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Archive for March, 2010
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
 + + + + Is There a Monster Over There?
Author/Illustrator: Sally O. Lee
Paperback: 36 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (February 13, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1450531024
ISBN-13: 978-1450531023
Book description: Mabel and her cat Tiffany are afraid of monsters. Mabel thinks they are hiding under her bed or in her closet. One day she decides to face the monster and she learns an important lesson about overcoming fears.
Book review: The illustrations perfectly match the mood of the story, evolving from scary to imaginatively playful as Mabel overcomes her fear of monsters. What a great story for young readers who are afraid of the dark; a really non-threatening way of facing those scary beasties and making friends with them.
Tags: Ages 4-5, Ages 4-8, Author last name L, bedtime, bedtime story, Highly Recommended titles, monsters, scary, Title I
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
 + + + + Passing By
Author: Yona Tepper
Illustrator: Gil-ly Alon Curiel
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers; 1 edition (January 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 193527936X
ISBN-13: 978-1935279365
Book description: Yael peeks out from her balcony and sees everything that’s happening in the street below, from the cat in the garden next door to a green tractor chugging down the road. Finally, she sees the best thing – her dad on his way home! There’s one surprise after another in Passing By, and children will love guessing where everyone is coming from and where they’re going to.
Book review: The view from Yael’s balcony is awesome and little ones will love guessing and exploring each new discovery. Loved the point of view – young readers will immediately relate. This is what makes reading fun for little ones!
Tags: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-5, Author last name T, Highly Recommende dtitles, preschool, Title P
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
 + + + + The Best Family in the World
Author: Susana Lopez
Illustrator: Ulises Wensell
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 28 pages
Publisher: Kane Miller Book Publishers; 1 edition (January 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279475
ISBN-13: 978-1935279471
Book description: Carlota is being adopted tomorrow! As she anxiously waits for her new family, she wonders what they’ll be like. She imagines all kinds of wonderful families…astronauts, pastry chefs, even pirates! How nice to find out that they are all that and more…the best family in the world.
Book description: This is a great read. Carlota’s every dream of the perfect family builds anticipation and prepares her and the reader for the happy ending – a forever family. Just the right book to prepare a child waiting to be adopted.
Tags: adoption, Ages 4-8, Author last name L, family, Highly Recommended titles, Title B
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
 + + + Andy and Sam Hide-and-Seek
Author: Liesbet Slegers
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers; 1 edition (January 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279351
ISBN-13: 978-1935279358
Book description: An engaging seek and find book for young children – each colorful spread asks simple questions: Where is the rabbit? Who is living in the apple? How many elephants are there in the zoo?
Book review: A colorful first seek-and-find for little ones. Totally engages the little mind and starts them seeking details in each illustration, helping them develop skills that will make them solid readers. Great for long car or plane trips. Especially perfect for young lovers of cats, as there is a hidden cat in each picture.
Tags: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-5, Author last name S, cats, fun, hide-and-seek, Recommended titles, search and find, Title A
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
 + + + + One Night in the Zoo
Author/Illustrator: Judith Kerr
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (March 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279378
ISBN-13: 978-1935279372
Book description: One magical, moonlit night in the zoo…an elephant jumped in the air and flew! But nobody knew. So begins an extraordinary night. The zoo is filled with the wild antics, high spirits and sily games of some of the, most beloved zoo animals…does anyone know? Will anyone find out? Nobody…except you!
Book review: This is what the best children’s books are made of: magical imagination, silly and creative instances and pure fun. One Night in the Zoo has all that and more. Kerr’s carefully drawn, colorful menagerie perks the imagination and invites readers to pretend along–which we do all too willingly and discover pure fun! Little ones will love counting the animals and turning the page to see what new clever event awaits.
Tags: Ages 4-5, Ages 4-8, animals, Author last name K, counting, fun, Highly Recommended titles, silly, Title O, zoo
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
 + + + + Boom Bah!
Author: Phil Cummings
Illustrator: Nina Rycroft
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers; 1 edition (January 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 193527922X
ISBN-13: 978-1935279228
Book description: Shhh . . . Listen! What’s that sound? TING! When a tiny mouse taps a cup with a spoon and creates a simple TING! everyone else wants to join in. Ting! Tong! Clickety-click! Clap your hands and join the band as it gathers and grows from a solo performance, to an explosive full orchestra.
