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March 1st, 2010
 + + + Crocodile Attack (Extreme Adventures)
Author: Justin D’Ath
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 121 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (January 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279327
ISBN-13: 978-1935279327
Book description: A robber has kidnapped Sam Fox and his cousin Nissa during a tropical cyclone. When the getaway car crashes into the raging Crocodile River, Sam and Nissa must face one ordeal after another to survive against incredible odds. Sam fights to keep his head above water and Nissa out of the jaws of certain death. As the waters rise and the crocodiles close in, Sam must push himself to the limits of endurance.
Book review: Crocodile Attack is a short, fast-paced action book that can be read easily within an hour. It is the first book in the Extreme Adventures series.
Here’s the breakdown:
Hook/Setting: The story starts pretty fast, the main character’s cousin is kidnapped in a store robbery by page 5. The setting is sweet and simple.
Character(s): The main character, Sam Fox, is a believable young boy who is dedicated to protecting his two-year-old niece, Nissa. I like that D’Ath had Nissa speak like a young child actually does, she mixes her Ss up with her Ts.
Events/Plot: The plot is fast-paced with one action scene after another. Sam is definitely pushed to his limits as he tries to protect himself and his young cousin.
Reader Excitability/Overall Presentation: Some events seem a little far-fetched, but the book is a cliff hanger all the way through. I would recommend this book to children who love adventure stories.
Review by N.C., 15-yrs old.
Tags: adventure, Ages 9-12, Author last name D, Extreme Adventures, Recommended titles, survival, Title C, Title E
Posted in Author Last Name |
March 1st, 2010
 + + + Gold Dragon Codex
Author: R. D. Henham
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Mirrorstone (January 12, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786953489
ISBN-13: 978-0786953486
Book description: Unlock the secret of the gold dragon…
When the blue dragon Lazuli threatens to destroy Sandon’s village of Hartfall, Sandon vows to locate the legendary gold dragon, once Hartfall’s sworn protector, and convince it to return. Sandon finds the gold dragon’s lair–only to stumble on a secret that throws everything he thought he knew about his home and his family into question. Filled with everything readers love about dragons–power, action, and intrigue–this tale shows what one boy can accomplish when he finds the strength of a dragon lies within himself.
Book review: The Gold Dragon Codex is a touching last story of the dragon codex series. Like the other Dragon Codex books, the Gold Dragon Codex has its own story to it so you do not have to read all the other books, you can just read and enjoy.
Here’s the breakdown:
Hook/Setting: The opening is decent. I like that it gives the history of the valley and the setting is well-established.
Character(s): The protagonist (Sandon) is a kind-hearted young boy who has admirable character traits such as honesty, loyalty, and courage. The other characters that Sandon meets are well developed and help bring the story together.
Events/Plot: The plot is well thought out and has a many unexpected turns in it. Not all the characters are what they seem to be. Henham keeps readers on their toes.
Reader Excitability/Presentation: I like that Henham has unexpected twists in the story and a seemingly unsolveable mystery. This book is definitely recommended to Dragon Codex fans.
Review by N.C., 15-yrs old.
Tags: adventure, Ages 9-12, Author last name H, Dragon Codex, Dragon Codices, dragons, fantasy, Recommended titles, Title G
Posted in Author Last Name |
March 1st, 2010
 + + + + Noodle Pie
Author: Ruth Starke
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 189 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (March 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279254
ISBN-13: 978-1935279259
Book description: It’s Andy’s first trip on an airplane when he and his dad travel to Vietnam to meet all his relatives. Talk about culture shock! Everyone calls him by his Vietnamese name instead of Andy and he is stunned to discover the family restaurant is nothing like what he expected. Somehow though, Andy helps his Vietnamese family and his dad come to see things in a new way.
Book review: Noodle Pie is a warm story about a boy who learns more about his Vietnamese family and their culture. The main character, Andy, visits Vietnam for the first time with his father, an escaped refugee who is returning for the first time to visit his family. Andy experiences culture shock and at first thinks little of his family and their small, dirty restaurant. However, things change over time as he grows to understand and like his family.
