* * * Jin Jin the Dragon
Author: Grace Chang
Illustrator: Chong Chong
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books (April 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1592701027
ISBN-13: 978-1592701025

Book description: An enchanting story of a dragon that doesn’t know what it is and sets off on a journey of adventure and discovery to find out. Beautifully illustrated in Chinese watercolor, this wonderful read aloud includes information on Chinese dragons (and how they differ from what we usually think of when we think of dragons), Chinese written characters and a picture history of 13 Chinese characters that are central to the story.

Review: Truly an illustrated story that appeals because of the prose and the chracters that populate this imaginary world. Jin Jin is on a quest of self-discovery and his tale totally draws the reader in. A perfect book for reading aloud to children. Will definitely become a child’s favorite because it is written and illustrated by a sister and brother team that are obviously still young at heart and able to share imagination and wonder.

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* * In Grandpa’s Hands: A Child’s Celebration of Family
Author: Marlena E. Uhrik, E.D.
Illustrator: Barbara Cervone
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: White Stag Press (June 15, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0979258359
ISBN-13: 978-0979258350

Book description: Moments shared between grandparents and their grandchildren are moments to cherish. These are the times when hope and promise are present. In Grandpa’s Hands calls forth the special bond that occurs between the generations as they reach out to teach and touch each other’s spirit. This book is designed to promote communication and the emotional connectedness that comes from a nurturing relationship of fundamental importance. In Grandpa’s Hands celebrates the relationship between Grandpas and their grandchildren. Beautifully illustrated, this book is a work of art that communicates the reassurance of a caring relationship, a sense of well-being, and a sense of future.

Review: Exquisite illustrations, wonderful prose. An excellent gift to share with grandparents and a wonderful way to encourage and foster a bond between little ones and their grandparents. Touching. A keepsake I will treasure for the memories it evokes of my own dear grandparents.

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* * Hand Mending Made Easy: Save Time and Money Repairing Your Own Clothes
Author: Nan L. Ides
Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: Palmer/Pletsch Publishing; Second edition edition (January 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0935278745
ISBN-13: 978-0935278743

Book description: Twelve easy, well-illustrated lessons demonstrate how to mend clothes in the comfort of one’s home. Chapters include basics from threading a needle and sewing on buttons to repairing seams and fixing seams and buttonholes, ironing techniques and repairing broken zippers, all done without a sewing machine. The easy to read, step-by-step language allows anyone to sew ripped hems, replace missing buttons, fix sweater snags and so much more, replacing unwearable garments back into their wardrobe. Proving that mending is an easy, money and time saving skill that anyone—men, women, children—can do, this reference is an essential resource for any household.

Review: Excellent. Considering that the domestic arts have fallen by the wayside these days in many instances, this is a great how-to book to have on hand! Easy to follow steps, great illsutrations and photos. Children and adults will appreciate this guide to a simple skill (handmending) that is still very useful and good for all to master.

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* * How Come? In The Neighborhood
Author: Kathy Wollard
Illustrator: Debra Solomon
Paperback: 292 pages
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (December 26, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0761144293
ISBN-13: 978-0761144298

Book description: Why Does Bright Sunlight Make You Sneeze?Sometimes, the most tantalizing mysteries are right in front of us. In 134 questions and answers, How Come? In the Neighborhood explains the conundrums of everyday life. Mysteries in the kitchen—why mold grows on bread, and why cow’s milk is white. In the bathroom—where earwax comes from, and how we throw up (yuck!). Plus puzzlers at school, on vacation, and in the backyard. It used to be just your neighborhood; now it’s your very own laboratory!

Review: For those who have not outgrown their childhood curiosity and for those kiddos in the 9-12 age range, this is one of those swesome books you have to pick up and can’t put down until you’ve poured over every detail and gobbled up every fact.

I am going to have to get my hands on the other How Come? books and devour them as well – before the kids get a hold of them!

