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Archive for September, 2009
Thursday, September 10th, 2009
 * Cookie
Author: Lisa Woomer
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 28 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (March 17, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432730207
ISBN-13: 978-1432730208
Book description: How many cookies can one little girl eat before something strange begins to happen? Once there was a very happy little girl who loved cookies. She loved them so much that she wouldn’t eat anything but cookies-cookies for breakfast, cookies for lunch, cookies for dinner. (Need we even mention dessert?) Her parents tried everything they could think of to get her to eat the right foods, but all she would eat were cookies! Then one day, she began to change.
Book review: Get the point about good eating across with Cookie. Not only will the younger kids (4-5, 6) get a kick out of this tale, the older kids will love reading it to them. Imaginative and a topic of great interest, Cookie can help your little ones make better food choices.
Tags: Ages 4-5, Author last name W, healthy eating, Recommended titles, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, September 10th, 2009
 * Queen Vernita Visits the Blue Ice Mountains
Author: Dawn Menge
Illustrator: Bobbi Switzer
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (May 16, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432711695
ISBN-13: 978-1432711696
Book description: Queen Vernita continues her monthly visits with her friends at the Blue Ice Mountains. While visiting the mountains she learns about the local flora and fauna.
Book review: This book is written for ages 9-12, but it’s the younger set that needs to learn the months of the years and days of the week and they can learn it all from Queen Vernita. Lots of facts about the many creatures and plants that inhabit Queen Vernita’s world (and also ours). Will appeal to a broad-base of readers from age 6 and up, including ESL students.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Ages 9-12, animal science, Author last name M, calendar, fairytale, Recommended titles, Title Q
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, September 10th, 2009
 * Davey BigHead: Dream Big
Author: Peter J. Hayden
Reading level: Ages , 6-10, 9-12
Paperback: 26 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (May 14, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439229724
ISBN-13: 978-1439229729
Book description: Barely able to fit his noggin through a school bus door or even through the neck of his own tee shirt, Davey knows his head is larger than average. Admittedly, Davey has a head bigger than a watermelon, which his classmates poke fun at him for until they learn that when it comes to being the winning goalie on a winning soccer team, a big head comes in handy. Go Davey Bighead! Written for beginning and intermediate readers.
Book review: I was skeptical at first, but Peter Hayden is not heavy-handed with the moral of the story and Davey is a winner through and through showing young readers how to make assets out of their differences.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Ages 9-12, Author last name H, bullies, bullying, friendship, Recommended titles, self-esteem, Title D
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, September 10th, 2009
 * Wally the Walking Fish: Meets Madison and Cooper
Author: Gary Lamit
Paperback: 28 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (May 28, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439225419
ISBN-13: 978-1439225417
Book description: Wally the Walking Fish Meets Madison and Cooper is a fun-filled fantasy adventure that the whole family will enjoy. When little pig-tailed Madison takes her grumpy always-hungry yellow dog fishing, they both discover Wally, an amazing walking fish! With Wally at their side, the new group of friends learns fun facts about mushrooms, beavers, fish, and dogs.
Book review: Cute and educational. I really liked the boxed facts about each of the creatures in the book. Creatively informative; imaginative.
Tags: Ages 6-10, animal science, Author last name L, dogs, fish, Recommended titles, Title W
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
 * * The Angry Thunderstorm
Author: Carol Henson Keese
Illustrator: Rachel Henson
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: AuthorHouse (March 31, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1438943342
ISBN-13: 978-1438943343
Book description: The Angry Thunderstorm rolls into a child’s world in the middle of the night awakening her with a fright. Witnessing his booming display, the child trembles with fear. The Angry Thunderstorm acknowledges that he sounds ill-tempered because it takes such a powerful display to do his job. The wind. The thunder. The flashes of light. All of these seem scary. His intent is often misunderstood and his presence is seldom welcomed. But as he explains the reason behind his gruff display, the child is reassured that he does these things for a very good reason.