I found Noodle Pie particularly interesting because it focuses on the Vietnamese culture which I didn’t know much about. I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys coming-of-age stories. – R.C., 15-yrs-old.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name S, coming-of-age, culture, family, Highly Recommended titles, Title N, Vietnam
Posted in Author Last Name |
March 1st, 2010
 + + + Inspector Jacques (Jack Russell: Dog Detective)
Authors: Darrel & Sally Odgers
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 79 pages
Publisher: Kane Miller Book Publishers; 1 edition (January 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279173
ISBN-13: 978-1935279174
Book description: There’s another dog detective in town, and he thinks he’s Jack’s sup-paw-rior ! Jack is not impressed when he meets Inspector Jacques, a French Bulldog who tries to solve human crimes. But when Jacques and his person accuse Sarge of being an art thief, it’s up to Jack to solve the mystery!
Book review: Inspector Jacques is a cute mystery from a dog’s perspective. The main character is a Jack Russell terrier who prides himself on being top dog and a dog detective. I would recommend this book to the younger crowd, particularly elementary kids and those who are building their reading skills (especially if the have a fondness for mysteries and dogs). The short chapters, charming illustrations and dog related vocabulary (such as ‘im-paw-tant’ for important and ’sup-paws’ for surprise) as well as the story itself would be a good read for them. – R.C., 15 yrs. old.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name O, dogs, mystery. Jack Russell Dog Detective, Recommended titles, Title I
Posted in Author Last Name |
March 1st, 2010
 + + + + + Virginia
Author: Susan Hughes
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (March 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554533074
ISBN-13: 978-1554533077
Book description: Fourteen-year-old Ivy is flabbergasted when her childhood friend Virginia claims that she has been visited by an angel who has asked her to bear the child of God. As Ivy struggles to understand and help her friend, she uncovers more secrets, including an apocalyptic plot being devised by Virginia’s weird brother, Paul. Ivy suspects Paul’s activities must connect in some way to Virginia’s claim but she’s uncertain how. Soon Ivy finds herself caught up in a chain of events she has no control over.
Book review: I enjoyed Virginia very much. It was a nice fast-paced and suspenseful novel. Ivy is a strong character that faces some deep challenges: helping a childhood friend, Virginia Donato, who claims to have been visited by an angel, coming to terms with her own family’s problems and uncovering a dark plot within the Donato household.
Virginia is a gripping story of seemingly impossible events…that could actually happen. An awesome read with five stars. Recommended for anyone who enjoys thrills and suspense. – R.C., 15 yrs old.
Tags: Ages 12-Up, Author last name H, Outstanding titles, suspense, thriller, Title V
Posted in Author Last Name |
February 27th, 2010
 + + + + Changing of The Guard: The Yellowstone Chronicles
Author/Illustrator: Ted Rechlin
Paperback: 38 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (December 15, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432750089
ISBN-13: 978-1432750084
Book description: Merging past and present, Changing of the Guard: The Yellowstone Chronicles tells the story of the daily life of the wild inhabitants of Yellowstone National Park, both seventy million years ago and today. Told in documentary style, Ted Rechlin’s wonderful book is full of vivid illustrations depicting Yellowstone as you have never seen it before. Discover the story of the dinosaurs continues every day in the lives of the great mammals that roam the park today. Changing of the Guard beautifully depicts Bison and Triceratops side by side, Wolves and Raptors shoulder to shoulder, and the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex and the imposing Grizzly Bear alongside one another.
Book review: VERY nicely done! Your kids will marvel over the illustrations and thoroughly enjoy the comparison of yesterday and today in Yellowstone National Park. When my children were young they devoured just about every dinosaur book they could get their hands on, but Ted Rechlin takes it one step further by illustrating animals of yesterday and today side by side. Kids will gobble it up while gaining a true appreciation and education of one of our national parks–a great educational tool!