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* * I Went To The Party At Kalamazoo
Author: Ed Shankman
Illustrator: Dave Frank
Hardcover: 37 pages
Publisher: KidStreet, LLC (June 1, 2002)
ISBN-10: 061512092X
ISBN-13: 978-0615120928

Book description: This book is your child’s passport to the ultimate children’s party. Every detail of the book, and the party itself, has been designed with a child’s favorite things in mind. You’ll find “sandboxes everywhere, and fields to play ball in, and places to hide in, and places to crawl in, and places to lie in, and places to fall in, and one that I’m sure you will feel very tall in.”

The party in Kalamazoo reveals itself through easy, playful rhymes and bright, whimsical illustrations that delight children and parents alike. You’ll meet “puppies and ponies and marionettes. That’s the kind of excitement that no one forgets!”

Best of all, you and your child can attend the party in Kalamazoo again and again — on rainy days, at bedtime, and whenever else you like — for as long as this book remains a cherished part of your child’s collection.

We’re glad that you and your child will be making this book a part of your lives. Because “forever and ever, wherever you go, whoever you meet will be eager to know, and you can say, ‘Yes, my friend, it is true … I went to that party in Kalamazoo.’”

See you at the party!

Review: Loved it. This is just a fun book to read and look at all the pictures. It reminds me very much of Dr. Seuss, P.D. Eastman or Shel Silverstein – that kind of fun. I think Ed & Dave did a GREAT job.

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* * Arctic Tale Children’s Book
Author: Rebecca Baines
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books (July 24, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426300840
ISBN-13: 978-1426300844

Book description: Arctic Tale accompanies a new Paramount Vantage motion picture from the producers of March of the Penguins, a 2005 Academy Award winner. The film, narrated by Queen Latifah, follows the dual drama of Seela and Nanu, a walrus calf and polar bear cub, as they embark on their astonishing journey from infancy to maturity amidst the stark beauty of the Arctic landscape. Protected by mothers who will stop at nothing to ensure their safe passage to adulthood, both cubs romp in their cold playground as ever-present threats of starvation, predators, and a harsh homeland are overcome in an unrelenting life-and-death struggle to survive.

Review: Oh, I so love books like these with breathtaking photographs and narration about the animals depicted. An awesome book for the age group and kiddos into animal life.

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* * * The Brothers’ War: Civil War Voices in Verse
Author: J. Patrick Lewis
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books (November 27, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426300379
ISBN-13: 978-1426300370

Book description: The wonderful wordplay of J. Patrick Lewis breathes new life into the speeches of Lincoln, the letters of Grant and Lee, and the moving human drama of our country’s Civil War. Lewis’ poignant poetry gives young readers a vivid insight into the brutal conflict that tore America apart. The author draws on primary-source books and articles to inspire each poem, bringing the ordinary and extraordinary voices of the Civil War to light. The book also includes a note from the Photo Editor on the authentic period images used throughout. Readers experience history directly as it was lived by Americans in the 1860s.

Review: I can’t think of a better way to introduce a child to history then through pictures and ‘letters,’ creating an accessible living history they can immerse themselves in and experience for themselves. Poems written from the point of the historical characters really reveals the human spirit (of both sides of the civil war) for children that is often buried under the facts, statistics and politics. A great addition to the home library.

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* * Montgomery the Moose Can SHake His Caboose
Author: Patricia Derrick & Joyce Sibbett
Illustrator: J-P Loppo Martinez
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Animalations, LLC; Har/Com edition (September 15, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933818182
ISBN-13: 978-1933818184

Book description: With five distinct musical styles, Montgomery the Moose shakes his caboose for his friends.Young readers will learn to appreciate different kinds of music and participate in movement activities. Original musical CD sings the words in the text. Children will get up on their feet to dance to the toe tapping music. Each book includes an original musical CD attached to back inside cover. 32 pages include teacher notes, science notes, musical score.