Book review: Loved this one. This will make a great bedtime story and help make something rather scary not so frightening to my little one. Absolutely LOVED the illustrations especially of the thunderstorm creeping about and the huge eyes of the scared child, teddy bear and other frightened creatures. Scary, but funny and soothing. A great writing/illustrating team. Sure to be a favorite in this house.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name K, bedtime story, Highly Recommended titles, humor, scary, Title A
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
 * Lake Monster Mix-Up – A Sam & Friends Mystery
Author: Mary Labatt
Illustrator: Jo Rioux
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1553373022
ISBN-13: 978-1553373025
Book description: In the second book in the Sam & Friends Mystery graphic novel series, canine sleuth Sam is bored at the prospect of spending a cottage weekend at Sagawa Lake – until she hears that the lake has a deep, dark secret. This is exactly what Sam wants to hear and sure enough, with help from Jennie and Beth, Sam finds an old diary hidden in the wall of their cabin and what they read there is chilling. Is it the key to the secret of Sagawa Lake? What about the strange face painted on the rock, near the water’s edge – and the creepy cave nearby? Something lurks in the depths of the lake. All they need is proof, which Sam is determined to obtain at all costs.
Book review: If your 9-12 yr old hasn’t been bitten by the reading bug, or if she’s letting her reading time slip away, a Sam & Friend’s Mystery is sure to grab her attention and make a convert or revert out of her. Page-turning fun! Might even engage the younger crowd. My six-year old gobbles these up.
Tags: Author last name L, comic book, girls, graphic novel, mystery, Recommended titles, scary, Title L
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
 * * * How to Build Your Own Country
Author: Valerie Wyatt
Illustrator: Fred Rix
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554533104
ISBN-13: 978-1554533107
Book description: How to Build Your Own Country is an interactive and totally original learning experience that shows kids how to build their very own country from scratch. This book, the only one of its kind, offers children the expertise and advice they’ll need to plant their flag in the backyard, in the bedroom or online.
Book review: Funny, fun and educational. Homeschoolers and teachers could easy take this book and run with it giving their 3rd – 6th graders a real eye-opener on what it takes to create, build up and run a country while absorbing facts and advice that teach about government, elections and all things related to running a country.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name W, countries, government, Outstanding titles, social studies, Title H
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
 * * * Upon Secrecy
Author: Selene Castrovilla
Illustrators: Jeff Crosby & Ann Jackson
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Calkins Creek Books (September 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1590785738
ISBN-13: 978-1590785737
Book description: A historical novel that follows the members of the Culper Spy Ring formed by George Washington in 1780 to spy on the British when France entered the American Revolution.
Book review: I love the way Castrovilla gets inside the heads of real life characters and brings them to life. Right away we are pulled into the story of espionage and the different factions of the Revolutionary War become so real. Upon Secrecy will have you on the edge of your seat – even though you know how it ends! Castrovilla is definitely one of my new favorite historians for children.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name C, history, Outstanding titles, Revolutionary War, Title U
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
 * * By The Sword
Author: Selene Castrovilla
Illustrator: Bill Farnsworth
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Calkins Creek Books (April 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1590784278
ISBN-13: 978-1590784273
Book description: Meet Benjamin Tallmadge, a young teacher in the midst of Revolutionary America. Spurred by the cry for freedom and the blood spilled at the battles of Lexington and Concord, Benjamin sacrifices his career and his dreams to enlist in George Washington’s army. Follow Benjamin and his beloved horse, Highlander, into fiery combat at the Battle of Long Island. Hear cannons blast, smell gunpowder, watch the enemy barrel forward as Benjamin must fire or die. Witness grisly war as Benjamin grapples with the realities of being a soldier, and see whether he and the rest of the battered Americans can escape from Brooklyn unscathed.
Book review: Gripping, vivid and real, but perfect for this age group (9-12) without tarnishing their innocence. Castrovilla and Farnsworth bring the reality of war and the vibrancy of history down to a level older children can grasp and will fire them up to learn about the Revolutionary War. Castrovilla weaves this tale from extensive histotical resources and provides a time line, map, and source notes that will add greatly to the study of this time period.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name C, Highly Recommended titles, history, Revolutionary War, Title B
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009
 * A Practical Guide to Vampires
Author: Lisa Trutkoff Trumbauer
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: Mirrorstone (August 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786952431
ISBN-13: 978-0786952434
Book description: How old is a vampire fledgling? Why do vampires avoid mirrors? What’s the best way to slip into a vampire’s home?
Book review: You loved the series on dragons, but now you have everything you ever wanted to know about vampires at your fingertips. Stunning illustrations to feast your eyes upon and fill your imagination. Perfectly targets the 9-12 crowd with G-rated material, but is suitable for any vampire lover/collector (along the lines of the older Gnomes and Fairies field books of the seventies, I think it was).