Tags: Ages 6-10, Ages 9-12, animals, Author last name R, dinosaurs, graphic novel, Highly Recommended titles, Title C, Yellowstone
Posted in Author Last Name |
February 27th, 2010
 + + + Make That a Table For Seven
Authors: Angie and Storm Davis
Illustrator: Dan Drewes
Paperback: 20 pages
Publisher: AuthorHouse (February 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1449072739
ISBN-13: 978-1449072735
Book description: “Make That a Table for Seven” is a story about two bears left in the woods looking for a home. Ferbie and Peppie are scared and alone and do not think anyone really wants them. One night before dinner, there is a knock at the Grizzly’s door, and there stands Ferbie and his sister Peppie. The Grizzly Family is immediately drawn to these two lonely cubs and offer them their home. The Grizzly children, Zeus, Smoo, and Princess, are excited to share their family and have another brother and sister. It is a story, based on real life events, of love, rescue, and redemption from lonely places to safe places. It is about a family expanding in number and love. It is a story that challenges us all to be the hands and heart of God to children in need.
Book review: I can’t think of a better book to celebrate forever families for every kiddo that is so blessed. This story is told in a very matter-of-fact and loving way making those who read it feel as welcome as the two adopted bear cubs. Perfect for families that will be bringing new cubs into their clan.
Tags: adoption, Ages 4-8, Ages 6-10, Author last name D, families, Recommended titles, Title M
Posted in Author Last Name |
February 27th, 2010
 + + + My Father Knows The Names of Things
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Stephanie Jorisch
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (April 27, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416948953
ISBN-13: 978-1416948957
.
Book description: “My father knows the names of things, he points out everything we see, and teaches all the names to me”. Join a young child as he embarks on a journey of discovery with his father.
Book review: A wonderful celebration of fatherhood and the relationship a dad has with his kiddo. Imaginative illustrations make this picture book a fanciful adventure and reminiscent of Shel Silverstein’s poetry. This would make a great gift for Dad on Father’s Day.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name Y, family, father, fatherhood, Jane Yolen, Recommended titles, relationships, Title M
Posted in Author Last Name |
February 27th, 2010
 + + + An Egret’s Day
Author: Jane Yolen
Photographer: Jason Stemple
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 30 pages
Publisher: Wordsong; 1 edition (April 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1590786505
ISBN-13: 978-1590786505
Book description: Photographs, poetry and a smattering of facts describe the life and essence of the egret.
Book review: Stunning photography and wonderfully crafted poetry harmonize making this book a celebration of the egret. This is a great way to present poetry to the younger set. Facts about the egret are included and make this book a great springboard for a thematic unit for the homeschooled.
Tags: Ages 9-12, animals, Author last name Y, birds, egret, gift book, Jane Yolen, poetry, Recommended titles, Title E
Posted in Author Last Name |
February 27th, 2010
 + + + How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Dogs?
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Mark Teague
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press; Brdbk edition (January 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0545153522
ISBN-13: 978-0545153522
Book description: Woof! From playing fetch to a walk in the park, puppy dogs are a dinosaurs best friend! This board book introduces little ones to dog care – great if your family is thinking of adding a dog to the family.
Book review: Another winner by the dynamic duo Jane Yolen and Mark Teague. Both capture the attitude of little ones, their expressions and their tender hearts as we read how bad dinosaurs turn to good dinosaurs in caring for those beloved pooches. Open a dialogue with your little ones about the care and love of your pet dog. Older kiddos will recognize themselves and enjoy the humor.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name Y, care of a pet, dinosaurs, Jane Yolen, manners, pets, Recommended titles, Title H
Posted in Author Last Name |
February 27th, 2010
 + + + How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats?
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Mark Teague
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press; Brdbk edition (January 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0545153549
ISBN-13: 978-0545153546
Book description: Meow! From purring naps to catnip toys, kitty cats are a dinosaur’s favorite pet to cuddle. This sturdy little board book addition to the Dinosaur series by Jane Yolen helps introduce little ones to the requirements necessary for caring for kitties.
