Now that they're in fourth grade, Finch and his three buddies are afraid their days of playing superheroes are over. But then Fin begins hearing a strange voice in his head. To his amazement, the voice belongs to his old plaything, a superhero cape made from a towel. It boasts it can turn “ordinary mortals into extraordinary ones.” And it wants him and the guys to form a secret society—The Society of Super Secret Heroes (SSSH).
The Thinking Cape, as it wants to be called, has some wacky ideas about how to stop the school bully from bugging the guys, and how to help their new teacher make friends at school. Yet amazingly, things seem to be working out —until the magical mascot suddenly disappears. Can the four superheroes save it before its too late?
Editorial Reviews
What Booklist says of the THE GREAT CAPE RESCUE, “Shalant brings kids' fantasies into ordinary life...this will entertain kids who like stories about regular kids who turn superhero—even if they don't do it all by themselves. ”

School Library Journal says, "This genial fantasy emphasizes individual courage and initiative. Although the cape talks like a fabulous being straight out of the Arabian Nights, its actual powers are fairly limited, forcing the boys to do most of the real work. Relationships realistically reflect the changes kids go through between primary and early intermediate grades....a worthwhile choice for transition readers anxious to tackle a "big book."

Kirkus Review says, “The realistic setting, believable banter...and moderate suspense...contribute to the success of this briskly paced story for middle-grade readers. Realistic fiction with just a touch of fantasy—or imaginative play—This is a nice reminder that boys have relationship troubles, too.”

Bartleby of the Big Bad Bayou by Phyllis Shalant (Author) Reading level: Ages 9-12 Hardcover: 160 pages Publisher: Dutton Juvenile; [1st ed.] edition (July 21, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0525473661 ISBN-13: 978-0525473664

Bartleby, the red-eared turtle, and Seezer, the American alligator, have swum the Mighty Mississippi to reach bayou country, their true home. But when they find the creek where Seezer was born, they discover it’s ruled by Old Stump—a giant gator with a gargantuan appetite. Fortunately, Bartleby has a knack for making friends, and there is soon a new crew to count on, including a red-ear named Lucky Gal. Still, life in bayou country is full of challenges. Does Bartleby have what it takes to make this strange new world his own? Readers will cheer for the tiny but tough hero in this page turning sequel to Bartleby of the Mighty Mississippi.

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal Bartleby, a red-eared turtle, and his alligator friend, Seezer, have traveled through three seasons to make their way from their former lives as pets in New York State to their rightful home in bayou country. Sadly, when they arrive, the bayou is not as Seezer remembers it, nor as Bartleby imagined it. A huge and nasty gator, Old Stump, and his gang of four have taken over the area and eaten or frightened away most of the other animals. Bartleby is as courageous and clever as he was when he met Seezer in Bartleby of the Mighty Mississippi (Dutton, 2000) and he manages to outwit the numerous enemies he encounters in the swamp. Finally he meets other red-ears, as he has longed to do since he saw a nature special in his former home, and finds his match in plucky Lucky Gal. Friends and foes interact much like people and discover loyalties and harmony after surviving drought, bullies, and another spell in captivity. Fans of the first book will enjoy this story most but it can stand on its own. Touching and exciting, this fast and easy read will appeal even to reluctant readers.–Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FL Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist In a worthy follow-up to Bartleby of the Mighty Mississippi (2000), Shalant relates the adventures of the gentle-souled but resourceful red-ear turtle who has gone back to his roots. With his alligator friend, Seezer, Bartleby has managed to make it all the way from a New York pond to the bayou, only to find an unwelcoming committee of garfish and hostile alligators. The bayou's turtles are not very friendly, either, except for one with a damaged webbed foot named Lucky Gal. From here loyalties shift, unlikely alliances are forged, and daring rescues are made. In the end comes a true and satisfying homecoming. The story entertains as it informs. The bayou critters think and talk like ornery human beings, but Shalant also transmits substantial information about the eating, sleeping, and gathering habits of various species. The bayou becomes a model for how different personalities can learn to get along. In an amusing side note, sensitive, empathetic Bartleby comes to understand what a sweet, inarticulate urban dog is trying to say. Abby Nolan
Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved

When Pirates Came to Brooklyn by Phyllis Shalant, Reading level: Ages 9-12 Edition: Hardcover, Dutton Children's Books
ISBN 0-525-469-20-6

    Lee Bloom is drawn to the house on Avenue J by mysterious voices from behind the rose trellis. It isn't long before the girl who lives there, Polly Burke, invites Lee in for shipwreck, a poisoned-tea party, and best of all - flying lessons. Soon Lee and Polly have embarked on a high-energy friendship built around their exuberant imaginations - and the need to help Peter Pan fight the pirates that are coming by cloudship galleon.

