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Posts Tagged ‘Author last name J’
Thursday, June 10th, 2010
 + + + + Harry The Happy Caterpillar Grows
Author: Cindy Jett, MSW
Illustrator: Kathy Voerg
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: New Horizon Press (June 22, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0882823167
ISBN-13: 978-0882823164
Book description: Harry loves everything about his caterpillar life: crawling up trees, eating leaves, playing with his caterpillar friends, and participating in the Caterpillar Games each Friday. He even enjoys going to caterpillar school where his teacher, a beautiful butterfly named Ms. Betty, teaches about the best leaves to eat. Then one day, Ms. Betty teaches a lesson called “How to Build a Cocoon,” where she tells her caterpillar students about building cocoons and turning into butterflies. Harry cannot believe that he has to give up the life he loves as a caterpillar to become a butterfly. Harry decides he won’t grow up — he wants to stay the same. Harry’s friends, however, teach him that change is a good and promising part of life. Harry’s endearing, colorfully illustrated story helps children not to fear change and highlights the positive aspects of growth in our rapidly changing world.
Book review: What I love most about Harry The Happy Caterpillar Grows is that it doesn’t speak down to children. In a very open and forthright manner this little story makes change appealing and gives children an expression for their fears and anxieties and possibly an opportunity to talk with the loving adults in their life about changes they face. Either way, it’s a great story that will help children internalize the good things about change and feel a whole lot better.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name J, change, feelings, growing up, Highly Recommended titles, Title H
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
 + + + + The Fantastic Adventures of Baron Munchausen
Author: Heinz Janish
Illustrator: Aljoscha Blau
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books; Tra edition (May 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1592700918
ISBN-13: 978-1592700912
Book description: Munchausen is the father of all fantastic liars, and as such, he is part magician and entertainer and part scoundrel—but a charming one, of course! Here, in simple language, Heinz Janisch retells the best-known Munchausen stories with humor and playfulness, making for a lighter and more whimsical presentation than usual. These retellings are mixed with never-before-heard adventures that were supposedly found only recently among the long-lost possessions of the well-known Baron of Lies. Could it be that new Munchausen material only recently came to light? Or might Janisch be playing with us, weaving more magic and mischief into Munchausen as he goes along, compounding the tallness of these already tall tales? Only Janisch knows for sure, but it hardly matters, given the thrill and pleasure of the stories he has to relate. Aljoscha Blau illustrates Munchausen’s fabulous journeys and exciting adventures with gorgeous imaginative pictures that are sure to entrance both children and adults.
Book review: I don’t know what I love more, the tall tales or the wonderful illustrations that make them seem quite possible! Each little tale makes for a smile, and maybe a giggle or two, and the whole collection is perfect for a cozy afternoon. Makes a handsome gift.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name J, fairytale, Highly Recommended titles, story collection, Title F
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, January 11th, 2010
 + + + The Mudhogs
Author/Illustrator: Dalton James
Reading level: Ages 6-10
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (October 28, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432745603
ISBN-13: 978-1432745608
Book description: No mud equals no fun for three little pigs. Three little pigs try everything in their power to make or find mud. Along the way they learn a valuable life lesson.
Book review: This is a well thought out gem of a book for early readers especially those who are advanced and enjoy more sophisticated stories than “See Spot Run.” This unique story with some really very clever humor will quickly interest and entertain.
Here’s a breakdown:
Characters: There are three pigs along with a tick that narrates the story. All are very well thought out.
Events / Story Line: Three little pigs set out to find some mud and travel to silly (but recognizable) places on their journey; they learn a life lesson.
Illustrations: All very well done. Well thought out and executed. I really liked the unexpected perspectives.
Reader relevance: Clever, unique humor makes this story engaging and keeps this story going. I wanted to find out what happens next because the story is original and surprises. Good job.
Reader Excitability / Overall Presentation: My son (age 6) will enjoy this book. For a self-published book, this is really well done and I give a lot of credit to the author/illustrator.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Author last name J, farm animals, humor, life lesson, pigs, Recommended titles, Title M
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, November 2nd, 2009
 * Jack’s Dreams Come To Life
Author/Illustrator: Sara Jackson
Reading level: Ages 6-10
Paperback: 26 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (July 28, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 143924281X
ISBN-13: 978-1439242810
Book description: A dog named Jack, lives with his other animal friends on a ranch. After seeing what mischief he can get himself into, and not finding any, he falls asleep. He dreams of being chased by a giant squirrel. When he falls down a hole, he lands in his toy box, on top of his favorite squeak toys. While playing with the cow, the others (horses, pigs, and ducks) start to grow and move around. Soon all the squeak toys circle Jack and he must find a way out. When he sees an opening, a large duck blocks his path. Jack and the duck try to out bark and out quack each other. Pretty soon Jack sees an opening and makes a run for it. As he does, all the squeak toys vanish in a puff of smoke and a cow sneezing on him awakens Jack. Thinking the cow is his squeak toy, Jack runs inside the house and looks inside his toy box to see if all the squeak toys are there.
Book review: This story is a tad scary for the little ones (ages 2-4). The story line isn’t always fluent, but if you ever wondered what your dog was dreaming when he sleeps and that leg gets a twitching, this is the book for you. The illustrations are absolutely wonderful. I fell in love with them and would like to see more from this author/illustrator. * (one star) for the story. * * * (three stars) for the illustrations.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Ages 6-10, animals, Author last name J, dogs, Recommended titles, Title J
Posted in Book Reviews |
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