Book Review: As expected the illustrations are the real winner in How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats? Each dino accurately and humorously expresses every child’s mood and sentiment with regard to pets – from a lack of desire to treat a kitty nicely to an aversion to stinky chores to the real love and care of a cat. Jane Yolen’s narration rhymes and captures those sentiments poignantly. This is a great book for the younger ones (ages 4-5) but older kiddos (ages 6-8) will relate and be amused.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name Y, care of pets, dinosaurs, Jane Yolen, manners, pets, Recommended titles, Title H
Posted in Author Last Name |
February 18th, 2010
 + + + Mandie Pandie in “The Curfew”
Author/Illustrator: Samuel Vera
Publisher: Crazee Comics, November 2008
Ages: 4-8
http://www.crazeecomics.com
Book description: When a young girl named Mandie Pandie decides to stay up past her bedtime, she finds she has entered a nightmarish world. Now Mandie Pandie must escape the clutches of Witches and Goblins and get back home with her friends Bunny and Bear. Does Mandie Pandie learn a valuable lesson about having a curfew?
Book review: A great read for ages 4-8. Vera’s illustrations are laughable and quite expressive, making this page turner more silly than scary, but he gets the point across.
Here’s the breakdown:
Characters: Mandie does what we all desire: she stays up way past her bedtime.
Events/story line: But what happens next serves as a chilling, but humorous, reminder that mom and dad know best.
Illustrations: These illustrations are so expressive – the looks on Mandie and her friends’ faces! They will definitely give parents a great chuckle.
Reader relevance: 4-5 yr. olds can try out their fantasy of staying up past their bedtime in this comic.
Reader Excitability/ Overall Presentation: A little different from the other comics by Samuel Vera that I have reviewed so far, but definitely a worthwhile comic to read with your little one that will spark an interest in comics.
Tags: Ages 4-5, Author last name V, bedtime, Crazee Comics, humor, Recommended titles, Title M
Posted in Author Last Name |
February 18th, 2010
 + + + Scary Aerie
Author/illustrator: Samuel Vera
Publisher: Crazee Comics, November 2008
Ages: 6-10
http://www.crazeecomics.com
Book description: This is the tale of a girl named Arianna LeBlanc, who moved to a small town in Colorado and made all the mean children disappear. No one is certain of the facts; at least no one who survived. Well, that’s not completely true. There is one person who lived to tell of the time when Scary Aerie came to town. Wait to you hear this story. Boy, it’s a scary one!
Book review: Scary, engaging and cool. Scary Aerie is the perfect tale to haunt your imagination!
Here’s the breakdown:
Characters: Scary Aerie is the kid we’ve all been or known in school who gets teased…just because.
Events/story line: How this child handles bullies is both scary and rewarding.
Illustrations: Great illustrations bring this tale to fruition.
Reader relevance: 6-10 yr. olds will relate having witnessed bullying tactics at school. They will love the ‘ghost tale’ woven to explain Arianna’s revenge.
Reader Excitability/ Overall Presentation: A sleepover with mom telling the tale of Scary Aerie is the perfect format for this age group.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Author last name V, comic book, ghost story, girls, graphic novel, Recommended titles, scary, Title S
Posted in Author Last Name |
February 17th, 2010
 + + + Doodies Adventures, Vol 1, Diabolical Egomaniac Overlord Nemesis
Author/illustrator: Samuel Vera
Publisher: Crazee Comics, December 2008
Ages: 6-10
http://www.crazeecomics.com
Book description: Every day, young Doodarius must deal with a school bully. He decides the only way to stop this “Diabolical Egomaniac Nemesis Pooh-Pooh” is to call on Super Doodie. But wait, is he really a super hero?
Book review: Hilarious! Get back at bullies by escaping into Doodie’s world of adventure and bathroom humor where Doodie is a kickin’ superhero.
Here’s the breakdown:
Characters: Laugh-out-loud funny. Kids will easily cheer this would-be superhero and razz the arch-nemesis.
Events/story line: Unique due to ribald humor. Will delight most kids in the 6-10 year age range, especially boys.
