* * Alexander Graham Bell
Authors: Elizabeth MacLeod & Andrej Krystoforski
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554530024
ISBN-13: 978-1554530021

Review: Don’t just build up their vocabulary and comprehension, expand their knowledge of the world through the people who influenced it.

In this book, your child is introduced to Alexander Graham Bell. What I really like about these series is that children will relate to the historical figures when they were children and, through reading the highlights of their lives, will be inspired to reach for the stars in their own lives.

I think an early exposure to biographies such as these open children’s minds to so many things they can do or become. You will enjoy helping your child read and discover with this seies.

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* * Helen Keller
Authors: Elizabeth MacLeod & Andrej Krystoforski
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (July 10, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554530008
ISBN-13: 978-1554530007

Review: Don’t just build up their vocabulary and comprehension, expand their knowledge of the world through the people who influenced it.

In this book, your child is introduced to Helen Keller, her world, her obstacles and how she overcame them.

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* * Face To Face With Polar Bears
Author: Norbert Rosing & Elizabeth Carney
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books (September 11, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426301391
ISBN-13: 978-1426301391

Book description: The ferocious, snarling beast closing in on you fast has a toothache. In the white wastelands of the Arctic, there is nowhere to hide. Where is that helicopter?

Despite surviving this nightmare, award-winning photographer Norbert Rosing loves the charming, playful side of the polar bear. Yes, they slashed his tires, but mankind is now ruining their climate and environment. Surely the bears’ anger is understandable. Rosing’s book connects children with the consequences of global warming, and gives practical advice on how to help save our white-furred friends.

Review: Want to know about polar bears? This is the book for you. Not only will your kids learn about the animals and their environment, they will also find out about the field of animal conswervation and all the latest discoveries.

Why do I think these books are so important? They target an age group that really dreams of what they might become as adults and opens up a world of career possibilities for them, not to mention the fact that the book is chock full of info and stunning photography that those little brains will quickly absorb.

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* * Face To Face With Dolphins
Author: Flip & Linda Nicklin
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books (September 11, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426301413
ISBN-13: 978-1426301414

Book description: You’re 70 feet underwater—face to face with one of the sea’s friendliest creatures. National Geographic photographer Flip Nicklin and his wife Linda, a naturalist and educator, invite you to study the amazing behavior of the beloved dolphin. Learn the difference between an orca and a bottlenose. Witness a dophin baby nursed with mother’s milk. Discover how these social mammals echolocate and communicate. Flip is a veteran of 5,500 dives worldwide, and this compelling book aims to encourage active concern and support for these smiling sea creatures whose intelligence demands our kinship.

Review: Excellent and perfect for the age group as they tend to be interested in animals. The great photography and thorough information in this book will please any child that loves dolphins and sea life. I think it will also expose your child to possible careers such as wildlife photography, research, journalism, wildlife preservation, etc.

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* * Celebrate Christmas

Author Deborah Heiligman
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books (October 9, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426301235
ISBN-13: 978-1426301230

Not just Christmas in the United States, but Christmas around the world. This edition from Deborah Heiligman and National Geographic will broaden your child’s perception of the holiday as you both read how it is celebrated in other countries.

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* * Celebrate Halloween

Author: Deborah Heiligman
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books (August 14, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426301200
ISBN-13: 978-1426301209

I’ve said it before and it bears repeating, this set of books will make your home library even more appealing. Each holiday book I have read has not been a disappointment. With colorful photographs that perfectly highlight the aspects of the given holiday, who can resist? Celebrate Halloween captures the holiday, it’s history and traditions beautifully. This is a great way to share and teach your child about the holiday’s customs.

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* * When Mama Mirabelle Comes Home

Author: Douglas Wood
Illustrator: Andy Wagner
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books (October 9, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426301952
ISBN-13: 978-1426301957

Are your children bored? Make them read this and perhaps Karla, Bo & Max (who are also bored) will inspire them to use their imagination and play. Striking illustrations and some photographs really do encourage the imagination.

