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Posts Tagged ‘Author last name C’
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
 + + + The Magical Leaping Lizard Potion
Author: Marsha Cook
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 42 pages
Publisher: Fideli Publishing, Inc.; 1st edition (April 2, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1604141352
ISBN-13: 978-1604141351
Book description: This is a whimsical story about thirteen junior witches who must pass a test of true bravery before they venture out into the world as full-fledged witches. It includes color illustrations. A donation will be made to the LYNN SAGE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION with every book purchase.
Book review: I just love Isabella Pimpinella and hope to read more of her adventures! This book will appeal especially to girls in the 4-8 year range. As pretty as Barbie and as clever as Sabrina, Isabella will soon be able to fly and be a full-fledged witch.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name C, fun, girls, magic, Recommended titles, Title M, witches
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, May 10th, 2010
 + + + The Busy Bus
Author: Marsha Cook
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 59 pages
Publisher: Cronos Press, an Imprint of Fideli Publishing Inc.; 1st edition (October 21, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1604140631
ISBN-13: 978-1604140637
Book description: The Busy Bus by Marsha Cook is a delightful collection of poems. The poems are witty with great illustrations making it a fun book to read. This book is sure to bring smiles and giggles to young children especially when read out loud in a classroom or library. Not only is this amusing but it gently speaks of relationships with siblings & other social issues facing children. Make room for it on your library shelf. A portion of the royalties go to the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago.
Book review: Silly, sassy, funny, clever, cute. I found more than a few of these poems became personal favorites: “The Brat,” “Don’t You Hate it When it’s Time For Bed?” and “Big Fat Pricilla the Cat.” A perfect way to introduce children to rhyme and get them thinking up their own silly fun.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name C, humor, poetry, Recommended titles, Title B
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, May 10th, 2010
 + + Snack Attack
Author: Marsha Cook
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Fideli Publishing Inc.; 1st edition (January 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1604141239
ISBN-13: 978-1604141238
Book description: Addison thinks he s got the best mommy in the whole world when she lets him have whatever he wants to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner even when it s chocolate candy, cookies and ice cream. Addison quickly learns how easy it can be to have too much of a good thing and that mommies & daddies really do know best!
Book review: If you’ve got a picky eater, this may be the book for you. But beware! You just might have to let your little one try living on junk food until the lesson sinks in. This is a great book that deals with a common problem (getting your kiddo to make good food choices) by employing the most delicious childhood fantasy (eating all the sweets and treats he wants).
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name C, Average, food choices, health, Stitle S, sweets
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 |
Friday, November 6th, 2009
 * * * Batty Malgoony’s Mystic Carnivale
Author: K. Michael Crawford
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 60 pages
Publisher: Virtualbookworm.com Publishing (June 9, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0981794017
ISBN-13: 978-0981794013
Book description: Come one! Come all! To be a part of the flabbergastly, magnificent, quirky, Batty Malgoony’s Mystic Carnivale! Ladies and Gentlemen! Children of all ages! Batty is looking for artists of all ages to draw and create the mystical performers, unbelievable creatures and absurd characters in his 60-page book. In the book, the reader visits different parts of Batty’s Mystic Carnivale and is asked to draw in the missing characters, creatures, or performers on each page. Batty’s book is coming your way to creep you out, so get your imagination ready and throw in some silliness for this fun-filled drawing escapade. To learn more about Batty and his Mystic Carnivale visit his website: www.happilyeverart.com/BattyMalgoony.html
Book review: An activity book for the younger set, but certainly to be enjoyed by one and all. Think of this as a guided coloring book where your imagination fills in the whys and wherefores of the story. Absolutely creative and, once again, weapon free. I love all the loose ends and fill-in-the blanks for endless hours of imaginative self-entertainment.
Tags: activity book, Ages 4-8, art, Author last name C, coloring, fantasy, Outstanding titles, Title B
Posted in Book Reviews |
Friday, November 6th, 2009
 * * * The Mystery of Journeys Crowne-An Adventure Drawing Game
Author: K. Michael Crawford
Paperback: 52 pages
Publisher: Virtualbookworm.com Publishing; 1st edition (September 8, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0981794009
ISBN-13: 978-0981794006
Book description: “The Mystery of Journeys Crowne-An Adventure Drawing Game” brings to you one of Bazel Lark’s greatest unsolved adventures. Mr. Lark, an Explorer, discovered the one Golden Key that would lead him through a series of clues in order to answer the mystery behind Journeys Crowne. Although it is sad to report, Bazel was never able to solve the mystery and now leaves it to you to discover its answers. New Explorers must answer clues on each page in order to draw the missing elements on that page. Once the reader has completed all the clues, they will be able to discover the mystery behind Journey’s Crowne completing Bazel’s mission.
Book review: Totally novel and more details than you can take in with just one reading! Using only your wits and your creative pen/pencil/crayon design your own tale and solve the mystery. This is the über activity book! Keep those kids busy with their nose stuck in a book – and no weapons are allowed. You’ll have to use your own talents this time.