Illustrations: Appealing and humorous.
Reader relevance: Samuel Vera channels 6-10-yr old humor and imagination precisely.
Reader Excitability/ Overall Presentation: Not a bad presentation. Instead of bubble captions, Vera prints speech in paragraph format alternating text and illustrations by page. For this book, it reads like text on a computer screen which is appropriate for this story.
Tags: adventure, Ages 6-10, Author last name V, comic book, Crazee Comics, graphic novel, humor, Recommened titles, Title D
Posted in Author Last Name |
February 4th, 2010
 + +, + + + Runaway Storm
Author: D. E. Knobbe
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 223 pages
Publisher: Emerald Book Company (January 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1934572357
ISBN-13: 978-1934572351
Book description: Nate stole the kayak . . . sort of. His parents don’t know where he is, and that’s just fine with him. He’s made it to the chain of sparsely populated islands off the coast of Vancouver, his kayaking dream come true. So what could possibly go wrong?
For starters, he hadn’t counted on real runaways making him feel like a fraud or on the cops chasing him into a wild and deadly storm. Nate hadn’t planned to shipwreck on a deserted island either, or to have a run-in with a crazed drug smuggler, who drifted into the bay on a crippled Sailboat, ready to protect his stash with a loaded gun.
Should Nate save himself or the Goth girl from Seattle who tried to rescue him? Between being chased by criminals, shot at, and almost drowned, their options aren’t looking good.
Book Reviews: The story has a slow beginning, but the pace picks up as you read along. Runaway storm is realistic with some far-fetched ideas that the author blends well together. The ending makes the story worth reading. – N.C., 15 yrs old.
The book is interesting with believable and fantastical elements. It has a nice pace and is a worthwhile book for reading at school. – R.C., 15 yrs old.
Here’s the breakdown:
Hook / Setting: The opening is slow, but the setting is interesting featuring many places such as: the Canadian Islands and American Islands. The setting was always very well described and places the reader right in the story. – N.C., 15 yrs old.
The opening is mediocre and the setting is well-established. – R.C., 15 yrs old.
Character(s): Nate, the main character, is hard to relate to because he gets angry a lot, sometimes whiney. David, on the other hand, who cares for his own younger brother and others is more interesting. I can relate and appreciate David because he puts Nate in his place when he gets out of hand. Nate becomes more interesting as the plot becomes more complicated.- N.C., 15 yrs old.
Nate is believable and the characters he meets are interesting. I like that he meets people in the wilderness instead of simply being alone. – R.C., 15 yrs old.
Events / Plot: The plot makes sense and moves at a quicker pace once the characters are introduced and established. What I like most about the plot is that it has a bit of suspense in it and you don’t know just what will happen until it does. – N.C., 15 yrs old.
This is a likeable survival story, not like the fantsay and science fiction I usually read, but the situations Nate gets into are believable and you can get into it. – R.C., 15 yrs old.
Reader Excitability / Overall Presentation: The overall idea isn’t very unique. I wouldn’t recommend this book to friends. – N.C., 15 yrs old.
I would recommend Runaway Storm as a casual book to read–in school for Silent Reading–and also for those that like survival stories. – R.C., 15 yrs old.
Tags: adventure, Ages 12-Up, Author last name K, Average, Recommended titles, survival stories, suspense, teen, Title R, young adult
Posted in Author Last Name |
February 1st, 2010
 + + + + + The Kissing Hand
Author: Audrey Penn
Illustrators: Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tanglewood Press (July 25, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933718072
ISBN-13: 978-1933718071
Book description: Chester Raccoon doesn’t want to go to school–he wants to stay home with his mother. She assures him that he’ll love school–with its promise of new friends, new toys, and new books. Even better, she has a special secret that’s been in the family for years–the Kissing Hand. This secret, she tells him, will make school seem as cozy as home. She takes her son’s hand, spreads his tiny fingers into a fan and kisses his palm–smack dab in the middle: “Chester felt his mother’s kiss rush from his hand, up his arm, and into his heart.”