Book review: Lyrical prose and dancing, music-playing animals draw young readers in. It starts with a mouse and a spoon, then a cat joins in with a tin can and a spatula, then a hen joins in, followed by a goat and several more animals until the whole barnyard comprises a band. Kids will love the alliteration and the growing number of animal characters as the music grows. A great book to practice counting and reading.
Tags: Ages 4-5, Ages 4-8, animals, Author last name C, farm animals, fun, Highly Recommended titles, music, Title B
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
 + + + + + Chester’s Masterpiece
Author/Illustrator: Melanie Watt
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (March 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554535662
ISBN-13: 978-1554535668
Book description: Chester s finally ready to write his own masterpiece he just needs to get pesky writer-illustrator Melanie Watt out of the way.
Book review: Another uproarious laugh-out-loud a minute Chester masterpiece by Melanie Watt. We are definitely Chester fans in this house and this book met all our expectations and then some. If you haven’t heard of Chester yet, you’ll love the way this cat takes over the author’s story and scribbles in his own ideas about what makes a great book. Joke after joke between author and character make any book with Chester in it a real winner.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name W, cats, Chester, humor, Outstanding titles, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
 + + + + + A Paddling of Ducks: Animals in Groups from A to Z
Author: Marjorie Blain Parker
Illustrator: Joseph Kelly
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (March 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 155337682X
ISBN-13: 978-1553376828
Book description: Featuring groups of animals from an army of ants to a herd of zebras, this book takes young children on a wildly imaginative tour through a zany animal kingdom. Each group of animals is described using a collective noun (for example, a skulk of foxes, a nest of vipers, a labor of moles). Joseph Kelly s richly detailed illustrations show animals engaged in gently surreal play on a summer day in various park-like settings. Young readers will revel in the visual jokes and puns on every page.
Book review: LOVED this book. The illustrations are superb, fun and very appealing. Reading this with your little one is a real visual treat as you run through the alphabet of animals and take in their silly fun on each page. Definitely an ABC book worth buying and adding to your home library. Will be a favorite for years to come.
Tags: abc, Ages 4-5, Ages 4-8, alphabet, animals, Author last name P, humor, Outstanding titles, Title A
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
 + + + + + Looking Closely Around The Pond
Author: Frank Serafini
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (February 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1553373952
ISBN-13: 978-1553373957
Book description: Look closely. Look very closely. Is it … a leaf? A net? Just turn the page and, lo and behold, it s a dragonfly s wing. Children will learn about dragonflies and many other creatures in this interactive book that encourages imagination and instills a respect for the natural environment.
Book review: If the photographs in this book don’t blow you away, nothing will. Brilliant color and clarity make guessing what each pond object is a fun adventure. Each guess is followed by a short profile about the critter or pond feature teaching your kids all about the pond environment. Fun, entertaining and educational.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name S, biology, ducks, guessing game, Look Closely, Outstanding titles, ponds, science, Title L
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
 + + + The Adventures of Cosmic Gorf
Author/illustrator: Samuel Vera
Publisher: Crazee Comics, November 2008
Ages: 6-10
http://www.crazeecomics.com
Book description: In a far off Galaxy, on the planet Krystalia, a daring student of the Academy convinces the heir to the kingdom; Princess Reyna to embark on the adventure of their lives. They never anticipated the danger ahead nor the company of young Doodarius from the planet Uranus. Get ready to join them on a wild ride of fun and adventure.
Book review: Another fun and hilarious adventure from Samuel Vera. Doodie fans will love The Adventures of Cosmic Gorf. These little comics are easy to read, hooking the reader with gag after gag.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Ages 9-12, Author last name V, comic book, Crazee Comics, graphic novel, humor, Recommended titles, silly, Title A, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
 + + + The OoGoolie BooGoolie’s
Author/illustrator: Samuel Vera
Publisher: Crazee Comics, November 2008
Ages: 6-10
http://www.crazeecomics.com
Book description: Remember when you were a kid and you heard about all of those things that go bump in the night? Well, for this one boy it all comes true. Journey into a spooky tale of monsters in the closet, under the bed, in the bathroom and more. This nursery rhyme is sure to give you goose bumps.
Book review: Silly and just as fun as Vera’s other creations! Reminds me somewhat of Shel Silverstein’s work. Those who enjoyed Doodie’s Adventures will enjoy The OoGoolie BooGoolie’s.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Author last name V, comic book, Crazee Comics, graphic novel, humor, Recommended titles, scary, silly, Title O
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
 + + + + Think Again
Author: JonArno Lawson
Illustrator: Julie Morstad
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 64 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (March 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554534232
ISBN-13: 978-1554534234
.
