Run, Spot, Run

REVIEWS

Reviews for "White Star"

"...the novel's inherently gripping historical underpinnings, clearly well-researched by Crisp, keep the story afloat."    -Publisher's Weekly

"This wonderful piece of historical fiction follows the accounts of what actually happened, includes real as well as fictionalized characters, and provides an accurate picture of what an upper-class boy and a dog would have undergone during the tragedy (of the Titanic sinking)."                  -Children's Literature

"A fresh approach to a popular topic that is both engaging and informative."                               -School Library Journal

"Filled with interesting facts about the famous ocean liner, this tale manages to offer some little-known tidbits and debunks some myths...an interesting look at a familiar subject."          -Kirkus Reviews

Featured on Scholastic's Spring 2005 "Read A Great Tale" book club author video.

Horrible photo, but, still, that's me (above, oval, left)  with Milvina Dean, at a Titanic Society convention. Milvina Dean survived the sinking of the S.S. Titanic. She was a nine-week-old baby when the ship went down in April 1912. I'm in costume in the photo, dressed as a steerage (third class) passenger.

Reviews for "Everything Dolphin"

"The text never seems overwhelming or intimidating... with broad appeal for both browsers and researchers, makes a good addition to natural history collections" -School Library Journal

Reviews for "Private Captain"

"Written from the civilian perspective, the story of Ben's conflicting emotions illustrates the grim reality of the Civil War...the brutality of war is characterized through vivid description...(but) this story is also about the relationship between humans and animals, anchored by Captain and Ben's feelings for him...Crisp's extensive research is obvious, and her ability to capture the sights and emotions of the time make this novel a satisfying read." -VOYA

"This haunting story examines the inevitable futility of conflict that results in battle and the loss of human life...Beautifully written, this can be a most effective work to be used in conjunction with a study of the Civil War."    -Alan Review

"Crisp manages a remarkable feat here: she melds the well-rounded characterization and vivid attention to detail common to classic writers of historical fiction with the more colloquial and leaner writing style of more recent authors."          -School Library Journal

"Sturdy, unadorned historical fiction." - Kirkus Reviews

A Junior Library Guild Selection, a Scholastic book clubs pick, a Carolyn Field honor book, and a Pennsylvania Children's Choice List book.

Reviews for "Everything Cat"

"...a companion to the author's "Everything Dog" once again uses a Q&A format to reveal the truth about these often mysterious creatures." -Publishers Weekly

"...chatty, informal style that makes for easy reading...Children will love sharing odd facts about these mysterious animals." -School Library Journal

"Good captions, factoids, and an attractive, kid-appealing layout make this slim volume the cat's meow."             -Kirkus Reviews

A Scholastic book clubs pick

Reviews for "Everything Dog"

"Organized by questions phrased the way a child might pose them, `Everything Dog' answers a plethora of queries."             -Publisher's Weekly

"readable text...plenty of canine facts in a browsable format. A first purchase."                           -School Library Journal

"...a crisply written collection of canine trivia that will intrigue young readers...This first entry in the Kids' FAQs series will be useful for both recreational reading and school reports on man's (and many a kids's) best friend."                              -Kirkus Reviews

A Scholastic book clubs pick

Reviews for "Totally Polar"

"the simple rhyme will appeal to a read-aloud audience." - Kirkus Reviews

"Eisner's full-bleed spreads make the most of Crisp's satisfying singsong text with a palette of frosty greens, purples and blues, and subtle snowflake motifs throughout the volume...even the most summer-loving readers will likely appreciate this young hero's cool fantasy."                                                - Publishers Weekly

"Written in catchy poetic jingles, Peter is sure to capture the hearts of all who love winter."      -Children's Literature

"Whether sailing to Popsicle ports or building a gigantic snowman, it is great fun to share in Peter's polar obsession and be drawn into the action." -Cahners Business

A Storytellers' Association of America honor book and a Scholastic book clubs book.

Hope Smith, a wonderful Los Angeles-area author/actress, was with me when we found "Black and White" facing out (a very rare occurrence!) at a Century City book store in L.A.

Reviews for "Black and White"

"It seems all the animals on Bud's farm are black and white, so when Bud's new black-and-white dog disappears, he has a difficult time finding it. Is that a tail wagging among the grazing sheep? Was there something moving in the shadow of the pony's stall? Bud may not be having any luck spotting his wayward pup, but Neidigh's realistic illustrations make it easy for little ones to find the camouflaged dog among the other black-and-white farm animals. Try this with three- and four-year-olds, who won't tire of searching for the dog in each scene...the collection of black-and-white animals -- Barred Plymouth Rock chickens and English Spot rabbits, for example -- can also provide some interesting extension activities." -Booklist

"This clever book features camouflaged pictures for youngsters. They're realistic looking and gorgeous...in the end, the boy who thought his new dog might not fit in finds he blends in almost too well." -The Manchester (Conn.) Journal Inquirer

Reviews for "Ratzo"

Ratzo won the Dog Writers Association of America Children's Book of the Year Medal in 1999 

"...Josh and his family are well-drawn, believable characters with strengths and weaknesses readers will understand...this should be popular with dog lovers.'"  -Booklist

"...Ratzo is the first book of its kind to sensitively and effectively introduce young readers to the plight of the racing greyhound in a manner that does the subject justice. Marty Crisp's non-patronizing style does not sacrifice fact for safer fiction...Similar in spirit to the much acclaimed "Shiloh," Ratzo is the story of a boy's empathic coming-of-age. As the book concludes, the moral lesson is that "one person can make a difference." Indeed, Marty Crisp has, by educating the next generation of potential track-goers."  -Animal People, News For People Who Care About Animals

Reviews for "Buzzard Breath"

Buzzard Breath was named to the  Maryland Children's Choice Black-Eyed Susan List, 1996-97

This is a promising debut, full of energy and ripe with thoughtful themes. -Publisher's Weekly

Reviews for "My Dog, Cat"

"...formulaic but still funny...Abbie sees that size is not as important as he thought...middle-graders will recognize the milieu and the characters, especially as they are portrayed in True Kelley's amusing ink-and-wash illustrations." - Booklist

A Scholastic book clubs pick, a Tennessee Children's Choice list book