Book Description
The things we’ll do… When Mama Mirabelle Comes Home! Bo the cheetah, Karla the zebra, and Max the elephant are really missing Mama Mirabelle, their loving and fun day-care provider. Let preschoolers’ imaginations run wild as this trio dreams up ever-more outrageous schemes for Mama’s return. When Mama Mirabelle Comes Home mixes engaging illustrated characters with National Geographic animal photography. A companion to the preschool PBS series Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies, this delightful read-aloud picture book will engage, entertain and educate.

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* * * Planets, Stars and Galaxies

Author: David Aguilar
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books (October 9, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426301707
ISBN-13: 978-1426301704

Ooh, ooh, ooh! Science buffs and those who don’t yet know that they are science buffs will love this beautifully illustrated encyclopedia published by National Geographic. Talk about getting lost in space, you will happily do just that when you open this book and devour all the facts about what we know to date about the universe.

Book Description
Finally, it’s here! The farthest reaches of our universe captured in atlas form for young readers. Planets, Stars, and Galaxies is the space book that pushes the boundaries of man’s ultimate frontier. The engaging, educational text, written in collaboration with National Geographic experts, includes the latest discoveries about our universe; while specially commissioned artwork by the author illuminates page after page.

Exciting as well as enlightening, Planets, Stars, and Galaxies belongs on every family bookshelf, providing easy reference for school reports and compelling reading on the myriad mysteries beyond our world. With vivid illustrations and superb photography, this beautiful book puts the wonders of space into every child’s hands. This engaging, provocative reference work includes: the new solar system including dwarf planets Pluto, Ceres, and Eris;the latest developments in space exploration, science, and research—how a star is born and dies, “weird worlds,” the “galactic zoo,” and more;fun facts about space and amazing new images—Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, and Hubble’s deep-space view;first-hand accounts from scientists and astronauts—what it’s like to study the universe and to live in space;a fascinating look into our future in space: What space travel might hold in a reader’s own lifetime—moon colonies, hotels on Mars? How will the universe end?questions to ponder, such as “Is there other life in the universe?”an illustrated timeline of space research and exploration, star charts, moon maps, fact boxes, and helpful scientific diagrams.

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* A Practical Guide To Monsters

Author: Nina Hess
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: Mirrorstone (August 28, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786948094
ISBN-13: 978-0786948093

Got a monster lover at home? This realistically illustrated guide is filled with information and stats on all the monsters you’ve ever encountered in books and quite a few you haven’t been introduced to yet. Great for collectors of the genre.

Book Description
The sequel to The New York Times best-selling A Practical Guide to Dragons

How do you trick a troll? Do vampires sleep? Why worry about yuan-ti? Just in time for Halloween, this lavishly illustrated guide showcases the spooky, unexpected, and always fascinating world of monsters!

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* * Time Spies: Rider In The Night

Author: Candice Ransom
Reading level: Ages 6-10
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Mirrorstone (August 28, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786943548
ISBN-13: 978-0786943548

I just recently discovered this series and I have to say that the more I read, the more impressed I am with the way Candace Ransom makes an adveture of actual moments in history or literature with these time traveling spies bringing fact and fiction to life.

A great series to get your children hooked on reading and history. Mattie, Alex and Sophie will draw you right into their adventures. An easy, fast paced series of stories that are fun and informative.

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* * * Shape Me A Rhyme

Author: Jane Yolen
Photography: Jason Stemple
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Wordsong (September 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1590784502
ISBN-13: 978-1590784501

Oh, this is an AWESOME book! Think of every book you’ve ever read to a child about shapes. Now forget it because this book is NOTHING like that. Stunning photography and engaging rhyme will make this book a favorite for your family. and will encourage your little ones to see the shapes that are all around them.