    But pirates aren't the only threat Lee and Polly must battle in Brooklyn, 1960. Their mothers" bigotry threatens to destroy the girls friendship. Can imagination and friendship join hands and soar in a world where suspicion and bigotry are all too real and all too close - even, perhaps, within yourself? This beautifully wrought story of how two friends develop the courage to question their world and themselves - and to stand by the answers their hearts provide - will set readers spirits flying.

Booklist's Top Ten Books for Children About Religion 2003
Best Books of the Year, Bank Street College of Education

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal  Elements of magical realism enhance the story, as do scenes filled with humor, and the themes of prejudice and injustice may prompt readers toward further thought and discussion. Farida S. Dowler, formerly at Bellevue Regional Library, WA Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist Place and time are exceptionally well defined in this perceptive story that tackles an age-old dilemma for children: Are parents always right? Today's readers may not understand why Lee, at 11, can still believe in fairy tales and invisible things, but they will relate to her courage to question the world around her. Julie Cummins Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved

From Publishers Weekly This tender novel explores how clashing values, religions and cultures affect a Jewish girl growing up in Brooklyn in 1960. . . .  Shalant (Bartleby of the Mighty Mississippi; Beware of Kissing Lizard Lips) draws a striking contrast between harsh realities and childhood innocence and achieves a delicate balance between heart-wrenching events and uplifting scenes that convey the girls' sense of tolerance and compassion. With the story's hint of magic, the author invites readers to open their minds and look beyond appearances. Ages 9-12. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc

Bartleby of the Mighty Mississippi by Phyllis Shalant, Anna Vojtech (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 9-12 Paperback: 176 pages Publisher: Backinprint.com (April 10, 2007)
ISBN-13: 978-0595444779 ISBN-10: 0595444776

All Bartleby has known is the life of a pet--basking in his turtle bowl, eating lettuce, and being manhandled by the three boys who live with him. But when the boys watch a TV program about turtles from the Mississippi River, Bartleby sees one with red ear bands just like his. Is a great river his true home? Then the youngest boy accidentally leaves Bartleby at a nearby pond.

Readers will respond with understanding as Bartleby learns to hunt, makes loyal friends, outsmarts dangerous foes, and discovers in himself strength, determination, and courage. For there is another discarded pet in the pond, an alligator who also hails from the Mississippi and wants to find his way back there. Bartleby has a great desire to seek the wild, rushing water that haunts his turtle naps. But can a small turtle hold his own with a gruff and growing alligator (Seezer)? Children will relish this imaginative novel with its marvelous characters and many-layered adventures.

    Junior Library Guild Selection
    New York Public Library, Children's Books, 100 Best Titles
    Washington Irving Children's Choice, Honor Book 2002
    Golden Sower Award, nominee
    Georgia State Children's Book Award nominee, 2002-2003

Editorial Reviews
From Booklist  "Tiny, tough, loyal, and canny, Bartleby is easily the most redoubtable animal character down the pike since Avi's Poppy." John Peters Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved

From School Library Journal "A warm, sweet allegory about the pains of growing up ... A gentle story with an ethical and likable main character dealing with his own uniqueness,"

From Kirkus Reviews  "... a delightful fantasy ... the cover aptly conveys the final amiable relationship that is reached between Seezer and Bartleby when they realize they must put aside their opposite natures and work as a team to reach their final destination. (Fiction. 8-11) -- Copyright 2000 Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

  CLICK TO FIND

I love to speak with young readers. That's why my visits to schools and libraries are always interactive experiences. Whenever I meet with a group, I try to find our common ground. From there, we discuss the process of creating story. I always encourage my audience to share their ideas with me. We have fun together as we explore the elements of writing.

Author Talks
In these presentations I use stories from my life and excerpts from my writer's notebook to show how real life can be the inspiration for fiction. Whether focusing on a single title or on several titles, I discuss the writing techniques that help make a book unique and special. Some of the topics I've covered include:

• Writing Like a Turtle
• #1 Secret Weapon—My Writer's Notebook
• The Year I Learned to Fly

Author talks can be held in a school library, an auditorium, or a classroom, depending on the size of your group. All presentations can be tailored to the needs of your students.

New Writing Workshop!
The Secrets of Fantasy Writing
Whether it's a favorite superhero, a lucky pen, or a Magic Eight Ball, fantasy plays a part in every childhood. But how does a young writer transfer his or her experience into writing? This workshop—based on Phyllis Shalant's book, The Great Cape Rescue—includes a discussion of the elements of fantasy and reveals the three basic “rules” of writing modern fantasy. During the workshop, youngsters participate in a thought-provoking writing exercise that will lead them to writing fantasy scenes of their own.

Professional Fees are flexible depending on the circumstances of your group. A general fee range is $750 - $1,000 for three sessions, plus travel expenses. If necessary, a fourth session can be added for an additional charge.

Contact

Phyllis Shalant
17 Palisade Ave.
White Plains, NY 10607

Phone (914)592-2278

mailto:nonshalant@phyllisshalant.com

Website http://www.PHYLLISSHALANT.com

To return to state page click HERE.     10/03/07 date last edited