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Archive for July, 2009
Thursday, July 30th, 2009
 * * Have You Ever Seen an Octopus with a Broom?
Author: Etta Kaner
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554532477
ISBN-13: 978-1554532476
Book description: Have You Ever Seen an Octopus with a Broom? compares human and animal tools and reveals surprising facts about how animals clean house, fish for food and even play percussion. Maybe you’ve never seen an octopus with a broom – but these animals use jets of water like a broom to sweep out leftovers after a meal, and also sweep sand and small stones out of their den to make it bigger. The Spin It! activity at the end of the book will provide hours of educational enjoyment. Each informational picture book in the Have You Ever Seen series uses lighthearted human-animal comparisons to teach primary-level children about animals.
Book review: Loved this one as much as the others in this series. Using silly questions to launch a mini-lesson about animals and how they really act hooks the reader. Little ones will gobble this up, memorizing the little facts about each creature.
Tags: Ages 4-8, animal habitat, animals, Author last name K, Highly Recommended titles, silly, Title H
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, July 30th, 2009
 * * * Lulu’s Pajamas
Author: Lucy Papineau
Reading level: Ages 6-10
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554533716
ISBN-13: 978-1554533718
Book description: Young Lulu has the best Mama and Papa in the world and the best pet ladybug, Lili-Poo. After her Mama tells her a story and her Papa sings a goodnight song, Lulu drifts gently off to sleep in her favorite soft-as-a-butterfly-kiss pajamas. In the morning she decides “never ever” to take them off again! What will she do when her friends laugh and her beloved pajamas show the scars of a busy day at school? Suddenly Lulu can hardly recognize her pajamas, and they sure don’t smell like a pink dream anymore….
Book review: Where was this book when my kids were going through this phase? Loved the concept – wonderfully done! Lulu learns a lesson about wearing the appropriate clothes at the appropriate times. A perfect story for ages 3 – 6; a terrific bedtime story, too.
This book is coming out in September 2009.
Tags: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-8, Author last name P, bedtime story, clothes, Outstanding titles, silly, Title L
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
 * * * Me and You
Author: Genevieve Cote
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554534461
ISBN-13: 978-1554534463
Book description: Two very different friends explore what it would like to be each other…
Book review: I give this book three stars not because it’s darling and makes you say “Awwww!” (it does!) but because it demonstrates so beautifully something moms try to teach their kiddos – that they are unique and wonderful just as they are. The author dedicates this book to two little girls that wished to be twins and I couldn’t help but think of my own daughters who are twins. This is just the sort of book I would have been pleased to read to them when they were younger because it encourages kiddos to discover who they are – whether or not the look like anybody else they know.
This book is coming out in August 2009.
Tags: Ages 0-4, animals, Author last name C, friendship, Outstanding titles, Title M
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
 * * * Binky The Space Cat
Author: Ashley Spires
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 64 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554534194
ISBN-13: 978-1554534197
Book description: Binky is a space cat – at least in his own mind. He’s really a house cat who has never left the family “space station.” Unlike other house cats, Binky has a mission: to blast off into outer space (outside), explore unknown places (the backyard) and battle aliens (bugs). Binky must undergo rigorous training so he can repel the alien attacks that threaten his humans. As he builds his spaceship, he must be extremely careful with his blueprints – the enemy is always watching. Soon Binky is ready to voyage into outer space. His humans go out there every day and he’s sure they need a certified space cat to protect them. But just as he’s about to blast off with his co-pilot, Ted (stuffed mousie), Binky realizes that he’s left something very important behind … and it’s not the zero-gravity kitty litter.
Book review: This one is a laugh a page. Never mind that we are a cat family and just know some of our kitties think and act like Binky, this book will charm you and give little ones big giggles with Binky’s shenanigans, all perfectly targeted for ages 6-10. This graphic novel format is a great way to encourage reading. And beneath all of this wonderful, engaging and fun adventure is the maxim: there’s no place like home and family!