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* Baby Bear’s Big Dreams

Author:Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Reading level: 0-4
Hardcover: 30 pages
Publisher: Harcourt Children’s Books (August 1, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0152052917
ISBN-13: 978-0152052911

Baby Bear is back and this time sharing his big dreams. What I really like about this author and illustrator is the way they convey the essence of childhood and, in this book, it’s all about the endless, limitless dreams that children have about what thye will do when they are grown.

If you like this book, you will also enjoy Baby Bear’s Books.

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* * It’s Christmas

Author: Tina Burke
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub (August 15, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933605448
ISBN-13: 978-1933605449

‘Tis the season to anticipate all the wonderful experiences of Christmas and all the preparations and finally the long wait. I loved the illustrations. They really win you over and excellently convey the joy of children and their experience of the season.

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* * Let’s Play

Author: Deborah Niland
Reading level: Ages 0-4
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub (August 14, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933605472
ISBN-13: 978-1933605470

Does your little one need to learn a few manners when it come sto playing with others? Let’s Play shows children what works and what doesn’t work and how to be a good playmate.

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* * Sophie’s Big Bed

Author: Tina Burke
Reading level: Ages 0-4
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub (August 14, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933605480
ISBN-13: 978-1933605487

Tina Burke crafts a story that toddlers will immediately relate to while subtly encouraging the lesson these little ones need to learn. In Sophie’s Big Bed the little girl needs to transition from her crib to a big bed and this is the perfect ‘tool’ to help your own toddler deal with this very real and exciting milestone.

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* * When I Was a Baby

Author: Deborah Niland
Reading level: Ages 0-4
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (August 14, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933605499
ISBN-13: 978-1933605494

Perfect! What a great way to illustrate growing from a baby to a big boy. The perfect book for any parent that wants to encourage her toddler and also welcome a new sibling.

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* * Jack Russell: Dog Detective, The Awful Pawful

Author: Darrel & Sally Odgers
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub (August 15, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933605537
ISBN-13: 978-1933605531

He’s at it again. Help the most beloved dog detective solve the latest mystery. Fun books like this series ensure a love for reading for those beginning to read chapter books.

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* * Jack Russell: Dog Detective, The Sausage Situation

Author: Darrel & Sally Odgers
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub (September 30, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933605545
ISBN-13: 978-1933605548

This is a favorite series of mine. Just look at this mutt’s face. Who wouldn’t love this main character and the mysteries he solves with intelligence and some humor. Fun books like this series ensure a love for reading for those beginning to read chapter books.

Book Description
There’s a thief at Doggeroo Dog and Sausage Day and Jack soon finds he has a Sausage Situation on his paws.

Who is the canine criminal? Surely not Lord Red, dressed up as a corn dog, or the Squekes, who look like hairy wasps in their striped suits.

When Jack calls for backup, pan-dog-monium ensues. There is going to be a terrier-able disaster if someone doesn’t take maters in paw.

Jack is just the dog for the job. But will he be able to crack the case of – THE SAUSAGE SITUATION?

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* * Samsara Dog

Author: Helen Manos
Illustrator: Julie Vivas
Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub (August 14, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933605510
ISBN-13: 978-1933605517

Helen Mamos is a practicing Buddhist and wanted to write a book for children that gave the idea of reincarnation in as natural a way as possible. I think she and illustrator Julie Vivas achieved that.

At first Samsara Dog is a bit preachy, but that is very quickly forgotten as the reader is masterfully drawn into the story, and why not? The story is excellently written and illustrated delivering the Buddhist message of the purpose of life in a way that children can grasp and relate to in real life.

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* * The Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Riley

Author: Colin Thompson & Amy Lissiat
Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub (September 30, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933605502
ISBN-13: 978-1933605500

I don’t know whether to call the illustrations quirky or disturbing, but I love them! Now, don’t get me wrong. There is nothing inappropriate in this book, but it’s not what you expect for a book sending a strong, positive message about the differences between want and need, insatiable desire and contentment with what you already have. You won’t find this book cutesy or sugary by a long shot and you will enjoy the way the story is humorously illustrated.