Book description:
Make sure that your heart
Isn’t too well-defended.
Your heart is designed
To be broken and mended.
~The Heart
These quietly beautiful and surprisingly humorous four-line poems reveal the many aspects of first love the longing, the frustration and the joy. The poet writes not from a single point of view but instead embraces the duality of first love, alternating between the perspectives of a boy and a girl. The poems and revealing illustrations by Julie Morstad combine to inspire young readers to think … and think again.
Book review: Like a journey to the past, Think Again brought me right back to the doorstep of my first love. Serious, humorous, ironic, tenderly painful and painfully tender, Think Again perfectly captures love, depression, self-discovery and the earnest yearning and angst of youth with all its quirks, intelligence and idealism. The illustrations by Julie Morstad are perfectly married to each little poem, artfully setting the mood for this little book of poetry.
Tags: Ages 12-Up, Author last name L, Highly Recommended titles, poetry, teen, Title T
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
 + + + + The Turtle’s Dream and Keys
Author/Illustrator: Benrali
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Only1Earth LLC; 1st edition (September 12, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0976335425
ISBN-13: 978-0976335429
Book description: The Turtle’s Dream And Keys is a picture book inspired by the brightly colored species of box turtle, the Eastern Box Turtle of Eastern United States and Canada. Benrali has combined a love for naturalism, dreams, fantasy and poetry into a gift book which can be enjoyed by many age groups. Weaving detailed pen and ink garden drawings, etchings and watercolors readers are taken back into time through a box turtle’s dream.
Book review: Absolutely stunning and breathtaking artwork with a story that intrigues and weaves a dreamy world in the reader’s imagination. Follow Jupiter the box turtle through this imaginative read and see what a box turtle dreams. Children and adults will enjoy this story and immerse themselves in the colorfully detailed artwork, page after page. You must experience The Turtle’s Dreams and Keys.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Ages 6-10, animals, Author last name B, bedtime story, dreams, gift book, Highly Recommended titles, poetry, Title T, turtles
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
 + + + + C’mere, Boy!
Author: Sharon Jennings
Illustrator: Ashley Spires
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (February 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554534402
ISBN-13: 978-1554534401
Book description: Dog wants his very own boy. Though Mama warns him that a boy takes a lot of work, Dog is determined to find the perfect boy for him. Dog’s search takes him from the pooch spa to the mall to the park, but none of the boys smell quite right. Finally, in an unexpected place, a promising-looking boy appears. Will Dog be able to train him?
Book review: Definitely a funny twist on the traditional boy wants a dog story – and I loved it. Smart, funny and a book your kiddo will devour.
Tags: Ages 4-8, animals, Author last name J, care of pets, dogs, Highly Recommended titles, pets, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
 + + + + Mattoo, Let’s Play!
Author: Irene Luxbacher
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (February 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554534240
ISBN-13: 978-1554534241
Book description: Ruby can’t understand why her cat, Mattoo, never wants to play. Ruby is good-natured but is perhaps too boisterous. Will Mattoo ever want to play with Ruby? Will Ruby ever win Mattoo’s affection?
Book review: This will strike your kiddo as humorous, especially if you own a cat. A great way to introduce little ones to cats and their temperament. Loved the illustrations and the whole concept of this noisy little girl being just a bit rambunctious with her cat. Silly, fun and a good lesson. A great read.
Tags: Ages 4-8, animals, Author last name L, care of pets, cats, Highly Recommended titles, humor, pets, silly, Title M
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
 + + + Good Night, Little Bunny: A Touch-and-Feel Bedtime Story
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Sam Williams
Board book: 12 pages
Publisher: Little Simon; Brdbk edition (January 26, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416983015
ISBN-13: 978-1416983019
Book description: Follow a little bunny as he puts on his pj’s, brushes his teeth, and gets ready for bed. Discover touch-and-feel elements throughout this board book.
Book review: A sweet story with rhyming text and touching illustrations. A definite keep for bedtime story time. Your little one will love feeling the different textures (soft bunny, scratchy toothbrush, cotton bedspread, slippery moon…).