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name T, fantasy, Recommended titles, Title A, vampires
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009
 * Out of This World: The Amazing Search for an Alien Earth
Author: Jacob Berkowitz
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554531985
ISBN-13: 978-1554531981
Book description: For the first time in history, humans are actively searching for alien life – specifically, another Earth-like planet in the universe. As you read this, scientists are using high-tech space gear and telescopes to look and listen for an Alien Earth in deep space. Robotic spacecraft are searching for life on moons and other planets in our solar system. Out of This World gives young readers a window seat on this fascinating quest. They’ll learn how extreme life forms here on earth may help us understand possible alien life, how our planetary next-door neighbors are getting investigated, about the billions of “exoplanets” that lie far outside our solar system and much more.
Book review: This is a fascinating book with a unique perspective. Through the eyes of an alien we see what scientists on earth are doing right now in the search for life in outer space. Eye-catching photos and artistic renderings combined with facts, stories and activities make this an engaging read. Follow Ambrosia, a being from Xenon, from page to page and from planet to exoplanet and discover what’s new and happening in your own galaxy and just where other life might exist!
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name B, outer space, planets, Recommended titles, science, Title O
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009
 * But What If I Don’t Understand?
Author: C. P. Siebenhuener
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Tate Publishing (February 3, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1606969048
ISBN-13: 978-1606969045
Book description: But What If I Dont Understand? introduces us to an adorable little girl who learns the very important lesson of honesty, communication and self confidence. Author C.P. Siebenhuener interestingly depicts a childs insecurity and fear of admitting to not always understanding what is being taught in school and demonstrates how Danielles mom lovingly and patiently explains the importance of asking questions and having the confidence to ask for help.
Book review: A great book for your frustrated kiddos – a great gift for the teacher as well. A little book like this in the hands of a few teachers in the lower grades could really boost the morale of some kids who would otherwise struggle silently. A great tool for communication. I hope it gets used widely!
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name S, communication, Recommended titles, school, self-esteem, Title B
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009
 * * Owly Volume 4: A Time to be Brave
Author: Andy Runton
Ages: 6-10
Paperback: 120 pages
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions (December 19, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1891830899
ISBN-13: 978-1891830891
Book description: The fourth graphic novel in the award-winning, all-ages series tells the story of new visitor to the forest. He may be misunderstood because of how he looks, but things aren’t always what they seem, and everyone soon finds out that the power of friendship can fix just about anything.
Book review: What a great tale of friendship! I loved that this graphic novel is for the younger set. It will encourage new readers to work out the plot and moral of the story and Andy Runton does a great job of getting the story across through such expressive characters and symbols! Well done.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Author last name R, comic book, friendship, graphic novel, Highly Recommended titles, Title O
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009
 * * Road To Revolution Authors: Stan Mack and Susan Champlin
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books; 1 edition (July 21, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599903717
ISBN-13: 978-1599903712
Book description: You can’t make history without making a little trouble!
Nick is an orphan who gets by on his wits and whatever he can steal. Penny is the daughter of a tavern owner and knows the meaning of honest work. Though from completely different backgrounds—and despite their instant dislike for each other—they do have one thing in common: They both want the British out of Boston! When a chance encounter brings them together, Nick and Penny see a way to help the patriots. But first they’ll have to earn the trust of some of America’s great revolutionaries—including Paul Revere and Dr. Joseph Warren—and muster the courage to confront innumerable dangers.
Book review: A great read! Fast-paced, full of action it brings history to life in a fun way that kids readily grasp. I loved graphic novels when I was 9 and they encouraged me to read my favorite stories later in novels, biographies and history books. Road to Revolution can add a new dimension to history lessons helping kids better visualize what they are learning about. This novel is unique and there’s not much competition for it making it a great buy.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name C, Author last name M, comic book, graphic novel, Highly Recommended titles, history, Revolutionary War, Title R
Posted in Book Reviews |
Saturday, September 5th, 2009
 * * * National Geographic Kids Almanac 2010
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books (May 26, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 142630501X
ISBN-13: 978-1426305016
Book description: Dare to explore—from modern day adventurers to close calls and narrow escapes. Amazing animals will take readers into the wild and into the water. Discover cultural connections from food, currency, literature and lots more from around the world. Read globe trotting geography, maps, travel, and famous landmarks and learn to go green and help out our threatened earth.
Book review: Excellent! Chock full of facts, stunning photos, games, jokes (even recipes) and so much more. For kids that gobble up trivia, this is a treasure trove of fun. Color coded sections make this an easy almanac to navigate and quickly turn to your most favorite facts.
Tags: Ages 9-12, almanac, facts, National Geograpghic, Outstanding titles, Title N
Posted in Book Reviews |
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* Cookie
