A fountain of inspiration! From the Japanese-American internment camps to the creation of the San Francisco School of the Arts, Ruth Asawas life journey is one filled with challenges and obstacles turned into triumphs through perseverance and a unique vision. Known as the Fountain Lady of San Francisco due to the many fountains she designed, Asawa experimented with unconventional mediums, using lines, space, and wire to create dimensional sculptures. Author Joan Schoettler spoke with Asawas daughter, viewed countless pieces of art, and gathered information from around the country to create this profile of the extraordinary woman, teacher, and artist Ruth Asawa. The thorough research of illustrator Traci Van Wagoner is vividly apparent in the dynamic depictions of Asawa and her life that are sure to fascinate and inspire young readers.

Out of a bitter storm comes a gift that saves a village. In this adaptation of an Italian folktale, the young fisherman Gianni braves the thawing, ice-bound lagoon of Burano to catch fish to feed the starving people of his island. His fiancee, Nicoletta, prays for his safety. Gianni, swept from his fishing boat, is rescued by a mermaid who whips the water into a length of elegant lace, which she gives to Gianni for Nicoletta's wedding veil. This gorgeously illustrated tale recounts the mythical origins of Burano lace, whose production has long been a vital part of the island's economy and vibrant culture, ensuring the islanders would never go hungry. The lace is still famed throughout the world for its scalloped, wave-like patterns.

Kirkus Reviews calls Daddy Did I Ever Say? Love You, Every Day a] charming tale. A cute, curly-haired, kindergarten-aged girl opens the story by asking her father if she's ever told him how much she loves him. She loves him, she explains, because of how he plays, tickles, squeezes, chases, even roughhouses with her. She loves him because whenever she's afraid at night, she knows she can always find him, and he'll make her feel better. ... T]he sentiment is sweet and Van Wagoner's illustrations are eye catching, though it's the little girl's expression that shines through on every page. The verse Cobb has penned is appealing and... t]he idea behind the story of the little girl and her doting father is charming .] --Kirkus Reviews