Tags: Ages 0-4, animals, Author last name Y, bedtime story, board book, bunnies, Highly Recommended titles, Title G
Posted in Book Reviews |
Saturday, March 20th, 2010
 + + + + The People Could Fly
Author: Virginia Hamilton
Illustrators: Leo Dillon and Diane Dillon, PhD
Reading level: Ages 6-10
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers; 1st edition (January 13, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0394869257
ISBN-13: 978-0394869254
Book description: Many of the stories in this collection were told among slaves as they dreamt of freedom or remembered their lives in Africa. Hamilton focuses on several themes—animal tales, magical and supernatural tales, and tales of freedom—and following each story is a note explaining its history and meaning. Black-and-white illustrations by Caldecott Medalists Leo and Diane Dillon round out this important book. (Synopsis by Barnes & Noble)
Book review: This book is full of many intriguing sort stories. You can read them all at once, or maybe once a day. This book would be great for bedtime stories if you have kids.
Here’s the breakdown:
Hook/Setting: Out of the many stories the setting is are good and you are drawn into the stories each time.
Character(s): This book has numerous characters from Bruh Rabbit to Jack to Bruh Alligator. These characters are as memorable as fairy tale characters such as Cinderella, Red Rose, Jack and the Beanstalk, etc.
Events/Plot: This book is full of various plots and events, each one as good as the last.
Reader Excitablility/Overall Presentation: I liked that the way stories were worded because it was as if someone was telling the story to you directly. I recommend this book to fans of folktales and fairytales.
Review by N.C., 15-yrs old.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Ages 9-12, Author last name H, black history, fairytale, folktale, Highly Recommended titles, Title P
Posted in Book Reviews |
Saturday, March 20th, 2010
 + + + + Shadow of the Dragon (Book Two Elspeth)
Author: Kate O’Hearn
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books (May 21, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 034094529X
ISBN-13: 978-0340945292
Book description: One day, a young girl astride a twin-tailed dragon will destroy the monarchy and change the world for ever …Kira and Elspeth have already broken FIRST LAW many times over. Now outlawed and running for their lives they are determined to stand amongst the men and fight the unjust FIRST LAW that binds the kingdom. But cruel Lord Dorcon still stands in their way and the heat of his chase is stronger than ever. Strong and determined, Kira has done all that she can to protect and shield her younger sister. But now it’s time for Elspeth to grow up. When Paradon’s muddled magic sends them travelling through time to different eras, new challenges and terrifying threats await the separated sisters. Especially to Elspeth, left all alone to navigate a past world long before the rule of King Ardon and FIRST LAW. And all the while in a strange, alien world of the future, Kira must find a way to get back to Elspeth and reunite her family once again. A prophecy to fulfil. A cruel monarchy to upend. The battle continues …
Book review: This is the second book in the Shadow of the Dragon series. I have not read the first book, but after reading the second book I will be keeping my eyes open for the first book, Shadow of the Dragon (Book One Kira).
Here’s the breakdown:
Hook/Setting: The opening picks up where the first book left off and I think that the setting is described very well, I can picture the various scenes in my head without trouble.
Character(s): This story focus on Kira’s youngest sister, Elspeth. I like Elspeth, she is a kind girl who wants things to be fair and just. She loves animals and has a unique controlling ability over them and they try to rescue her when she is in trouble. There is a variety of characters new and old in this story that bring the story along nicely.
Events/Plots: The plot is original and interesting. There is suspense and mystery throughout the story and secrets are revealed. This book is easy to get into.
Reader Excitability/Overall Presentation: I would recommend this book to those who have read the first book and to people who enjoy stories with dragons, animals, and people who never lose hope.
Review by N.C., 15-yrs old.
Tags: adventure, Ages 9-12, animals, Author last name O, dragons, fantasy, Highly Recommended titles, Title E, Title S
Posted in Book Reviews |
Saturday, March 20th, 2010
 + + + Bushfire Rescue
Author: Justin D’ath
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 121 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (January 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279335
ISBN-13: 978-1935279334
Book description: It’s the holidays and Sam Fox has gone to the high country to stay with his grandparents. While trying to stop cattle rustlers from stealing a stud bull, an injured Sam is isolated in the mountains during a horrific bushfire. To survive, he must rely on his courage; ingenuity, and the help of Chainsaw – a mad old rodeo bull!
Book review: Bushfire Rescue is the second book in the Extreme Adventures series, and is well, another extreme adventure for young Sam Fox.
Here’s the breakdown:
Hook/Setting: The story is like a snowball rolling down a hill, it keeps getting faster and faster. The setting is diverse and well done.
Character(s): Sam is back along with some new characters, mainly animals. I grew attached to Sam’s horse, Susie, but there’s also an ex-rodeo bull, wild horses, kangaoroos, and a series of birds.
