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Posts Tagged ‘Author last name D’
Monday, May 24th, 2010
 + + + + Dinosaurs on the Move: Movable Paper Figures to Cut Color, and Assemble
Author: Cathy Diez-Luckie
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: Figures In Motion; 1st edition (April 15, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0981856616
ISBN-13: 978-0981856612
Book description: Educators and parents introduce the wonder of natural history and inspire a love of paleontology (ages 6-12) with this creative learning tool, featuring easy-to-assemble dinosaurs in pre-colored and colorable versions. Now children can make movable dinosaur action figures! Move their jaws, clash their teeth, make their powerful legs run, as children act out their own dinosaur battles. Includes Allosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus Rex, plus dinosaur facts for hours of creative play.
Book review: Had this book been around when my daughters were avid dinosaur enthusiasts it would have been a must buy in this house. Get your dino-lover engaged with hands on movable action-figures. Takes the boring out of a rainy day. Adds a breath of fresh air to a thematic unit for school or home school. The pages are thick enough to provide durable dinos. Lots of fun!
Tags: action figures, Ages 6-8, Ages 9-12, Author last name D, cut-outs, dinosaurs, fun, Highly Recommended titles, Title D
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 |
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 |
Saturday, February 27th, 2010
 + + + Make That a Table For Seven
Authors: Angie and Storm Davis
Illustrator: Dan Drewes
Paperback: 20 pages
Publisher: AuthorHouse (February 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1449072739
ISBN-13: 978-1449072735
Book description: “Make That a Table for Seven” is a story about two bears left in the woods looking for a home. Ferbie and Peppie are scared and alone and do not think anyone really wants them. One night before dinner, there is a knock at the Grizzly’s door, and there stands Ferbie and his sister Peppie. The Grizzly Family is immediately drawn to these two lonely cubs and offer them their home. The Grizzly children, Zeus, Smoo, and Princess, are excited to share their family and have another brother and sister. It is a story, based on real life events, of love, rescue, and redemption from lonely places to safe places. It is about a family expanding in number and love. It is a story that challenges us all to be the hands and heart of God to children in need.
Book review: I can’t think of a better book to celebrate forever families for every kiddo that is so blessed. This story is told in a very matter-of-fact and loving way making those who read it feel as welcome as the two adopted bear cubs. Perfect for families that will be bringing new cubs into their clan.
Tags: adoption, Ages 4-8, Ages 6-10, Author last name D, families, Recommended titles, Title M
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
 * * * Wet Friend! (Adventure of Meno)
Authors: Angela & Tony Diterlizzi
Illustrator: Tony Diterlizzi
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (October 6, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416971491
ISBN-13: 978-1416971498
Book review: If you are looking for untarnished innocence, joy and glee read the Meno books. Add me to the fan club, please! My six-year old (and certainly younger children) will love these not only because he can master the language, but also because the story is appealing, silly and fun.
Tags: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-5, Ages 4-8, Author last name D, baby, Meno, Outstanding titles, Title A, Title M, Title W, toddler
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
 * * Big Fun! (Adventure of Meno)
Authors: Angela & Tony Diterlizzi
Illustrator: Tony Diterlizzi
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (October 6, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416971483
ISBN-13: 978-1416971481
Book review: Silly! Definitely a toddler-tickler that will have your tot giggling at the end. The illustrations are nostalgic-esque and remind me of both the Jetsons and the Campbell Soup kids; the books definitely have a ‘nostalgic commercial feel’ and I could just imagine product placement here–great for merchandising, right? Great colorful pages and great lovable characters. For parents that care, this book has very mild bathroom humor which is pleasing to this age group, but is also a heads up for those to whom it might matter.