Book review: As a mother I was very touched by “The Kissing Hand.” This is an idea mothers can share with their little ones and easily implement creating both confident kiddos and childhood memories to treasure.
Here’s the breakdown:
Characters: Chester and his mother quickly resonate with the young reader especially in their dialog where Mother Raccoon is soothing and reassuring, wise and nurturing.
Events / Story Line: It’s Chester’s first ‘night’ of school and he’s nervous and wants to stay home with mother where everything is comforting and familiar. Mrs. Raccoon shows him a special way to keep ‘in touch’ with her throughout the night by teaching him about the kissing hand.
Illustrations: The illustrations are wonderful and remind me of the old Golden Books. Filling the page, detailed and comforting, they underscore the warmth of the narration.
Reader relevance: This is the perfect gift for a child starting school! Little one’s will relate to Chester’s feelings and love the concept of the kissing hand.
Reader Excitability / Overall Presentation: Moms will absolutely be touched. Little ones will immediately take to the idea of a kissing hand – if they haven’t already been doing this at home.
Tags: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-5, Author last name P, first day of school, kindergarten, Outstanding titles, Title K
Posted in Author Last Name |
January 26th, 2010
 + + + + + Chester Raccoon and The Acorn Full of Memories
Author: Audrey Penn
Illustrator: Barbara Gibson
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tanglewood Press (August 25, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933718293
ISBN-13: 978-1933718293
Book description: This title is an important addition to the Chester Raccoon/Kissing Hand series on life issues for children. Mrs. Raccoon helps Chester and his friends deal with the death of their friend by teaching them to make memories together. Many children must face the loss of someone close and the accompanying funeral, and this book will help them prepare for that experience and understand the positive aspects of memorializing loved ones.
Book review: My jaw dropped when I opened this book. From the start the illustrations enfold the reader and sweep you right into an expertly written story that is as tender and touching as it is consoling and healing. The prose is always only soothing and motherly and not the least bit syrupy or patronizing.
Here’s the breakdown:
Characters: Chester and his mother quickly resonate with the young reader especially in their dialog where Mother Raccoon is soothing and reassuring, wise and nurturing.
Events / Story Line: This story line is remarkable in that it offers children a practical means to work out their mourning; something constructive to do when a little one feels helpless.
Illustrations: Awesome. I like the full page illustrations. They really underscore the soothing tone of the story while dealing with a somber subject and offering hope.
Reader relevance: I think this is a book that little ones will appreciate, giving them an outlet for their emotions and something to create and hang onto with regard to their deceased loved one.
Reader Excitability / Overall Presentation: Death is difficult for kiddos but I think this is a book that will sew hope in a child’s heart and help him/her grieve and celebrate life.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name P, death and dying, Outstanding titles, Title C
Posted in Author Last Name |
January 12th, 2010
 + + Inside Out
Author/Illustrator: Marilyn Randall
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Interest level: Ages 6-10
Hardcover: 28 pages
Publisher: Lulu.com (November 7, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0557156998
ISBN-13: 978-0557156993
Book description: A fun story, written in the poetry format, about a little frog who thought God had made a mistake and made him ugly. It is about learning that beauty is truly found on the inside and that each of us has our own gifts to offer the world and that we are all beautiful in our own way.
Book review: Marilyn Randall’s stunning ink sketches make this story come alive.
Here’s the breakdown:
Characters: Froggie, his mother and the wise owl. All classic characters and roles that children will immediately recognize.
Events / Story Line: Froggie feels out of place and ugly. He listens to his momma and the wise old owl and learns to find joy in being himself – just the way God made him. It’s the Ugly Duckling in a fresh, new poetic form; a real feel good story.
Illustrations: Bold colors, clean lines…very compelling, though I would have liked to have seen just a few more to go with the very lengthy (for this age group) prose.
Reader relevance: Most kids in the 6 – 10 year range will sympathize and even empathize with Froggie, but the younger kids will probably enjoy the story more. Big brothers and sisters would enjoy reading this to younger siblings.