Events/Plot: The plot is intense and the action doesn’t end until the book does. From falls to landslides to bushfires, it’ll be a miracle if Sam lives to be thirty.
Reader Excitability/Overall Presentation: The story is unique and as good as the first book. I would recommend this book to Extreme Adventures fans and anyone who wants an hour of action.
Review by N.C., 15-yrs old.
Tags: adventure, Ages 9-12, Author last name D, Extreme Adventures, Recommended titles, survival stories, Title B, Title E
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, March 11th, 2010
 + + + + Watch This Space: Designing, Defending and Sharing Public Spaces
Authors: Hadley Dyer and Marc Ngui
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (March 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554532930
ISBN-13: 978-1554532933
Book description: This unique and timely book introduces youth to what public space is, why it is important and how best to use it. It also underscores the need to create, preserve and protect public space. Readers will learn what makes successful public spaces work, the ins and outs of sharing and designing them, the issues surrounding teenagers in public spaces and much more. Watch This Space answers the question, Why is public space important? It s important because this space belongs to all of us.
Book review: This would make an excellent text book used in conjunction with the sandbox version of The Sims or a sandbox version of an architectural application in teaching kids about public space for sociology, art and history. Couldn’t get my teens to care one whit about it as something to read in their free time, though, that’s why I think it makes a great homeschool or traditional school supplement especially if used as inspiration for a thematic unit–in that light, it’s pretty cool. The suggested age is for 9-12, but I think the 12-Up range will also find this book of use, again, as a main text book or study aid.
Tags: Ages 12-Up, Ages 9-12, art, Author last name N, Author lats name D, culture, Highly Recommended titles, history, social studies, sociology, Title W
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
 + + + + Monster Fliers: From the Time of Dinosaurs
Author: Elizabeth MacLeod
Illustrator: John Bindon
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (February 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554531993
ISBN-13: 978-1554531998
Book description: While the dinosaurs walked the earth, pterosaurs (flying reptiles), ancient birds and other monster fliers ruled the skies. John Bindon s illustrations, created with the help of the latest fossil research, bring nineteen of these long-vanished creatures to life with startling brilliance. Some of these monster fliers were as small as a crow, others as big as a small plane.
Monster Fliers brings together the latest research in clear, engaging text and dramatic illustrations, making it a great addition to a young child s dinosaur collection. The book includes a timeline to show when these creatures lived as well as a chart indicating their relative sizes.
Book review: I gave this one four pluses because it’s all about the winged creatures which is fascinating both in narration and illustration–a must have for dinosaur lovers. Usually T-Rex and the other land dwellers rule these sorts of books, but not so with Monster Fliers. Meet every sort of winged creature there ever was and savor every detail and fact.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Ages 9-12, Author last name M, birds, dinosaurs, flying dinosaurs, Highly Recommended titles, reptiles, Title M
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
 + + + Kitten’s Spring
Author Eugenie Fernandes
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (February 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554533406
ISBN-13: 978-1554533404
Book description: It s a bright spring day in the farmyard and Kitten is meeting all sorts of animals and their young, including frogs and tadpoles, owls and owlets and many more. In this first book in the Kitten series, rhyming couplets capture the animals sounds and actions, making it a fantastic interactive read-aloud. Young readers will enjoy mimicking animal sounds, picking out seasonal details in the exquisite mixed-media art and searching for and finding Kitten on every page.
Book review: The mixed-media artwork is eye-catching and delights the young reader. My little one finds this type of artwork fascinating and he devours the detail on each page. This is a fun book that inspires sound and little ones will love the mother and young pairings for each type of animal.
Tags: Ages 0-4, animal sounds, animals, Author last name F, farm animals, Recommended titles, Title K
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
 + + + Have You Ever Seen a Stork Build a Log Cabin?
Author: Etta Kaner
Illustrator: Jeff Szuc
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (March 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554533368
ISBN-13: 978-1554533367
Book description: Have You Ever Seen a Stork Build a Log Cabin? compares human and animal homes and reveals surprising facts about how animals make shelters. Maybe you’ve never seen a stork build a log cabin – but these animals can build nests the size of a small car. The Play Around the World! 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: I love the light touch of humor in these books and so does my kiddo. He reads for both the silliness and the animal facts and avidly collects the book sin this series. A great way to introduce little ones to animal habitats.
Tags: Ages 4-8, animal habitats, animals, Author last name K, humor, Recommended titles, Title H
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, 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 Book Reviews |
Monday, 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 Book Reviews |
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