ever been in the battle between cat & mouse. But when feline crime strikes Tokyo, an unlikely hero strikes back. He''s not lean & mean. He''s round & profound. He''s Sumo Mouse! And he''s ready to wrestle all wrongdoers. But can this chubby champion of justice squash the sinister schemes of Dr. Claw? Or will evil finally pin Sumo Mouse to the mat? Intrigued by the power & ritual of sumo wrestling, author & illustrator David Wisniewski has wrestled brightly colored papers into action-packed collages for this titanic tale. To prepare this book he researched every aspect of the national sport of Japan.

Parents are always spouting these rules. Do they really care about nutrients and mattresses, or are they hiding something? Luckily, one fearless grown-up will risk his neck and his dignity to find out. Disguised as everything from a chocolate milk scuba diver to a giant nose, this counterspy uncovers the disturbing truth. And what he learns will shock you like nothing before. Startling suckface emergencies! Dangerous digit gangs! Powerful sumo cells! Those are just some of the secrets revealed in this book by Caldecott medalist David Wisniewski. But don′t let anyone catch you reading it-especially grown-ups. Who knows what could happen if they knew that you knew?

Sam Spade, move over! In his years on the force, Tough Cookie Busted the Ginger Snaps and broke up the Macaroons. Now living as a private eye at the bottom of the cookie jar, he learns that Fingers has gotten his old partner, Chips. With his best girl, Pecan Sandy, at his side, Tough Cookie sets out to put Fingers away, for keeps! This hilarious spoof will have readers rolling in the aisles. 00-01 Keystone to Reading Book Award Masterlist

The Wisniewskis, codirectors of the acclaimed Clarion Shadow Theatre, have modernized and simplified the techniques of the ancient art of shadow puppetry and created this easy step-by-step guide. After a brief overview of light and screen options, the authors show you how to introduce concepts of light and shadow to students. Stage directions, puppet patterns, scripts, projected scenery ideas, and a full range of astounding but readily achieved special effects help you quickly master any performance-from simple songs and rhymes to full-blown stories and plays. The special effects use such common materials as wax paper and colored plastic, and no art skills are needed. Suitable for the novice as well as the specialist, the guide has chapters on intermediate and advanced techniques for those who desire a more varied and complex production.

"An original saga, inspired by Viking lore, that explains the origins of the northern lights....Wisniewski''s prose resonates with the majesty of legend, and his handsome, dramatic cut-paper illustrations add dimension to a splendid tale."--Publishers Weekly.