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Posts Tagged ‘Author last name M’
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
 + + + +Donner The Western Dragon
Author: Suzanne Davis Marion
Illustrator: Marj Hales
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (November 27, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439252041
ISBN-13: 978-1439252048
Book description: Donner the Western Dragon lived in a cold northern forest with his parents, brother and sister, and several other dragon families. Western dragons were noted for their warlike and fierce demeanor. The young dragons spent much of their spare time in rough-and-tumble games, snorting fire at one another, wrestling and fighting. While all the other young dragons were tumbling about and breathing fire all over the grass, flowers and trees, Donner much preferred romping and playing with his best friend, Una. Everyone found it strange that Una should be Donner’s best friend, as Una was a unicorn, an animal noted for its gentle disposition. Donner’s father and the other dragons mocked Donner for his quiet demeanor. They accused him of behaving like a peaceful Eastern dragon. He was an embarrassment to them. In an unexpected twist of fate, Donner’s unique personality and talents enabled him to intervene in a frightening situation, and become a hero, appreciated and commended by all.
Book review: Suzanne Davis Marion doesn’t talk down to her readers and I really loved that about her story. Donner The Western Dragon weaves magic both in text and in beautiful detailed illustration and enchants readers right into the story. You simply MUST find out what happens next. I recommend this book especially for advanced young readers/listeners who relish a more sophisticated story. You won’t be disappointed with Donner The Western Dragon.
Tags: adventure, Ages 4-8, Ages 6-10, Author last name M, dragons, fantasy, Highly Recommended titles, Title D
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 |
Monday, November 30th, 2009
 * * * Action Files: Gladiators
Author: Rupert Matthews
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Spiral-bound: 24 pages
Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books; Spi edition (September 29, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1592239315
ISBN-13: 978-1592239313
Book description: In ancient Rome, gladiators entertained audiences by battling each other — sometimes to the death. Talk about awesome action! Action Files: Gladiators introduces children to the colorful history of these brave warriors. The book brings history to life, explaining and illustrating the different types of gladiators, their armor and weapons, and much more. The 3-D lenticular cover, detailed fact book, information cards, reusable stickers, giant pull-out poster, and activities combine to make this an educational and entertaining read. An online component lets readers expand the fun onto the Internet.
Book review: WOW. Talk about everything you can imagine at your fingertips. This is the ultimate resource for the topic and a surefire way to engage your child in the study of gladiators. Between the illustrations, the numerous facts and the interactive items like stickers, cards and a helmet your child can construct you’ll spend hours learning about gladiators. As a homeschooling mom I find this book quite inspirational in planning a thematic unit around gladiators.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Ages 9-12, Author last name M, gladiators, historical, Outstanding titles, Title A, Title G
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009
 * * * Dinosaurs
Author: John Malam
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 12 pages
Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books; Pop edition (August 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1592239404
ISBN-13: 978-1592239405
Book description: Prehistoric beasts live again in this amazing book. The adrenaline-pumping action starts on the cover with a ferocious, red-eyed T.Rex who roars to life with the touch of a button. Inside, a newborn Eoraptor hatches from its egg emitting baby dinosaur cries, and a deadly — and hungry! — Allosaurus leaps from the page. Each colorful spread is packed with cool illustrations, fun facts, and dynamic elements that allow youngsters to learn about dinosaurs in a whole new way.
Book review: If your kiddo doesn’t drool and say, AWESOME! when he sees this book, have his head checked. Killer sound effects, pop-ups and flaps to flip over. Facts upon facts with realistic illustrations. Little ones might find the cover too scary (the eye lights up red and the dinosaur growls), also the flaps are delicate so this is a book better suited for the older child (age 9 and up). Definitely a keepsake for the true-blue dinosaur lover. An outstanding interactive experience for the young, new dinosaur enthusiast.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name M, dinosaurs, Outstanding titles, science, Title D
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 |
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 |
Monday, August 31st, 2009
 * Harry Houdini
Author: Elizabeth MacLeod
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 155453299X
ISBN-13: 978-1554532995
Book description: Meet Harry Houdini – the most famous magician of all time. Harry performed many daring and astounding tricks still talked about today, including dangerous underwater escapes. Harry started his life in poverty but as a child got his own trapeze and performed for the neighborhood kids, calling himself “Prince of the Air.” He went on to become one of the most famous people in the world, performing in front of huge crowds and making six movies. With level-appropriate language and detailed illustrations, this level 3 first reader tells the story of Harry Houdini’s magic.
Book review: This is another great biography by Elizabeth MacLeod. For magic lovers, this book gives all the details and interesting facts of Houdini’s life. MacLeod’s writing is engaging and works wonderfully with the illustrations giving children a richly textured biography for their age-level.
A word of caution: The tricks depicted in this book are dangerous and parents need to discern whether or not their child will try to imitate Harry. Not for advanced younger readers without parental guidance.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name M, biography, Harry Houdini, history, Recommended titles
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, July 6th, 2009
 * * * Too Too Many Tutus
Author: Suzanne Davis Marion
Illustrator: Marj Hales
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (February 24, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439218471
ISBN-13: 978-1439218471
Book description: Christina has a problem. Her ballet class is coming up, and she must decide which one of her many tutus to wear. She lays them all carefully on her bed to help her decide. The decision is difficult, because the colors are each so vibrant and lovely. She imagines herself inspired to dance in a unique and special way in each tutu, with each color evoking its own particular imagery. In her blue tutu she could dance by the sea, with the birds and fishes joining in. In her green tutu she could do a forest dance among the trees, and in the meadows. Her orange tutu creates images of a joyous dance in the firelight at sunset. There are other colors too, each suggesting its own special mood. At last she receives some wise counsel in solving her dilemma, and helping her to make the correct choice.
Book review: Wonderful! Colorful, vibrant and imaginative. Your young reader (daughter, most definitely) will love the many colors and feelings the story evokes as she imagines with Christina what it would be like to wear each tutu. I loved the watercolor illustrations. The story and pictures are a great marriage for this book. Loved it.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name M, colors, dance, girls, Outstanding titles, Title T
Posted in Book Reviews |
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