Tags: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-5, Ages 4-8, Author last name D, baby, Highly Recommended titles, Meno, Title A, Title B, Title M, toddlers
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, November 2nd, 2009
 * * Chris Dreams BIG
Authors: Chris Dudley & Chris Love-Dudley
Illustrator: Karl Edwards
Hardcover: 38 pages
Publisher: CCD Productions (April 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982322402
ISBN-13: 978-0982322406
Book description: Chris loved being a kid! He also loved dreaming of his plan to one day play professional basketball. Life was pretty good! But one morning Chris woke up and found that he was facing the biggest challenge of his life. Chris had to decide if he was going to let his new found condition end his dream or find the courage to keep playing the game he loves! Chris Dreams BIG is a triumphant story of a boy who overcomes adversity. Chris learns a valuable lesson when he discovers that he is not the only person facing challenges. His life is forever changed when he realizes that challenges do not always have to keep you from doing the things you love.
Book review: This is a great book for young diabetics or any child that has physical challenges. The authors encourage and inspire with Chris Dreams BIG and show kids that there’s absolutely no reason to give up on yourself or your dreams – just the right kind of positive message we want our kids to get! What really made this book a winner for me is that the narrator doesn’t talk down to the reader. This is a very ‘can do’ story from a real life hero that will cheer your child on.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Ages 6-10, Author last name D, diabetes, Highly Recommended titles, inspirational, special needs, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009
 * * Fairy Hunters, INK
Author: Sheila A. Dane
Perfect Paperback: 105 pages
Publisher: Dane & Dane, LLC.; First edition (December 29, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982095600
ISBN-13: 978-0982095607
Book description: “Fairy Hunters, Ink.” is about a small group of intrepid fairy hunters who go about finding fairies.And they are most unusual fairies. There are Button Fairies, Fire Fairies, Picnic Fairies and fairies of all kinds of things. The book is about fairies but it is also about the relationships between the characters themselves. It has been described by one reader as a combination of “Winnie the Pooh” and “Alice in Wonderland”. The characters who thread their way through the book are Ashley, a most curious little girl about 5 years old; Big Rabbit, a stuffed rabbit (but not really stuffed) who is full of knowledge about carrots and many other things; Turtle, whom Ashley and Big Rabbit meet along the way as they chase a particularly mischievous Willow fairy and the narrator, Laura, whose age is never quite clear and who is always getting into trouble along with Ashley. They meet a lot of fairies and a few Gremlins along the way and they learn something about themselves as well. The book is full of word play and rhymes, silliness and seriousness. It can be read to a five year old or by a an eight year old or by an adult.
Book review: Claim your favorite armchair or rocker, grab your softest, most cuddliest blanket and curl up with Fairy Hunters, INK. You’re gonna love it! I love books on fairies and have read as many as the library will share and this book deserves a place among the best. A meandering tale of encounters with real fairies, the kind of story you want to take its time as the world of fairies is revealed to you, one delicate rose petal at a time. I especially enjoyed the narrator’s playful way with Ashley, Big Rabbit and Turtle. I found the journal entries to be intriguing and the best and most accurate details of fairy sightings that I’ve seen in a long time. I would love to see this book in hardback, perhaps with a smaller font to add to that older storybook/fairytale quality–and to make this book a true collectible! I look forward to more from Sheila Dane. An all around great read.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Ages 9-12, Author last name D, fairies, fairytale, fantasy, Highly Recommended titles, Title F
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
 * * Pigeon And Pigeonette
Author: Dirk Derom
Illustrator: Sarah Verroken
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 159270087X
ISBN-13: 978-1592700875
Book description: Pigeon and Pigeonette is a book about the friendship that develops between a large old blind pigeon and a little pigeon named Pigeonette, whose wings never grow to full size. Unable to fly South, Pigeonette has no choice but to spend her winter in the snowy forest. One day she meets Pigeon as he comes flying and crashing into the big forest trees. Left behind by the other birds, the two pigeons throw in their lots together and become friends, sharing stories and dreams, but also combining forces in their attempt to conquer flight.
Book review: A warm tale about friendship. Perfect to cozy up with and read to your little one as the days grow colder. Each illustration fills the pages making this story funny and endearing. I loved the pigeons’ facial expressions.
Tags: animals, Author last name D, birds, friendship, Highly Recommended titles, Title P Ages 4-8
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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