Tags: activity book, Ages 6-10, Ages 9-12, Author last name C, coloring, fantsy, Outstanding titles, Title M
Posted in Book Reviews |
Friday, October 23rd, 2009
 * * My Name Is Henry Bibb: A Story of Slavery and Freedom
Author: Afua Cooper
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 155337813X
ISBN-13: 978-1553378136
Book description: Often shocking, always compelling, Afua Cooper’s novel is based on the life of Henry Bibb, an American slave who after repeated attempts escaped in 1841 to become an anti-slavery speaker, author and founder of a Black newspaper. Cooper takes painstakingly researched details about slavery and weaves an intimate story of Bibb’s young life, which is overshadowed by inconceivable brutality. At nine years old, Henry is separated from his mother and brothers and hired out, suffering abuse at the hands of cruel masters so severe he almost dies. Henry’s courageous life is described in intimate detail and young readers will learn about everyday slave life on a plantation and in towns and cities, the coded language of slave escapes and the dangerous routes over land and water to safe houses. As Henry Bibb moves from boyhood to manhood, he knows that one day he will “fly away” as in the old legend of the Africans who flew away to freedom. The first-person narrative, convincingly told in Henry’s voice, traces Bibb’s boyhood, marriage, fatherhood and the developing awareness of his bondage and his determination to break free of it or die.
Book review: This is a sad but compelling story with a somewhat happy ending. I found it to be very inspiring and I loved that it’s all based on true accounts. I recommend this to people interested in American history, slavery and anything historical. I tend to be a huge fan of fantasy and science fiction, but this novel really drew me in and I enjoyed it. ~ R.C., 15 yrs old.
Tags: Ages 12-Up, Ages 9-12, American history, Author last name C, black history, Highly Recommended titles, history, slavery, Title M
Posted in Book Reviews |
Friday, October 23rd, 2009
 * * Anna’s World
Authors: Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Chiron Books (July 31, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935178067
ISBN-13: 978-1935178064
Book description: The United States of America in the late 1840s–a nation torn by the crime of slavery and a war of conquest in Mexico. Fourteen-year-old Anna Coburn doesn’t want to grapple with such terrible issues. Just growing up seems awful enough. Forced from her home and away from her beloved father, Anna is sent to live among the stern people called Shakers. Their strange ways and strict lifestyle are both appealing and difficult for the bright, headstrong Anna. When reunited with her father, Anna is then plunged into upper-class Boston life, where she faces a troubling mystery, new responsibilities, and events that will affect not just herself and her loved ones, but a country about to come apart at the seams. With a cast that includes Henry David Thoreau, a perceptive Shaker schoolmistress, and a murderous false friend, Anna’s World is a powerful coming of age story, widely praised for its vivid characters, gripping plot, and moral stature.
Book review: This historical novel is pretty interesting and one I’d definitely recommend to my friends. I thought the lifestyle of the Shakers was both eye-opening and realistic. I could really get into this story and I liked the characters and setting very much. The story has a good feel to it making it a very relaxing and enjoyable read. Also, the chapters are short making it an easy read for those just getting into longer fiction. ~ R.C., 15 yrs old.
Tags: Ages 12-Up, Ages 9-12, American history, Author last name C, Author last name P, Highly Recommended titles, historical, Shakers, Title A
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
 * * * Jin Jin And Rain Wizard
Author: Grace Chang
Illustrator: Chong Chang
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books (September 29, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1592700861
ISBN-13: 978-1592700868
Book description: Jin Jin and Rain Wizard is a story about rice told through Jin Jin’s adventures. The story opens with Jin Jin bounding out of bed to do his morning T’ai C’hi. After his first set of exercises he prepares to wake up his water breathing pipes by spraying his friends, but all that comes out is dry air. Jin Jin returns home to Crane and Old Turtle, with whom he now is living, feeling sad. Crane tries to cheer Jin Jin up and to get him to eat some breakfast but he is too full to eat, having stuffed himself at the rice festival the day before. As they talk together what becomes clear is that not only did Jin Jin stuff himself, but he threw some rice away.
Old Turtle realizes that the time has come for Jin Jin to learn about the value of rice, so off they go to the gateway to ancient times. By traveling back in time, Jin Jin will learn his lesson about how rice is not to be wasted. There he also will meet Rain Wizard, who will help him regain his water breathing powers, while making sure that he returns home quickly, safely and all the wiser.
Following the story, two additional pages provide an overview of rice in Chinese culture and the mythic figure of Rain Wizard.
Book review: I was very delighted to receive this charming book for review. As with Jin Jin The Dragon, Jin Jin and Rain Wizard appeals on so many levels. Both the story and the illustrations draw the reader in to a wonderful fairytale world populated with endearing unique characters with an excellent moral. The end pages are a great addition as well, rounding out this beautiful story. The Jin Jin books are favorite bedtime stories in this household most definitely.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name C, culture, dragons, fairytale, Outstanding titles, Title J
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
 * * 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 |
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 |
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 |
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