This book is coming out in August 2009.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Author last name S, comic book, family, funny, graphic novel, humor, Outstanding titles, Title B
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009
 * * Green Dragon Codex
Author: R.D. Henham
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Mirrorstone (June 9, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786951451
ISBN-13: 978-0786951451
Book description: When ten-year-old Scamp Weaver finds a locked chest in a forest clearing, he feels like his life is finally about to change for the better. But he doesn’t bargain for just how much change the chest will bring. Inside he finds a dragon egg and a mysterious ancient scroll, which set Scamp and his best friend Dannika off on a harrowing adventure, chased by dragon hunters who want the contents of the chest for themselves. Life gets ever more complicated when the baby green dragon hatches. Will this cute, mischievous hatchling really grow up to be an evil green dragon?
Book review: Very original, humorous, suspenseful and good for young readers. I really enjoyed the humor – if you liked the other dragon codices, you’ll really like this one.
- N.C., age 15
Tags: adventure, Ages 9-12, Author last name H, Dragon Codex, Dragon Codices, dragons, fantasy, Highly Recommended titles, Title G
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009
 * * Viva Cisco
Author: Patrick Shannon
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (April 14, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432730371
ISBN-13: 978-1432730376
Book description: “Viva Cisco” is a trilogy of funny stories for kids at the Age 10-13 reading level. All three tales unfold in a land called Topopootl, which lies in a hidden valley deep in the heart of Mexico. Because of its seclusion, the inhabitants have created a society without the benefit of human contact, and they don’t seem to have missed out on anything important in the absence of that dubious blessing. In fact, they probably have more pure merriment and boisterous excitement than any human community could ever conceive. Much of the credit for that, though, must be laid at the feet of Topopootl’s most..uh.. stimulating citizen, one Cisco las Verde Arara del Gucigalpa. Aka, Cisco the Parrot.
Book review: Loved these three humorous adventures of a parrot in a jungle with animal friends. I recommend it for animal lovers and kids age 6-12. Funny and original. – R.C., age 15
Tags: adventure, Ages 9-12, animals, Author last name S, Highly Recommended titles, humor, Title V
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, July 21st, 2009
 * * * The Prairie Girl’s Guide to Life
Author: Jennifer Worick
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Taunton (October 16, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1561589861
ISBN-13: 978-1561589869
Book description: Frontier fun meets a home-spun touch in this heart-warming mixture of pioneer projects and wistful nostalgia. Jennifer Worick teaches readers how to sew a quilt, master the art of bread-and-butter pickles, speak old-time slang, and much much more. This is for the legions of Laura Ingalls Wilder fans who have dreamed of what a pioneer life out on the prairie would be like. Combining step-by-step how-to on crafts, with tongue-in-cheek instructions on prairie slang, winning a spelling bee, and singing a lullaby, The Prairie Girl’s Guide to Life allows fans to finally act out their childhood dreams or to simply enjoy the vicarious thrill of reading about it one more time. This is a book that will pull at the heart strings of every childhood Laura and also teach us a few prairie-time crafts along the way.
Book review: This is a keeper that even Mom will want to own for herself! Worick perfectly captures the spirit of doing for yourself covering the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, parlor and barn. You’ll find recipes, crafts and projects and plenty of opportunity to develop your rustic skills. I love having all the traditional craft of homemaking at my fingertips in this handsome book, plus there’s all the little tid-bits, wisdom and facts interjected artfully on the pages. This is a wonderful collection of the heritage of women that should never be lost.
Tags: Ages 12-Up, Ages 9-12, Author last name W, crafts, girls, homemaking, Outstanding titles, recipes, Title P
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, July 20th, 2009
 * Dingletrot and The People of The Mill
Author: Matt Goldman
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Jabberwocky Books (April 15, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935204009
ISBN-13: 978-1935204008
Book description: Dingeltrot is the story of a twelve-year old boy who stands fourteen inches tall. Among his friends and family, that makes him a freak and a weirdo — not because he’s the shortest, but because he’s the tallest. Small people live in secret colonies scattered across the globe. Most of the small dislike and fear their bigger ancestors, who have crowded the earth and made it nearly impossible to hide. But when Dingeltrot accidentally learns of a dark, guarded secret, he relies on his wit and inventiveness to embark on a dangerous journey that could reunite big and small, and change the world forever.