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* * * Smart-opedia, The Amazing Book About Everything

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 216 pages
Publisher: Maple Tree Press (September 28, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1897349033
ISBN-13: 978-1897349038

I happen to have been a kid that loved reading encyclopedias on any topic as well as anything that was full of informative trivia and this book is absolutely for such a child. Chock full of facts on a variety of topics such as history, animals, astronomy, plants, science, earth, arts, technology, today’s world and the human body, what’s not to love? Every page is filled with details, facts, illsutrations and photos that will occupy little minds for hours…not to mention the parent that happens to pick up this book. A must for your home library.

Book Description
Smart-opedia: The Amazing Book About Everything is designed to make learning an absorbing adventure that’s a treat for even the most reluctant learner. Expertly organized so readers can find what they want when they want it, the book’s four main sections (The World Around Us, Life, History, and Genius) are separated into nine detailed chapters (Astronomy, Planet Earth, Plants, Animals, The Human Body, History, The Arts, Science and Technology, and Today’s World) that cover more than 85 entertaining and thought-provoking subjects. Each thematic section contains colorful spreads with dramatic illustrations, photographs, and maps, and the book is packed with special features, such as “Food for Thought,” presenting myths, legends, famous quotes, and historical perspectives. There are also mini-bios that shed light on luminaries from da Vinci to Disney, career descriptions that introduce readers to diverse occupations they may not have heard about, and much more. This fun book entertains youngsters with answers to questions they might not even have known they had, and helps them decipher the world around them, stay abreast of current events, and form opinions on important issues. Meticulously researched, it is also an excellent reference text for homework assignments and school projects.

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* * * Let’s Go – The story of Getting From Here To There

Author: Lizann Flatt
Illustrator: Scot Ritchie
Reading level: 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Maple Tree Press (September 28, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1897349025
ISBN-13: 978-1897349021

Excellently done. Take a journey with your child through the history of the evolution of transportation. Any child that loves trucks and cars will be intrigued by this illustrated timeline and will love the trivia included at the end of the book.

Book Description
This fun book takes youngsters on an amazing journey across our continent and through time to discover all the methods humans have used to get from one place to another. From the first “travelers” who crossed the Bering Land Bridge on foot, through steamships, bicycles, cars, and planes, to contemporary space trips, the history of transportation is one of imagination and ingenuity. This lively journey is spiced up by a cute dog who engages readers with “search and find” questions throughout, while a final spread of amazing “Did You Know” facts presents additional information. Lizann Flatt’s lyrical text and Scot Ritchie’s stunning artwork bring this rich history to life for young readers.

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* * * This is My Planet – The kids Guide to Global Warming

Author: Jan Thornhill
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 64 pages
Publisher: Maple Tree Press (September 28, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1897349076
ISBN-13: 978-1897349076

Wow! Could a book be more interesting? Artfully arranged using bright colors, various fonts and numerous photographs to highlight facts about global warming, both you and your child will not put this book down until you’ve devoured each morsel. Nicely done.

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* * * Painted Circus

Author: Wallace Edwards
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1553377206
ISBN-13: 978-1553377207

You’ve never attended a circus like this. Awesome, distinctive and creative illsutrations draw you into the circus world of ‘P.T. Vermin’ (a play on P.T. Barnum & Bailey) where you will see performances like no other circus in the world. You will pause over each page, enjoying the detailed art work and whimsical prose that makes this book stand out from the rest in originality.

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* * * Out Came The Sun

Author: Heather Collins
Reading level: 0-4
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (September 1, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1553378814
ISBN-13: 978-1553378815

If you love nursery rhymes, you’ll love this newest presentation. I can remember reading and memorizing some of the oldies-but-goodies included in ‘Out Came The Sun” from when I was a small child. The illustrations are wonderfully imaginative and colorful. You’ll enjoy sharing this book with your beginning reader.

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