Review: Get your kiddos off their duffs and get them shaking, dancing and jumping around with Montgomery Moose and all his friends. Especially useful for rainy and snowy days when your kiddos are stuck indoors. Great for preschoolers. A wonderful introduction to various music styles; collect all the books in this series.

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Here are the rest in the series:

Book description: Mr. Walrus drives all the friends around town in the old school bus. They make many exciting stops along their way. But, they must hurry and not be late for their 5 o’clock date. The musical CD sings the words in the text to an original ‘toe tapping’ beat. Each book includes an original musical CD attached to back inside cover. 32 pages include teacher notes, science notes, musical score.

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Book description: Rathbone the Rat is a mischievious rat. He travels through the town of Paris doing his mischievious deeds. Finally his friends help him and he learns a lesson. The text is sung to an original song. Each book includes an original musical CD attached to back inside cover. 32 pages include teacher notes, science notes, musical score.

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Book description: Sly the Dragonfly loves to fly high. ‘I hear the wind whistling through my wings. It makes my heart wake up and sing’. Sly encourages young readers to be the best that they can be. Text is sung to an original musical CD. Each book includes an original musical CD attached to back inside cover. 32 pages include teacher notes, science notes, musical score.

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* * * Where Is My Money?
Author: Twyla Prindle
Illustrator: Randy Jennings
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Prindle House Publishing; 1st edition (December 22, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0975952781
ISBN-13: 978-0975952788

Book description: Follow little Twyla as she is on the hunt to find her money only to realize that she spent it all on candy and toys at the mall. Little Twyla’s parents sit her down to teach her a lesson on cash flow so she won’t ever ask again “Where Is My Money?”Comes with pages your children can draw their picture and charts to keep track of their money as well.

Review: WONDERFUL. Teaches money management and cash flow on a level children can readily grasp and put into practice. These are skills they will need to be able to use their whole lives. I recommend this book especially when you decide to start giving an allowance. I know my kiddos (ages 5 & 11) will really benefit from this book as they will totally be able to relate to Twyla.

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* * The Undersea Treasure Hunt
Author: Sue Harris
Illustrator: Stephanie Boey
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 20 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (February 17, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0811846229
ISBN-13: 978-0811846226

Book description: Join Little Fish, Dolphin, and all their underwater friends as they hunt for hidden treasure. Lift the flaps to discover all of the sparkling surprises that the ocean world has to offer.

Review: I really like this one. The illustrations, the colors, the added glitter, the flaps that open to reveal hidden sea creatures while hunting for treasure – all very interesting and engaging. A win-win for parent and child. Will be one of thos efavorite books that’s read over and over again. A great gift.

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* * * The Little Elephant With The Big Earache
Author: Charlotte Cowan, M.D.
Illustrator: Elaine Garvin
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: The Hippocratic Press (September 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0975351605
ISBN-13: 978-0975351604

Book description: The Little Elephant with the Big Earache tells the story of Eddie, who awakens with a terrible earache after a busy afternoon making mud pies with his cousins. His mother takes care of him during the night and Dr. Hippo reassures them both during the day. Will Eddie recover in time for his birthday?

In this story for children ages 2-7, Dr. Cowan empathizes with her small patients. A board certified pediatrician and parent of three children, she understands about earaches and the worries of parents with sick children, and writes to entertain, educate and comfort both parent and child.

Book review: I recommend all the Dr. Hippos stories! Absolutely perfect for this age group. Takes the fear out of visiting the doctor for kiddos and informs parents, too, with the little booklet included about earaches. A great soothing read for your sick little one; perfect for cuddling together under a blanket and reading when your kiddo just doesn’t feel well.

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Other Dr. Hippo books:

Book description: A beautifully illustrated picture book, “Katie Caught a Cold” is about a polar bear cub who starts sneezing just before the Ice Show in which she is skating. Her mother takes excellent care of Katie’s cold at home and calls their hippopotamus pediatrician, Dr. Hippo, for advice. The story is accompanied by a helpful “Parent Guide” in which common questions are answered by the pediatrician author: does green nasal discharge require antibiotics? do decongestants really help? does vitman C cause diarrhea? An entertaining, educational and comforting book for both parent and child!