Book review: I liked the dialog best. Fast-paced, catchy and engaging, the banter between characters is funny and made me laugh. There’s also a good moral lesson that is perfect for this age group: It doesn’t matter how you look, it’s what you do with the talent(s) you’ve been given. – N.C., 15 yrs old
Tags: adventure, Ages 9-12, Author last name G, fairytale, Recommended titles, Title D
Posted in Book Reviews |
Friday, July 17th, 2009
 * * The Porridge Pot
Authors: Carl & Theodor Colshorn
Illustrator: Claudia Carls
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Minedition (September 20, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0698400739
ISBN-13: 978-0698400733
Book description: In this newly translated German folk tale, a pot of porridge sparks a quarrelsome chase between a miller and his wife. Left behind is their daughter, who enters the dark forest in pursuit. But she loses sight of them, and all seems lost until a mysterious old woman appears and offers the girl a shoe, assuring her that everything will be fine as long as she follows her instructions.
Book Review: If you’re tired of princesses that look like Barbie you’ll love this princess with short brown hair! The story and unique illustrations (that combine sculpture and painting) combine to make a unique and lovable fairy tale. Whimsical, fun and magical.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name C, fairytale, fantasy, Highly Recommended titles, Title P
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, July 6th, 2009
 * * * Wild Horse Creek: The Mystery Stallion
Author: Sharon Siamon
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Walrus Books (September 12, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1552859339
ISBN-13: 978-1552859339
Book description: Join Sophie and Liv in the explosive kick-off to the new Wild Horse Creek series.
When 13-year-old twins Sophie and Liv spend their spring break vacation with their grandparents in Arizona, they discover that the ranch in the Sonoran Desert is full of surprises. Both girls love horses, and they’re thrilled to meet their grandparents’ herd of Spanish Barbs who roam freely on the 3,000-acre ranch. Soon, however, the girls encounter more adventure than they bargained for.
When their grandfather’s stallion is badly injured and the rest of his herd disappears, the twins try to find the missing horses and get to the bottom of the mystery. Along the way, the girls encounter rattlesnakes, good-looking cowhands and an interesting cast of characters who work at the ritzy local spa. Throughout their adventure, the twins come to terms with the fact that they are separate individuals with different paths to follow.
About the Wild Horse Creek series:
When horses are at the heart of a series, it’s pretty much guaranteed that every book will also feature fun, adventure and friendship. This series follows twins Sophie and Liv adventures on their grandfather’s ranch.
Book review: Sharon Siamon wastes no time drawing the reader right in to Liv And Sophie’s world. A fast-paced, gripping read I couldn’t put down. Horse lovers, tweens and teens will love this one and want more…and as a mother of twins, I have a special appreciation for Liv and Sophie’s relationship and growing autonomy. Well done. Siamon really knows her audience.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name S, horses, mystery, Outstanding titles, teen, Title M, Title W
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, July 6th, 2009
 * * * Penny & Rio: The Locked Doghouse Mystery
Author: Jennifer Swanson
Illustrators: Rosita Schandy & Neal Wooten
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 44 pages
Publisher: Mirror Publishing (August 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-936046-10-2
Book description: The crime-fighting dog duo of Penny and Rio are on the case again. Squeaky, the mouse, needs Penny’s help to get his precious belongings from a locked doghouse. But how can a couple of dogs and a mouse open a metal lock? With the help of Hobbes, a massive Great Dane, Penny and Rio work to solve this mystery. But can they get Squeaky’s valuables out before the doghouse is destroyed?
Book review: Penny drags Rio into solving the latest mystery and once again they steal the reader’s heart with their charm and personality. Funny, endearing and engaging, I would encourage your early readers (1st and 2nd grade) to try reading this with your help. How can you not get hooked on reading with Penny & Rio? I just can’t get enough of Penny & Rio!