Reader Excitability / Overall Presentation: Reading this tale is a little awkward in places falling out of the sing-song rhyme that was intended, but the stunning art work really adds to the story.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Ages 9-12, animals, Author last name R, Average, life lesson, owls, poetry, Title I
Posted in Author Last Name |
January 11th, 2010
 + + + The Mudhogs
Author/Illustrator: Dalton James
Reading level: Ages 6-10
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (October 28, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432745603
ISBN-13: 978-1432745608
Book description: No mud equals no fun for three little pigs. Three little pigs try everything in their power to make or find mud. Along the way they learn a valuable life lesson.
Book review: This is a well thought out gem of a book for early readers especially those who are advanced and enjoy more sophisticated stories than “See Spot Run.” This unique story with some really very clever humor will quickly interest and entertain.
Here’s a breakdown:
Characters: There are three pigs along with a tick that narrates the story. All are very well thought out.
Events / Story Line: Three little pigs set out to find some mud and travel to silly (but recognizable) places on their journey; they learn a life lesson.
Illustrations: All very well done. Well thought out and executed. I really liked the unexpected perspectives.
Reader relevance: Clever, unique humor makes this story engaging and keeps this story going. I wanted to find out what happens next because the story is original and surprises. Good job.
Reader Excitability / Overall Presentation: My son (age 6) will enjoy this book. For a self-published book, this is really well done and I give a lot of credit to the author/illustrator.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Author last name J, farm animals, humor, life lesson, pigs, Recommended titles, Title M
Posted in Author Last Name |
December 18th, 2009
 * * Conspiracy 365 January
Author: Gabrielle Lord
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (January 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279491
ISBN-13: 978-1935279495
Book description: On New Year’s Eve, Cal is chased down the street by a crazed man with a deadly warning: They killed your father. They’ll kill you. You must survive the next 365 days!
Forced into a life on the run, Cal finds himself hunted by ruthless criminals and the police. Somehow he must uncover the truth about his father’s mysterious death and solve the Ormond Singularity, a secret from the past, before the year is up. But who can he turn to when the whole world seems to want him dead? The clock is ticking. Any second could be his last. Callum Ormond has been warned. He has 365 days. The countdown has begun …
Book reviews: Lots of action, fast-paced, lots of puzzles…all addicting and I want to read the next installment! – R.c., 15 yrs old
This is great action and mystery that deals with conspiracies. Instead of chapters the book is sectioned by segments of time – I really liked that! – N.C., 15 yrs old
Tags: action, adventure, Ages 12-Up, Author last name L, Conspiracy 365, Highly Recommended titles, mystery, teen, Title C
Posted in Author Last Name |
December 18th, 2009
 * An African Tale
Author: Enna Neru
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (June 30, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432723480
ISBN-13: 978-1432723484
Book description: Africa, the land of extremes, drought, floods, beauty, devastation, vibrant life and miserable death. Into this land are born two children with a shared destiny and two very different backgrounds. One from a rural village in the Okavango Delta Botswana, with mud huts, no electricity and no mod cons. The other from Gaborone the capital city with all its westernizations of cell phones, TV’s, cars etc.
They are descended from Ledimo a semi god who for centuries was immortal and controlled the weather. However as we enter into the modern age his power slowly starts to fade and he becomes mortal. The power is still there though contained in a simple stone in the shape of a tornado looking very much like a diamond. It has been decreed that there will be two children born at the same time who will be able to harness the power of the stone but only if they are in agreement with each other.
Water is becoming an issue and there are powerful forces at work to control this resource.
We meet talking geckos, friendly snakes, flying donkeys and a host of other creatures as we travel from the beginning of human time to the present day.
Book review: Unique! This story has a fairytale feel to it complete with a talking gecko. This also seems to be the first in a series and if so, I look forward to reading more! – R.C., 15 yrs old
Tags: Africa, Ages 12-Up, Ages 9-12, Author last name N, fairytale, Recommended titles, Title A
Posted in Author Last Name |
December 10th, 2009
 * Spies of Mississippi: The True Story of the Spy Network that Tried to Destroy the Civil Rights Movement
Author: Rick Bowers
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books (January 12, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426305958
ISBN-13: 978-1426305955
Book description: The Spies of Mississippi is a compelling story of how state spies tried to block voting rights for African Americans during the Civil Rights era. This book sheds new light on one of the most momentous periods in American history.