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Book description: The day of the Diving Contest has arrived! Peeper hops out of bed with excitement and joins his mother for breakfast. When he doesn’t touch his pancakes, she wonders whether he might be getting sick and soon discovers his fever of 104°. Worried, she calls their pediatrician, Dr. Hippocrates, who gives her excellent advice and asks her to keep in touch by phone. His parents then take wonderful care of Peeper, but what about the Diving Contest? Is he well enough to go? Will he win this year?

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Book description: This full color picture book begins with Sadie the giraffe beading necklaces for her School Art Fair. Soon she begins to feel sick. Her mother worries about Sadie’s sore throat and takes excellent care of her at home before they go off to their pediatrician, a friendly hippopotamus named Dr. Hippocrates. Is Sadie too sick to go to the Fair? Will she need antibiotics? Will her necklaces win a prize? The story includes a separate Parent Guide, “Simplifying Sore Throats.” In this Guide, Dr. Cowan answers common parental questions like: “What is a strep throat?” How can I keep my child comfortable?” “When may my child return to school?”

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* * * In Jesse’s Shoes – Appreciating Kids With Special Needs

* Genevieve’s Gift
Author: Rosemary Serluca-Foster
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Rosedove Productions, LLC. (September 17, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1419674897
ISBN-13: 978-1419674891

Book description: Genevieve’s Gift: A Child’s Joyful Tale of Connecting with her Intuitive Heart by accomplished writer, producer, actor and children’s meditation facilitator, Rosemary Serluca-Foster celebrates the power and joy of connecting with our intuition for a simple, yet strong way to spark creativity, build courage and resolve conflict. Genevieve, a feisty little girl with a heart of gold learns to rely on her intuition to guide her in her life. Searching for the perfect gift for her best friend Maya’s birthday is proving to be quite a challenge for Genevieve. It has to be super special, just like Maya’s friendship—but no idea seems quite right. That is until she learns to connect with and listen to her innate gift of wisdom and discovers that the perfect present is the one from her heart, creating a special song which she must become brave enough to face a bully and sing at the party.

Review: This book has a two simple messages: Listen to your heart. Don’t let anyone get in the way of that.

A good book for kiddos who may be bullied or who need a little encouragement developing their self-confidence. For children and families that practice meditation and holistic health.

NOTE TO PARENTS: Author Rosemary Serluca-Foster is a certified children’s Meditation Facilitator and holistic healer from Satya International, Asheville, NC, and is certified from the IM School of Healing Arts, New York, NY. She conducts workshops for children where through a series of fun games, exercises, crafts, movement, simple meditation, and guided visualizations, children will learn to link creativity and courage to their inner wisdom.

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* The Lost Scrolls: Earth (Avatar: the Last Airbender)
Author: Michael Teitelbaum
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 64 pages
Publisher: Simon Spotlight (January 23, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416918779
ISBN-13: 978-1416918776

Book description: IF YOU ARE READING THIS, you have uncovered one of the four hidden scrolls I have compiled about the world of Avatar. This scroll contains sacred information about the Earth Nation — stories, legends, and facts that I have found so far about this nation — its history, culture, and tales of its past and present.

Katara tells how she inspired a group of Earthbenders imprisoned on a Fire Nation ship to take a stand; Aang explains how he managed to outsmart the great Earthbender, King Bumi; and Sokka recounts the tale of the Great Divide. Included are sections on Earthbending moves, the great Earth Kingdom Kyoshi Warriors, and more.

Keep this scroll safe, and share it only with those you trust. Beware, for there are many who wish to expose its secrets….

Book review: Fans of Avatar will love this book – be sure to look for the others in the series! Learn more about the Avatar world and the legends that comprise it. This is one of those books I recommend because it encourages reading especially for kiddos that need encouragement. What better way to catch their interest than through a story with characters they already love?

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* Postmark Paris