This book is due out in August – be sure to check Amazon.com or visit www.pagesofwonder.com.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name S, dogs, mystery, Outstanding titles, Title L, Title P
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, July 6th, 2009
 * * * Penny & Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting
Author: Jennifer Swanson
Illustrators: Rosita Schandy & Neal Wooten
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 44 pages
Publisher: Mirror Publishing (December 16, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982256019
ISBN-13: 978-0982256015
Book description: Penny and Rio are two dogs who are complete opposites. Penny is curious and always on the go, while Rio prefers a good nap. At their new house, Penny discovers that their backyard is the meeting place for several different animals. Penny doesn’t know why a cat, a groundhog, a squirrel, and an owl could possibly be meeting, but she knows she has to find out. She comes up with an ingenious plan for spying on them and discovers their plot. She has to stop them – but can she get her sister dog, Rio, to help her or will Rio decide that sleep is more important? Follow along as these two pet detectives, Penny and Rio solve the first of many cases in Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting.
Book review: Lol! This is a great book. Penny steals the show and Rio is the winning ’straight man.’ Not just a book about dogs with human characteristics – not at all. You can honestly tell these two dogs (real characters at that) really did behave this way and the story hooks you right in with both dogs’ unique characterizations. We are a pet family here and I know my son is going to love, love, love this because our pets have such endearing personalities, too. We can relate! Great job.
This book is geared for readers aged 9-12, but younger listeners will love having Penny & Rio’s adventures read to them as well.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name S, dogs, humor, mystery, Outstanding titles, Title M, Title P
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, July 6th, 2009
 * * * Too Too Many Tutus
Author: Suzanne Davis Marion
Illustrator: Marj Hales
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (February 24, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439218471
ISBN-13: 978-1439218471
Book description: Christina has a problem. Her ballet class is coming up, and she must decide which one of her many tutus to wear. She lays them all carefully on her bed to help her decide. The decision is difficult, because the colors are each so vibrant and lovely. She imagines herself inspired to dance in a unique and special way in each tutu, with each color evoking its own particular imagery. In her blue tutu she could dance by the sea, with the birds and fishes joining in. In her green tutu she could do a forest dance among the trees, and in the meadows. Her orange tutu creates images of a joyous dance in the firelight at sunset. There are other colors too, each suggesting its own special mood. At last she receives some wise counsel in solving her dilemma, and helping her to make the correct choice.
Book review: Wonderful! Colorful, vibrant and imaginative. Your young reader (daughter, most definitely) will love the many colors and feelings the story evokes as she imagines with Christina what it would be like to wear each tutu. I loved the watercolor illustrations. The story and pictures are a great marriage for this book. Loved it.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name M, colors, dance, girls, Outstanding titles, Title T
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, July 6th, 2009
 * * * Famous Figures of Ancient Times
Author: Cathy Diez-Luckie
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Figures In Motion; First Edition edition (April 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0981856608
ISBN-13: 978-0981856605
Book description: Make Your Own Action Figures From Ancient History! Make history come alive in Ancient Egypt, Greece, China, Rome, and Jerusalem! Cut-and-color or pre-coloered action figures really move ans you play out the lives of Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, King David, Jesus, Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, Hannibal (and his elephant!) and other – or make up your own stories about these powerful men whose fame has lasted for thousands of years. Yes, they really move! Move their arms and legs, use their swords and shields, and act out their stories at home or at school – over and over again. History has never been so much fun! Emperors! Conquerors! Philosophers! These 20 people shaped history – and our world today. Yes, you can also read about their amazing lives, right in this book. Attention Teachers and Parents: use this book to reinforce the wonder of history and to support any ancient history curriculum through hands-on activities. Note: Your child will need a hole punch and inexpensive fasteners (available at stationary or craft stores-please see resources page).
Book review: What an awesome hands on approach to ancient history! Definitely worth purchasing for your homeschool library because you can make history lessons come alive through the use of ‘paper dolls.’ Helps kids visualize and relate to history. High quality cut-outs in color or in black and white for coloring. Note: No photocopying of these images is allowed as that is a breach of copyright.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Ages 9-12, Ancient history, Author last name D, history, Outstanding titles, Title F
Posted in Book Reviews |
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* * Have You Ever Seen an Octopus with a Broom?