Author Rick Bowers has combed through primary-source materials and interviewed surviving activists named in once-secret files, as well as the writings and oral histories of Mississippi civil rights leaders. Readers get first-hand accounts of how neighbors spied on neighbors, teachers spied on students, ministers spied on church-goers, and spies even spied on spies.
The Spies of Mississippi will inspire readers with the stories of the brave citizens who overcame the forces of white supremacy to usher in a new era of hope and freedom—an age that has recently culminated in the election of Barack Obama.
Book review: I found this story interesting and amazing that anyone would go to such lengths to treat people this way. This book gives a clearer picture of the south in the 1950s and 1960s and how people attempted to infiltrate the civil rights groups and stop them from succeeding.
This text book style story is a good read. – R.C., 15 yrs old
Tags: Ages 12-Up, American history, Author last name B, Civil Rights, Mississippi, Recommended titles, Title S
Posted in Author Last Name |
December 10th, 2009
 * The Astonishing Journey of Teddy Bodain
Author: Melissa Forney
Illustrator: Dave Olson
Hardcover
Publisher: Buttery Moon Multimedia, Inc. (2009)
ISBN-10: 0979009456
ISBN-13: 978-0979009457′
Book description: Told through 130 letters to her best friend, Martha, each of which includes memorable characters and original, historically accurate illustrations, The Astonishing Journey of Teddy Bodain is an engaging, adventure-filled novel for the intermediate reader. A classic-in-the-making, Teddy’s story takes her through the ravages of a yellow fever outbreak, to the Ringling Circus, to the backwoods of primitive Florida-hundreds of miles away to the promise of land-down below Lake Okeechobee.
Book review: An interesting tale about a young girl who is traveling to Florida with her family in a wagon train. Teddy Bodain is smart tomboy who is curious about life and optimistic.
Recommended for younger children (10 yrs) and for people interested in historical fiction. If you like Little House on The Prairie, you’ll like this one. The illustrations were a nice touch.
- R.C., 15 yrs old
Tags: Ages 9-12, American history, Author last name F, diary, historical, Recommended titles, Title A, Title T, tween
Posted in Author Last Name |
December 4th, 2009
 * Stop It!
Author: Sally O. Lee
Paperback: 36 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (October 26, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439261148
ISBN-13: 978-1439261149
Book review: How do you stop a bully? By standing up for yourself and firmly shouting: Stop it!
Read along as Anabel plays dress-up and George teases her by stealing her dress up clothes and pulling her cat’s tail.
This little book helps kids (and siblings) stand up for themselves and shows bullies it’s not okay to tease others. A great book to begin a conversation with your kids about the subject.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name L, bullies, bullying, Recommended titles, Title S
Posted in Author Last Name |
December 3rd, 2009
 * * * Braving the Storm
Illustrator: John White
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: CBH Minstries; 1st. edition (2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982512031
ISBN-13: 978-0982512036
Book description: When Thomás moves away from his neighborhood and into a mobile home in his grandparents’ backyard, he misses his friends. There’s nothing to do around the apple orchard with no friends, his dad works a lot, and his little brother was hurt in an accident. All his sister wants to do is play with her dolls. Will Thomás be able to rely on God to get through the difficult times?
Book review: This is a very difficult story dealing with the age-old questions: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” and “If God is all-powerful and all-loving why does he allow bad things to happen?” Not only is there a Christian message of hope, but the warmth of family and the faith they share envelopes the main character and the reader delivering a powerful message of God’s love, providence and faithfulness. A must read especially if your kiddo/family is struggling to deal with very trying circumstances like an illness or job loss.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name W, Christian, family, illness, Outstanding titles, Title B
Posted in Author Last Name |
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